A good honeymoon mixes a few memorable days out with plenty of time to do nothing. Sri Lanka suits this well because the island is compact: in ten days you can climb Sigiriya at dawn, ride the scenic train from Nanu Oya to Ella and still have three or four nights on the beach.
Our 8-day Culture & Coast in Style was made for couples. It includes an Ayurvedic massage, a jeep safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla, Virgin White Tea at the Handunugoda estate and an evening boat safari on Koggala Lagoon.
With ten to twelve days, a typical honeymoon flows from the ancient cities to Kandy, then a night or two in the tea hills or Ella, and ends with four or five slow nights by the sea. Putting the beach last means the early starts are over and you fly home rested.
Where should you stay on a honeymoon in Sri Lanka?
Most couples like a mix of small boutique hotels and one or two places to splash out, perhaps a lodge looking at Sigiriya rock, a tea-estate bungalow in the hills and a beach hotel to finish. A night in a hotel inside the walls of Galle Fort is a lovely way to end, with sunset on the ramparts and dinner a short walk away.
In the hills, Ella has small hotels with long valley views, and a sunrise walk up Little Adam's Peak is a quiet way to start the day before other walkers arrive.
You book the places you like best, and we build the driving around them. Tell us where you are staying and we will shape the route to match.
When is the best time for a honeymoon in Sri Lanka?
From December to April the south and west coasts are at their best, which suits the classic route of ancient cities, hills and southern beaches. If you are marrying in summer, May to September is the season for the quieter east coast around Trincomalee and Pasikudah, which pairs well with the Cultural Triangle.
Christmas and New Year are the busiest weeks of the year, so book well ahead if your wedding falls in December. The shoulder months of April and September are quieter and often better value, with a little more chance of rain.
Why travel as a couple with a private driver?
You choose the pace. Late breakfasts are fine, and so are spontaneous stops at a roadside fruit stall or viewpoint. We usually plan two nights in most places so you are not packing every morning, and we keep drives short on the days you would rather spend at the pool.
A comfortable car is ample for two with luggage. See our vehicles and tell us your dates on Plan my trip. We will send a route built around you.
Questions
Honeymoon: common questions
How many days is ideal for a Sri Lanka honeymoon?
Ten to fourteen days lets you combine culture, the hill country and the beach without rushing. With a week, focus on two or three areas and finish with beach time.
Can you arrange special touches for our honeymoon?
Ask us. We can suggest a sunset boat trip or a restaurant for a special dinner along your route. As you book your own hotels, room upgrades and in-room surprises are best requested with each hotel directly.
Can we combine a Sri Lanka honeymoon with the Maldives?
Yes. Colombo has direct flights to Malé, so the Maldives is an easy add-on at the end of a tour. Your driver will take you to the airport in good time for the flight.
Is Sri Lanka good for a honeymoon in the rainy season?
Yes, if the route follows the weather. Rain usually comes in heavy bursts rather than all day, and one side of the island is usually dry.
