The wonders of Sri Lanka & the Maldives

Colombo

Day 1: Welcome to Colombo

Arrive into Sri Lanka, touching down at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport, where a representative will welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation. After some time to rest, and depending on your flight schedule, you could head out on a city tour to explore Sri Lanka's capital and find your bearings. Overnight in Colombo.

Colombo - Galle

Day 2: Travel back in time in Galle

Today you'll transfer from Colombo to Galle, which displays a strong Portuguese and Dutch colonial heritage through its striking architectural features. Take time to soak up the old town's attractions, wandering at a leisurely pace down cobblestone streets.

If you're looking for something different to break up the day, opt to visit the Sea Turtle Hatchery in nearby Habaraduwa, to marvel at their conservation efforts.

Return to Galle afterwards to catch the sunset as it illuminates the iconic lighthouse on the water's edge - a striking sight to behold. You'll then spend a unique overnight stay inside the Dutch Galle Fort, perfect for getting a real taste of the local history.

Galle

Day 3: Take a deep-dive into the sights of Galle

Spend another day sinking your teeth into the many wonders of Galle: start with a tour of the Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site - if you're feeling active, you could even rent a bicycle to explore on two wheels! Then, wander through the Dutch Reformed Church and other colonial buildings, and end with a leisurely afternoon of shopping and café-hopping within the fort. Overnight in Galle.

Galle - Udawalawe National Park - Yala National Park

Day 4: Journey to Yala via Udawalawe

From its grasslands to its lagoons, Sri Lanka's Yala National Park holds endless natural treasures. Transfer from Galle to Yala today, for a chance to explore its rich biodiversity and observe some of the wildlife that roam its grounds.

On the way there, you'll make a stop at Udawalawe National Park for a half-day safari. Take your time to spot wild elephants, buffalos, and many species of birds, plants and reptiles.

Yala National Park - Ella

Day 5: Mesmerizing safaris & sunsets

Early in the morning, embark on a safari through Yala National Park, looking out for fascinating wildlife such as leopards, elephants, and various bird species flitting past. Other creatures you may encounter include sloth bears, sambar deer, water buffalo, crocodiles, and wild boar - nature lovers will be in for an amazing time!

Afterwards, pack your bags and transfer on to Ella, known for its stunning biodiversity, mountain forests, and sprawling tea estates. There you'll enjoy a hike to Little Adam’s Peak for a beautiful view of the sunset, capping off the day on a high note. Overnight in Ella.

Ella

Day 6: Trekking & tea estates in Ella

Today, you'll get to choose from a selection of optional activities, tailored to your fitness levels and interests.

You could choose to pay a morning visit to the Amba Tea Estate, a small organic farm that specializes in the small-scale production of hand-rolled tea. Tour the estate, visit the tea factory, learn about artisanal tea-making, and savor a delicious tea tasting.

Alternatively, take a day trip to the nearby town of Haputale for a guided trek to Bandarawela, exploring remote tea plantations and visiting a tea-plugger village as part of your itinerary.

Ella - Kandy

Day 7: Take a scenic train to Kandy

Say goodbye to Ella as you take a scenic train to your next port of call, Kandy. You'll barely feel the six- to seven-hour journey go by; you'll be forever gazing out your window, upon rolling landscapes as you traverse the lush hill country.

Upon arrival into Kandy, transfer and check into your accommodation, ahead of an evening visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic - a must-visit landmark and significant Sri Lankan Buddhist site, located in the Royal Palace Complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy.

Kandy - Dambulla - Sigiriya

Day 8: Visit two of Sri Lanka's ancient gems

Wake up to a truly unforgettable program, filled with some of the most iconic sites on your Sri Lankan adventure. In the morning, you'll transfer to Dambulla to visit the Golden Cave Temple, a sacred pilgrimage site brimming with architectural and spiritual wonder.

Continue your journey to Sigiriya next, for an afternoon climb to the top of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This climb isn't for the faint-hearted, yet you'll be rewarded with stellar panoramas of the surrounding landscape. Continue on to explore the site's ancient ruins and frescoes, before heading to your accommodation in Sigiriya for an overnight stay.

Sigiriya - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya

Day 9: Ruins and wild trails

Head out of Sigiriya for another journey back in time: transfer to Polonnaruwa to explore the Ancient City, including the Royal Palace, across a sprawling archaeological complex filled with temples, tombs, stupas and statues.

Return to Sigiriya in the late afternoon and relax at your accommodation. If you have energy left to burn, opt to set out on an afternoon safari through Minneriya National Park, where you could spot herds of elephants alongside leopards, spotted deer, Indian pangolins, and much more. Overnight in Sigiriya.

Sigiriya - Negombo - Colombo

Day 10: Journey to Negombo

Today, depart Sigiriya and transfer to Negombo, a city north of the capital on Sri Lanka's west coast. There you'll enjoy a city tour and journey by boat through Dutch channels, diving into the day-to-day lives of the fishermen who call this place home. Learn about Negombo's colonial past and tour the bustling local fish market, where you can also find local fruits and vegetables being sold. Overnight in Negombo.

Colombo - Male - South Male Atoll

Day 11: Your Maldives island adventure begins!

This morning, transfer from Negombo to the international airport in Colombo, where you'll board a flight to Malé, in the Maldives. Welcome to a world of unspoilt beauty, beautiful beaches, and island magic!

Transfer from the airport to your accommodation in the South Malé Atoll, where you could spend the evening snoozing on the beach or cooling off by the pool. The time is yours to enjoy exactly as you wish, doing all or nothing as you relax into a state of pure bliss.

South Male Atoll

Day 12: A day of island thrills in the Maldives

Today, you've the chance to join a handful of optional activities to help you make the most of your time in the Maldives, and get acquainted with local island living.

In the morning, you could enjoy a snorkeling or diving excursion: marvel at vibrant coral reefs and a rich marine life that hide away beneath the water's surface, across dive spots like Cocoa Thila or Kandooma Thila - both popular for their stunning underwater landscapes and diverse aquatic species.

You could also opt to visit a local island, to experience authentic Maldivian culture by interacting with the locals, getting to know traditional handicrafts, and tasting flavorful cuisine.

South Male Atoll

Day 13: One last full day in the Maldives

On your final full day of Maldivian heaven, plan a list of your favorite activities to make the most of your time. You could try your hand at water sports activities such as jetskiing, windsurfing, or paddleboarding - you might spot some manta rays while out in the water, alongside other memorable marine creatures!

Alternatively, treat yourself to a spa session or two, soaking up the benefits of traditional local treatments and ingredients. Relax and rejuvenate to your heart's content, with help from a massage or a wellness ritual.

South Male Atoll - Male

Day 14: Time to say goodbye

Enjoy your final morning at leisure in the Maldives, taking a last swim in the ocean or relaxing just a little longer on the beach. At a suitable time, head back to Malé for your international flight back home - you might have a spare moment to do some last-minute shopping or sightseeing in the capital, if you wish.