Visiting the Ceylon Tea Trails must be one of the most romantic things to do on the island. A collection of four colonial-style bungalows built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, they enjoy spectacular views overlooking the rolling green of Sri Lanka’s hill country. We boarded the old steam train at Kandy for the delightful journey to Hatton. If you are planning a Sri Lanka honeymoon, this will be a thrilling ride through the undulating hills. At Hatton We were greeted by my cheerful driver from where it was a short drive to Castlereagh, the stunning residence overlooking the reservoir.

Guests staying at any of the Tea Trails bungalows are welcome to visit the three other bungalows for lunch or afternoon tea. Days can be spent walking from one bungalow to the other or on a tour of one of the factories nestling either side of the valley followed by a tea tasting. The bungalows come with staff and the food and service are exceptional. This is high-end tourism at its peak. From here you have a panoramic view of the reservoir and dam where half of Sri Lanka’s energy is created.

Ceylon Tea Trails Bungalow - Sri Lanka Honeymoon with Experts IndianExplorations.com

From the Tea Trails we travelled down to the Yala National Park where we camped inside the pristine forest. The camp set up by Mahoora Yala Safaris was beautifully laid out. We had a super tent with a double bed and en suite facilities. Food was delicious and was arranged either by the river (offering plenty of bird watching opportunities) or candle lit dinner under a humungous banyan tree. Spending the night in the heart of Yala gives you the opportunity to stargaze in the crystal skies above, listen to the occasional sound of elephants in the river close by and the calls of the  nocturnal creatures around. Yala National Park is mostly open parkland which makes the wildlife easier to see, particularly in the December-March dry season. The landscape is varied, with rock outcrops, scrub jungle, lagoons, lakes, rivers and even beaches, and it has a rainy season from April to June. Yala West is one of the few places in Sri Lanka where it is relatively easy to see a leopard, either strolling beside the track or, with luck, draped elegantly in a tree. There are estimated to be around 35 leopards and 400 wild elephants here, as well as wild buffalo, musk deer, mongoose, pangolins, sloth bears, macaques, jackals and numerous species of bird.  I would highly recommend it as part of any Sri Lanka honeymoon.

After a bit of adventure at Yala we drove along the southern coastline to arrive at our gorgeous beach villa.  There are several dotted around the coast between Tangalle and Bentota. Our personal favourite is The Reef, a spectacular villa set in three acres of exotic tropical gardens with palm fringed pavilions and reflection pools that recreate the romance and grandeur of Sri Lanka. They offer only seven unique and exclusive palatial suites designed on Indo–Colonial lines with exquisite furniture and very tasteful decoration. The property boasts a vast sandy beachfront, huge lily ponds and a fabulous spa. It is intimate, beautiful and a truly excellent finale to a stunning Sri Lanka honeymoon.

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Amanwella, or ‘peaceful beach’, is modern and calm, serene and stylish – a contemporary beach resort in a pristine Sri Lankan  location. A retreat dedicated to its environment, Amanwella allows guests to savour to the full the natural blessings of this rich land, without compromising on authenticity or modern comforts.

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The clean vertical lines of Amanwella contrast with the lush exuberance of the landscape, creating an ambience of serenity and luxuriance that enables guests to unwind completely. With long white beaches, tall leaning palms, a turquoise blue sea, buzzing local village life, nearby rock temples and spectacular wildlife relaxing and unwinding is not hard to do!

Nature rules in this part of the world and Amanwella enjoys a privileged setting from which to observe some of its marvels: seasonal egg laying by giant turtles on nearby beaches, protected elephant herds in national parks, sweeping vistas with dramatic sunsets, the crystalline waters of the Indian Ocean and extraordinary topographical features.

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Guests with a passion for cooking can now spend an afternoon with Chefs at Amanwella to learn to prepare an authentic Sri Lankan meal. Early morning Sunday fish port and market visits may also be arranged. Dry herbs and spices that are difficult to find may be neatly packed for guests’ trips home.

Tangalle and the surrounding areas are renowned for its superb unspoiled and undeveloped beaches but there are other attractions nearby, including Yala National Park, one of the largest national parks in the island where elephant and leopard can be seen, a short 90-minute drive away. Sinharaja Rainforest, a magnificent strip of virgin rainforest now protected by UNESCO, also provides for a rewarding day out.

The tropical sun-drenched island of Sri Lanka is truly a breathtaking and exotic destination. It’s  an extraordinary destination which offers newlyweds an array of incredible experiences. Ceylon Tea Trails is a new concept which combines boutique luxury with the plantation bungalow experience. Set amidst a working tea estate at an altitude of 5000ft, the four luxuriously appointed Tea Trails bungalows are situated at different points around the beautiful Castlereagh reservoir in the Bogowantalawa region of the hill country, thus making them a perfect place for the newlyweds planning their honeymoon in Sri Lanka .

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The bungalows have 4-5 rooms, each unique in decor and design, provide lavish comfort on an all-inclusive basis. Each bungalow is different, and you can choose to stay at one bungalow or mix your time amongst a couple of the properties. ‘Tientsin’ has six suites, wood panelled rooms and large fireplaces is in high British colonial style and eclectic ‘Castlereagh’ has five suite rooms on a lakeside setting, croquet lawn & pool. ‘Norwood’s’ five suites are reminiscent of a 60’s tropical bungalow while ‘Summerville’ has four suites and offers contemporary elegance and stunning views of the lake.  The privacy and solitude at Tea Trails is perfectly suited for a blissful honeymoon. Long walks through beautiful tea country, evening sipping wine in front of a log fire and being pampered by staff, in room spa treatments and dinning underneath the stars will make for a memorable honeymoon in Sri Lanka.

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You set your own pace here; whether you wish to while away the hours reading in the grounds, lazing by the pool, pampering yourself in the tea spa or trying one of the many activities on offer. Ceylon Tea Trails have teamed-up with a local adventure operator to offer some of the most varied activities in the region. Excursions from guided walks and mountain bike rides to kayaking and rafting are all available on request. The walking opportunities here are superb and all four bungalows are linked by a trail. The pristine trails through immaculate tea gardens surrounded by beautiful valleys and hills are an unparalleled experience if you are on your honeymoon in Sri Lanka.

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Romantic candle lit dinners on the verandahs or in your private gardens at Ceylon Tea Trails is something to look forward to while you are on your honeymoon in Sri Lanka. Food and drink is included in the price and the standard very high. Although there is a menu, meals can be tailored to suit guests tastes. The wine is new world and excellent quality. If you are out all day a wonderful picnic hamper is packed and sent with you, so you can enjoy your lunch wherever you are.

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You can also enjoy the ‘Tea Experience’ – where you follow the production process from plucking your own tea leaves right through to brewing them for your very own ‘cuppa’. However, while the theme is tea, the emphasis is very definitely on luxury. Ceylon Tea Trails is a hotel by which standards many others are judged, with a proven record of delivering spectacular experiences time and time again. A truly superb destination for a honeymoon in Sri Lanka.

After visiting North India last year on a superbly arranged tailormade holiday, we decided to explore the Eastern Delights a bit more.  We therefore decided to go on a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka that been this mysterious rich tea country, Ceylon to most of us. Though my son is well travelled and although I shall enjoy the explorative journey; the colonial history, the fascinating culture, the beautiful geography, I would without a doubt opt for the Aman hospitality as they create an exciting and enticing holiday experience for you.  Sri Lanka has, of course, been many things to many people, but to most of us it was this mysterious rich tea country, Ceylon.  Its natural beauty combined with two Aman resorts makes a perfect recipe for a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka.

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Nestled in the centre of 400-year old Galle Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Amangalla is housed in historic colonial buildings formerly known as the New Oriental Hotel. The property was founded in 1863 and traded under this name for 140 years. Amangalla is Amanresorts’ first property in Sri Lanka and perfect place to embark on a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka. It re-opened in February of 2005 after extensive renovation and restoration. Traders, merchants, and Dutch and English colonists have all left an indelible stamp on the character of Galle Fort. Today it is part of Sri Lanka’s living heritage and Amangalla plays an integral role. It is here that one can explore the history and understand the unique character of a town that has drawn to its port several famous names including national cricket hero Muttiah Muralitharan and, for my sons, this alone is an excellent reason for going.

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Amangalla provides a tranquil and period styled base from which to explore the fascinating culture and tumultuous history of Galle Fort and Galle, which is acclaimed for its Dutch Fort, intricate Galle lace, ebony, woodcarvings and polished gems. It is surrounded by antiques, old prints, polished aged-floors, crisp white linen, pristine walls, rich mahogany, wood and rattan planters together with a gracious, welcoming and warm staff. Gentle strolls directly from the hotel unravel the unique history of this magnificent 36-hectare hexagonal stone fort, revealing colonial buildings still in use today, bustling narrow streets proffering the crafts of many generations, and the ramparts and seawall, where locals and visitors gather alike to fly kites, play cricket or simply inhale the wonders of its maritime legacy.

Entrance corridors, bedrooms, Chambers and Suites offer views overlooking Galle Fort or the hotel’s lush gardens. Suites feature antiques and well crafted reproductions set on polished teak floorboards dating back 300 years. While on a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka one would like to certainly like to rest and relax, something quite welcome while travelling with kids. Amangalla’s spa is known as the Baths. An arched hallway leads to five serene treatment rooms. Centered within the resort’s gardens, the Swimming Pool offers five shaded ambalamas and a series of sun loungers. Also nestled in the gardens is a Meditation and Yoga Pavilion.

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For families this is an ideal as its one of the best locations in Sri Lanka for whale watching. Located just 40 minutes drive from Amangalla and 90 minutes from Amanwella is Mirissa Harbour. Here one boards an Indonesian fishing trawler restored for leisure cruising and sets sail for Weligama Bay where the giant mammals are known to cruise by. Guests can swim and snorkel from the boat, watch for whales and dolphins, do a spot of fishing with a hand line and have a picnic in a coconut-fringed cove.

Beyond Amangalla one can extend their Aman experience and their luxury holiday to Sri Lanka by visiting Amanwella which is situated in a mature coconut grove overlooking the mesmerizing Indian Ocean with a crescent shaped beach. The resort has 30 suites each with a terrace and plunge pool. Architecturally it looks stunning and has used natural materials, clay, stone and timber, to incredible effect. It is modern and calm, serene and stylish, a retreat dedicated to its environment with an innate understanding of what is required to enjoy the spoils of this rich land without compromising on location, authenticity or modern necessities. The scenery is tropically stamped: long white beaches, tall leaning palms, rocky outcrops, dense turquoise ocean, a buzzing local village life, nearby rock temples, and heart-surging wildlife.

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Suite interiors are decidedly contemporary, with ocean or coconut plantation views on one side and access to a plunge pool on the other which you will expect whilst on a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka. Each has a spacious private terrace. The Restaurant offers vistas of the coconut grove and beach. It serves both Mediterranean and local cuisine, with fresh fish delivered daily by the local fishermen. Amanwella offers a number of cultural and nature tours, starting with the famous rock temples at Mulgirigalla. The Uda Walawe National Park is 75 minutes away and is renowned for its large herds of elephants and other wildlife. Even closer to home, there are several beaches where giant turtles lay their eggs every season.

For families looking for a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka, Amanwella’s golden sand beach is located in an 800m crescent-shaped cove, fringed with palm trees. During the winter months guests can enjoy swimming on calmer days, while snorkeling is possible along the southern headland, usually protected from the ocean swell during the dry season. During the summer months large waves make swimming conditions less favorable, but beach strolls and sunbathing are particularly enjoyable with the cooling onshore breeze.

Combining these two stays is known to Amanjunkies worldwide as the ‘Aman Sri Lanka Experience’ where culture, history and national treasures are brought to you in unparalleled style. Yes, we are the envy of many, but you, too, can experience this luxury holiday to Sri Lanka first hand.

Ask anyone their favourite beach destination in India and Goa is still the winner. Goa has seriously moved on.  Forget the happy-clappy scene – now Kate Moss, Mick Jagger and Daniel Craig are all going. All the kaftan-wearing, champagne-sipping thirty something’s are renting stylish, funky houses that equal the places they love in Ibiza and Morocco.

Talk about luxury holiday homes in India and tucked away at the end of a quiet lane, off the bustling main road to Calangute, is Aashyana.  This royally appointed jewel in the crown nestles on the prettiest stretch of Candolim beach, in a lush tropical garden exuding tranquillity. It’s a lovely, intimate little hotel created by a local entrepreneur named Ajai Lakhanpal.  The choice is yours to be pampered in the elegant luxury holiday home, the fully staffed 5 bedroom villa or reside in style at one or more of the three self-contained two bedroom cottages – Casinhas – each complete with an individual, private garden.

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A sweeping drive leads you to the entrance villa, a stunning two-storey, five-bedroom luxury holiday home. The spacious veranda spans the entire ground floor, with built-in seating areas in the traditional Goan-Portuguese style. Inside, the contemporary décor offsets select pieces of furniture from the owner’s collection. The luxurious use of materials in the architect designed rooms includes honey-coloured Rajasthani stone, charcoal grey granite and subtle mosaics. Both in the interior and in the external spaces, the essence of Aashyana Lakhanpal is conveyed through an emphasis on tranquillity.

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There are three Aashyana Casinhas – Leo, Libra and Capricorn, clustered within the grounds of the main villa and are reached through their independent, wrought-iron gate leading to a delightful courtyard. The whitewashed casinhas are stylish and welcoming, using neutral décor and local features like terracotta-tiled roofs, stone floors and traditional built-in seating. This décor contrasts and highlights the owner’s private art collection. Whichever you choose, this gorgeous holiday home in India awaits you in a breath-taking setting, within a few paces of Candolim’s sun kissed beach.  The shadowy garden, with its coconut groves, lime, cashew and ‘ guava trees, contains a dragonfly-spangled , swimming pool, a gate to Candolim beach,  also a pavilion from which to watch Goa’s stupendous oceanic sunsets.

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Ashyana’s spacious dining area is complemented by an optional garden dining facility for al fresco lunches or candle lit dinners under the stars – unforgettable luxury. The kitchen garden supplies a variety of organic herbs and vegetables and you can also plan an exciting fresh seafood menu with our chef Jagat Singh who recipes are a treat in itself.

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There is an informal gallery where guests may ponder a unique collection of modern Indian art. Lakhanpal, before he turned his home into a hotel, threw it open to any young painters requiring free board and lodging, and in return asked only that each give him a picture. They’re hanging there today, among the most interesting a portrait of Lakhanpal himself by Goa’s most famous son, Mario Miranda. This luxury holiday home comes along with armies of staff on-site masseurs and gourmet chefs -  oh, and the decor is pretty hot, too.  The back of Aashyana Lakhanpal opens up, LA-style, onto a lush garden, the kind of green paradise we all want to find in the hippie idyll.

A shaded path leads up to a classical porch and wide veranda which overlooks an inviting, mosaic tiled 20 meter private pool set to the right of the villa. Both internally and externally the Villa has been thoughtfully provided with easy access to all facilities for wheelchairs if needed. Whether relaxing in the air conditioned luxury of the interior or sunbathing in the sumptuous gardens around the pool, let your senses be seduced by the Aashyana. Delicadeza, a charming Portuguese term, describes a specific sense of style, courtesy and gracious living. I am convinced that your stay at this luxury home in India will be permeated with this sense of delicadeza.

Luxury holidays to India

Luxury,  as easy as it sounds is in fact extremely difficult when you actually try to define it.  During my visit to Rajasthan in July 2009, I came across the Aman Resorts, a chain of luxury resorts scattered not far away from each other in the colourful state of Rajasthan.  Since 1988 when the flagship Amanpuri opened in Phuket, Aman has established three resorts in India redefining luxury holidays to India.

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It’s difficult to express the guests experience at Aman as it ticks all the boxes. It offers an intimate and discreet experience while providing the highest level of service. Each resort and setting is unique, but certain elements characterise all of them — a beautiful natural location, outstanding facilities, exceptional service and a small number of rooms to ensure exclusivity and privacy.  From the garden estate Amanbagh set in the foothills of the Aravallis built in a haveli style to the wilderness camp Aman I Khas that sits on a gentle slope on the fringes of Ranthambore National Park against a backdrop of hills each leaves an impression, an indelible mark. Their newest addition is Aman Delhi just minutes from the grandeur of Rashtrapati Bhavan and the peaceful Lodhi gardens. It completes the triangle for someone in search of luxury holidays to India. The design of the resort is contemporary, complemented with Indian touches such as hand-made rugs and jaali screens. Spacious suites afford guests the opportunity to relax in enveloping comfort.

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Aman excursions are a class apart. I was particularly impressed by their walks that can be combined with culture trails.  At Aman Bagh the resort can arrange day trips to the Pink city of Jaipur and walks to the surrounding countryside.  The experience at Aman I Khas is focused on wildlife viewing. Having said that they also arrange visits to the Old City and Khandar Fort which is one of Rajasthan dramatic ruins. Not very far from the resort is the Banas River, an ideal spot for a picnic style lunch. The pools are fringed by water grass and decorated with lilies, creating an excellent feeding ground for wading birds and other water fowl. Guests can enjoy a half-day excursion to this birder’s paradise, strolling the banks of the river with a naturalist. At Aman Delhi they arrange off the beaten track tours to the Moghul city of Shahajanabad or to several private galleries that regularly host art exhibitions of paintings, pottery, sculptures, photographic art and prints by many up-and-coming artists.

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The Spa at Aman Resorts is a class apart. It provides a refined and peaceful environment in which to relax. Using organic Aman products created from pure and proactive ingredients, traditional treatments as well as henna art, local specialities are on offer.

The Mudhouse – honeymoon. Well, you certainly don’t have to be on honeymoon to stay at the Mudhouse – just of a romantic disposition will do!

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Either way, we would always recommend a stay at The Mudhouse in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most unique ways to start off an  incredibly special holiday in Sri Lanka. Not only to take in the beautiful and natural landscape of the area, but to be able to stay in Sri Lanka’s only modern Mudhouse. This gorgeous eco retreat lies in the forest near the Paramakanda Rock Temple and is about three and a half hours north of Colombo Airport. The drive is easy and once you enter this remote little area, the feeling of being on a stunning honeymoon or holiday starts! It is the ideal place to start off as this is a truly charismatic place  built in the traditional village methods with thatch, wood and of course most importantly, mud! Although there are only three clusters on the property, they are all unique in design and layout. There is a cluster for a family that is mirror image on each side and incredibly large but even comes with a large dining area and a fabulous tree house for the kids. The second area is nearest to the kitchens and was the first mudhouse to be built. There is also an unique little mudhouse, with an open sided thatched area with a bed if you prefer to sleep outside beneath the stars under a mosquito net and there is a small little dining chalet  only a few metres behind.  The lake starts stretching out in front of you!  Then of course there is the honeymoon cluster, which is my favourite little lodge out of the three. It has the most stunning ‘room’ one can imagine and this is the perfect place to start off your holiday.  The suite is raised on a hard mud platform and it is an open sided thatch chalet.  Although rustic, you still have your own private hot showers and flush loos and of course mosquito nets over the bed. Near the bed there is a lovely old fashioned hanging chair that is incredibly comfy and the perfect spot for reading a book. There is another smaller thatched area where you can enjoy a barbeque and an afternoon siesta. This is an ideal place to enjoy the experience of sleeping in the wilderness with no dangerous animals around. It is completely private and the staff will bring you meals and drinks whenever you wish.

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Run by local Sri Lankans, it is a wonderful place to experience the delicious cuisine, enjoy some fresh produce and offers a broad variety of wonderful activities. The lake is a gorgeous place to visit and so are the local temples. And if you are feeling adventurous, they have bicycles that you can use to visit these areas or to visit the Anawilundawa bird sanctuary or go on a lovely picnic trip! Sounds pretty heavenly to me!

Luxury Holidays Sri Lanka – this really does tend to sound expensive, but this is a country not only with interesting culture, beautiful sandy beaches, good wildlife and a rich birdlife, but it is affordable! There are a variety of things to do in this stunning country, be it going for forest walks in Sinharaja Rain Forest or ride an elephant into the jungle to relaxing on a beautiful beach or even going whale watching in season. You can spend a day out with the tea pickers and learn how they produce the tea which is fantastic, visit the elephant sanctuary of Pinnewela or go on a safari looking for leopards in Yala National Park – whatever your interests, the list for exciting things to do are endless and you can never have a dull moment! Although this is a poor country, tourism is one of the largest incomes and you will find the people so friendly and helpful wherever you go, making you feel very welcome right away!

Luxurious holidays in Sri Lanka

Whilst it is great to do all the sightseeing and learn more about the culture, some time relaxing at either the beginning or end of a holiday is extremely important and the more time you have the better. Sri Lanka offers luxurious lodges that are inexpensive and I found a lot of my preferred places in the country are easy to incorporate in any itinerary keeping the price reasonable. I could mention ten top places that are imprinted in my memory forever, but one of them in particular is simply fascinating. A lot of the west coast beaches can get very crowded, so it is only natural that when I found my favourite place for ultimate relaxation, I did not want to leave! Aditya is situated on the south west coast along a private, white sandy beach and near the historic Galle Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is easy to visit whilst staying at Aditya. Galle has beautiful beaches that tend to be less crowded than those around Bentota and it is an eye-catching site to see the traditional stilted fishermen reel in the catch of the day around sunset. For me Aditya not only has the best stretch of private beach, but the fact that it is not a large hotel with no character; instead it is a stunning intimate lodge with colour and passion injected into the place from the locals. Their rooms are luxurious and come with either your own little garden or a balcony with your own Jacuzzi and views of the Indian Ocean! Either way, the rooms are really beautiful with a lot of space, all modern comforts and even the bathrooms are wonderful. If you are on honeymoon or want some quality time with someone, then this is one of the most chilled out places you can find whilst having friendly staff, great service and heavenly food. This all adds to the great time I’ve had here recently and I already can’t wait for my next visit back!

Luxury Holidays in Sri Lanka from IndianExplorations.com