13 Day Sri Lanka & The Maldives

On arrival at Colombo International airport, you will be welcomed by a representative and transferred to your hotel in Negombo, a 30 minute drive away.

MEALS: None

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Negombo

Enjoy a day at leisure to relax after the flight and explore the beach town of Negombo. Alternatively, take our optional sightseeing tour around Colombo.

City Tour Itinerary: You will proceed to do a Colombo city tour in this throbbing city, a heady mix of cultures thrives. Here, contrasting landmarks – ancient sites, colonial masterpieces and ultra – modern skyscrapers sit side by side. Quaint old shops and wayside stalls lie under the shadows of glittering stores and sprawling shopping malls. Similarly, lifestyles and traditions old and new continue, making Colombo a unique and exciting city. Its history dates far back: the port of Colombo was influential as early as the 5th century when ships from Rome, Arabia, and China traded with Sinhalese kings for food supplies, spices and jewels.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Negombo

OPTIONAL: City Tour $20

After breakfast you will proceed to the Cultural Area, on your way you will have the option to visit the famous Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, while in the Orphanage you will have the chance to feed milk to the baby Elephants (09.30-11.00am) followed by river bathing (optional). The orphanage is a remarkable project that began in 1972 which was created to protect abandoned or orphaned wild elephants who would not otherwise have survived in the wild. From the banks of the river you can watch these gleeful herds of elephants splashing around freely on the river. AFter we continue to the cultural area where we check into our hotel and enjoy the afternoon at leisure.

Alternatively you can take an optional village tour to discover Hiriwaduna Village where an Authentic Sri Lankan Lunch will be provided. Take a ride in a bullock cart swaying from side to side on an unpaved trail, enjoy a nature walk through a scrub jungle, and wade through a local stream with low hanging branches and cross a lake in an ‘oruwa’, the traditional mode of over water transport. Spend time with a farmer harvesting crops under his guidance and taste authentic village cuisine prepared by the farmer’s family with freshly picked produce and local herbs cooked in clay pots over an open hearth fuelled by firewood you are welcome to participate in the cooking process.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Cultural Area

OPTIONAL: Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage Entrance $20 / Hiriwaduna Village Tour $18

After an early breakfast in the morning you will climb the “Sigiriya”, the Lion Rock a UNESCO world heritage site, the unique icon of Sri Lanka. A testimony to the inventiveness of the ancient civilizations of the land, the once impenetrable stronghold of King Kassapa, ‘Sihagiri’ or Lion’s Rock as it was called then, is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world today. The feats of artistry, architecture and engineering at Sigiriya continue to impress visitors with their utter magnificence, even thousands of years on. Intricately landscaped pleasure gardens sprawl out below the rock, giant lion paws hewn in stone mark the entrance to the fortress at its foot and a highly polished mirror wall still carries the scrawled writings of ancient poets. A somewhat treacherous climb up the rock is well worth it to see the impressive ruins of a once glorious city at the summit – 370m high. And the 360-degree view from the top is equally astounding. (optional). You will then have a chance to have lunch.

In the evening take the option of an exclusive Jeep Safari through the Minneriya National Park which is highly famous for its elephants and wildlife. Minneriya National Park is home to one of the most spectacular natural events in the world – the Elephant Gathering, sometimes you will see up to 300 majestic Asian elephants. Visitors can also look forward to sighting of other mammals such as Sambar, and Sri Lanka’s two endemic species of monkey, the Purple-faced leaf monkey and Toque Macaque. Although rare, there have been sightings of the Sri Lankan Leopard and Sloth Bear as well as the Gray Slender Loris. The Minneriya National Park is also an ideal location for bird watchers as it attracts many endemic and migrant species. Large flocks of birds are a common sight, especially water birds such as Cormorants, Pelicans, Painted Stork and Lesser Adjutant Stork. (optional)

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Cultural Area

OPTIONAL: Minneriya Safari $60 / Sigiriya Climb $49

After breakfast you will proceed to Mahiyanaganaya via Kandy visiting the famous Dambulla Rock Temple (optional). Standing approximately 100m high, the approach to the entrance of the caves entails climbing up the face of the rock, although stone steps have now been cut to make the climb easier. Whilst climbing to the entrance of caves, take time to stop and enjoy the view of the surrounding area, which is truly breathtaking.

On the way to Kandy we visit a spice Garden in Matale, as well as also enjoy a complimentary Head massage. There are shops where you can purchase different spices of Sri Lanka.

After lunch we visit the Silk factory & Gem Museum in Kandy. Kandy is famous for precious gems where you can purchase the world-famous Ceylon Blue Sapphire worn by the British Royal family. Just north of the lake, the golden-roofed Temple of the Sacred Tooth Houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of the Buddha. During puja (offerings or prayers), the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. However, you don’t actually see the tooth. It’s kept in a gold casket shaped like a dagoba (stupa), which contains a series of six dagoba caskets of diminishing size. The entire temple complex covers a large area, and as well as the main shrine there are numerous other temples and museums within the complex. (optional)

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Kandy

OPTIONAL: Dambulla Cave Temple $15 / Tooth Relic $15

Breakfast at hotel and then proceed to Nuwara Eliya, driving through scenic lush valleys tea plantations. You have the option to take a train ride from Baudulla to Nanu Oya and meet up with your guide at the other end. We stop for lunch with a view en route to Nuwara Eliya and then visit a local Tea Factory Plantation to witness the process how the world-famous Ceylon Tea is made.

Hidden away high in the central mountains at an altitude of over 6000 feet, Nuwara Eliya is the resort capital of the hills – and a world away from the hot tropical beach atmosphere of the coast, not just in climate but in its character too. The British planters who flocked to the region to grow tea in the mid-19th century developed Nuwara Eliya as their summer retreat. Created as an exact replica of an English town it is often called ‘Little England’; and with its primarily colonial architecture, the stately Victoria Park, golf course, racing track, boating lake and grand period style hotels – and the cold, frequent showers of rain adding to the illusion, you could well be in an old English country town. This is the heart of the tea country, and is also a good base for excursions to discover other attractions of the hills.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

OPTIONAL: Train ride from Baudulla to Nanu Oya $18

After breakfast at the hotel you will drive to the west coast for your last couple of nights in Sri Lanka. On arrival, you will check into the hotel and spend the day at your leisure.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Bentota

Enjoy a full day at leisure to relax and soak up the sun at this stunning destination. There is an optional tour for the Balapitiya River Cruise where you are able to see beautiful small uninhabited islands and also visit Kosgoda turtle hatchery.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 4 Star Hotel, Bentota

OPTIONAL: Balapitiya River Cruise & Turtle Hatchery $30

After breakfast at the hotel, you will transfer back to the Colombo airport for your onward flight to Malé, Maldives (please note International flight not included). Once you arrive in Malé please make your way to the resort transfer desk to catch a speedboat (3 star package) or domestic flight and speedboat (4 star package) to your Maldivian Resort – (transfer included). Upon check in, the remainder of the day is there to relax and enjoy the paradise you have entered for the next 4 nights.

MEALS: Breakfast

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 5 Star Resort, Maldives

Wake up to your first morning in the picturesque Maldives! You may like to use today to explore the beautiful resort and plan any activites!

3 Star Package ~ Fun Island

Our Maldivian resort, Fun Island, offers a wonderful blend of fun and sun. The island’s beautiful lagoon represents the natural beauty and simplicity of a Maldivian tropical paradise. And when the sun goes down, you can dance the night away at the disco or simply gaze at the stars with your drink of choice in hand. We offer a choice of Beach Front Rooms and Deluxe Beach Bungalows. Both have direct access to the beach and feature everything you need for a relaxing stay. At Fun Island Resort & Spa, you can indulge in a wide range of fabulous cuisine. Sample dishes from the Maldives and beyond in Farivalhu Restaurant and enjoy late night drinks in our beachfront bar as you watch the sun go down.

4/5 Star Package ~ Sun Island

Our spectacular 5 Star Maldivian Resort partner, Sun Island, a flowering jewel among Maldives hotels – every moment is free to shape into your personal version of paradise. Cruise along our stunning sapphire lagoons by jet-ski, canoe or catamaran. Explore the spectacular local scenery and unique culture with excursions to neighbouring islands. Or, simply let the ocean breeze caress you to sleep as you sway gently in your hammock. From invigorating activities to precious tranquillity, our Maldivian resort will captivate the heart with extraordinary experiences and unforgettable memories. All rooms have mainstream amenities and accessories and are conveniently equipped for the modern tourist. Wake up to the sounds of birds and simply take a few steps before plunging into the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean. Sun Island Resort & Spa offers one buffet and four à la carte restaurants offering everything from delicious Italian dishes to authentic local cuisine.

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 5 Star Resort, Maldives

Paradise Awaits! Massages, Spa Treatments, Yoga! or for the more energetic travellers why not head out on a private island excursion where you can swim, snorkel and relax on your own private isle! Don’t forget the champagne! or take a leisurely stroll or bike ride around the island – perhaps a few sunset cocktails at Fun Island’s Beach Bar or a latte oceanside in Sun Island’s Vani Coffee Shop (with free wifi so you can pop your pics on instagram!)

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT: 3 or 5 Star Resort, Maldives

Another beautiful day in Paradise! How will you spend it? Did you know the Maldives is famous for its pristine snorkelling and diving – you can take dive courses on Fun Island and then head out to a number of world renowned sites and witness the beautiful colours of the marine life yourself. If you’re staying on Sun Island why not visit the Migratory Bird Sanctuary or dine at the Farm to Fork Zero Restaurant where everything you eat is locally grown! Or pull up a lounger by the pool or oceanside and relax, rest and recharge!

MEALS: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

OVERNIGHT:3 or 5 Star Resort, Maldives

After breakfast return via speedboat (Fun Island) or domestic flight (Sun Island) to Malé – where you will then catch your flight home. Thank you for choosing to tour with MyHoliday2 and we hope to see you again soon!

MEALS: Breakfast