Sri Lanka In Depth With The Maldives

DAY 1 DEPART UK

Depart the UK on your flight to Colombo.

DAY 2 & 3  THE NOTARY’S HOUSE   FARM LIFE

On arrival at Colombo Airport, meet your chauffeur-guide and transfer to your first boutique hotel. Recover from the flight, enjoy some great hospitality, swimming or a walk around the gardens. A great way to begin the holiday

DAYS 4- 6  CULTURAL TRIANGLE  HISTORY & RUINS

After a leisurely morning, your chauffeur-guide will transfer you to your next hotel, it’s in a wonderful location in the Cultural Triangle so you’ll feel immersed in the local landscape. 

There will be time to discover the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa, the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and to experience typical rural life - an aspect of the region that many visitors miss. Exploring the local farmland by various modes of transport -  tuk-tuk, bike, on foot or even a tractor, you’ll learn first-hand about the history of the area and the life and work of villagers. 

DAYS 7 & 8 KANDY     TEMPLES & COUNTRYSIDE

You’ll be driven by your chauffeur-guide onwards to Kandy. Here you’ll spend two nights at a property on a hillside overlooking the countryside. Kandy itself is steeped in ancient history and legend and there will be plenty of time to discover its contrasts. Spend a day taking in the scenery and culture combined with a lovely heritage lunch.

DAYS 9 & 10 HAPUTALE  TEA COUNTRY

Jump aboard Sri Lanka’s most iconic train ride and wind through the spectacular tea-clad hills and dramatic mountain peaks towards Haputale, where you will be for a two-night stay. It’s a beautiful area to relax in the cooler climate of the southern hills. Your driver will transport your luggage and meet you from the train for the last part of the journey. While here you’ll have time to enjoy scenic walks and get an insight into one of the country’s biggest exports - tea!

DAY 11 & 12   WILDLIFE SPOTTING in and around YALA

Your chauffeur-guide will transport you to your tented camp next to a lake near Yala National Park. This an excellent base from which to experience Sri Lanka’s fantastic wildlife.

Spend the day exploring two of Sri Lanka's most important wildlife reserves. A morning in Bundala National Park provides an opportunity to enjoy the delights of one of the country's most important winter nesting grounds for migratory birds, before moving on this afternoon to take a jeep safari through the rich landscapes of Yala National Park, a stunning UNESCO biosphere reserve that is home to the largest concentration of leopards anywhere in the world

Spend the morning exploring one of Sri Lanka's most popular and famous national parks in the company of expert and knowledgeable naturalist guides. Home to a rich abundance of birds and game, Yala National park enjoys the reputation of harbouring the largest concentration of leopards in the country, as well as healthy numbers of elephants, buffalos, wild boar and water birds. 

Day 13 & 14  GALLE   

Depart Yala for Galle. the capital of the south and one of Sri Lanka's most interesting cities. Famous for the 17th century Dutch Fort, the old walled part of the city has remained remarkably intact and has benefitted from a recent facelift. 

During your stay join a local guide who will bring the old Fort area of Galle to life with a walk around the ramparts and the charming cobbled back streets. Thee is also a chance to take a hands-on cooking class using fresh vegetables and spices, with clay pots and a fire stove as you learn the local way to prepare your lunch. 

DAY 15 - 19  Relaxing In The Maldives

Travel to Colombo Airport for the short flight over to The Maldives. On arrival transfer to your island retreat.  Stay in a light & airy villa with a great all-inclusive-plan and superb house reef surrounding the island. Spend your days relaxing, swimming, enjoying the reef and taking in the kind of idyllic turquoise panorama that can only be found in The Maldives.

Day 20 Fly Home 

Depart The Maldives for your flight back to the UK.

Your bespoke proposal with Experience Travel Group will include:

• International Flights (we can omit if you prefer)
• Accommodation as described
• Privately guided tours and transfers
• Tips for guides and drivers
• Original Experience Travel Group "signature" experiences 
• Full financial protection (ABTA and ATOL bonding.) 
• 24-hour in-country backup while away
• Your dedicated travel expert in the UK