Itinerary check over NYE - input appreciated!
Hi everyone,
I’d love some feedback on our Sri Lanka honeymoon itinerary this December–January. It’ll be my first time back in seven years, and my wife’s first visit.
We’re a couple in our mid-thirties who love moderate hikes, nature, great food and bars, museums, and visiting sacred sites. We’ll mostly travel by car with a driver and are aiming for a good mix of relaxation, local culture, and scenic exploration.
We arrive in Negombo on December 30 and fly out of Colombo early morning on January 11.
Here’s our current plan:
• Dec 30 (1 night): Negombo – Easy arrival and recovery from the flight.
• Dec 31–Jan 2 (2 nights): Southern coast – Still deciding on the exact base — possibly Galle, Mirissa, or Dikwella. We’d love somewhere laid-back to enjoy the beach and celebrate New Year’s Eve, but want to avoid overly touristy spots like Hikkaduwa.
• Jan 3 (1 night): Yala – Safari.
• Jan 4 (1 night): Udawalawe – Elephants and a quieter, more natural setting.
• Jan 5–6 (2 nights): Haputale – Swapping Ella for Haputale for a calmer hill country base, tea plantations, and views.
• Jan 7 (1 night): Kandy – Taking the train from Haputale, visiting the Temple of the Tooth and Kandy Lake.
• Jan 8–9 (2 nights): Sigiriya – Climb Sigiriya Rock, visit Dambulla Cave Temple, and enjoy a slightly more refined stay to finish the trip.
• Jan 10 (1 night): Negombo / Colombo – Stay near the airport before our early flight.
• Jan 11: Fly home.
We like a mix of homestays and small guesthouses, with a few nicer meals (only local cuisine) or boutique stays (likely in Sigiriya).
A few things I’d love your thoughts on:
• Does this route seem too rushed, or does it flow well for the timeframe?
• Any suggestions for where to base ourselves on the south coast for a balance of atmosphere and food, but not overly busy?
• Is Haputale a good swap for Ella for views and hiking?
• Any tips for the Yala → Udawalawe → Hill Country leg to make it smoother?
We’re not chasing luxury every night — just great food, characterful stays, and a sense of place.
Thanks in advance for any insights, especially from anyone who’s done a similar loop recently!
Massive celebration for new year at Hikkaduwa and Unawatuna but touristy destinations. Galle has no beach itself. At Hiriketiya (Dickwella) can’t expect much celebration for new year. But there may be in low key. Check Ambalangoda or Rumassala area where you can go to new year celebrations and come back to the base by a Tuk.
Haputale is far less touristy than Ella and having nice vistas. Possible Lipton Seat hike. But less restaurants scene compared to Ella.
This route and order is OK. No rush.
Edited: 1:24 pm, October 18, 2025
