16 Day Sri Lanka and Maldives Tour

Sri Lanka and Maldives

16 Day Sri Lanka and Maldives Tour Package

Day 1 – Welcome to Negombo

Arrive at any time at Negombo and your guide will meet you at the airport. Settle in to our accommodation and enjoy a free day to explore the canals, the lagoons or chill on the beach. In the evening we meet as a group and hit the town for a welcome dinner and drinks.
– Accommodation: Topaz Beach Resort
– Meal(s) included : Dinner

Day 2 – Dambulla Caves

We start the day with a quick tour around Negombo’s famous market and lagoon. Following that we’ll be driving into the heart of the island, stopping off for a delicious buffet lunch, before checking into a stunning hotel in Sigiriya. You have a free afternoon to enjoy the pool and relax before we go and explore the magnificent Dambulla Caves.
– Accommodation: Sorrowa Hotel, Sigiriya
– Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Day 3 – Sigirya, The Lion’s Rock Fortress

In the morning we’ll be climbing the incredible Sigiriya Rock. Afterwards we’ll head over to the quiet Buddhist monastery of Pidurangula to get an unobstructed view of Sigiriya. You can also view the national parks of Minneriya and Kaudulla. Optional safari trips are available in the afternoon should you want to explore these national parks.
– Accommodation: Sorrowa Hotel, Sigiriya
– Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Day 4 – Kandy

We leave Sigiriya early in the morning and head towards Kandy, stopping off at a spice garden on the way. In the afternoon we head to a quiet and small village where we will learn the secret to the Sri Lankan curry with an authentic and local cooking class. Afterwards, we will explore the beautiful surrounding area and see how the locals live. In the evening we’ll have a sunset stroll around the lake, visiting the crazy bazaar and you’ll be able to try some traditional snacks.
– Accommodation: Clock Inn Hostel, Kandy
– Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – Temple of the Tooth

In the morning we visit the most important temple in Buddhist Culture, the Temple of the Tooth. Then we’ll jump on the bus and travel through the mountainous region of the hill country. We stop by a functioning tea factory to learn how the tea is processed and ends up in your cup at home, whilst actually learning how different types of tea are made all from the same plant! By mid-afternoon we will have arrived in Nuwara Eliya, where we will be boarding the train and taking the incredible 4hr journey to Ella.
– Accommodation: Alta Vista Hotel, Ella
– Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Day 6 – Free morning and Trek Ella’s Mountains

You have a free morning and then we’ll meet in the afternoon to explore the hidden gems of Ella. We’ll view the 9 Arch Bridge, Ella Gap and then hike up Little Adam’s Peak for sunset.
– Accommodation: Alta Vista Hotel, Ella
– Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Day 7 – Safari in Uda Walawe National Park

In the morning we head down to Uda Walawe National Park. Our hosts will greet us with welcome drinks and cook us a delicious Sri Lankan buffet lunch. After lunch we jump into jeeps and go on safari, searching the wilderness for herds of elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, monkeys, eagles, hawks, peacocks, mongoose and if you’re lucky, leopards. After driving round the park, we’ll head back to camp where our hosts will cook us a BBQ dinner
– Accommodation: Gandhara Campsite
– Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 8 – Morning Nature Walk and Transfer to Mirissa

The day starts early with a guided walk to view the area around our campsite then we’ll head to the beachside town of Mirissa, check into our hotel and then you’ll have the afternoon free to explore the area.
– Accommodation: Randiya Beach Hotel
– Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Day 9 -Whale Watching

Another early start as we board one of the largest boats in the area to go out into the bay to view blue whales and dolphins swimming around the boats. Once we get back to the hotel, we’ll check out, grab some lunch and head to Hikkaduwa.

*Seasonal changes: Due to weather conditions, whale watching will not take place between July-Sept. Instead, there will be an extra amazing safari game drive on day 3 in Minneriya National Park
– Accommodation: Royal Beach Hotel
– Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Day 10 – Bike Tours Around Galle

After breakfast, we’ll be going on a relaxing bike ride around the rice fields and Galle area with our bike tour guide. In the afternoon we’ll stop by the incredible Galle Fort for lunch and souvenir shopping, arriving back at the hotel in the late afternoon.
– Accommodation: Royal Beach Hotel
– Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Day 11 – Travel to Colombo

You have a free morning to lounge on the beach in Hikkaduwa or to take a surf lesson on the famous breaks. After lunch, we begin our 2 hour journey to Colombo. We’ll stop off on the way at a nearby Turtle sanctuary and view the moving Tsunami memorial. After checking in to our hostel in Colombo, you’ll have the afternoon to explore the Pettah markets or the museums. In the evening we’ll head out for our final evening together and explore the nightlife Colombo has to offer.
– Accommodation: Bunkyard Hostel, Colombo
– Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Day 12 – Travel to the Maldives

Inform your guide of your flight time and they will ensure that they will aid you in booking transport back to the airport to catch your flight (not included) to the Maldives to start your self-guided package. After arrival at Male International Airport (Velana International Airport), take a speedboat to Maafushi Island and check in to your beach-front hotel.
– Accommodation: Arena Beach Hotel
– Meal(s) included: Breakfast

Day 13 – Snorkelling trip

Experience some of the clearest water on the planet! Today you will be taken by boat for half a day around some of the best snorkel sites in the area. Prepare to be surrounded by colourful fish and coral reefs to really see why the Maldives is so famous for its’ sea life.
– Accommodation: Arena Beach Hotel
– Meal(s) included: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14 – Resort Visit

No visit to the Maldives would be complete without a visit to one of the beautiful resort islands. In the morning a boat will pick you up and take you to a stunning beach resort for you to spend the day. Use the resort pool and facilities, have lunch at the restaurant (included), and soak up the tropical vibes.
– Meal(s) included : Breakfast, Lunch

Day 15 – Free Day

This is your chance to make your own choices about what you’d like to do. Fancy doing a scuba dive? Want to go paddle-boarding over the clear waters? Or maybe you would prefer to just relax and have a few cocktails by the beach. Today is your day to do whatever you like!
– Accommodation: Arena Beach Hotel
– Meal(s) included : Breakfast

Day 16 – Departure day

It’s time to say goodbye to the Maldives. After breakfast, you will be picked up by speedboat and taken to Male International Airport to catch your flight to your next destination.

What’s included in your 16 Day Tour of Sri Lanka and The Maldives?

• One Life group leader, local Sri Lankan cultural guide, and private driver
• All accommodation in fancy hotels and 2 funky hostels
• Airport pickup on day 1
• Welcome dinner
• All breakfasts
• All transport including vans, buses, tuk-tuks
• Train ride on the ‘most beautiful train journey in the world’
• Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
• Visit to the tea country estates to pick your own tea with locals
• Spice market and garden
• Curry cooking lesson with locals
• Guided walk to view Little Adam’s Peak
• Hike to Ella Gap and the 9 Arches Bridge
• Rural style safari camp
• BBQ under the stars
• Wild elephant safari in Udewalawe National Park
• Guided nature walks
• Entrance into the UNESCO World Heritage site Sigiriya
• Visit to the Pidurangala Monastery
• Walk through the Dambulla Buddhist caves
• Blue whale watching (seasonal)
• Visit to a turtle hatchery and sanctuary to learn about sea turtles
• Bike tour through rice paddies and local villages
• Walk around the iconic Galle Fort
• Half day snorkel trip in the Maldives inc lunch
• Day trip to high-end resort inc lunch
• Meals: Some

Flights to the Maldives must be pre-booked before arrival in Sri Lanka. All bookings must be reconfirmed 24-48 hours in advance.