Wonderful islands world: Sri Lanka & Maldives

Airport - Negombo

Tag 1: Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Ayubowan! - Hello! You will be greeted by your driver before making the journey towards Negombo which lies close to the airport. 

Negombo is a traditional fishing town in Sri Lanka and its economy is based on tourism and its centuries-old fishing industry. When walking along the coastal road of Negombo - where most of the hotels are located - you will find an abundance of restaurants serving up some delicious and, most importantly, fresh seafood. 

Rest easy tonight in the comfort of your hotel room and relax before you embark on your tour in the morning.

Negombo - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya

Tag 2: Explore the Ruins of Polonnaruwa

Today you will head to Polonnaruwa, one of Sri Lanka's medieval capitals, established as the first city of the land in the 11th Century. It replaced Anuradhapura, which was plundered, made desolate, and laid hopelessly bare to the invading armies from South India. In its heyday, the 6km of city walls housed hundreds of people. 

You will get to visit the ruins of this ancient city where you will see the remains of the palace, swimming pools, and various dagobas. The highlight of the ruins is the Gal Vihara Rock Sculptures and the three giant stone sculptures of the Buddha that were carved in granite by an unknown sculptor in the 12th century. 

Then it's off to Sigiriya Rock, a 370-meter granite rock with a magnificent palace built around 475 AD by King Kashyapa. It is a wonder of ancient engineering, art, and culture.

Sigiriya - Minneriya - Sigiriya

Tag 3: Keep An Eye Out for Elephant at Minneriya

Today you'll be heading to Minneriya National Park. The central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank which, during the dry season, is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze on the grasses as well as the huge flocks of birds that come to fish in the shallow waters.

A Hindu temple stands on the dam, in which King Mahasena, who created this reservoir, is worshiped as a god of protection and fertility. During the dry season, various elephant family groups form a single herd of up to 200 animals, the world's largest herd of Asian elephants.

Sigiriya - Dambulla - Sigiriya

Tag 4: Find Enlightenment in Dambulla

Today, discover the Dambulla Cave Temples. Spread over an area of 2100 square meters, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka contain statues and paintings depicting the life of the Buddha and other deities.

Dambulla’s famed rock cave temple is an icon of Sri Lanka and the "Golden Temple of Dambulla" has been UNESCO World Heritage-listed since 1991. Get to know the history of the country, this region, and its people to see how it has been shaped from then to now. Enjoy the serenity of this holy place.

Sigiriya - Kandy

Tag 5: Explore the Energetic Pulse of Kandy

Rich in culture and tradition, Kandy is in the central highlands and home to the Temple of the Tooth, a World Heritage Site and revered by Buddhists all over the world. Kandy has an urban buzz, surrounded by beautiful hills and countryside, with refreshing lush greenery. The town center has a picturesque lake setting, with delightful stalls and a buzzing street market. 

Deep in the dense hills in the heart of the island, Kandy was the last kingdom to the fall to the reign of the British. Despite now being the island’s second-largest city, Kandy retains a surprisingly small-town feel. The Kandy Lake sits at the core of the town with the life in Kandy moving around it. Today is all about immersing yourself into the city surrounded by beautiful hills and countryside.

Kandy - Knuckles - Kandy

Tag 6: Delve into Buddhism in Kandy

At the so-called "Kandy Loop" you will learn all about Buddhism today. Be impressed by the three most famous temples as you delve deeper into the teachings of Buddhism.

The setting for the day is the Knuckles Range, a highland in the midst of an impressive mountain panorama whose peaks look like knuckles, hence the name. Here you can enjoy the wonderful diversity of nature between rice terraces, tea plantations, and primeval forest.

The evening is free for you to explore at your own pace and leisure. Stroll through the streets and get to know the warmhearted residents of Kandy.

Kandy - Ramboda - Nuwara Eliya

Tag 7: Tranquility Amongst the Trees

The journey continues! This morning, you will drive from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya with a stop at the magnificent Ramboda waterfalls along the way. It is one of the most beautiful drives in the world where you can enjoy amazing views all along the way. Enjoy the serenity and the view, lap in the stillness of lush green grasslands and forests.

Your driver will then take you to Nuwara Eliya where you will visit the hills teeming with emerald-green tea plantations, where you can try plucking tea leaves. Learn the storied traditions of the process and indulge in some of the finest brews in the world. 

Nuwara Eliya - Ella

Tag 8: Old World Beauty in Nuwara Eliya

If you wish, you can go on a hike in the Horton Plains in the early morning. This hilly plateau, at an altitude of 2,100 to 2,300 meters, is called a "biodiversity hotspot" because of its rich biodiversity. It has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2010.

You'll then have the opportunity to discover the most beautiful train route in the country. Enjoy the views of breathtaking mountain slopes, deep cavernous gorges, and gaze at luscious, green tea plantations.

Your driver will pick you up at the train station and drive you to your hotel.

Ella

Tag 9: A View from New Heights in Ella

From Ella, it's off to the viewing platform of Little Adam's Peak today. Trees planted with tea bushes and traditional villages await the hiker along the path to Little Adam's Peak, which the locals refer to as Punchi Sri Pada.

From the top, you have a magnificent view of the gorge of Ella, the original mountain landscape and all the way to the Indian Ocean. The view is amazing and worth the climb. 

If there's time, why not visit the famous 9 Arches Bridge, built in the 1920s, made entirely of rock and cement. The viaduct resting on 9 arches is intended for the traffic of the trains. Only 3 trains a day pass there, so you might be lucky enough to see one, and capture this unique moment. 

Ella - Colombo

Tag 10: The Bustling Cosmopolitan Colombo

This morning, your driver will take you to Colombo. Take a peek into a handful of the city’s sacred spaces, as you stroll through Kochichikade into the sights and sounds of Pettah’s lively streets. 

Start at the floating Gangarama Buddhist temple on Beira Lake before traveling by tuk-tuk to Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar Kovil, an intricately carved granite Hindu temple, before following a chain of flower garland kades (shops) into the cacophony of Pettah life and the smell of Indian short eats sold from local stalls. 

Pass by the old town hall, an eye-catching neogothic building and Kayman’s Gate, a more inconspicuous Dutch bell tower, before finishing your walk outside Jami Ul-Afar Mosque whose exterior resembles a pomegranate. 

Colombo - Airport - Maldives

Tag 11: Welcome to Paradise!

Today you say goodbye to the magical island of Sri Lanka and fly on to the Maldives. As you continue your journey, review the cultural highlights of your trip and prepare for relaxing days on the paradisiacal beaches of the Maldives Islands.

Stunning white-sand beaches are just the surface to unrivaled luxury and an amazing underwater world waiting to be discovered and experienced. This country made up of 1,190 islands is a place where the weather is that of dreams, the basking sun waiting to envelop you in its arms. The hospitality of Maldivians is world-renowned so don't be surprised by the friendliness and enthusiasm shown toward you!

Maldives

Tag 12: Rest and Relaxation in the Maldives

Island life - if only every day could be this serene. Spend the day at your own pace and leisure and unwind by the calming coast of the Indian Ocean. Enjoy the day exploring these beautiful islands. 

Its turquoise waters and palm-lined beaches are inviting you to indulge. The coast is dotted with tiny coves waiting to be explored. Some places you could spend the entire day without seeing another person. 

At sunset, raise a glass to the unforgettable natural beauty of the area.

Maldives

Tag 13: Not A Worry in the World

The Maldives is great for sunbathing as well as water activities like swimming and snorkeling. If you are more of a fan of unwinding, then pull up a sunbed and recline as you bask beneath the warm Maldivian sun. With its soft, impeccably white sand and warm, turquoise-hued water, this area is simply heaven on earth. No matter the decision, be comforted by the fact that there's enough time to do everything.

Lounge by one of the many island pools, indulge in gastronomic wonders, browse local boutiques, or enjoy a spa or massage treatment.

Maldives

Tag 14: Dive Beneath the Surface

Besides relaxing on the beach and enjoying the sun, there is a lot more to do if you are feeling a bit more active.

Teeming with coral and fish every color of the rainbow, jump into the crystal-clear waters and learn to scuba dive or snorkel. Keep an eye out for friendly turtles, majestic manta rays and even the world's largest fish - the whale shark - three of only thousands of aquatic creatures waiting to say hello.

Maldives

Tag 15: Say Farewell to the Maldives!

All good things must come to an end, but we hope you have enjoyed your time exploring the very best that this spot on the edge of the Indian Ocean has to offer. The rich history, its natural beauty, and the people that make Sri Lanka and the Maldives what they are.

At an arranged time you will be transferred from your hotel to the airport for your international flight back home. 

We hope you have had a memorable trip and wish you pleasant onward travels!