13 Top Romantic Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

13 Top Romantic Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

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Arabiers Digital

18 November 2024 | 12 min

13 Top Romantic Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and charm has opened up the country to more tourists especially couples who are looking to have fun and intimate experiences. From the serene beaches, to the luxurious resorts to rich cultural and historical heritage, Sri Lanka has everything to offer for every type of traveller. Explore the Sri Lanka holiday packages to select the best place to go for honeymoon or a romantic getaway with your loved one. 

The first thing to do when planning to go for a honeymoon in Sri Lanka is to make sure you have your Sri Lankan tourist visa ready. After you have secured a visa, you can go ahead and create an itinerary that includes the places you wish to visit and things to do in Sri Lanka. 

In this guide we will show you the different romantic places that you can visit with your partner.  These places offer different experiences to travellers including: 

•    Beach experiences 
•    Wildlife Experiences
•    Cultural and Historic experiences
•    Sightseeing experiences 


Sightseeing Experiences


1.Ella

This hillside town, located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka is a perfect honeymoon destination for couples who love nature. Ella has a cool climate and lush green landscapes that are enjoyable to explore.

A day trip to Ella coming from Colombo is among the most scenic journeys in Sri Lanka. Go for the iconic train journey to the town and explore the huge tea plantations. The romantic appeal of this town lies in its serene ambience, making it a perfect destination for couples who want a quite escape in the midst of Sri Lankan hills.

2.Nuwara Eliya 

Nuwara Eliya, often called the ‘Little England’ is a common destination among honeymooners. The region has a cool climate and green landscapes that provide a romantic ambience.it is also the highest town in Sri Lanka. 

Go for a guided tour in the tea plantations and factory and witness the tea making process. Enjoy the world famous Ceylon tea with your lover after the tour. 

To enhance your experience in Nuwara Eliya visit Lake Gregory and take a romantic boat ride or stroll by the lake as you bond with your spouse. 

3.Kandy

A honeymoon in Sri Lanka is not complete without visiting Kandy city, which is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. There are several fun things to do in Kandy such as visiting the Peradaniya Botanical Garden, a romantic boat ride at Kandy Lake, an exciting cultural show at Kandy Culture Centre and exploring the local tea plantations. 

Go for a sightseeing tour in Kandy city and visit the city’s landmarks. Visit the iconic Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and learn more about the culture of the region.

4.Sigiriya

This small town in Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for couples who love nature adventures. The region offers both exciting activities and relaxation. Go for a hike at the famous Sigiriya rock, or at Pidurangala rock and enjoy breathtaking sunset views from the top. You may also go to Sigiriya Archaeological Museum to learn about the history of sirigiya rock. 

Minneriya National Park is just 30 minutes away from Sigiriya and is famous for the elephants migrating to find food, water and shelter. The best time to visit this park is during the dry season, since you will be able to spot a gathering of elephants that come to the park to drink water from the waterholes. 

Choose a private safari tour of the park where for an intimate experience with your special person. You will see a wide variety of flora and fauna some that is native to Sri Lanka.


Beach Destinations


5.Mirissa

If you are travelling with your loved one, Mirissa town is a place you do not want to miss if you both love beaches. Mirissa has a pristine beach and a serene ambience that is very intimate. The golden sands and the soaring palm trees provide a relaxing atmosphere that is ideal for romantic stroll. You can hold hands with your partner and just stroll along the beach silently. 

Go for a boat trip to watch dolphins playing with each other and whales in their natural habitat. 

6.Unawatuna

This coastal town is known to have the best nightlife experiences in Sri Lanka. The beach in Unawatuna is crescent shaped, has clear waters and a several beachfront cafes where you can enjoy romantic time with your loved one. 

You may also engage in water sports or go for short jungle hikes to explore the lush green beauty of the other side of the beach.

To get panoramic views of the coast, you may stand at the Japanese Peace Pagoda and enjoy great views.

7.Bentota 

Bentota, located on the southwest coast is perfect destination for couples because of its tranquil beaches and the very many wellness retreats. You can go for a 2 or 3 days Bentota tour to maximize all the experiences and try out all fun couple activities. Some of the water sports you can engage in at the beach include jet skiing, windsurfing and boat rides. 

8.Tangalle

Visit Tangalle town with your partner and explore the cool waters of Indian ocean. There are also luxurious 5-star hotels in the town such as the Anantara Peace Haven resort where you can enjoy an intimate staycation with your special person. 

Go for a tour of the town and stop at the Mulkirigala rock monastery, which is located on top of a massive rock to see the ancient caves. Here you will learn about the culture of the region, enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings.

9.Negombo

Negombo is among the first to be discovered romantic destinations in Sri Lanka. The town has very scenic beaches, a serene atmosphere and a rich cultural heritage. Explore the historical architecture from the ancient buildings scattered all over the town. 

To spice up your tour get on a fishing boat and hunt for your dinner and seafood.


Culture and Historical Experiences


10.Galle

Visit Galle town, a colonial gem located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka and explore the prominent Dutch architecture. The town has a charming atmosphere and vibrant cafes where you can go for a culinary adventure. 

Visit the art galleries and spend time learning about artworks with your partner. 
 


Nature and Wildlife Experiences


11.Yala national Park

If you love wildlife, go for a honeymoon in Yala, on the southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. While here visit Yala National Park, which is known for its rich biodiversity and the high density of leopards.  

Watch wild animals like elephants, Sri Lankan leopards, sloth bears and crocodiles in their natural habitats. Get on a 4x4 vehicle and go for a safari tour with a guide who will give you insights about the park and help you identify some animals. Enjoy having an up close encounter with the animals at the park.

12.Udawalawe National Park

Located in Sabaragamuwa and Uva Provinces of Sri Lanka, Udawalawe national park is favorite destination for many honeymooners.it is a great site to see the majestic Sri Lankan elephants that are very gentle with humans. 

The park is also a great destination for bird watching where you will spot rare species such as the white bellied sea eagle. Get on a thrilling jeep safari and explore the park’s rich biodiversity.

13.Horton Plains National Park

A couple that is into nature and hiking will have a great time at Horton Plains. This picturesque region has beautiful landscapes perfect for hiking either by walking or cycling.  Plan for a Horton Plains day tour to explore the area’s rich biodiversity including some species that are endemic to Horton Plains. 

Hike to the World’s End, a dramatic and lovely cliff at the furthest end of the park and also the Mini World’s End which is a smaller cliff just a few minutes away from the main cliff. 

There are also very gorgeous waterfalls in the park, where you can take pictures with your partner for memories. 


FAQ's


Absolutely! Sri Lanka has recently risen to be one of the world’s up-and-coming destinations for travellers especially honeymooners. The country has a lot of romantic experiences to offer, from the serene beaches, rich cultural heritage, rich biodiversity, stunning landscapes and also luxurious resorts. The country also offers relaxation to travellers with its many spa and wellness treatment centers.

The places to visit in Sri Lanka for a romantic honeymoon depend on your interests and preferences as a couple. Every city and town in Sri Lanka has unique experiences that it offers making it attractive to different types of romantic travellers. 

For example, couple who are looking for adventure can go for hiking or sightseeing tours and those looking for relaxation can book a holiday in a five-star resort and experience luxury and VIP treatment. You can visit the different cities and explore go for day tours to the nearby town to explore. 

Yes, there are several highly rated resorts and villas in Sri Lanka that offer private beach access. Book such a resort and enjoy an intimate and romantic time with your loved one at the beach away from everyone’s eye. Some of the resorts that offer private beach access for couples include Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala, and Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle among others. Such resorts also provide exclusive beachfront dining experiences to enhance the romantic ambience for people in love.

The best time to go for a honeymoon in Sri Lanka depends on the region you plan to visit and also the activities you plan to engage in. if you will be visiting the west and south coasts, it is best to go from November to April when it is sunny and dry. This is the perfect weather for water sports like swimming, surfing and jet skiing. 

If you want to explore the hillsides of Sri Lanka, which is the central highlands, in Nuwara Eliya and Ella, it is best to go from December to March. During this time the weather is cool and pleasant and the vegetation is very green.

Sri Lanka accommodates both luxury travellers and those travelling on a budget. If you are looking for opulence, you will get it in Sri Lanka. There are lavish experiences that are worth every coin, ranging from luxury transfers, accommodation, and tickets to attractions. If you are travelling on a budget, you can also find affordable places, and look out for special deals for couples.  You however are guaranteed to have a great tie with your spouse in Sri Lanka regardless of your budget.