Off-The-Beaten-Track Indian Ocean

Day 1 Depart The UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Sri Lanka

Day 2 Relax and recharge at The Notary’s House

On arrival at Colombo Airport, meet your chauffeur-guide who will transfer you to your first hotel, a residence full of character features near a lake in rural Gampaha. Recover from the flight, enjoy some great hospitality, take a refreshing swim or simply stroll around the gardens.

Days 3 & 4 Close to Nature at The Mudhouse

Travel north with your guide towards Anamaduwa, a little-visited but beautiful rural area where life moves at a tranquil pace.  You’ll find The Mudhouse nestled in the forest at the foot of the mysterious Paramakanda Rock Temple.  The sleeping accommodation and facilities are simple, although very comfortable considering the lack of electricity or modern building materials. You’ll find yourselves close to nature and free to enjoy a range of wonderful activities. You might choose to take a guided early morning birdwatching walk, enjoy the serenity of kayaking on the lake, explore the grounds and farm or spend some time in the kitchen learning how to prepare Sri Lankan cuisine. Perhaps you’ll just opt to laze in a hammock! The choice is yours.

Day 5 & 6 A unique adventure in The Knuckles Mountains

Head east with your chauffeur-guide towards the World Heritage landscape of The Knuckles Mountain range. You will travel up through the clouds into the heart of the mountains, a journey that takes you through some incredible scenery with spectacular vistas. Arrive at Grandma & Grandpa's House, where you’ll leave the car behind and travel on foot to the Abode homestay project. Here you'll enjoy a simple homecooked meal and lodging. A longer hike will lead you deeper into the mountain wilderness to your next overnight stay, where the washing facilities are a waterfall. Abode is an utterly unique experience and one you are likely to remember for a very long time.

Day 7 & 8 Countryside and Indigenous Life

Just east of The Knuckles, Mahiyanganaya is a city steeped in history but often overlooked by visitors. Your chauffeur-guide will help you discover the area; with mountains, plains, lakes and hidden waterfalls, there is much to be explored. Your accommodation offers great views over Mapakada Lake, and there are interesting experiences nearby. The area is the heartland of the indigenous Vedda community who, in common with many other indigenous peoples around the world today, face a struggle to maintain their cultural identity. During your stay, there will be a chance to visit one of the Vedda's last remaining settlements, learn about their history in the fascinating museum and witness a display of some of their rituals. This is a unique opportunity to gain an insight into a people balanced precariously between survival in the modern world and extinction.

Day 9 & 10 How history shaped Colombo

Today you’ll travel back to Colombo for your last couple of nights in Sri Lanka.  The country’s cultural capital is a fun and vibrant place to visit with excellent restaurants and street food. To truly get under the surface of the city, as is the focus of this holiday, we suggest a morning visit to Pettah (the largest market in Sri Lanka), a tuk-tuk tour of Kotahena, the most desirable area during the colonial period and an informative walking tour focusing on the legacy of the British and the Dutch - a real insight into the influences, traditions and cultures that have shaped and formed Colombo.

Day 10 - 14 The Maldives with a Difference 

Transfer to the airport for the short flight to The Maldives. Rather than checking into an island resort like most visitors, you’ll spend 5 days experiencing the Maldives among the people who call this thousand-isle nation their home. You’ll balance the classic Maldives’ picture-postcard experience with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life. Meander the pastel-coloured streets to a shipyard where boats are made for local fishermen and then discover the unique mangrove ecosystem. Spend time with a family and learn local crafts and cooking techniques and eat typical Maldivian food. You could even try your hand at fishing to catch fresh seafood for dinner. 

Of course, there will also be opportunities for snorkelling and swimming with the beautiful multi-coloured marine life and plenty of time to relax too.

Day 15 Fly Home

Depart The Maldives for your flight back to the UK.

As with all our holidays, this itinerary is just a starting point. We can tailor it completely to suit your budget, pace and style. To find out more about how this suggested itinerary could inspire your holiday, call us today.

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