Reasons to visit the Sri Lanka in 2025
If Sri Lanka isn’t on the top of your list for your upcoming honeymoon, it should be. Nestled just off the southern tip of India, this teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean is one of the world’s most enchanting destinations. With its mix of unspoiled natural beauty, centuries-old heritage, mouthwatering cuisine, and famously warm hospitality, Sri Lanka offers an immersive travel experience that’s hard to replicate elsewhere.
Tourism here is thriving again, infrastructure has been refreshed, and new eco-friendly lodges, cultural experiences, and scenic rail routes are making it easier than ever to explore the country’s hidden corners. Yet, Sri Lanka still feels refreshingly uncrowded and authentic — the kind of place where you can watch elephants roam wild at sunrise and be sipping a beachfront cocktail by sunset.
Here’s why 2025 is the perfect time to experience the magic of Sri Lanka for yourself:
A resurgence in tourism
After a period marked by both global and local challenges, Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is thriving once more in 2025 — and the transformation is evident across the island. In the bustling capital of Colombo, significant investments have been made in modernising transport networks, enhancing public spaces, and developing a wave of new luxury and boutique hotels. Further south, the coastal city of Galle is also experiencing a revival. The iconic Dutch Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — has been carefully rejuvenated, with its cobbled lanes now lined with charming cafés, contemporary art galleries, and boutique guesthouses tucked inside centuries-old colonial buildings.
Sri Lanka’s famed national parks and wildlife reserves, including Yala, Wilpattu, and Udawalawe, are also reaping the benefits of renewed focus on conservation and eco-tourism. Expanded ranger programs and the rise of eco-conscious lodges have created more sustainable ways for visitors to connect with the country’s rich biodiversity — all while supporting the protection of these vital ecosystems.
Wildlife and safaris
If you love wildlife, Sri Lanka is destination not to be overlooked. While it might be small in scale, the island is home to an incredible variety of animals—many of which are rare or unique to the region. Its national parks and protected reserves offer some of the best safari experiences outside of Africa.
Yala National Park, located in the southeast, is one of the best places in the world to spot leopards in the wild. It’s also home to elephants, crocodiles, spotted deer, jackals, and a wide range of birdlife. For a closer look at herds of Asian elephants in their natural habitat, head to Udawalawe or Minneriya.
Minneriya is especially famous for “The Gathering,” a seasonal event where hundreds of elephants congregate around the reservoir during the dry months—an awe-inspiring sight that’s considered one of the largest wild elephant gatherings in the world. Birdwatchers will also be in paradise here. From flamingos and painted storks to endemic species like the Sri Lanka junglefowl and blue magpie, the island is a hotspot for birdwatching year-round.
Sri Lanka is one of the few places on Earth where you can see the “Big Three” in one trip: elephants, leopards, and blue whales. Along the southern and eastern coasts—particularly in Mirissa and Trincomalee—you can even head out on a whale watching tour!
Rich cultural heritage
With a civilisation spanning over 2,500 years, Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage is exceptionally well preserved, offering a fascinating journey through some of South Asia’s most important archaeological and religious landmarks. The island is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, each with its own story to tell.
In the north, Anuradhapura—once a powerful ancient capital—is filled with vast stupas, sacred temples, and ingenious reservoirs still in use today. Nearby, Polonnaruwa showcases beautifully preserved ruins, including regal statues, ornate temples, and the iconic Gal Vihara Buddha figures carved into granite. Perhaps the most striking site is Sigiriya, a towering rock fortress that once served as both royal palace and Buddhist monastery.
Further inland, the sacred city of Kandy is a spiritual heartland, home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic and the vibrant Esala Perahera festival, where dancers, drummers, and decorated elephants fill the streets in celebration.
One of the world’s most scenic train rides
The train journey from Kandy to Ella is one of those bucket list experiences to add to your itinerary on a honeymoon to Sri Lanka. Often ranked among the most scenic train rides in the world, this route winds through the heart of the island’s hill country, offering panoramic views of the stunning landscapes. The journey takes around 6–7 hours, in total. As the train slowly snakes its way through the misty mountains, you’ll pass through emerald-green tea plantations, dense forests, cascading waterfalls, and quaint villages perched along the hillsides.
Beautiful beaches
Sri Lanka’s coastline is nothing short of spectacular. On the south coast, popular spots like Mirissa offer a lively beach scene with a laid-back vibe. Here, you’ll find beachside cafés, fresh seafood, whale watching tours, and the famous Coconut Tree Hill—a perfect spot for photos. Further along the coast, Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa are ideal for swimming, snorkelling, and soaking up the sun, with coral reefs and sea turtles just offshore.
If you’re after something more peaceful, Tangalle and Silent Beach offer a more secluded atmosphere. These lesser-visited stretches of sand are perfect for long, quiet walks or simply listening to the waves.
For those into surfing, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, with two main surf seasons depending on the coast. The southwest coast (around Weligama and Ahangama) is ideal from November to April, offering consistent waves for beginners and intermediates. From May to October, surfers head east to places like Arugam Bay, a world-renowned surf town with a chilled-out vibe and breaks that attract pros and amateurs alike.
Tea country
If you’re craving a slower pace, Tea Country in Sri Lanka’s central highlands is the perfect escape. With its cool breezes and endless green hills, this region offers a little relaxation time with your new spouse to unwind and be at one with nature.
This is the heartland of Ceylon tea, a tradition that’s been part of the island’s identity since British colonial times. Today, it’s still going strong and you can see it for yourself. Take a tour of a working tea factory, where you’ll follow the journey of a tea leaf from the moment it’s picked in the fields to the final cup. Places like Pedro Tea Estate in Nuwara Eliya or Halpewatte Tea Factory near Ella are visitor favourites which offers guided tours and tastings.