If you’re planning to propose on your holiday, why not pick Sri Lanka as your dream destination? Sri Lanka is known as the Land of Gems, so you’ll certainly have plenty of choice when it comes to the perfect engagement ring. And when the time comes to go down on bended knee, here are the top 5 places to get you a resounding ‘yes!’
Sigiriya – the Lion Rock
View from the top of Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
This spectacular ancient rock fortress in Sri Lanka’s northern Matale District is one of the island’s six UNESCO world heritages sites. If you’re up for the steep climb of 1200 steps, you’ll see 1600 year old bathing sites, wall paintings and carvings, including one of a lion near the top that gives Sigiriya its name. Those who don’t want to share their special moment with the crowds should go early in the morning or head up there for sunset. And, if you can’t quite manage the long climb up to the top, why not see it by helicopter? A 1-hour tour should give you enough time to pop the question!
Propose on Mirissa Beach
Mirissa is one of Sri Lanka’s most romantic beaches and this palm-fringed paradise makes the perfect backdrop to your proposal. Make it legendary with a spot of whale and dolphin watching over a cocktail or experience the colourful corals with a scuba dive lesson.
Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)
Adam’s Peak is so named because Sri Lanka is thought by some to be the location of the original Garden of Eden. What I love about this legend is that Sri Lanka’s vast number of gems are said to be the solidified tears of Adam and Eve after their expulsion from paradise.
Its Sri Lankan name, Sri Pada, means ‘sacred footprint’ and refers to the belief that Buddha left a footprint in the rock when he visited it in 500BC. For Hindus, the mark in the rock was left by Shiva.
It’s a longer hike than Sirigiya at 5000 steps, but totally worth it. Go before pilgrimage season and take a head torch if you’re planning to get to the top for sunrise.
Kandy to Ella train
The famous nine Arches Bridge
It’s a five-hour trip, but it’s said to be one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. Winding through lush, green forests and across jaw-dropping mountains, you’ll see villages, farms, tea-plantations and spectacular arched bridges along the way. With breath-taking views from both sides of the train, you won’t need to worry about where to sit when you propose.
Propose in Yala National Park
If your intended is an animal lover, what better place to propose in Sri Lanka than Yala National Park. Take a safari ride to experience the park’s 44 mammal and 215 bird species or visit Magul Maha Viharaya, an ancient Buddhist temple said to have been built by King Kavantissa on the site of his marriage to princess Viharamahadevi.
Wherever you decide to go down on bended knee, make sure you take a copy of my book Buying Gemstones and Jewellery in Sri Lanka along when you buy the ring!
Kim Rix
Be sure. Be smart. Buy with confidence.
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