Example Itinerary

Natural Beauties and Historic Wonders: a Sri Lankan honeymoon

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
Interests
Romance, Amazing Landscapes
Destinations
Sri Lanka

What better way to celebrate your most romantic holiday than in gorgeous Sri Lanka, the jewel of the Indian Ocean? Take this once-in-a-lifetime honeymoon covering the very best sights and experiences the country has to offer. Explore the ancient ruins of Sigiriya and discover the history of the Sinhalese kings at Kandy. Tour the tea estates at Nuwara Eliya and go on safari in Yala National Park, before whale watching in the waters off beautiful Mirissa Beach. Finally, walk the colonial ramparts at Galle to round off your magical, memorable journey.  

This itinerary is an example. It’s designed to inspire you and provide you with thoughtfully curated ideas. You can choose to do this exact itinerary or completely personalize it. All trips are 100% bespoke.

Highlights

  • Whale-Watching: Mirissa coast is one of the island's best whale and dolphin watching destinations. Here, travelers can spot blue whales, sperm whales, spinner dolphins, and bottlenose dolphins playing in the waves.
  • Yala Safari: A game drive through Yala National Park promises sightings of wild elephants, crocodiles, colorful bird species and, perhaps even the elusive swish of a leopard's tail.
  • Climb the Steps of Lion Rock: Ascend to the top of Sigiriya Fortress, referred to by locals as the "eighth wonder of the world." This UNESCO World Heritage Site is known for its complex ancient history, unique frescoes, and wall inscriptions, in addition to incredible views out over the ruin-strewn landscape.

Day-by-Day

Day 1

Map

Sigiriya

Touch down in Sri Lanka and hop in your private car, bound for the first adventure of your trip. Head to your comfortable hotel in Sigiriya and enjoy a sunset dinner before getting a good night’s sleep.

Hotel Options
About

Nestled amongst reed beds and paddy fields on top of a man-made lake lies Jetwing Vil Uyana, a premier luxury eco resort in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka. Hailed by Harper's Bazaar as the "best eco luxury hotel in Sri Lanka," this one-of-a-kind resort comprises 36 dwellings that merge sophisticated modern comforts with ecological rural simplicity.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Located just six kilometers away from the historic Sigiriya Rock, Water Garden Sigiriya resort provides visitors to Sri Lanka with world-class comfort and second to none service. With one and two bedroom options, the resort's 30 villas are chicly designed, spacious, and imbued with an air of mystique thanks to their secret gardens and private plunge pools.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 2

Map

Sigiriya

After breakfast at your hotel, it’s time to explore the incredible rock fortress of Sigiriya. Climb the steps to the top of ‘Lion Rock’ and marvel at stunning views of the ancient ruins, including water gardens and painted frescoes. In the afternoon, enjoy a drive through gorgeous natural scenery before heading back to Dambulla for a relaxing, luxurious spa treatment for two, complete with a champagne toast.

Sigiriya
Sigiriya

Day 3

Map

Kandy

Enjoy a hearty breakfast at your hotel before checking out and heading to a spice garden in Matale, where you’ll see how Sri Lanka’s famous spices are grown and processed. This afternoon, it’s on to the historic capital of Kandy, a World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka’s highland heart. Take a drive around the lake, explore the gem market and marvel at ancient treasures including a temple housing a sacred tooth relic. Relax in the evening with dinner at your stylish hotel.

Hotel Options
About

Located in the centre of Kandy, just a short drive from the railway station and the famous Temple of the Tooth, Earl's Regency Hotel is a luxurious property with splendid views of the mountains around Kandy. All its rooms are air-conditioned and come with a minibar, tea- and coffee-making facilities and a TV with satellite channels.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

This historic dwelling was once the ancestral home of a Kandyan family and was restored to its former splendor in 2005 by Channa Daswatte, Geoffrey Bawa’s protege. The two-story main house is surrounded by beautiful landscaped gardens, which have avocado, jackwood, papaya, Sri Lankan orange and Kithul trees - the perfect setting for afternoon tea complete with Kandy House’s desserts made with treacle from Kithul blossoms.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Tucked away in green in the heart of the city, Kings Pavilion offers an urban retreat in a prime Kandy location. Guest rooms are decorated in a cozy and modern style, featuring floor-to-ceiling windows flooding the space with natural light and balconies with mountain views.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 4

Map

Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, take a stroll through the delightful Peradeniya Botanical Garden, taking in perfectly manicured lawns, giant fig trees and a colorful orchid house. In the afternoon, climb aboard a train bound for the highlands, enjoying sweeping scenery from the observation carriage. Alighting in the pretty town of Nuwara Eliya, check into your romantic hotel and relax for the evening.

Hotel Options
About

The former residence of Sir Edward Barnes, Governor of Sri Lanka from 1830 to 1850, the Grand Hotel is a Tudor-style mansion set amidst boxwood and fir trees overlooking the calm waters of Lake Gregory. Hunting and fishing trophies decorate the walls, infusing the property with the tranquility of times past.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya

Day 5

Map

Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast in paradise, head out into tea country to tour the factories and estates that produce some of the world’s most exquisite and famous tea. In the afternoon, take a tour around the town of Nuwara Eliya, discovering its delightful colonial architecture set against rolling mountain scenery. Enjoy dinner and a relaxing night back at your hillside hotel.

Day 6

Map

Yala National Park

Indulge in a leisurely breakfast before you say goodbye to the mountains, ready to plunge into yet more beautiful scenery. Take the picturesque drive to Yala National Park where you’ll check in to your safari hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure, exploring your incredible surroundings or relaxing in nature.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Ensconced in a natural rainforest, Chena Huts draws on the traditions of old farmers who cared for the land for centuries.

Location: Just a few minutes’ drive from Yala Park in Sri Lanka’s deep south, this hotel offers a chance to get away from it all.

Service: The well-versed staff can assist with everything from providing electric buggies to advising on wildlife or recommending the dish of the day.

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Chena Huts Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Modeled on safari camps of the past, Leopard Trails tented camp recalls the adventurous days of 19th century explorers like Samuel L. Baker.

Location: The two camps are located in the heart of Yala and Wilpattu national parks.

Service: Guests receive every attention, from a welcome coconut to freshly prepared meals and unsurpassed local knowledge.

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Leopard Trails Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

Design: Beautiful “colonial expedition chic” accommodations and facilities are meticulously designed to produce the resort’s unforgettable aesthetics.

Location: A short distance from the renowned Yala National Park, the resort borders a pristine beachline, ensuring a multitude of stunning sights for guests to see.

Environmentally Friendly: 40% of the resort’s energy is supplied by solar power, water is recycled, and all organic waste is composted.

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Wild Coast Tented Lodge Yala Preferred Hotel
Yala National Park
Yala National Park

Day 7

Map

Bentota

Wake up bright and early to head out into the park and meet its wild inhabitants. Your early-morning safari will showcase the flora and fauna of Yala National Park, including elephants, buffalo, bears and leopards, as well as many rare birds and plants. Return to the hotel for a late breakfast and then begin your journey to the coast. Once at beachside Bentota, check in at your oceanfront hotel and relax in seaside luxury.

Hotel Options
About

Heritance Ahungalle describes itself as a beach hotel where style and substance mix like a classic cocktail. And true to its word, this hotel combines some of the finest hospitality and best luxury services among Sri Lankan beach hotels.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

The Lunuganga Estate was the private residence of world-renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. It was on this property that Bawa spent nearly 50 years experimenting and perfecting his ideas and visions.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

About

Rejuvenate your senses at this peaceful boutique hotel. Nestled in a quiet, sleepy fishing village, Saman Villas boasts fabulous views of the gleaming Indian Ocean along with long stretches of golden sandy beaches that reach as far as the eye can see.

This accommodation has been personally vetted by the Remote Lands team and is the best available in the area. More information on this property is available on the “Hotels” tab at the top of the page.

Day 8

Map

Bentota

It’s another early morning, this time in search of aquatic creatures. Take a drive to the beautiful beach at Mirissa where you’ll hop aboard a boat and set sail to spot some of the whales and dolphins populating the waters of the Indian Ocean. After breakfast, it’s back to Bentota for a relaxing day on the beach and the option to indulge with a luxurious spa treatment at your hotel.

Bentota
Bentota

Day 9

Map

Colombo

Enjoy a beachside breakfast before taking a boat cruise inland from Bentota to Balapitiya on the Madu River. Visit river islands and a cinnamon plantation to get a glimpse of rural Sri Lankan life. After lunch, explore the 17th century city of Galle, discovering its Dutch fort and colonial architecture. Finally, make your way north to the modern capital of Colombo, where you’ll check in to a luxury hotel for one final night.

Hotel Options
Why We Love This Hotel

Location: The Tintagel is located in the middle of the city, surrounded by upmarket residences and shops. It’s approximately a 45-minute drive away from the airport and five minutes’ walk from Odel Shopping Mall, the most desirable shopping location in the area.

History: Colombo was one of the most popular East-West trade routes in centuries past. The Tintagel, a colonial mansion that takes one back in time, echoes such history.

Service: The Tintagel is widely-known for its unbeatable, bespoke service, and its friendly, warm staff.

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Tintagel Preferred Hotel
Why We Love This Hotel

History: Since the late 19th century, this elegant townhouse has welcomed dignitaries, governors and nobility from all over the world.

Location: Set on leafy Park Street in central Colombo, Uga Residence is an urban oasis.

Service: With years of experience, the hotel’s team is on hand to advise on city excursions, onward travel and anything else that’s required.

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Uga Residence Preferred Hotel

Day 10

Map

Departure

This morning, after a delicious breakfast at your Colombo hotel, your driver will take you to the airport in time to check in for your onward flight home or to your next exciting destination.

Why Remote Lands?

Exclusively Asia

With Remote Lands you'll travel with people who have made Asia the solitary focus of their own lifelong adventure. As our guest, you'll discover Asia on a journey that is completely, authentically your own, adapted from our own remarkable experiences and adventures over the years.

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