Highlights of Sri Lanka and Maldives

Upon arrival in Colombo, you will be received and transferred to your hotel for your overnight stay in Negombo. Tour this lively seaside town and explore its Portuguese heritage, including the Dutch Fort, St.Mary’s Cathedral and Hamilton Canal. Visit the bustling fish market and see how fishing is an integral part of life here.

Meals - Breakfast

Travel by a private chauffeur-driven car to Sigiriya. The travel duration is around four hours. Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to the Mesolithic Period. Evidence suggests that it was occupied as early as the 3rd century BC and used as a rock shelter by Buddhist monks. During the 5th century AD, it became the capital city of King Kashyapa’s kingdom after he built palaces, forts and gardens and shifted from Anuradhapura. 

Wear your most comfortable walking shoes as you visit one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic attractions, the Sigiriya Rock. The Sigiriya Rock fortress rises 180 metres and affords far-reaching and unobstructed views of the jungle surrounding it. Admire the beautiful rock paintings and come upon the Mirror Wall, which is now covered in verses, some dating back as early as the eighth to the tenth century. Once at the top, take time to catch your breath and revel in the scenery that spreads out 360 degrees. 

Next, visit the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, a group of temples that date back to the first century and are amongst the largest and best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka. Sitting under a massive overhanging rock, the five cave temples are an important pilgrimage site for Buddhists from around the world. Marvel at the striking Buddha statues and admire the mural paintings that depict Buddha’s path to enlightenment.

Meals - Breakfast

Today, you will travel from Sigiriya to Kandy, a three-hour journey covered in a chauffeur-driven private vehicle. Kandy came into prominence in the 14th century when it was established as the capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. Today, it is known as the home of Buddha’s sacred tooth, housed safely in the Sri Dalada Maligawa Temple, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Admire the stunning artwork inside the temple and, later, take a stroll along the peaceful Lake Kandy.

Visit the Ceylon Tea Museum and drink up tidbits on tea cultivation in Sri Lanka and tea pioneers such as James Taylor and Thomas Lipton. Continue your conversation at the in-house tea room, where you can sip on Sri Lanka’s finest chais. Bring the day to a close with an enthralling traditional dance performance that allows you yet another peek into the diverse and colourful customs and culture of this island nation.

Head out on a half-day temple loop that takes you to the Embekka Devalaya, Lankatilaka Vihara and Gadaladeniya Temples, three famous temples of Kandy. Appreciate the stunning art and architecture at each of these ancient temples. 

Surround yourself in the hues of nature on a stroll through the serene Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, known for its collection of orchids. 

A trip to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the perfect opportunity to understand these highly intelligent animals. The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is deeply engaged in aiding the recovery and release of injured wild elephants back into the jungle. Watch them bathe and frolic and observe the bond between the animals and their mahouts, a fascinating sight indeed.

Meals - Breakfast

Transfer from Kandy to Colombo, a four-hour journey, in a chauffeur-driven private vehicle. Once in Colombo, discover the many charms of the capital city on excursions to different neighbourhoods and visits to heritage buildings such as the Town Hall and Old Parliament buildings. 

Next, it’s time to experience one of Colombo’s busiest areas, the Pettah Market. Walk down the Galle Face Green promenade, dip your toes into the warm waters of the Indian Ocean and let the refreshing sea breeze wash away any tiredness of the day.

Meals - Breakfast

Transfer from your hotel to the international airport by private vehicle. Board your plane from Colombo to Male, a one-and-a-half-hour flight. Meet your representative at the airport and leave for your resort by seaplane. Please note that this is a shared transfer, and the transfer timing will be communicated to you by the resort 24 hours in advance. Please note that seaplanes only operate between 9 am and 3 pm and are dependent on weather conditions.

Meals - Breakfast