Top Most Popular Honeymoon
Destinations in Sri Lanka
Wedding is an important step in anyone’s life. It is where two people get united. Immediately after the wedding, the newlyweds take a holiday. It is the honeymoon. This is the period of unusual harmony following the establishment of a new relationship. Most of the honeymoons are celebrated in destinations that are exotic and romantic.
There are many beautiful spots around the world for an unforgettable honeymoon. Some spots provide scenic background while some offer luxury and comfort. Sri Lanka is one such famous destinations for honeymoon.
Sri Lanka is a tropical island that is recognized as the top-ranked country to travel in 2019. The Pearl of the Indian Ocean has a wide combination of nature, culture and historical diversities. Some tourist couples visit the island to arrange their special day to a Sri Lankan wedding style. In an island like Sri Lanka, there is a large number of awesome honeymoon spots. Even the couples are confused about which one to choose to spend the honeymoon.
Best Places for Wedding Honeymoon in Sri Lanka
The guide will help you decide the best honeymoon destinations in Sri Lanka. The destinations are divided in accordance with the nine provinces in Sri Lanka. Each province in the island offers a unique and different touch of experience for the visitors.
Northern Province Honeymoon Destinations
Jaffna Fort
A beautiful tree in Jaffna Fort
Jaffna is one of the best honeymoon places in Sri Lanka. Jaffna was a kingdom in ancient times. Among the attractive places to visit in the northern peninsula, Jaffna Fort is one such interesting place. The fort was built by the Portuguese in 1618 following the Portuguese invasion of Jaffna. The fort was initially built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch. The fort is huge and is a classic star layout with moats and drawbridges. These were built with dead coral. While visiting this fort, the tourists can witness lots of Dutch type buildings.
Elephant Pass
This is located in the gateway of the Jaffna Peninsula, 52 km southeast of Jaffna. The pass used to be the island’s largest salt field and is an important military base and has been a site of regular battles during the civil war. The visitors can check out two major war memorials here.
Casuarina Beach
Casuarina Beach Jaffna
During the course of your wedding honeymoon, the couple should visit Casuarina Beach. It is hailed as the best beach in Jaffna peninsula. Casuarina beach is situated about 20 kilometers in Jaffna, in Karainagar. The beach has white sand and casuarina trees around the beach. It is an awesome spot for swimming and to spend some time in the afternoon.
Eastern Province Honeymoon Destinations
Nilaveli Beach
Fishing boats in Nilaveli Beach
It is located 16 km northwest of the city of Trincomalee and is hailed as the top honeymoon destinations in Sri Lanka. For the visitors looking to spend lots of beach time, Nilaveli beach is an ideal spot. The golden shores and beautiful blue waters will bring you an unforgettable experience. Near the Nilaveli Beach, there is another beach called Uppuveli Beach which is a significant tourist attraction.
Pigeon Island National Park
Beauty of Pigeon Island in Trincomalee
The Park is not far from the Nilaveli beach. It is just 1 km off the Nilaveli coast. When visiting the beach, it will be more exciting if tourists visit the Pigeon Island National Park via a boat ride. The island is named as the Pigeon Island as the island is home to thousands of Pigeons.
Arugam Bay Beach
Arugam Bay Beach Sri Lanka
The bay is situated 117 km south of Batticaloa. Arugam Bay is a wide sweeping sandy beach. It is a great spot for surfing and swimming. Other than surfing and diving, there are many things you can do while in Arugam Bay like wildlife and Bird watching. There are plenty of accommodations here ranging from beachfront cabanas to tree houses. For an adventurous wedding honeymoon in Sri Lanka, Arugambay is a great place to try out.
Pasikuda Beach
Pasikuda Beach
The beach is 35 km northwest of Batticaloa. Pasikudah is hailed for the presence of one of the longest stretches of shallow reef coastline in the world. The visitors have to walk a few kilometers into the sea as the water is only a few inches deep. Compared to the rest of the island’s coasts, the water current in the Pasikuda beach is relatively weak.
Southern Province Honeymoon Destinations
Bentota
Geoffrey Bawa Gardens Bentota
Bentota is situated 64 km south of Colombo. It is hailed as one of the best honeymoon destinations in Sri Lanka. The best time to visit Bentota beach is from November to April. That period is more suitable for snorkeling, sailing, diving, surfing and deep sea fishing. There are lots of accommodation options ranging from budget to midrange properties to 5-star luxury resorts.
Galle Fort
Rocky beach in font of Galle Fort
Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka and is situated 119 km from Colombo. The Galle fort offers you the chance to witness the marvelous Dutch architecture. The remaining structures of the fort itself are enough to provide an awesome background for your photos. Near the fort lies the Galle International Stadium which is one of the most picturesque grounds in Sri Lanka.
Hikkaduwa
Coral viewing and Fishing boats in Hikkaduwa Beach
Among the best honeymoon places in Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa ranks top. It is located 21 km northwest to Galle city. The beach in Hikkaduwa is very popular for board-surfing and is the second best-surfing spot on the island. The beach is special because of the presence of the Coral Sanctuary which is also known as Hikkaduwa National Park. The park has fringing reefs of a high degree of biodiversity.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a suburb of Galle, just 5 km south of the Galle seaport. The beach of Unawatuna is a semi-circular that stretches up to 1 km. Within Unawatuna, there are many interesting places like Roomassala sanctuary, Jungle Beach, Japanese Peace Pagoda, and Habaraduwa Turtle hatchery. You may get the chance to witness the turtles laying eggs on the Unawatuna shores.
Near Unawatuna, lies Mihiripenna beach which is a peaceful and uncrowded place. It would be a wonderful experience to go to the beach shores in the morning. For those who are not talented swimmers, Mihiripenna beach is a great place.
Mirissa
Mirissa is one of the main whale and dolphin watching spots on the island. Situated 20 km south of Unawatuna, you can visit the largest Blue Whale Colony in the world. The most ideal time for whale watching is during the months of December to January. Other than whale watching, Unawatuna is an awesome place exploring coral reefs, shipwrecks while trying out some snorkeling and diving.
Bundala National Park
Bundala National Park is an international wintering ground for migratory birds in Sri Lanka. It is at the edge of the country, where land, sea and wetlands meet. If you are a bird lover and your hobby is bird watching, the park is a great place. Other than that, you can witness a wide variety of flora and fauna like crocodiles, mongooses, elephants, monitor lizards and much more.
Yala National Park
Sri Lankan Leopard drinking water in Yala National park
The park is the second largest and the most visited park in Sri Lanka. densities in the world. There are various species of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates. Yala National Park in one of the few forest reserves to have the highest leopard. Even elephants can be seen while visiting the park.
Western Province Honeymoon Destinations
Galle Face
Colombo Galle Face Green
If you are looking to spend luxurious-style wedding honeymoon in Sri Lanka, Colombo is a great place. One such place in Colombo is the Galle Face Green, which is an urban park in the heart of the capital city. It stretches 500 m along the coast. Galle Face is the perfect place to witness the glorious sunset over the west coast of Sri Lanka. Within the surrounding, there are many luxurious 5-star hotels that offer accommodation. From these hotel rooms, you can get a mesmerizing look at the beauty of the Colombo city and its seas.
Mt. Lavinia
Mt. Lavinia is famed for its “Golden Mile” of Beaches. The beach itself is recognized as one of the best beaches in close proximity to Colombo and is recognized as the finest honeymoon destinations in Sri Lanka. The place is very popular for beach activities, flamboyant nighttime, outdoor dining activities along the beach. Near Mt. Lavinia, there are lots of attractive places like Dehiwala Zoological Garden, Attidiya Bird Sanctuary, Sri Lanka Airforce Museum and more places.
Negombo
Negombo is one of the major commercial hubs in the country. Negombo has a long sandy beach which is the major tourist attraction in Negombo. Located 37 km north to the capital city of Colombo, Negombo is a traditional fishing town. Other attractions nearby are Negombo lagoon, Dutch fort in Negombo, etc.
Central Province Honeymoon Destinations
Kandy
Temple of the Tooth Kandy
Kandy is the last capital city of the ancient Sinhala kings. The city has been declared as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are so many attractions that are worth to be checked out.
The Sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is in the heart of Kandy city. The temple houses the surviving relic of Budha. The newly-wed couples can get blessings from this temple. Near the Temple lies the Kandy Lake which is mesmerizing to watch.
It is more ideal to visit Kandy during the months of July/ August due to Kandy Esala Perahera. It is one of the oldest and grandest of festivals on the island. The festival consists of gorgeously decorated elephants, dancers, musicians, jugglers, fire-breathers and more.
Udawattakele Forest Reserve
If you are a nature lover, do not forget to visit Udawattakele Forest Reserve while in Kandy. There are lots of plants and animal species in the forest. Inside the forest, there are places that you should visit like the water pond, Kodimale peak, Senkanda cave, Garrison Cemetery and several Buddhist hermitages and temples.
Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya
Flower garden in Royal Botanical Gardens Peradeniya
The Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya was established in 1750 and is situated 6 km west to the Kandy city. The 147-acre garden has more than 4000 plant species. The species include spices, medicinal plants, orchids and palm tree. For your honeymoon, this is a great spot to enjoy valuable time with the loved one.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya Rock
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is one of the eight wonders of the world. It is also the UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the top honeymoon destinations in Sri Lanka. The fortress in 90 km north to Kandy city. There are interesting structures like Sigiriya Gardens, Mirror Wall, Frescoes, Lion Staircase, the Palace on top and so much more. There is a large range of hotel facilities including 5-star luxurious hotel accommodations.
Nuwara Eliya
Among the most popular honeymoon destinations in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya stays top. Nuwara Eliya is located in 81 km south to Kandy. The scenic landscapes and cool climate makes Nuwara Eliya the top choice to spend the honeymoon. There are so many awesome spots to visit around Nuwara Eliya. Some of the places include Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, Mackwoods Tea Museum and Hakgala Botanical Gardens.
North Western Province Honeymoon Destinations
Yapahuwa
Yapahuwa is in about 57 km north to Kurunegala city. It was a former capital city of Sri Lanka. If the couple loves to do some hiking, Yapahuwa is a cool place to hike. While hiking to the top of the mountain, you can witness the attractive ruins in the path.
Kalpitiya
Kalpitiya is in Puttalam District. It is a marine sanctuary that has a wide diversity of habitats like reefs, coastal plains, mangrove swamps, saltpans, salt marshes and a wide sand dune beaches. There are 14 islands in Kalpitiya. If you love watching large pods of dolphins, Kalpitiya is a great place.
Wilpattu National Park
Kumbuk Vila in Wilpattu National Park
Wilpattu is situated in northwest coast lowland dry zone of the island. It is the largest and oldest national park in Sri Lanka. Leopards and Sloth Bears are the biggest attractions in the park. Other animals like Deers, Jackals, Mugger, Samburs, Asian Elephants, Crocodiles, etc. can be seen in the National Park. The best time to visit the park is from the months of February to October. For an adventurous nature style wedding honeymoon in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is a great choice.
North Central Province Honeymoon Destinations
Anuradhapura
Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi
Anuradhapura remained as the island’s capital for more than 600 years. The UNESCO World Heritage Site has interesting Buddhist pilgrims. While exploring this city, one can witness how developed Sri Lanka during the time of ancient kings. The historical monuments, as well as the large lakes, will no doubt surprise you.
Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa became the capital of Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura. For those who would love to explore the history of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is an interesting place to visit. The former citadel is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in Sri Lanka.
Minneriya
Minneriya is located 22 km north-west to Polonnaruwa. The area is popular for the Minneriya Tank and Minneriya National Park. These places are must-visit for nature lovers. At Minneriya National Park, the visitors get the chance to check out the herds of elephants throughout the year. The visitors can also check out Minneriya Tank which covers 4,670 acres.
Habarana
Habarana is located 16 km north to Sigiriya. It is a very popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. The nature lovers and safari lovers should visit this place. The visitors will be able to have a safari ride in Habarana Jungle and Minneriya Jungle. Even you can ride on the back of an elephant. Habarana is a great place to check out if the couple expecting combined luxury plus nature-themed wedding honeymoon in Sri Lanka.
Ritigala
Ritigala is situated in between Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. In Ritigala, the visitors can check out a strict natural reserve and an archaeological site. Ritigala mountain is the highest mountain in the north-central dry plains of Sri Lanka. While exploring here, the visitors can enjoy a touch of nature and history.
Uva Province Honeymoon Destinations
Ella
9 Arch Bridge in Ella Sri Lanka
Ella is placed 22 km south to Badulla town. It is recognized as one of the best places to hike in Sri Lanka and is recognized as one of the best honeymoon places in Sri Lanka. One such place is the Ella Gap. Once you reach the top of the gap, you will be able to check out the stunning views below. Afterward, you can visit Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Ella, Demodara railway hike and Nine Arches Bridge.
Sabaragamuwa Province Honeymoon Destinations
Pinnawala
Elephant Bath in Pinnawala
Located in Kegalle, Pinnawala has an Elephant Orphanage and an Open Zoo. Both are located close. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was found to pro has a large herd of captive elephants in the world.
Horton Plains
Horton Plains is situated 32km from Nuwara Eliya. Inside the plains, the visitors will be able to check out several jaw-dropping places like Baker’s Falls, Mini World’s End Point and Great World’s End Point. The mountains like Kirigalpoththa and Totupalakanda is located within the plains. These mountains are the 2nd and 3rd highest peaks on the island.
Conclusion
Now you may have found the best top honeymoon destinations in Sri Lanka. This is your chance to visit these wonderful places and bring lots of unforgettable memories with your loved one. Although the list will not end here. There are much more superb places to spend your wedding honeymoon in Sri Lanka.
