Overview
South of India lies a tiny nation island known as Sri Lanka. Culturally vibrant and blessed with proud tradition, Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise nestled within the Indian ocean. With a wealth of tourist attractions from plenty of rare wildlife to Sigiriya, a rock fortress built by an Ancient King. Sri Lanka at a glance is a tropical kingdom full of wonderful people, history, animals and of course delicious cuisine. There’s so much to do in Sri Lanka, which makes it a perfect getaway, read below to discover the best things to do in Sri Lanka.
National Heritage
Visit one of the 7 World Heritage sites which make a fine example of Sri Lanka's rich culture, with Sigiriya and Dambulla Cave Temple being the standout attractions. Dambulla boasts the largest area of wall paintings in the world, and is a place of sheer beauty and architecture. Sigiriya is great for people who enjoy hiking and with the rock fortress being over 1500 years old it's also one for history lovers.
Galle
On the Southern coast lies Galle, Sri Lanka's oldest city. Galle has a subtle mix of colonial and Sinhalese influences, the pinnacle of which is a beautiful Dutch fort. Surrounded by fantastic beaches, you can wonder through the ramparts and streets whilst experiencing the gently warm sea breeze.
Shopping In Colombo
For shopping lovers Colombo has an exquisite collection of shopping malls and markets. From designer brands to niche products you're sure to find something for everyone there. Majestic City is a 90s shopping mall, but is still the Cities most sought after shopping destination with 7 floors and nearly a 100 shops.
Hotel Spotlight - Heritance Tea Factory
A unique and stylish hotel, which is elegantly situated in a former tea factory. Hiding in the mountains more than 2km above sea level the mountain range, Heritance is renowned for the quality of its tea leaves. To highlight the luxurious qualities of this hotel, here's the Flowerdew Suite, which is named after the estate's 19th century founder. The highest room in the hotel has unrivalled view, which create an unforgettable aura around the hotel.
Scenic blue train journey from Kandy to Ella
You may have seen many Instagram posts about the blue train journey in Sri Lanka, which is considered as one of the most scenic train rides. A train ride on the blue train is a magical one to share with your spouse on your honeymoon. Whether you decide to sit back and take in the views from the windows – or hang out from the doors (which is safe and easy to do) this is definitely a bucket list experience on your Sri Lanka honeymoon. Onboard there are toilets and food stands, so whether you’re planning an hour or a 5-hour journey the experience is well catered for. Make sure to bring your camera along for the journey too, as you’ll pass rolling hills, green tea plantations and lakes.
Climb Adam’s Peak
Also known as Sri Pada and Samanala Kanda, Adam’s Peak stands at 2,243 metres tall in the heart of Sri Lanka’s highlands. Historic and beautiful, a climb up Adam’s Peak is truly rewarding with magnificent views to behold. Named for a point near the summit, the mountain is sacred to many faiths. Buddhists believe that Buddha’s footprint is located here; Hindus believe that the footprint belongs to Shiva and Christians and Muslims believe that it is Adam’s first step after being exiled from the Garden of Eden. The hike itself makes up of 5,000-6,000 steps to climb.
Climb Sigiriya Rock
For rewarding views of Sri Lanka on your honeymoon, a climb up Sigiriya Rock will certainly impress you both and is considered as one of the best things to do in Sri Lanka. The climb is narrow and challenging, but totally worth it. Soak up the panoramic views and take selfies together to capture the beautiful views.
Udawalawe National Park
What better place to see elephants in the wild than on a jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park, which is considered to be one of the best places to spot herds of elephants in the wild. Imagine spending your honeymoon in Sri Lanka with your other half on a thrilling game drive through the grasslands and bush forest at one of the country’s most renowned national parks.
Pluck your own tea in Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eilya is in the heart of the tea plantations, we recommend staying Heritance Tea Factory, which is conveniently located high in the mountains with the most breathtaking views of the plantations. Once a withering loft, Heritance Tea Factory is now a cosy hotel with organic tea fields where you can pluck your very own tea and take a packet (or two) back home with you to relive the experience. Tea plucking at Heritance Tea Factory involves filling your basket and taking it back to the Heritance Mini Tea Factory where the chief tea taster will inspect your efforts (and reject any tea leaves that don’t make the cut). After, you will enjoy a tour of the Mini Tea Factory, where you will both learn about the whole process such as drying of the leaves, rolling, fermenting and sifting to produce different types of tea.
Gangaramaya Temple
Visit Colombo’s most important temple, Gangaramaya Temple, which is situated on the picturesque Beira Lake. This 19th century temple is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city and each year the temple curates the National Vesak Festival. A simple ceremony held on May 21 puts on a display of lights until May 25th.
Visit Pettah Floating Market
Sri Lanka has no shortage of markets, but for an extra special experience on your honeymoon; stop at the Pettah Floating Market on Beira Lake in Colombo. With around 92 stalls offering handmade crafts, local produce and fabrics, you’ll both find something lovely to take back home to remember your Sri Lanka honeymoon.
Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple and is worth a visit for so many reasons including being one of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, its stunning details and excellent location not too far from a plethora of wildlife to explore before and after your visit.
Relax on Bentota Beach
Sri Lanka is home to golden sandy coastlines and one of our favourites is Bentota Beach. Enjoy water sports and stunning sunsets on Bentota Beach for a magical end to your Sri Lanka honeymoon. We recommend staying at Saman Villas, a boutique hotel offering gorgeous plunge pool villas for the ultimate relaxation.