Sri Lanka and Maldives Tour

Cultural Triangle and Islands Escape

Arrival in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, we will meet our representative at the airport and take a short drive to the hotel in Negombo—the heart of Sri Lanka’s fishing community.
Dinner and overnight in Negombo.

After breakfast, we will visit the local fish market, a wholesale market where you can find sharks, catfish, seafood, and a variety of different fish.

Next, we will drive for about two hours to visit the heartwarming site of the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala. The endangered status of the Asian elephant prompted the Sri Lankan government to establish an orphanage aimed at conserving the species and helping them return to their natural habitat. At the beginning of the 19th century, about thirty thousand elephants lived on the island, but nearly all were extinct within a century. Today, the wild elephant population in Sri Lanka numbers around 3,000 individuals. We will tour the orphanage and observe the herd of elephants enjoying their daily bath in the nearby river.

Afterward, we will drive for another two hours to Dambulla, famous for its many caves that serve as tranquil meditation spots for local monks. This central region of the island is sometimes referred to as the “Cultural Triangle,” home to ancient cities and fascinating temples.

Upon arrival, we will visit the Cave Temple. Five caves connect to form the Golden Temple of Dambulla, which has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Cave Temple consists of five caves and shrines. Inside the caves, you can find numerous statues and wall paintings. The Hindu statues date back to the 12th century, while the most recent wall paintings are from the 18th century. The colorful walls are adorned with vibrant paintings and figures.

Finally, we will take a short drive to Habarana and transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Habarana.

After breakfast, we will drive for about an hour and a half to visit Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to the 13th centuries. The site features remnants of the city’s glorious past. Undoubtedly, the most impressive site is the “Gal Vihara,” which is almost perfectly preserved, featuring four gigantic rock-carved Buddha figures and two seated Buddha statues. Another Buddha statue stands with its hands clasped on its chest, while the third figure lies on its side.
Upon arrival, we will take a tour of Polonnaruwa and its surroundings.

After that, we will return to Habarana and embark on a walking tour in the area, which includes a short boat ride and a visit to a local village.

In the afternoon, we will head to Minneriya National Park, where its marshy areas attract many animals, including elephants, waterfowl, amphibians, and colorful butterflies. Upon arrival, we will go on a jeep safari in the park.

Afterward, we will drive back to Habarana and transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Habarana.

After breakfast, we will head to the impressive Sigiriya, a fortress and gardens situated atop a rock cliff 200 meters high. This palace and garden complex is located on a striking rock, rising 200 meters above the ground. About 1,200 steps lead to the summit, and the site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The lavish complex was built in the 5th century and served as the home of King Kasyapa. The site features gardens, pools, fountains, water gardens, wall paintings, and of course, breathtaking views.

Depending on your fitness level, you can climb to the fortress (about 1 to 2 hours). Please note that this involves climbing 1,200 steps. Alternatively, you can view the site from below without climbing.

After that, we will drive for about an hour and a half to Matale, where we will visit a spice garden that showcases many types of spice plants and learn about their production processes.

Next, we will continue our drive for about an hour to Kandy, which was the capital of the last Sinhalese dynasty. The city is built around a serene lake and is surrounded by green hills. In the city center, you will find a vibrant cluster of antique shops, markets, and hotels. Kandy is home to an ancient royal palace located in a beautiful garden, the National Museum, and interesting temples, the most famous of which is the Temple of the Tooth, which, according to Buddhist belief, houses the most important religious relic in Sri Lanka—the sacred tooth of Buddha.

Upon arrival, we will embark on a city tour. We will visit the city center, the local market, the bazaar, and the Kandy Arts Center. We will also visit the Temple of the Tooth and enjoy observing a traditional ceremony.

In the evening, we will enjoy a Kandyan dance performance, which is much more than just a dance show. It is an ancient ritual that includes fire swallowing and walking on coals.

After the performance, we will transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Kandy.

After breakfast, we will drive for about half an hour to Peradeniya to visit the botanical gardens. We will admire the various species of trees, plants, and colorful flowers in the gardens, which house over 5,000 types of flora. The gardens were established by the Sinhalese king and expanded by the British. The tour also includes a visit to the stunning orchid pavilion.

Afterward, we will embark on a two-hour drive to Nuwara Eliya.
We will travel along a scenic mountainous road, exploring the tea fields where we can observe the Tamil women in their vibrant traditional attire picking tea. In the 19th century, the British brought many Tamils from Tamil Nadu in South India to Sri Lanka to work in the rubber plantations and tea estates of colonial Ceylon, as the local population was unwilling to work in the plantations. We will also visit a renowned Ceylon tea factory, learning about the cultivation, production, and processing of tea that has turned the local product into a globally recognized brand.

Continuing our journey to Nuwara Eliya, we will encounter red-brick houses, well-manicured gardens, golf courses, traditional tea time, and mist—hallmarks of the capital of the hill country. From the city, we can catch a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s highest peak, Pidurutalagala.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Early in the morning, we will depart with a packed breakfast for a day trip to Horton Plains. After approximately two hours of hiking, we will reach the viewpoint known as “The End of the World,” where the landscape drops into a deep chasm below. This charming and isolated area features ancient forests, giant ferns, misty lakes, herds of deer, leopards, and various other wildlife.

The hiking trail is moderately challenging, with ups and downs along a rough path.

After our adventure, we will return to Nuwara Eliya.
Upon arrival, we will embark on a city tour of Nuwara Eliya. We will drive through the lush valley and visit the picturesque waterfalls surrounded by tea fields. We will continue to Gregory Lake before transferring to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast, we will embark on a two-hour drive to the picturesque town of Ella. Nestled in the lush hills, Ella is renowned for its stunning views, charming tea plantations, and vibrant local culture. Upon arrival, we will visit the famous Nine Arches Bridge, explore the Ella Gap, and admire the breathtaking Ravana Falls. This quaint town offers a unique blend of natural beauty and adventure, making it a perfect stop on our journey.

Following our visit, we will continue our journey with a drive of approximately three and a half hours to Yala National Park, located in the southeastern part of the island. Originally a hunting ground, the area was declared a sanctuary in 1938 and serves as a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including the endemic Sri Lankan leopard.
In the park, we can spot elephants, leopards, bears, deer, crocodiles, wild boars, monkeys, peacocks, and many bird species. The landscape resembles an African savanna, with the turquoise hues of the Indian Ocean on the horizon.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Yala.

After breakfast, we will embark on an exciting jeep safari in Yala National Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning landscapes. This safari offers us the chance to spot elephants, leopards, and various bird species in their natural habitat.

Following our thrilling adventure, we will drive for approximately 3-4 hours to a luxurious resort located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Dinner and overnight stay at the resort.

After breakfast, we will travel to Balapitiya, where we will embark on an exciting one-and-a-half-hour boat ride through the river and lagoon. During this journey, we’ll admire the local lifestyle and the stunning nature of the area.

Next, we will visit a rare sea turtle hatchery in Kosgoda. The local residents collect turtle eggs laid on the beach, and these eggs are then incubated and nurtured in the hatchery until the turtles are mature enough to be released back into the sea.

After our time at the hatchery, we will drive for about an hour to Galle. This beautiful ancient city has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage site and is situated on a small peninsula that encloses Galle Bay to the east. The colonial past of Galle is remarkably preserved in many buildings and Dutch churches, with the highlight being the Dutch fort built in 1663, which has successfully withstood the test of time. We will take a leisurely stroll through this picturesque city, including a visit to a museum dedicated to the Dutch colonial period.

Finally, we will embark on a 2-3 hour drive to Colombo, the capital and main port city of Sri Lanka, where the international airport is located. Colombo is a bustling metropolis that seamlessly blends skyscrapers with colonial-era buildings and temples from its days as a British crown colony.

Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel. Dinner and overnight in Colombo.

After breakfast and depending on the flight schedule, we will transfer to the airport for our flight to the Maldives.

The Republic of Maldives is an enchanting country comprising over a thousand tiny islands, located southwest of India in the Indian Ocean, near the equator. These small islands are grouped into about twenty atolls, most of which can be circled on foot in just a few minutes.
The Maldives represents the ultimate escape fantasy: white sandy beaches, crystal-clear waters, swaying coconut palms, fantastic diving spots, secluded islands, and endless tranquility, with vacation bungalows and well-equipped hotels situated right over the water.

Upon arrival, we will transfer to the hotel. Overnight in the Maldives.

Enjoy a free day on the stunning beaches of the Maldives. Relax on the soft white sands, swim in the crystal-clear waters, or take part in various water sports and activities available at your resort. This is the perfect opportunity to unwind and soak in the beauty of your surroundings.

Enjoy a free day on the stunning beaches of the Maldives.

Enjoy a free day on the stunning beaches of the Maldives.

After breakfast and depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to the airport for your return flight home.