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Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

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Experience Travel Group

Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives

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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
  • Taste a fresh cup of tea in Sri Lanka's famous hill country and visit a tea factory
  • 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. 

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 center, 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 old. How's that for ingenuity?

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

day seven tea plantations experience hill country life

Stay in a restored planter's bungalow and visit the beautiful emerald hill country, famous for its tea. Have a guided tour of a tea factory and have a taste of some deliciously brewed leaves with a well-earned cake too. 

day eight Kandy train rides and the temple of the tooth

 Experience the contrasts of Kandy on a tour that includes the famous Temple of the Tooth. You'll also visit Kandy's Garrison cemetery before enjoying a train ride through the spectacular hill country to Polgahawela. 

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, 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 design 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 be in with a good chance of spotting turtles. 

After lunch, have a short tour of the local island, including the Mosque and a boatyard where they make the iconic curved fronted Dhoni boats. 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 to indulge in some true luxury. 

Day 14 depart for the UK

Return home from Male. 

As every holiday is unique to you, prices vary. To give you an indication, our holidays typically cost between £4,000 and £6,000 per adult depending on trip length and time of year as well as the hotels and flights involved. We offer child and seasonal discounts. You can read our ultimate guide to holiday costs in Asia for more in-depth information.

To start your journey, talk to one of our friendly consultants today.

Since every traveler is unique - Call our experts on 1-888-577-8452 to create your personalised vacation itinerary.

Inclusions

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 

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the hotels and villas within this holiday as standard...

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.

Lake Lodge Kandalama

Lake Lodge Kandalama, Dambulla

Elegant twelve-bedroom boutique hotel on the banks of the Kandalama lake in the heart of the Cultural Triangle.

Rosyth House

Rosyth House, Kegalle

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

Velassaru Maldives

Velassaru Maldives, South Male Atoll

Close to Male, you’ll find this small, contemporary and pleasant boutique resort with great food and beautiful surroundings.

You can book this holiday tour on its own, with flights or it can be tailored for you.

Here are the experiences & activities within this holiday as standard...

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

Tea Factory Visit

Tea Factory Visit, Nuwara Eliya

See the inner-workings of a tea factory and follow the process from plucking the bud to brewing a cup

Map showing Hotels & Experiences associated with 'Classic Sri Lanka & Undiscovered Maldives'

More Holiday Suggestions

Boutique Sri Lanka

Boutique Sri Lanka

For curious first-timers. An alternative take on a more intimate Sri Lanka. Effortlessly, atmospheric boutique hotels and experiences.

Essential Sri Lanka with East Coast

Essential Sri Lanka with East Coast

The east coast has calm seas and the island's best weather from May-September, making it a fantastic option for a summer holiday.

Family Safari, Surf and Turf

Family Safari, Surf and Turf

Follow the Pekoe Trail, surf the waves and seek elephants in the wild on this exciting two-week adventure.


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  • Destinations
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