10 Days • 9 Nights
Sri Lanka Honeymoon: Hills, Beaches & Galle
Tour Includes
About the Trip
You'll climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock together, ride the famously beautiful hill-country train to Ella, honeymoon among the tea estates, explore the atmospheric Dutch fort of Galle, and unwind on the palm-fringed south coast with candle-lit dinners and whale watching. Waterfalls, spice gardens and warm seas fill the days.
With romantic hotels, a private driver-guide and thoughtful touches arranged, it is an idyllic and memorable start to married life.
Trip Highlights
- The Sigiriya Lion Rock and Dambulla caves
- The scenic hill-country train to Ella
- Ella's Nine Arch Bridge and tea estates
- The historic Dutch fort of Galle
- The golden beaches of the south coast
- Whale watching off Mirissa (in season)
- Candle-lit beach dinners
- Culture, tea and beach romance
Day by Day
A detailed day-by-day plan for this 10-day journey.
Arrive and transfer to Sigiriya, settling in with a romantic welcome dinner of Sri Lankan flavours.
Climb the Sigiriya Lion Rock and explore the golden cave temples of Dambulla, with an optional sunset at Pidurangala.
Travel to Kandy via a spice garden, visiting the sacred Temple of the Tooth, with an evening cultural show.
Board the beautiful hill-country train through the tea estates to the romantic mountain village of Ella.
Explore Ella — the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a hike up Little Adam's Peak, the Ravana Falls and a tea estate, at a relaxed romantic pace.
Descend to the south coast and the historic port of Galle, settling in within or near its atmospheric Dutch fort.
Wander the ramparts, boutiques and colonial streets of the Galle Fort, with an afternoon on the nearby beaches.
Travel along the coast to your beach resort, with a whale-watching trip off Mirissa (in season) or a stilt-fishermen visit, and a candle-lit dinner.
A final free beach day for two — swimming, the spa, or simply the sand and sunset.
Travel to Colombo airport for your onward flight, with a final breakfast.
Where You Will Travel
What's inside the package?
Inclusions
- Private airport transfers and a private driver-guide throughout
- 2N Sigiriya, 1N Kandy, 2N Ella, 2N Galle, 2N south coast beach
- Daily breakfast, a romantic welcome dinner and a beach dinner
- The Sigiriya Lion Rock, Dambulla caves and Kandy's Tooth Temple
- A reserved-seat hill-country train to Ella and its Nine Arch Bridge
- A tea estate visit and the historic Galle Fort
- South-coast beach time and a whale-watching option
- All entrance fees per the itinerary
Exclusions
- International airfare to and from Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka ETA visa fees (we can assist)
- Travel insurance (strongly recommended)
- Meals not mentioned in the itinerary or inclusions
- Drinks unless specifically stated
- Camera and video fees at some sites where not stated
- Optional excursions and safaris where not stated
- Personal expenses, tips and gratuities
- Anything not specifically mentioned under Package Inclusions
Know when to go.
- Visa: Most nationalities need a Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorisation), applied for online before you travel, with a passport valid at least six months. We can point you to the official portal
- Currency: The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Cards work in cities and hotels, but carry cash for markets, small towns, temples and tips; ATMs are common in towns
- Two monsoons: Sri Lanka has two monsoons, so the best coast depends on the season — December to March is ideal for the west, south and hills, while May to September suits the east coast
- Temple etiquette: Cover your shoulders and knees and remove shoes and hats at temples. Never turn your back on a Buddha image for a photo, and note that visitors with Buddha tattoos may be refused entry or asked to cover them
- The scenic train: The Kandy to Ella hill-country train is one of the world's most beautiful rail journeys; reserved seats sell out well in advance, which we book for you
- Getting around: Roads are winding and journeys slower than the distances suggest, so a private driver-guide is the standard and best way to explore the island, all arranged for you
- The hills are cool: The tea country around Nuwara Eliya and Ella is noticeably cooler, especially at night, so pack a warm layer even in the tropics
- Wildlife: Leopards are elusive and sightings never guaranteed, while elephants are commonly seen; the southeast parks like Yala are best in the drier months from February to July
- Health: Drink bottled or filtered water, use mosquito repellent (dengue is present), and enjoy freshly cooked food. Comprehensive travel insurance is strongly recommended
- Connectivity & power: A local SIM is cheap and widely available. Power is 230V, usually with the type D or G plug, so bring a universal adapter
Frequently Asked Questions
What meals are included?
Daily breakfast is included throughout, along with a welcome dinner and the specific meals named in the itinerary, plus full board on safari at the wildlife lodges. Other meals are left free so you can enjoy Sri Lanka's wonderful rice-and-curry and seafood.
Are transfers and touring private?
Yes — you travel with your own private driver-guide and comfortable vehicle throughout, which is the standard and best way to explore Sri Lanka's winding roads.
Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka?
Most visitors need a Sri Lanka ETA, applied for online before travel. We guide you to the official portal and the requirements for your nationality.
When is the best time to visit?
December to March is ideal for the west, south, hills and Cultural Triangle, while May to September is best for the east coast. We plan your route around the seasons for the best weather.
Is the scenic hill-country train included?
Yes — on the relevant itineraries we include the beautiful Kandy or Nanu Oya to Ella train in reserved seats, one of the world's great rail journeys through tea country.
Can the itinerary be customised?
Absolutely. Durations, regions, hotels and experiences can all be tailored, and we can add a wildlife safari, more beach time, whale watching or a luxury villa. Just tell us what you have in mind.
How do we get around the island?
By private car with a driver-guide for most of the journey, plus the scenic hill-country train where included — all arranged for you, so you simply relax and enjoy the scenery.
Is Sri Lanka a good honeymoon choice?
Beautifully so — it blends romance, culture, tea hills and golden beaches at wonderful value, and pairs perfectly with the Maldives for a beach honeymoon extension. We can add romantic touches on request.
When can we see whales off Mirissa?
Blue and sperm whales are seen off Mirissa on the south coast roughly from November to April, the same season as the best south-coast beach weather. We schedule the trip accordingly.
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