Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives
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Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives
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Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

An idea for your holiday

This holiday is Sri Lanka and The Maldives with a twist, delighting travellers who want to experience the Indian Ocean nations authentically yet in comfortable surroundings. 

After a carefully crafted eight-day itinerary in Sri Lanka, rather than being whisked away to your resort on landing in The Maldives, you'll see the real culture and people of this island nation with a guesthouse stay on a local island.

Of course, you'll also get the classic Maldivian resort experience to ensure you have a chance to unwind in luxurious surroundings before you fly home. 

Highlights include:

  • Explore UNESCO heritage Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunset with stunning views over the tropical forests of the cultural triangle
  • Discover the city of Male that climbs out of the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean
  • Sample traditional Maldivian food including tapas-style, melt-in-your-mouth hedikaa
  • Enjoy the luxurious life in a picture-postcard Maldives resort

As with all of our Sri Lanka and the Maldives suggested itineraries, we can tailor-make your holiday to suit your budget, style and expectations. Find out about our exclusive 'Journey Planner' here. 

This is a sample itinerary which we will tailor to suit you. Prices are dependent on destination, flights & dates but ETG holidays always include the following:

  • International flights (if required)
  • Guides, drivers & their tips
  • Accommodation
  • Specified meals & snacks
  • Your immersive experiences
  • Internal & regional transfers

Get in touch with us for your bespoke proposal
or see more on our ETG Pricing Guide

Call for a bespoke proposal 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Day 1 depart the UK

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Colombo.

Day 2 – 3 Rural Gampaha relax in a colonial estate

Upon arrival at Colombo airport, be greeted by your private chauffeur guide and get in your air-conditioned vehicle to your first hotel. Situated North-East of Colombo, the rural region of Gampaha is beautiful and is home to many coconut farms and pineapple plantations. 

After settling in, enjoy several activities including a tour of a coconut estate, exploring nearby local villages or take a ride on the leisurely bullock cart. You may instead relax by the idyllic pool with a G&T; the choice is yours. 

day 4 - 6 Cultural triangle Experience Sigiriya and beyond

Explore the Cultural Triangle, roughly the area between Kandy, Anuradhapura, and Polonnaruwa. With the world-famous rock fortress of Sigiriya and the cave temples of Dambulla in the centre, we've specially designed our experiences in this region to get you away from the crowds where possible. This region is also famous for its abundance of artificial lakes built by civilisations over 1000 years ago. How’s that for ingenuity?

While in the area, visit local farms and learn about village life. You can even try their traditional techniques. Ride a tuk-tuk to reach these areas and explore the rural streets with your guide on foot. 

day 7 Rosyth Estate

Today, your chauffeur-guide will transfer you from the Cultural Triangle to Kegalle, a town close to Kandy and the lush tea country region. You’ll check in to Rosyth Estate and spend the rest of the day at leisure. Rosyth is a lovingly restored planter's bungalow that retains its private house feel. Explore the estate, chill by the pool or take in the hill country views.

DAY 8  KANDY FROM ROSYTH ESTATE

This morning, you drive to Kandy, home to one of the most revered monuments in the Buddhist world, the famed Temple of the Tooth. You’ll also have the chance to visit Kandy’s beautiful botanical gardens and the Kandy Garrison Cemetery before taking a scenic train ride to Polgahawela to enjoy the captivating landscapes of the hill country.  

Day 9 – 10 male & Local island meet Maldivians

Transfer back to Colombo, where you'll hop on a one-hour flight to the extraordinary city of Male, the capital of the Maldives. Enjoy a quick tour of this high-rise city erupting out of the ocean. Gain better insight into the unique heritage of Maldivians and see the Moroccan-designed Mosques that date back to King Charles I. 

Hop on a speedboat to Guraidhoo island, where you'll experience Maldivian everyday life on this local island. Have time to settle in, have a swim in the idyllic waters, and enjoy dinner with a local family. 

After breakfast with the locals, enjoy a coral reef trip and a spot of snorkelling. With local Maldivians joining you, they'll be able to let you know about the various fish that call the coral their home, and you'll have a good chance of spotting turtles. 

After lunch, take a short tour of the local island, including the Mosque and a boatyard where the iconic curved-fronted Dhoni boats are made. Stop by a local cafe to sample traditional 'hedikaa' served with black tea or non-alcoholic beer. In the evening, enjoy a performance of Boduberu drumming and join in if you're feeling brave.

Day 11 – 13 resort Maldives indulge and relax

Transfer back to Male and onward to your resort for 3 days of luxury and relaxation.

Day 14 depart for the UK

Return home from Male. 

Speak to an expert 020 7924 7133 1-888-577-8452

Get in touch

Every holiday we create is unique. One of our team can talk you through your options...

Hotels & Villas
featured above

Constance Moofushi

Constance Moofushi, South Ari Atoll

This idyllic resort is the quintessential Maldivian getaway: five-star service and sheer natural beauty everywhere you look.

Guraidhoo Palm Inn

Guraidhoo Palm Inn, South Male Atoll

Stay at Guraidhoo Palm Inn, a homely guesthouse with a beautiful sun terrace overlooking coconut trees and the turquoise sea.

Horathapola Coconut Estate

Horathapola Coconut Estate, Pannala

Beautiful tropical mansion offering unpretentious luxury on a working Coconut Estate.

Roo Mansala

Roo Mansala, Sigiriya

A small, boutique hotel in the Cultural Triangle with spacious rooms, fantastic views, and an ideal location for visiting the nearby sights.

Rosyth House

Rosyth House, Kegalle

A beautifully converted planter's bungalow within easy reach of Kandy.

Experiences & Activities
featured above

Boduberu drumming lesson

Boduberu drumming lesson, North Male Atoll

With influences from Africa, brought over by Indian Ocean sailors , Boduberu is an ancient musical form you can learn.

Breakfast at a local home

Breakfast at a local home, North Male Atoll

Enjoy breakfast in a local home with traditional food like Roshi and fresh tuna cooked on open ovens.

Contrasts of Kandy

Contrasts of Kandy, Kandy

Explore the rich history of Kandy, including the Royal Botanical Garden and Queen's Hotel.

Coral Reef Snorkelling

Coral Reef Snorkelling, North Male Atoll

Enjoy a snorkel under the sea and try to spot turtles, clown fish and rays under the water with expert local swimmers.

Dambulla Cave Temples

Dambulla Cave Temples, Dambulla

Beautiful and decorative cave temples hidden into rocks and ccaves at Dambulla

Guraidhoo Island Tour

Guraidhoo Island Tour, South Male Atoll

Enjoy a tour of this typical Maldivian island including visits to the Mosque and dhoni boatyard.

Male City Tour

Male City Tour, North Male Atoll

Explore the historic city of Male, capital of the Maldives and get a sense of ordinary life for the locals.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa, Polonnaruwa

Sri Lanka's third ancient captal, home to some of the finest stone carvings and monuments

Ritigala Rock Monastery

Ritigala Rock Monastery, Habarana

Explore the ancient monastic ruins at Ritigala.

Sampling Hedikaa

Sampling Hedikaa, North Male Atoll

Tuck in to some absolutely delicious tapas style dishes, from samosas, to crunchy tuna balls to coconut rice pieces.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Sigiriya

One of the unofficial wonders of the world - a spectacular, must-visit ancient site full of mystery and intrigue

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