East Coast & Hill Country Honeymoon
Off the beaten track Sri Lanka honeymoon. 10 days from Kandy's temples through Ella's tea country to the surf beaches of Arugam Bay and the pristine east coast from $2,299.
Off the beaten track Sri Lanka honeymoon. 10 days from Kandy's temples through Ella's tea country to the surf beaches of Arugam Bay and the pristine east coast from $2,299.
Most Sri Lanka itineraries head south and west. This one goes east, chasing a quieter coastline, better surf and a completely different feel. From the cultural heart of Kandy you ride one of the world's most scenic trains into the hill country, then drop down to Arugam Bay's laid-back surf scene before finishing on the white sand beaches of Trincomalee.
Your private driver handles every transfer, every hotel is handpicked for couples, and the east coast's April to September dry season means blue skies while the rest of the island sees rain. It is Sri Lanka without the crowds.
Last updated March 2026
Your private driver meets you at Bandaranaike Airport for the three-hour drive to Kandy through lush lowland plantations. Check into your boutique manor house hotel and take an evening walk around Kandy Lake as the Temple of the Tooth lights up.
Morning visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's most important pilgrimage sites. Afternoon stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya with its avenue of royal palms and 4,000 plant species. Evening Kandyan dance performance.
Board the morning train from Kandy for one of the world's great railway journeys. Seven hours through rolling tea estates, mountain tunnels and misty valleys. The scenery from Nanu Oya to Ella is the most spectacular stretch. Arrive in the cool hill country and settle into your tea plantation hotel.
Sunrise walk to Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial-era stone viaduct set among the tea bushes. Then hike Little Adam's Peak for panoramic views of Ella Gap. Afternoon visit to a working tea factory with tastings of single-estate Ceylon tea.
Leave the hills behind and drive three hours east through dry-zone scrubland to the Indian Ocean. Arugam Bay is a different Sri Lanka entirely, a dusty surf town with tuk-tuks, beach shacks and a reef break at the end of the main point. Settle into your beach lodge and catch the sunset from the sand.
Morning surf lesson on the beginner-friendly inside break. Afternoon lagoon safari by boat through Pottuvil Lagoon, spotting crocodiles, water monitors and dozens of bird species in the mangroves. Evening at one of the beachfront restaurants with your feet in the sand.
Drive north along the east coast to Trincomalee, roughly five hours through rural villages and paddy fields. Check into your beachfront resort at Nilaveli and spend the afternoon on one of Sri Lanka's most pristine stretches of sand.
Morning visit to Koneswaram Temple, the ancient Hindu kovil perched on Swami Rock cliff. Walk through Fort Frederick and stop at Marble Beach for a swim. Afternoon free to relax at the resort pool or explore the harbour town.
Boat trip to Pigeon Island National Park for snorkelling over coral gardens, blacktip reef sharks and sea turtles. Afternoon on Nilaveli Beach. Seasonal whale watching available from February to April. Farewell dinner at a beachfront restaurant.
Final morning on the east coast. Your driver takes you to Colombo Airport, around six hours via the inland route, or catch a short domestic flight from China Bay Airport in Trincomalee. Option to extend with beach days in Passikudah.
Add any of these romantic touches to your trip. Just mention them in your enquiry.
"Every honeymoon I plan is completely different — because every couple is. Tell me your vision and I'll make it happen."
Nadeesha — Sri Lanka Honeymoon SpecialistEvery honeymoon is tailored to you — prices vary depending on your dates, hotels and experiences. Here's a guide to help you plan.
Boutique hotels and beach lodges, private driver, guided excursions and train tickets
Upgraded properties including Jungle Beach by Uga, private guides, premium dining and spa
Top-tier properties, fully private itinerary, premium inclusions and diving experiences
Guide prices per couple — your final price depends on travel dates, hotel choices and experiences. International flights are not included. Get a personalised quote for your exact dates.
"I've helped hundreds of couples plan their honeymoon. Tell me your dates and I'll design something perfect for you."
Nadeesha — Sri Lanka Honeymoon Specialist
"Born in Colombo, 10+ years planning honeymoons across Sri Lanka. Let's design yours."
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