Punjab News Express
MUMBAI: Every couple looks forward to their honeymoon. A brief getaway from the hustle and bustle of their daily lives, honeymoon gives couples the much needed and rare privacy. During these private moments, the intimate bond between them grows further. Considering the fact that it’s the first vacation of their married life, couples have high expectations from it. While the entire world is at their disposal to choose from, Sri Lanka and Maldives have constantly aced expectations from a dream honeymoon destination.
Sri Lanka:
Relaxing at the beach – With the enticingly clear waters of the Indian Ocean hitting its shores, Sri Lanka hits the bull’s eye with its beautiful relaxing beaches.
If you are in the mood for an underwater adventure, the shores of south-western Sri Lanka are ideal for snorkeling and diving amongst beautiful coral reefs. And if you seek seclusion, the pristine beaches, in the Deep South and East of Sri Lanka, are the perfect choice.
Energetic natural ecosystem - Lying within the Indomalaya ecozone, Sri Lanka has the highest biodiversity density in Asia. Catch a jeep safari to spot the elusive Sri Lankan leopard, experience the expansive central plains aboard a hot-air balloon or go on a trekking tour through the tropical jungle, and sum up your nature trail sipping the famous Sri Lankan tea amidst cool tea gardens. Let the incomparable natural beauty of the island nation treat your senses.
Rich historical legacy – Sri Lanka boasts of a long and glorious past, comprising of multiple cultures. Famous for the Sri Pada (footprint like rock formation sacred to many religions), consider a visit to Adam’s Peak that boasts of names like Alexander the Great, Marco Polo, Ibn Battua among past visitors. While a boat tour through the Lankan coast will lead you to old ship wrecks, a meeting with the aboriginals “Veddhas” will expose you a lifestyle that has remained untouched for more than a millennia. Definitely an experience that you will remember for a lifetime.
Soak in the vibrant culture – Sri Lankan culture is often reflected by the use of art, architecture, sculptures, and even food. It can be seen at all its glory during its numerous colourful festivals. Harbouring a strong Indian and European influence, life in Sri Lanka is very simple and filled with humility and happiness.
Maldives:
Get active with water sports - Go diving at Ari Atoll and Tewa Stross with your loved one amidst numerous coral reefs and crystal-clear waters. You can also choose to go snorkeling and witness marine life at its magnificent best.
View from the sky – Fall in love with the view from the sky aboard seaplanes. Ideal for sightseeing, fly in these to get a panoramic view of Maldives’s shallow lagoons, fishing villages, schools of dolphins, manta and sting rays in the crystal clear waters.
Romance underwater – Grab the opportunity to a novel experience by heading to the Ithaa underwater aquarium restaurant and the Maldives Rangali Islands resort. Have fishes and other marine life for company can heighten any romantic date with your beloved. And if you are of the adventure kind, explore the depths of the ocean in an amazing submarine ride. This underwater adventure will show you everything from shipwrecks to sharks.
Floating luxury of safari boats - Safari boats are considered as the “floating luxury” in Maldives. A honeymoon in Maldives is incomplete without a ride in the floating wonder of luxury. Aboard the safari boats, you along with your partner, will explore little deserted islands and bask in its beauty hand in hand. The experience of dining under the stars while waves splash at the hull is enthralling and surreal.
“Maldives & Sri Lanka are two of our favourite holiday destinations, regardless of the season, ” says Viren Batra, co-founder of Nirvana Excursions.
“We have an excellent network within the country, that ensures that our travellers get the best deals, whether it’s for a five-star resort or any of the numerous activities and adventures available. We’ve also personally travelled to these countries innumerable times and hence, can recommend the best places to stay and the most ideal things to do during off-season.”