Laura Ingleswide
Sri Lanka has long been a preferred honeymoon destination for its plethora of scenic delights, attractions and luxury accommodation. Here are 5 romantic places to visit during your honeymoon here:
One of the highest points in Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is possibly the most romantic and preferred honeymoon destination for tourists and locals alike. Lush green teas estates and forestry, rolling hills, gorgeous waterfalls and majestic mountain tops, all make up for what can only be described as a perfect honeymoon getaway. Picture-perfect scenery and pleasing weather aside, Nuwara Eliya showcases a number of places that you can visit with your loved ones. The world famous Nuwara Eliya golf course is ideal to play a few rounds. Visit the Victoria Park, racecourse and Gregory Lake for wonderful views and picnicking. The Hakgala Botanical Gardens is one of the best of its kind in the country, showcasing a wide array of plants and flowers. If you are into adventure, agencies such as Aitken Spence Travels can arrange treks amidst mountains, valleys and the wilderness.
Wildlife lovers are in for a treat on your honeymoon as you take a safari through Sri Lanka's biggest wildlife park. Yala is located on the southeast of Sri Lanka, bordering the Indian Ocean on one side and spans over 130,000 hectares. Filled with forests, grasslands, tanks and lagoons, Yala is home to at least 44 species of mammals including elephants, sloth bear, sambars, deer, crocodiles and jackals. The highlight at Yala is its premier resident, the elusive leopard. The park is also home to over 215 types of birds, making it a birdwatchers paradise.
The eastern region of the island showcases some of the best beaches in the world. Nilaweli, Pasikudah and Kalkudah beaches are all within close proximity to the beautiful town of Trincomalee. No honeymoon in Sri Lanka is complete without basking by the gorgeous white sands of the beaches here, whilst being pampered by the hotel staff.
The small village of Kandalama is located just over 170 km from Colombo. Besides the lush forest that surrounds the region, what sets it apart as a unique honeymoon destination is the fact that it lies within close proximity to two world renowned UNESCO Heritage sites, the Dambulla Rock Temples and Sigiriya Rock Fortress, both of which are two of the most historic landmarks in the country. Other highlights in Kandalama are the irrigation tank built over 1,700 years ago, the Kandalama reservoir and tank and the Kaludiya Pokuna Forest that dates back to 853AD.
Sri Lanka's western coast, start from Negombo and stretches all the way up to Galle and is packed with many gorgeous beaches. Towns such as Negombo, Colombo, Kalutara, Bentota, HIkkaduwa, Unawatuna, Mirissa and Galle each offer a plethora of sights and activities that will enrich your honeymoon experience. Be it sightseeing, engaging in water-sports, dining, partying or simply relaxing by the beach, Sri Lanka's west coast has got it all.
