15 Day Sri Lanka Uncovered & The Maldives

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

On arrival into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Check in and relax after your international flight. As most flights arrive late in the evening, we recommend booking a night prior to your tour commencing to ensure you are well rested.

Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.

After breakfast, your guide will give you a brief introduction before we make the drive along the South Coast. Before departing, we explore the capital of Colombo. Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. 

We will also visit the Colombo National Museum. This charming museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Sri Lankan history. Housed in a stunning neo-Baroque building, which was specifically constructed by William Henry Gregory, Governor of Ceylon, in 1877, the museum boasts a gleaming white façade. As you make your way through the various rooms, you'll encounter exhibits dedicated to each of Sri Lanka's historical kingdoms. Informational display boards provide intriguing insights, such as the meaning behind the mudras (gestures and poses) depicted in Sri Lanka's Buddha statues.

On arrival, we check in to our hotel before we set out on a tour of the Galle Fort and its fortifications (may occur on day 3). This is a city that exudes an essence with a perfect blend of past and present. Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort.

Today is a full day to enjoy the coastal beauty of Sri Lanka's coastline. These areas are renowed for their sandy beaches, palm tree lined points and exude a cool coastal vibe.

We enjoy breakfast at the hotel before making the drive to Yala National Park. 

Here, spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard! The game drive will take place in the late afternoon, returning around sunset, as this is an optimal time for animal viewing.

Note: Yala National Park is closed for routine maintenance in September/October under direction of the local government. The exact dates will not be advised until 1-2 months prior to departure. During this time Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park (Block 5) will be visited and offers equal animal sighting opportunities.

Today we leave for Haputale.

En route, we witness the picturesque waterfall, Rawana Waterfall before checking into our hotel. 

This afternoon we visit Nine Arch Bridge - also called the Bridge in the Sky is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, in consultation with British engineers. It is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase of tourism due to the bridge's architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides.

Enjoy a full day to relax in the hilly surrounds of Haputale. 

In the afternoon, the coach will depart for an afternoon at leisure in Ella, returning in time for dinner in Haputale.

Enjoy a leisurely departure from Haputale, as we travel by train into the region of Nuwara Eliya, arriving into Nanuoya Station.

On arrival we 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.

Note: that 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 is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-air conditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road and the train journey would be conducted on day 8.

Today we leave for Kandy the Hill Capital (1514 – 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the city eventually came to be known as Kandy. Kandy was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilization at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples including the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the well preserved ruins of the royal palaces.

On arrival, we check in to our hotel, allowing you time to explore the town. 

This evening enjoy a typical Sri Lankan Cultural Performance with Kandy Market & Bazaar tour. 

Note: that 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 is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-air conditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road.

After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya, stopping on route to visit Dambulla cave temple. Built in the first century BC, it is recognized to be the largest cave sanctuary in the world with its 2000 m2 of walls and ceilings painted more than 150 Buddha images whose largest engraved in the rock reaches 14 metres high. 

En route to Sigiriya, stop at a local spice garden. Sri Lanka has a very proud history of its spices, which have unique flavours, colours and aromas. During the 1500s, Portuguese, Dutch and British took these local spices to the world and thus, Sri Lanka became famous for such spices as cinnamon, black pepper, clove, cumin, cardamom, turmeric and ginger. These spices are continually used in homes throughout the world today.

Arrive at your Inspiring Stay - the 5-star SigiriyaJungles Resort overlooking an iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

This afternoon, set out on an exclusively private jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant gathering. During the dry season, from June to September, hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank for water. Such a large number of elephants could not be sighted at one place, anywhere else in the world! 

Note: since elephants are migratory animals, we may visit Wasgamuwa National Park on this day instead, pending elephant locations.

Tonight, enjoy a group dinner and celebrate your new friendships.

After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the Sigiriya Rock, one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe. 

Return to the hotel to relax before taking part in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration of Sri Lankan rice and curry preparation (5-6 curries including a specialty crab dish) and enjoy the typical Sri Lankan lunch overlooking the paddy fields. 

This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of the mediaeval capital city of Polonnaruwa. This was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD).

Enjoy a 2nd night in your Inspiring Stay and its surroundings.

Today, depart the beauty of Sigiriya as we make the drive back to Negombo. On arrival, enjoy the afternoon free at leisure to explore the coast and the local activity or simply relax by the pool.

This morning, enjoy a visit to the Fish Market. Negombo is home for the Island’s second largest fish market, as locals call – “Lellama”

At the appropriate time, make your own way to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to board your flight to Male. 

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 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:
- breakfast, lunch & dinner daily - snacks & cakes are available outside main mealtimes
- tea, coffee, iced tea, cordials & water are availalbe from 07.30am to midnight

- whisky, brandy, gin, vodka, rum, draft beer, house wines, soft drinks, selected cocktails & mocktails beverages are served until midnight (no alcoholic beverages for guests under 18 years of age). Additional cost may apply during excursions

- meals and drinks are included until midday on the date of departure

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.

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.

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. Note that there isn’t a fixed schedule for the boat transfers. Your transfer will be coordinated based on your flight times.

If Inspiring Vacations has not provided your international airfares, please ensure you provide your flight details via your Traveller Hub portal no later than 90 days prior to travel so that your transfers can be confirmed.