12 Day Sri Lanka & The Maldives

Welcome to Colombo! Check in and relax after your international flight, ready for a big day of touring tomorrow.

Please note - most flights arrive into Colombo after midnight. To maximise suitable rest time before the tour starts on Day 2, we suggest departing the day before Day 1.
Check-in: Passengers will be arriving at various times throughout the day from as early as 6am through to late evening. If arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary.

Today enjoy a late start, taking time to relax and prepare for an exciting first day of touring. We’ll leave the hotel around 9.30-10am, bound for Sigiriya, or Lion Rock. En route we'll spend the afternoon on a private jeep safari at either Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant 'gathering'. During the dry season – from June to September – hundreds of elephants travel to ancient reservoirs located within the parks for water. Minneriya and Kaudulla are two of the best places in the country to see wild elephants. Outside of the dry season (and depending on the elephant migration patterns) the safari will be conducted in one of the surrounding parks.

This evening, enjoy a pre-dinner nip of arrack (a potent local spirit made from the fermented sap of coconut flowers), or a glass of something else to suit your taste.

This morning we'll climb the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, or Lion Rock – one of the highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka. A dramatic rocky outcrop that rises from the surrounding plains like a mirage, the 200-metre tall rock column is topped by the ruins of a 5th-century citadel. Reaching the top of the rock requires a little leg work, but is well worth the effort. The stunning stone facade has been weathered over many centuries and the panoramic view from the top is awe-inspiring.

On our climb we’ll explore the beautiful water garden, the boulder garden, the colourful frescoes and the so-called 'mirror wall'. Once we pass the lion's paws, hewn from solid rock, it’s a steep climb with plenty of steps and walkways. Those who don't wish to venture to the top can rest at the lion's paws until the rest of the group return.

This evening, enjoy another round of arrack before dinner.

This morning we leave for Kandy. En route, visit the Matale Spice Garden to learn more about Sri Lanka's agricultural heritage. We then continue on to the Sacred City of Kandy, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. The second largest city in the country, and the capital of the central hill regions, Kandy remains a very peaceful place that's centred around a lake. It's home to a famous Buddhist pilgrimage site, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), not to mention well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces.

Spend your afternoon in Kandy exploring or relaxing as you wish.

Late afternoon saunter around the Kandy Lake, the atmosphere alone will intrigue you to spend a few moments here. Visit the Temple of Tooth, with its guardian elephants is a deeply significant Buddhist site that contains a tooth of Buddha collected from his funeral pyre and this draws thousands of pilgrims from across the world.

After breakfast we bid farewell to Kandy and hop on what is widely recognised as one of the world’s most scenic train rides, winding around mist-shrouded hilltops, through vivid green valleys and past waterfalls, on our way to Nuwara Eliya. Apart from taking in the breathtaking scenery of tea country, this is a great opportunity to mingle with locals.

Often referred to as ‘Little England’, Nuwara Eliya, is a genteel highland community with a British country village feel to it thanks to the resident colonial-era bungalows, which come courtesy of its British roots.

Upon arrival to Hill Country, visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, taking you to the moment the young tea leaves are plucked from the plantation to being processed in the factory to make a steamy cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase good quality tea.

Please note: it is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact that Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class carriages are basic, but have air-conditioning. On the rare occasion that the train is fully booked we’ll travel by road instead.

This morning we make our way to Yala/Tissamaharama.

After checking in to your hotel spend your afternoon on a guided game drive spotting the abundant flora and fauna of Yala National Park. As one of the largest national parks in the country Yala is the ideal place to spot the rare Sri Lankan leopard.

Please note that Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. The closure is due to the prevailing dry weather prior to this time and taking into consideration the well-being of the wildlife in the reserve. For departure dates that fall over this period (please refer to dates in Fine Print section under Yala National Park Closure), Yala National park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park.

Although smaller in size to Yala National Park, Udawalawe National Park is considered one of the world's best places to see wild elephants. Largely comprised of grasslands and bush forest, Udawalawe is also one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for game spotting and being far less crowded than Yala, it makes for a more enjoyable experience for travellers and therefore, we believe is a more than suitable alternative.

This morning we leave for Colombo. En route we explore the Galle Fort and its fortifications. Galle is a carefully preserved colonial city, which features an interesting blend of European architecture (Portuguese, Dutch and English) as well as South-Asian traditions. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

As we continue on to Colombo we'll also visit a turtle hatchery. There are only seven species of marine turtles in the world and five of them are found in the warm, clear waters off Sri Lanka’s coast: the hawksbill, loggerhead, green, leatherback and olive ridley.

Welcome to Paradise! A visit to the Maldives is truly a dream come true. This stunning tropical nation lies within the Indian Ocean and is composed of 26 colourful coral atolls composed of hundreds of idyllic islands. The Maldives is world famous for it’s beautiful beaches, sapphire blue lagoons and extensive coral reefs. Upon arrival you will be welcomed and then transferred to your hotel by speed boat. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, taking in the gorgeous tropical landscape.

Your All Inclusive package includes:
Brekfast, lunch & dinner daily. Snacks & cakes are available outside main mealtimes.
Tea, coffee, iced tea, cordials & water, which are availalbe from 07.30am to midnight. 
Whisky, brandy, gin, vodka, rum, draft beer, house wines, soft drinks, selected cocktails & mocktails.
Drinks are served up to midnight. Extra charges apply during excursions. Meals and drinks are included until midday on the date of departure. No alcoholic drinks will be served to guests under the age of 18.

This morning enjoy a delicious breakfast while admiring the surrounding low-lying islands that make up the utopian Maldives. Every atoll here is formed by centuries of coral reef growth, and each is encircled by a shallow lagoon, protected by the surrounding reef systems. The islands here have tropical castaway qualities: tall coconut palms, white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. Today you may enjoy an entire day of leisure, participating in some of the many exciting activities that the islands have to offer.

Our hotel offers some phenomenal snorkeling opportunities, where you can explore the shallow oases at the islands edge. You may also choose to enjoy some exciting optional water sport activities, such as catamaran sailing where you can experience the thrill of riding the winds and speeding through the crystal waters. Canoeing may also appeal to those who seek tranquility while they enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Windsurfing is also an activity available to the more adventurous. There really is no end to the adventures you may seek as you explore the wonderful Maldives - jet-skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving may also be on your list.

Following another delicious breakfast this morning, you may enjoy yet another day of leisure in the dreamy Maldives. Enjoy any number of the incredible activities available to you, and make the most of your fantastic adventure here. Alternatively, relax on the beach and take in the picture-perfect surroundings while dipping your toes in the warm, luscious waters of the Indian Ocean. You will have never known true relaxation until you set foot on this luxurious white sandy beach.

Enjoy your morning today with a scrumptious breakfast while taking in the fresh breeze as you are serenaded by the sound of the waves lapping the beach. Admire the view beyond the horizon of the Indian Ocean and prepare for another day of leisure and exciting optional activities in the Maldives.

Following breakfast this morning we must leave our island paradise as we check-out from out hotel and proceed to the airport via speed boat.  We hope your tour has ended with sweet and happy memories of worlds beyond your wildest dreams.

Check out: Passengers will be departing at various times throughout the day. Standard hotel check-out times will apply no matter what time your flight is scheduled to depart. Check-out time is generally anywhere from 10am-12pm. You are welcome to leave your luggage at hotel reception and spend your final moments of free time exploring the area or, alternatively, please speak with hotel staff if you would like to extend your check-out time. Please note this service is subject to availability and will likely come at an additional cost. Your tour guide (or hotel staff) will confirm the time of your airport transfer with you directly.