16 Day Sri Lanka Uncovered & The Maldives
In partnership with Inspiring Vacations, we're thrilled to bring you this group journey that captures the essence of Sri Lanka - and ends with pure bliss in the Maldives. From the vibrant streets of Colombo and the colonial charm of Galle Fort to the misty tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya and thrilling game drives in Yala and Minneriya National Parks, this tour is the perfect blend of adventure, culture, and relaxation. Cap it all off with a 3-night stay in the turquoise waters of the Maldives - the ultimate way to unwind.
14 nights
From NZD$6,115pp
Inclusions
Itinerary Overwiew
Hotel: Pegasus Reef Hotel or Similar
Welcome to Sr Lanka!
On arrival into Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), Check in and relax after your international flight. As most flights arrive late in the evening, we recommend booking a night prior to your tour commencing to ensure you are well rested.
Airport transfers are not included. Our transfer portal offers the option to book your airport transfers for an easier arrival experience (additional charges apply). Access to this portal will be available through your Traveller Hub once your booking is confirmed.
Hotel: Tangerine Beach Hotel - Kalutara or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
After breakfast, your leader will provide a brief introduction. Before we depart to the South West Coast, we will take some time to explore the capital of Colombo.
Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, has a long history as a port on ancient east-west trade routes, ruled successively by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls.
We will also visit the Colombo National Museum. This charming museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Sri Lankan history. Housed in a stunning neo-Baroque building, which was specifically constructed by William Henry Gregory, Governor of Ceylon, in 1877, the museum boasts a gleaming white façade. As you make your way through the various rooms, you'll encounter exhibits dedicated to each of Sri Lanka's historical kingdoms. Informational display boards provide intriguing insights, such as the meaning behind the mudras (gestures and poses) depicted in Sri Lanka's Buddha statues.
You will arrive at your hotel in the afternoon, where you will have the evening at your leisure.
Highlights
Special Information:Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Hotel: Tangerine Beach Hotel - Kalutara or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
After enjoying breakfast at the hotel, we will head to the charming town of Balapitiya, where you’ll embark on a scenic boat ride along the Madu River. The river is home to 64 islands, and one notable stop is Cinnamon Island, known locally as “Kurundu Doowa.” During your visit, you'll gain a fascinating insight into the process of cinnamon production, as Sri Lanka is the world’s largest producer of pure cinnamon!
Next, head to the historic Galle Fort, renowned for its impressive fortifications. This city beautifully blends the past with the present. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1988, Galle Fort showcases the architectural influences of the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, making it a captivating place to explore.
Afterward, return to your hotel.
Highlights
Special Information:Your travel time today will be approximately 6 hours.
Hotel: Mandara Rosen Kataragama or Similar
Meals: Breakfast We enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading to Yala National Park. Check in and relax at your hotel.
Spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard! The game drive will take place in the late afternoon, returning around sunset, as this is an optimal time for animal viewing. Highlights Yala National Park Special Information
Yala National Park is closed for routine maintenance in September/October under the direction of the local government. The exact dates will not be advised until 1-2 months prior to departure. During this time Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park (Block 5) will be visited and offers equal animal sighting opportunities.
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours, not including Game Drives.
Hotel: Olympus Plaza Hotel or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
After a leisurely breakfast, we leave for Haputale.
En route, we witness the picturesque waterfall, Rawana Waterfall.
This afternoon we will drive to Nine Arch Bridge - also called the Bridge in the Sky is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The construction of the bridge is generally attributed to a local Ceylonese builder, in consultation with British engineers. It is located in Demodara, between Ella and Demodara railway stations. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase of tourism due to the bridge's architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides.
Check-in a your hotel and enjoy your evening at leisure. Highlights Rawana Waterfall Nine Arch Bridge Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours. Optional Tour - Morning Safari Yala National Park
Enjoy a morning Safari in Yala National Park. Departing around sunrise, it allows you to witness animals greeting the morning light and affords you extra time in the safari park to spot its elusive species.
Meeting Point: Hotel
Includes: All entrance and government fees.
Start Time: 6.00am
End Time: 9.00am
Hotel: Olympus Plaza Hotel or Similar
Meals: Breakfast Enjoy a full day to relax in the hilly surrounds of Haputale.
In the afternoon, if time permits, the coach will depart for an afternoon at leisure in Ella, returning in time for dinner in Haputale. Highlights Ella Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2 hours. Optional Tour - Horton Plains & World’s End
At approximately 5:30am, leave for Horton Plains National Park. This park holds great importance due to the rich and unique biodiversity and being a catchment area feeding some of the main rivers of Sri Lanka. It is also known to be a 'super biodiversity hotspot' and thus declared a UNESCO site in 2010. The national park is most famous for the vista - World's End.
You will be accompanied by a private escort the entire duration of the hike - from the Horton Plains Park Park Office, to World's End (via Mini World's End) and back. Wear strong and comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses. Bring sunscreen, food and water. The weather can change very quickly on the plains – one minute it can be sunny and clear, the next chilly and misty. Bring a few extra layers of warm clothing.
Meeting Point: Hotel
Includes: Return transfers, entrance into Horton Plains National Park, packed breakfast, private escort
Start Time: 5.30am
End Time: 12.30pm
Note: 7.5km round trip - 150m elevation gain. There are no safety rails available so we recommend this activity for those who are physically fit and go on long walks often. We do not recommend this if you have a difficult time walking along uneven, potentially wet, and rocky terrain.
Hotel: Ramboda Falls Hotel - Nuwara Eliya or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
After an early breakfast, we leave our hotel in Haputale and head to the train station in Bandarawela. From there, we journey by train through the scenic region of Nuwara Eliya, arriving at Nanuoya Station.
On arrival we visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy the absolute tea experience, taking you to the moment the young tea leaves are plucked from the plantation to being processed in the factory to make a steamy cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase good quality tea.
Enjoy an evening at your leisure. Highlights Nuwara Eliya Train Journey Tea Plantation Special Information
It is not possible to confirm the train ticket reservation due to the fact that Sri Lanka Railway has a manual system for reservations. Tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-air conditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road and the train journey would be conducted on day 8.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours.
Hotel: Hotel Topaz Kandy or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today after breakfast we leave for Kandy. Enjoy breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls.
Kandy, the Hill Capital (1514 – 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the city eventually came to be known as Kandy. Kandy was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilization at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples including the Temple of the Tooth Relic (visit at own expense) and the well preserved ruins of the royal palaces.
On arrival, we check in to our hotel, allowing you time to explore the town.
This evening enjoy a typical Sri Lankan Cultural Performance with Kandy Market & Bazaar tour. Highlights Kandy Market & Bazaar Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Hotel: SigiriyaJungles or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya, stopping on route to visit Dambulla cave temple. Built in the first century BC, it is recognized to be the largest cave sanctuary in the world with its 2000 m2 of walls and ceilings painted more than 150 Buddha images whose largest engraved in the rock reaches 14 metres high. We'll proceed with a visit to the Spice Garden in Matale before heading to your Inspiring Stay at the 5-star Sigiriya Jungles Resort, where you'll enjoy stunning views of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
This afternoon, set out on an exclusively private jeep safari at the Minneriya National Park to witness the unique phenomenon of elephant gathering. During the dry season, from June to September, hundreds of elephants gather around the Minneriya Tank for water. Such a large number of elephants could not be sighted at one place, anywhere else in the world!
Tonight, enjoy a group dinner and celebrate your new friendships. Highlights Dambulla Cave Spice Garden Minneriya National Park Special Information
Since elephants are migratory animals, we may visit Hurulu Eco National Park or Kaudulla National Park on this day instead, pending elephant locations.
Your travel time today will be approximately 3.5 hours, not including Jeep Safari.
Hotel: SigiriyaJungles or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
After breakfast we proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the Sigiriya Rock, one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe.
Return to the hotel to relax before taking part in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration of Sri Lankan rice and curry preparation (5-6 curries including a specialty crab dish) and enjoy the typical Sri Lankan lunch overlooking the paddy fields.
This afternoon enjoy a sightseeing tour of the medieval capital city of Polonnaruwa. This was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD).
Enjoy a second night in your Inspiring Stay and its surroundings. Highlights Sigiriya Rock Polonnaruwa City Special Information
Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5 hours.
Hotel: Goldi Sands Hotel - Negombo or Similar
Meals: Breakfast
Today, after breakfast, depart the beauty of Sigiriya as we make the drive back to Negombo. On arrival, enjoy the afternoon free at leisure to explore the coast and the local activity or simply relax by the pool.
Special Information:Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.
Hotel: Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
This morning after breakfast, enjoy a visit to the Fish Market. Negombo is home for the Island’s second largest fish market, as locals call – “Lellama”.
At the appropriate time, make your own way to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) to board your flight to Malé.
Welcome to Paradise! A visit to the Maldives is truly a dream come true. This stunning tropical nation lies within the Indian Ocean and is composed of 26 colourful coral atolls composed of hundreds of idyllic islands. The Maldives is world famous for its beautiful beaches, sapphire blue lagoons and extensive coral reefs.
Upon arrival you will be transferred to your hotel by speed boat.
After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, taking in the gorgeous tropical landscape.
Highlights
Today you will say goodbye to your Tour Leader in Sri Lanka, and the rest of your tour will be Independant.
Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 30kg (66lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you to ensure that your journey is trouble free.
At Male Airport, a representative will greet you with an "Adaraan" name board. If you have difficulty finding the representative, please proceed directly to the Adaaran counter B3 in the airport lounge, next to the baggage claim area.
Your all-inclusive Maldives package includes:
Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily - snacks & cakes are available outside main mealtimes Tea, coffee, iced tea, cordials & water are available from 07.30am to midnight Whisky, brandy, gin, vodka, rum, draft beer, house wines, soft drinks, selected cocktails & mocktails beverages are served until midnight (no alcoholic beverages for guests under 18 years of age). Additional cost may apply during excursions Meals and drinks are included until midday on the date of departure
Hotel: Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning enjoy a delicious breakfast while admiring the surrounding low-lying islands that make up the utopian Maldives. Every atoll here is formed by centuries of coral reef growth, and each is encircled by a shallow lagoon, protected by the surrounding reef systems. The islands here have tropical castaway qualities: tall coconut palms, white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. Today you may enjoy an entire day of leisure, participating in some of the many exciting activities that the islands have to offer.
Our hotel offers some phenomenal snorkelling opportunities, where you can explore the shallow oases at the island's edge. You may also choose to enjoy some exciting optional water sport activities, such as catamaran sailing where you can experience the thrill of riding the winds and speeding through the crystal waters. Canoeing may also appeal to those who seek tranquillity while they enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Windsurfing is also an activity available to the more adventurous. There really is no end to the adventures you may seek as you explore the wonderful Maldives - jet-skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving may also be on your list.
Hotel: Adaaran Select Hudhuranfushi or Similar
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Following another delicious breakfast this morning, you may enjoy yet another day of leisure in the dreamy Maldives. Enjoy any number of the incredible activities available to you, and make the most of your fantastic adventure here. Alternatively, relax on the beach and take in the picture-perfect surroundings while dipping your toes in the warm, luscious waters of the Indian Ocean. You will have never known true relaxation until you set foot on this luxurious white sandy beach.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Today, you will be transferred by speedboat to Velana International Airport (MLE) in time for your departure flight.
Special Information: Please note that lunch may be forfeited depending on the timing of your departure flight.
Contact us to book or for more information
