Sri Lanka Beach Holidays: 16 Days History and Nature in Sri Lanka & The Maldives

Itinerary

Day 1: Sigiriya Arrival

Today’s highlight will be arriving in breathtaking Sri Lanka and checking into the Water Garden Sigiriya. Water Garden Sigiriya boutique hotel offers a unique stay amidst nature’s splendour. Enjoy luxurious rooms with stunning views, indulge in delectable cuisine at their restaurant, and unwind in the serene infinity pool, making unforgettable memories Sri Lanka’s cultural heart.

After arriving to Sri Lanka CMB Airport, clear immigration, collect your luggage and proceed through customs green channel to the arrival lobby where we will meet you with a paging board. Be escorted to the vehicle park and transfer to Sigiriya – approx. 4 hours. Check into your hotel. Enjoy dinner at your hotel and the rest of the day at leisure.

Flight to Sri Lanka CMB Airport. Transfer to Sigiriya. Accommodation is at the Water Garden Sigiriya boutique hotel on a half board basis. Choose from a double room or deluxe villa.

Breakfast and lunch or dinner included (two meals at half board).

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch or Dinner

Day 2: Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Minneriya Wildlife Sanctuary

Today’s itinerary promises an enriching adventure in Sri Lanka’s heritage. Start the day by climbing the Sigiriya rock fortress. Also known as Lion’s Rock, this iconic site boasts ancient frescoes and breathtaking views, and enthrals history enthusiasts. Take time to peruse the world’s oldest landscaped gardens and ancient ruined city of Polonnaruwa, a true architectural marvel. In the afternoon, hop aboard a 4×4 jeep safari into Minneriya Wildlife Sanctuary, where you will witness herds and herds of wild elephants in their natural habitat, as well as a diverse range of other wildlife.

Enjoy breakfast before setting off to visit and climb the Sigiriya rock fortress – the climb takes approx. 1 hour. You will also have time to explore the world’s oldest landscaped gardens and visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. Enjoy an afternoon jeep safari into Minneriya wildlife sanctuary. Return to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

Climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an UNESCO World Heritage Site with great historical significance and exploring the ancient, ruined city of Polonnaruwa with its intricately designed temples and captivating stories of Sri Lanka’s past offer a unique insight into Sri Lankan culture. In the afternoon, navigate Minneriya Wildlife Sanctuary in a 4×4 jeep accompanied by a naturalist, providing local insight into the area and important conservation work.

Indulge in mouthwatering local dishes in Sigiriya. Be sure to try spicy Kottu Roti, savoury Hoppers, and flavourful Pol Sambol.

Built by King Kasyapa between 477-495 AD, Sigiriya Rock Fortress is famous for its ancient fresco paintings and is one of seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. The ancient, ruined city of Polonnaruwa is the second oldest of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms and was once a capital during the reign of King Vijayabahu I. It is considered one of the best planned Archaeological relic sites in the country and fans of Duran Duran will be excited to know it was also used a backdrop for the Save a Prayer video in 1982.

Your transportation today will include transport to and from your excursions, and a jeep for your safari. Your accommodation is a further night at the Water Gardens Sigiriya boutique hotel on a half board basis.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch or Dinner (two meals at half board).

Day 3: Anuradhapura Ancient City Tour & Mihintale Temple

Enjoy a full day of sightseeing in Anuradhapura ancient, ruined city, as well as a visit to the Mihintale Temple. With so much to see, your day will be one of endless discoveries.

After breakfast journey to Anuradhapura ancient, ruined city and the Mihintale Temple. Return for dinner and overnight stay at your hotel.

Sightseeing in Anuradhapura’s ancient, ruined city offers a mesmerising cultural journey, providing opportunity to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich historical and religious heritage. Explore the sacred Bodhi Tree, visit the Samadhi Buddha Statue, and be truly blown away by towering stupas such as Ruwanwelisaya and Jetavanaramaya.

Savour delicious local cuisine in Sigiriya, with dishes like Lamprais, a delightful mix of rice, meat and sambol wrapped in banana leaves, and delectable seafood curries bursting with flavour.

There is so much to discover while sightseeing Anuradhapura. The Sacred Bo Tree, Brazen Place, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna, the Ruwanvaliseya Temple, and Mihintale mountain peak. For Mihintale, we recommend climbing the 1,840 steps to the summit, offering stunning views of the countryside.

Transport to and from Anuradhapura ancient, ruined city and Mihintale Temple is included. Enjoy accommodation for a further night at the Water Garden Sigiriya boutique hotel on a half board basis.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch or Dinner (two meals at half board).

Day 4: Dambulla Cave Temples, Kandy Transfer & Tour

Those with a love of history and/or history of art will be in their element today. Today’s highlights include a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temples, a visit to a traditional spice garden, sightseeing around Kandy town, and a visit to Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Enjoy breakfast. Transfer to Kandy – approx. 3 hours. En route visit the Dambulla cave temples. Your guide will buy your entrance fee and climb the 200 steps to the top with you. You must cover your knees and shoulders and access the inner chambers barefoot or with socks only. Further en route to Kandy, visit a spice garden. On arrival enjoy sightseeing of Kandy town. Check into your hotel. Visit the Temple of the Tooth and enjoy a cultural evening show. Enjoy the remainder of the evening at leisure.

At the Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, three religious services – known as ‘poojas’ – are held daily at dawn, mid-day and evening, and these can be viewed by visitors.

In Kandy, try delicious local cuisine such as Kandyan chicken curry, a flavourful blend of spices and coconut milk, rounded off well with Wattalappam, a traditional dessert made with jaggery and coconut custard.

Explore the enchanting sights of Kandy town, visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens filled with exotic flora, the picturesque Kandy Lake, and the vibrant bustle of Kandy Market. Those interested in colonial architecture might also like to see the scenic Peradeniya Railway Station.

Transfer to Kandy plus en route stops. Your accommodation for tonight is at the Elephant Stables boutique hotel on a half board basis. Choose from a double or deluxe room.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch or Dinner (two meals at half board).

Day 5: Transfer to Ella & Tea Factory Tour

Today will include sightseeing of the stunning tea growing regions and breathtaking waterfalls en route to Ella. Visit a working tea factory and estate to learn more about Sri Lanka’s fascinating cultural heritage of tea production.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Transfer from Kandy to Ella by local train – approx. 4 hours. Your chauffeur guide and vehicle will meet you at Ella station. Sightsee Sri Lanka’s tea growing regions and beautiful waterfalls en route and enjoy a visit to a working tea factory and estate before arriving in Ella. Check into your hotel. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

During your visit to a working tea factory and estate, witness the art of traditional tea production, interact with skilled workers, and learn about the rich history and traditions that shape Sri Lanka’s renowned tea culture.

In Ella, enjoy dishes such as Egg Hoppers, a crispy pancake with a soft egg centre, and aromatic Kiri Hodi, a creamy coconut milk-based gravy served with rice. Take time to sample the exquisite flavours of locally picked teas in this region, including Ceylon Black Tea, delicate White Tea, refreshing Green Tea, and the robust Oolong Tea.

Savour the spectacular landscapes of lush tea plantations and witness the tea-making process at a local tea factory.

Transfer from Kandy to Ella will be by local train. Your accommodation for the night will be at the Nine Skies boutique hotel on an All-Inclusive basis. Choose from a double room or demodara bedroom.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

Day 6:  Adam’s Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Gap & Tea Plantations

Today’s highlights and activities include a morning visit to Little Adam’s Peak, boasting breathtaking panoramic views, a visit to The Nine Arch Bridge, a famous viaduct bridge also known as the Bridge in the Sky, and a visit to Ella Gap, a gap between two mountain ridges offering spectacular views of the surrounding valleys and tea plantations.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Visit to Little Adam’s Peak, 9 Arches Bridge and Ella Gap. Return to your hotel and enjoy the rest of your day at leisure.

Engage with local guides en route to your excursions, witness traditional tea cultivation, and learn about the region’s historical significance.

Relish local delights such as Woodapple Curry, a unique and tangy fruit-based dish, and delicious Kiribath, a creamy coconut milk rice cake often enjoyed during celebrations and special occasions.

Today’s itinerary offers an impressive mix of sightseeing and landmarks in Ella. Hike through lush green tea plantations, cascading waterfalls, and picturesque paddy fields to reach the 1141m high Little Adam’s Peak. Marvel at the colonial-era railway, The Nine Arch Bridge and take in the otherworldly view from Ella Gap.

Accommodation is a further night at the Nine Skies Boutique Hotel on All-Inclusive basis.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

Day 7: Jeep Safari of Yala National Park

Today’s highlight is a jeep safari through Yala National Park, giving you the chance to see many wild animals in their natural habitat, including elephants, leopards, wild boar, bears, peacocks, deer and more.

Enjoy breakfast before setting off for Yala. Hop aboard an afternoon jeep safari in Yala National Park. Check into your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.

A jeep safari through Yala National Park connects visitors with Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted traditions and respect for nature. Engage with knowledgeable local guides, learn about indigenous wildlife conservation efforts, and appreciate the harmonious relationship between communities and their natural surroundings.

In Yala, relish local delights like Pani Walalu, sweet and crunchy traditional treats, and fiery Katta Sambol, a spicy chilli condiment. Tuck into aromatic Fish Ambul Thiyal, a sour fish curry bursting with flavours.

Savour the sights on your safari ride through Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s premier wildlife sanctuary and ultimate wildlife haven. Witness majestic elephants, leopards sunning themselves on the rocks, bears, wild boar, vibrant birdlife, and diverse fauna in their natural habitat.

Today will include transport from Ella to Yala, an afternoon jeep safari, and transport back to your hotel. Your accommodation for tonight will be at the Wild Coast Tented Lodge boutique hotel, on an All-Inclusive basis. Choose from a double room or cocoon pool suite.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

Day 8: Extra Safari of Yala National Park

Enjoy another early morning or afternoon jeep safari today, surveying the incredible wildlife in Yala National Park, including elephants, leopards, bear, wild boar, peacocks, and more.

Set off on another early morning or afternoon jeep safari to Yala Wildlife Sanctuary. Enjoy rest of the day at leisure.

Interact with knowledgeable local guides, learn more about their conservation efforts, and appreciate the harmonious relationship between nature and the communities here.

Try local delicacies like Wambatu Moji, a tangy and sweet eggplant pickle, and flavourful Kool, a traditional seafood stew brimming with exotic spices and tropical ingredients.

Enjoy more sightseeing in Yala National Park. If you would like, you can explore Sithulpawwa Rock Temple, an ancient monastery with fascinating rock carvings, or set off on a serene boat ride on Yodha Wewa reservoir, a place of extreme natural beauty.

Jeep safari. Accommodation will be a further night at the Wild Coast Tented Lodge boutique on an All-Inclusive basis.

✓ Breakfast ✓ Lunch ✓ Dinner

Day 9: Galle Fort & Town Tour

Today’s highlight includes extensive sightseeing of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort and Town, packed with endless sights and experiences to explore.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Yala to Galle – approx. 4 hours. Sightsee Galle fort and town. Check in at your hotel.

Engage with artisans at local craft shops, interact with locals at the 300-year-old traditional Old Dutch Market, cruise around town in a local tuk-tuk.

Try some of the delicious street food for a taste of local cuisine in Galle. Try exotic fruits in the Old Dutch Market, such as mangosteen, dragon fruit, and starfruit.

Sightsee Galle fort and town, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, steeped in history and charm. Originally built by the Portuguese in the 16^th century, this colonial fortress reflects Dutch, Portuguese, and British influences. Wander through cobblestone streets, observe colonial architecture, and visit the lighthouse, immersing yourself in a rich tapestry of bygone eras. Visit historical landmarks including All Saints’ Church, Meera Mosque, the Dutch Reformed Church, and the National Maritime Museum.

Transport for your journey from Yala to Galle. Your accommodation for tonight is at the Amangalla Galle boutique hotel on a B&B basis.

✓ Breakfast

Day 10: Transfer to CMB Airport for Flight to Maldives

Today will be all about soaking up the stunning scenery that awaits as you fly into the Maldives and travel by seaplane to your beach resort.

Tuck into breakfast. Travel from Galle to CMB Airport – 2 ½ hours. Connect to your flight out to the Maldives. Arrive in Lake International Airport. Transfer via seaplane to your resort. Enjoy the rest of the day at leisure.

Indulge in the tantalising flavours of Maldivian cuisine by savouring dishes such as Mashuni, a spicy tuna salad served with roshi, and Dhon Riha, a delicious coconut fish curry.

Savour the spectacular scenery from your hotel and watch out for local wildlife, such as giant sea turtles.

Today you will transfer from Galle to CMB Airport, fly from CMB International Airport to Male International Airport in the Maldives, and transfer via seaplane to your resort. Your accommodation will be at the Kagi Maldives Resort on a B&B basis, in a double room or beach pool villa.

✓ Breakfast

Day 11 – Day 15: Free Time in Kari Maldives Resort & Spa

You have full choice over your highlights and activities of the next 5 days, or you can simply enjoy a whole day relaxing at the breathtaking Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa.

Enjoy a day at leisure on the beaches of Maldives.

Engage in traditional Bodu Beru drumming and dance performance, go fishing with a local fisherman, take a cooking class, nap on a joali, ride a moped in Malé, immerse yourself in the art of Dhiveri beadwork, and watch local artisans at work.

Try the areca nut, typically eaten daily after meals as a natural stimulant. Drink refreshing coconut water straight from the coconut.

Savour the breathtaking sights from your luxury beach resort, try snorkelling or water sports, or venture into the vibrant capital city of Malé, home to the Grand Friday Mosque and bustling markets. You can even island hop to nearby tranquil islands like Dhigurah, renowned for its pristine beaches and captivating marine life.

Accommodation is 5 further nights at the Kagi Maldives Resort & Spa on a B&B basis.

✓ Breakfast

Day 16: Seaplane Transfer to Male for Departure Flight

After breakfast, transfer via seaplane back to Male Airport Island. Connect to your international flight home and reflect on all the magical memories made.

✓ Breakfast