Sri Lanka and the Maldives
If you are looking for a combination of cultural or wildlife experiences followed by a relaxing stay with sparkling white beaches and turquoise seas, Sri Lanka and the Maldives is the perfect choice.
Sri Lanka offers a wealth of diverse landscapes with the chance to spot leopards and elephants on a wildlife jeep safari or whale-watch off the coast; to experience walks in tea-clad mountains or lush tropical rainforests; and to visit Buddhist cave temples or ancient ruined cities.
Our recommendation below is to combine our 6-night Highlights of Sri Lanka independent touring itinerary with a 7 night stay in the Maldives.
Highlights of Sri Lanka and the Maldives
For those with limited time or for those who just want an introduction to the country, our Highlights of Sri Lanka tour visits the key places in the Cultural Triangle, Kandy and Tea Country and gives you an insight into this fascinating land. We can adapt or extend this itinerary to suit your requirements.
Day 1 – To Sri Lanka
Depart with Sri Lankan Airlines on a direct flight to Colombo.
Day 2 - To Sigiriya
You will be met in Colombo by your personal chauffeur guide who will be your travelling companion throughout your tour of Sri Lanka. Drive inland to the Cultural Triangle (approximately 4.5 hours). Visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, one of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Stay at the Elephant Corridor for two nights.
Day 3 - Visit Polonnaruwa
This morning, leave for Polonnaruwa via Habarana, Minneriya and Giritale (approximately 2 hours drive). As you pass through Minneriya it is likely that you will see wild elephants, sometimes in large herds. Polonnaruwa is another World Heritage Site and contains the well-preserved monuments of the mediaeval capital of Sri Lanka. Return to your hotel.
Day 4 - To the Kandy area
After breakfast, visit Dambulla, home to marvellous cave temples whose walls are covered with murals exceeding 21,000 square feet. Then head south towards Sri Lanka’s hill country. Pause to visit a famous spice garden and see some of the island’s best batiks at an authentic arts and crafts centre where you have the option of a rice and curry lunch (Sigiriya to Kandy is approximately 3 hours drive). In the afternoon, either do part of the sightseeing around Kandy planned for the next day or check-in to the Kandy House for your two night stay.
Day 5 - Kandy, Botanical Gardens and Elephants
Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kingdom and is still an important cultural and spiritual centre. The centre of town is close to a picturesque lake and is a delight of antique and gemstone shops, a bustling market and numerous restaurants. Visit the Royal Botanical Garden at Peradeniya followed by Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage (around 1 hour’s drive from Kandy), where you can see more than 65 elephants, including baby elephants born in captivity, at feeding time or bathing time in the river. In the evening, join the crowds to visit Kandy’s famous Temple of the Tooth.
Day 6 – To Tea Country
After breakfast leave for Nuwara Eliya (approximately 2 hours drive). Today’s drive is one of the most scenic in the country as you pass through tea country with the mountains carpeted in tea, numerous waterfalls and tea pickers. Stop at a tea factory to see the processing. In the quirky market town of Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England’, you can enjoy a stroll in Victoria Park, wander alongside ponies on the ‘high street’ and enjoy strawberries and cream from the local market gardens. Continue on for your overnight stay amongst Tea Country at Warwick Gardens.
Day 7 - To Colombo
After breakfast, leave for Colombo (approximately 6 hours drive). The tea plantation scenery continues this morning and includes two very high waterfalls, the St Clair and the Devon. There is a stop at the Tea Centre for a cup of tea chosen from more than 100 different blends. At Kitulgala you see the location of the Bridge over the River Kwai, and a chance to witness the tropical rainforest of Sri Lanka. Arrive in Colombo in the evening for an overnight stay at Park Street.
Day 8 – From Colombo to Male, the Maldives
After breakfast, leave for the airport for your onward flight to the Maldives. Check-in to your chosen hotel for 7 nights.
Expressions Holidays recommends Kurumba as a great value option for guests requiring a holiday full of experiences, activities and entertainment, yet still maintaining idyllic refuges and quiet spaces for relaxation. There is a house reef, a peaceful spa and a kids' club to keep everyone occupied.
We recommend Baros as an elegant resort for couples. The surrounding house reef is teeming with marine life and there are plenty of water sports and diving to keep even the most adventurous occupied. Contemporary and classy dining options offer diverse menus, alongside breath-taking panoramic views. This is an exquisite resort.
Conrad Maldives Rangali Island is recommended to those seeking a slightly larger, though still personal, resort, set on two small islands connected by a bridge. The resort is suitable both for families and couples and has set aside suitable areas for both, with the Spa Retreat and the Water Villa island only accepting children aged 12 and over.
Day 15 – From Male to London
Depart Male for your flight back to London with Sri Lankan Airlines (direct flights three times per week), arriving the same day.
Highlights of Sri Lanka and the Maldives
14 nights from £2995 per person including return scheduled flights on Sri Lankan Airlines, a private car with chauffeur guide in Sri Lanka, accommodation, sightseeing and meals as specified and 7 nights in a Superior Room at Kurumba, Maldives, on a bed & breakfast basis.
From an additional £998 per person to stay in a Deluxe Villa at Baros, Maldives
From an additional £2645 per person to stay in a Beach Villa at Conrad Maldives
Other hotels in the Maldives