Sri Lanka & the Maldives natural adventure

Katunayake Airport - Negombo

Day 1: Welcome to Sri Lanka

You’ll be greeted at the airport and driven to your hotel in the nearby coastal city of Negombo on the mouth of a lagoon.

Settle into your hotel and enjoy your first taste of Sri Lanka. An optional city tour can be added this evening if you’d like a guide to show you around.

Negombo - Dambulla

Day 2: Tropical farm visit & Pidurangala Cave Temple

After breakfast, you’ll transfer to Dambulla to visit a tropical eco farm and enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan cooking demonstration using fresh ingredients from the farm.

You’ll enjoy lunch before continuing on to your hotel for check-in.

In the evening, visit the Pidurangala Cave Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple built within a huge imposing rock in the midst of a verdant green landscape, not far from the famous Sigiriya rock fortress.  

Meals: Full board

Dambulla - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya

Day 3: Ancient city cycle & elephant safari

After breakfast, we’ll head to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa for a leisurely cycle ride. You’ll be exploring this atmospheric complex by bike and finding out all about its interesting history.

In the evening we’ll take an exciting 4WD jeep safari at either Minneriya/Kaudulla or Hurulu Eco Park where we’ll get to see herds of elephants in their natural habitat.

Meals: Half Board

Polonnaruwa - Mahiyangana

Day 4: Journey to Mahiyangana

After breakfast, we’ll set out on our journey to the central town of Mahiyangana surrounded by beautiful mountains and forest. Upon arrival you’ll check in to your hotel and settle in, perhaps taking a stroll around the town and breathing the fresh mountain air.

In the evening we’ll visit the beautiful Sorabora Wewa Lake for a sundowner amidst breathtaking scenery.

Meals: Half Board

Mahiyangana - Sorabora Wewa

Day 5: Waterfall hike & village visit

Today we’ll wake up early to begin our full-day hiking tour to Rathna Ella Waterfall.

We’ll start the day back at Sorabora Wewa Lake where you’ll enjoy a traditional cooking demonstration and a hearty breakfast before setting off.

You will be walking through spectacular natural scenery to reach the impressive Rathna Ella Waterfall cascading through the forest. The waterfall is 111 metres high and it’s possible to take a swim in the river pool below.

In the evening we’ll visit an indigenous Veddha village to learn about their way of life.

Meals: Half Board

Mahiyangana - Kandy

Day 6: Journey to Kandy

Today we leave Mahiyangana and make our way to Kandy. It’s a scenic 2-3 hour drive winding its way through mountain landscapes and bright emerald tea plantations.

Kandy is an attractive city built around a wide lake and surrounded by mountains. After settling in at your hotel we’ll take a sightseeing tour around the city and enjoy street food snacks on the lakeside.

In the evening visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy.

Meals: Half Board

Kandy - Knuckles Mountain Range - Venture Camps

Day 7: Into the Knuckles Mountains

After breakfast today you’ll be heading out into the beautiful Sri Lankan countryside to the dramatic Knuckles Mountain Range.

You’ll check in at your rustic mountain lodge and prepare for some adventuring.

In the afternoon we’ll take a two-hour trek to the pretty Knuckles Waterfall and get a taste for the area.

Meals: Full Board

Knuckles Mountain Range - Venture Camps

Day 8: Trekking in the Knuckles Mountain Range

After breakfast, we’ll set off on a full day of trekking in the stunning Knuckles Mountain Range.

Your guide will tell you all about the local area and point out the different flora and fauna as you go. You’ll enjoy a picnic lunch along the way and return to base late afternoon for a well-earned BBQ dinner.

Meals: Full Board

Venture Camps - Nuwara Eliya - Ella

Day 9: Train ride into the highlands

After breakfast, we’ll head for the train station at Nanu Oya and board the train to the little town of Ella in the Sri Lankan Highlands. The train journey takes around four hours and is a spectacular route winding its way through idyllic landscapes of vibrantly green hills and rushing waterfalls.

Ella lies 1,041 meters above sea level and is surrounded by Sri Lanka’s lovely hill country, rich in bio-diversity and fresh air.

Meals: Half Board

Ella - Kataragama - Yala National Park

Day 10: Yala National Park

Today we will make the journey to the Yala National Park, Sri Lanka's most famous wildlife park.

On the way, we’ll stop off at Buduruwagala Temple to tour the grounds before continuing to check in at your accommodation.

In the evening we’ll head to the park for a jeep safari where we should enjoy plenty of enthralling animal sightings, including elephants and big cats.

Meals: Half Board

Yala National Park

Day 11: Situlpauwa Temple & safari

Today we’ll make an early morning visit to the incredible Situlpauwa – an ancient Buddhist monastery and temple complex inside the Yala National Park. It is a fascinating and atmospheric site with much to discover.

Later we’ll continue exploring the park spotting more of its animals and birds as we go. There are 44 different mammals that call the park home as well as several hundred bird species.

Meals: Half Board

Kataragama - Galle

Day 12: Journey to coastal Galle

We’ll enjoy one last early morning visit to the Yala National Park, so have your camera ready for any last sightings. We’ll say a final farewell to the wildlife before beginning our journey to the coastal city of Galle.

Along the way, we’ll pay a visit to the peaceful pagoda of Rumassala. Then it’s on to Galle where you’ll check in to your hotel before taking a walking tour of Galle and its famous Dutch fort.

Meals: Half Board

Galle - Katunayake Airport - Male

Day 13: Flight to the Maldives

Today you say goodbye to the magical island of Sri Lanka and fly on to the Maldives.

Departure will be from Katunayake Airport and you’ll be welcomed at Maldive’s Male Airport. From there you’ll be accompanied to a domestic airport for a short flight to Hanimadhoo Island.

Upon arrival check in at your blissful island escape – the Barefoot Eco Hotel, set amidst untouched forest and perfect white sand beaches.

Meals: Breakfast

Hanimaadhoo - The Barefoot Eco Hotel

Day 14: Beach day & sunset dolphin cruise

After a full day of travelling yesterday, enjoy a relaxed morning, perhaps joining the daily 8.15 am yoga class if you feel like it.

Today is left free for you to relax at the beach, swim and enjoy the tranquillity of the island.

In the evening, we’ll take a sunset dolphin-watching cruise.

Meals: Breakfast

The Barefoot Eco Hotel

Day 15: Yoga, snorkelling & sundowners

This morning after yoga, how about joining a guided snorkelling excursion?

Our in-house marine biologist will escort you to the house reef by dhoni where you’ll see manta rays, dolphins, turtles, corals and multitudes of colourful fish in several reefs around the atoll. This activity is available three times a week.

In the evening we invite you to visit the Floating Bar in the hotel lagoon for a sundowner cocktail with magnificent views.

Meals: Breakfast

The Barefoot Eco Hotel

Day 16: Sea kayak & spa

Today you might like to enjoy a day of sea kayaking, perfect for exploring the crystal clear lagoon and marine life around the island.

Later, how about booking into the spa for a pampering treatment? There is a range of Ayurvedic, classic massage and beauty treatments available at an extra cost.

Meals: Breakfast

The Barefoot Eco Hotel

Day 17: Last day at the Barefoot Eco Hotel

Today is your last day in this island paradise, so how about getting up early for morning yoga?

The day is left free for you to enjoy the beach, go snorkelling or perhaps experience a traditional Maldivian cooking show and tasting (available twice a week).

Settle in for one last island dinner and a good night’s sleep before moving on tomorrow.

Meals: Breakfast

Hanimaadhoo Airport - Male

Day 18: Journey to Male & city tour

Enjoy your last breakfast at the beach before setting off for the journey back to Male.

After checking in at your hotel in the city we’ll head out for a guided tour of its main sights. We’ll visit Hukuru Miskiiy, the oldest mosque on the Island established in 1656. Admire its intricate wood carvings and coral decoration. Depending on time we can also visit the National Museum and the National Art Gallery.

The next stop will be the local market where you might find some souvenirs to take back home.

Meals: Breakfast

Male City - Velena International Airpot

Day 19: Airport transfer home

Transfer to the airport for your flight home.

Meals: Breakfast