Sri Lanka & Maldives 13 Days / 12 Nights
This well-paced itinerary combines Sri Lanka’s highlights: culture, scenic beauty and wildlife experiences, with downtime on an idyllic Maldivian island.
The first eight days of your holiday is spent journeying through Sri Lanka. You will discover the historical, colonial town of Galle; enjoy wildlife spotting in Yala National Park; travel into the cool climate of the Tea Country and explore the sacred city of Kandy. It’s then time to relax and reflect on your experiences with 4 nights on a tropical Maldivian island, just a short flight away.
Highlights
- Spot leopards at Yala NP – home to the world’s densest leopard population.
- Wind your way through Sri Lanka’s countryside aboard a local train.
- Sample the freshest tea you're likely to have tried at a tea factory
- Stroll Galle’s historic walls above bustling streets and the Indian Ocean
- Play at being Robinson Crusoe in the truly idyllic Maldives archipelago.
Galle, Yala National Park, Ella, Tea Country, Kandy, Negombo, Maldives
Sample Itinerary
On arrival in Sri Lanka, you'll be met by your private guide, who will accompany you to your hotel in Galle.
After a morning at leisure, head out with your guide to explore the Old Town of Galle and the impressive fortifications at Galle Fort, where a warren of narrow streets are surrounded by ramparts that overlook the ocean. Stroll around the old walls as your guide points out places of interest, and see how the area has transformed over the centuries to now include boutique shops, art galleries and cafes that sit alongside, and within, the historic buildings. Continue exploring independently,and ask your guide to recommend a restaurant where you can enjoy dinner amid the Galle evening hum.
After breakfast depart the hills to the more arid lands of the south east and, in particular, Yala National Park. Having checked in to your lodge there will be time to freshen up before joining your guide & tracker for a dusk safari through the park.
Rise early for a dawn drive through Yala National Park searching for wildlife as the park's inhabitants noisily greet the new day. Enjoy a sumptuous breakfast before departing for the hills. Having checked into your hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure to explore Ella. Although there is a steadily growing handful of shops and guesthouses, and more opening frequently, it remains a close-knit, laid back place with perfect views through Ella Gap: a picturesque valley that cuts through the hills and far into the distance.
Make a morning stop at Lipton's Seat, one of the highest look-out points in Sri Lanka, before transferring to Ella train station for a scenic train ride through tea country. From the comfort of your carriage, you’ll see mile after mile of tea fields rush past, dotted with waterfalls and valleys before arriving at Hatton train station. Having met your guide and transferring to your hotel, the remainder of your day is at leisure. Sitting 1,271 metres above sea level, deep in the heart of Tea Country, Hatton is surrounded by vast tea-plantations and forest-clad hills. Aside from its scenic setting, it's an ideal base from which to explore Adam’s Peak, Sri Lanka's most sacred mountain.
Meet your guide for a tour of a nearby tea factory to learn about the history and modern-day production methods of the region's most valuable commodity. Return to your hotel where there will be time to relax in the cool shade, drinking as much of the region’s world-class tea as you can!
Morning departure for the sacred city of Kandy. In the late afternoon, visit Kandy's most famous site - the Temple of the Tooth Relic - where Buddhists believe a tooth of the Lord Buddha is enshrined. Wait with bated breath as the golden casket, which Buddhists believe holds a tooth of Lord Buddha, is revealed to a frenzy of prayers.
After a leisurely breakfast depart for Negombo on the west coast, perfectly located just 30 minutes drive from the airport. Having checked into your hotel the remainder of your day will be at leisure to relax
Transfer to Colombo Airport in time for your onward flight to the Maldives. Upon arrival you will be met by our local representative who will guide you to either the seaplane or speedboat port, depending on your chosen island resort, for your onward transfer. Having checked into your resort the remainder of your day is at leisure to settle into the lap of luxury!
While away your days sunbathing and snorkelling, punctuated by leisurely lunches and happy hour cocktails at sunset.
Transfer from your resort by either seaplane or speedboat (depending on your resort) to Male International Airport in time for your onward flight.
Booking Policy
English speaking, local guide
All accommodation listed
Land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
Any domestic flights listed (unless marked otherwise)
All admission fees at attractions, temples and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
All meals listed
Entry visas
International airport departure taxes
Any meals not listed in the itinerary
Drinks, other than water on activity days
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
Travel insurance
All other services not listed in 'inclusive'
Please note: During high season periods (such as Christmas and New Year) hotels often levy a surcharge and these are not included in the above prices. Your consultant will be happy to advise you of these.