13-Day Best Indian Ocean Holiday: Sri Lanka & the Maldives

Welcome to Sri Lanka, the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean'! On arrival at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you're met by your private chauffeur guide and driven to your hotel in Negombo, a seaside town which is only 20 minutes away from the airport. Rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight: Negombo

In the morning, start your exploration of Negombo, this historical commercial centre surrounded by a fascinating network of canals teeming with rural life. Wake up early and catch the action at the Negombo Fish Market. 

In the afternoon, head for one of the best-preserved ruins of ancient Ceylon - the UNESCO World Heritage City of Anuradhapura (approx. 5 hrs), known as one of the 3 ancient cities in Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. Check into your Anuradhapura hotel.

Overnight: Anuradhapura
Meal: Breakfast

After breakfast at hotel, start your cultural triangle tour with the city tour of Anuradhapura including the Abhayagiri complex and passing ancient monuments such as Sri Maha Bodhi and Thuparamaya. Anuradhapura is famous for its well-preserved ruins of ancient Lankan civilization. Since the 4th century BC, it has been the capital of Sri Lanka until the beginning of the 11th century AD. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles.

In the late afternoon, head for Sigiriya by private A/C vehicle approximately 2 hours, check into your hotel upon arrival. Rest of the day is at your leisure.

Overnight: Sigiriya
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning, start with a visit to the Landmark of this country, the 5th-century legendary sky citadel of “Lion Rock” - arguably the most impressive site in Sri Lanka; although a steep climb is requested, the story behind the monument, and the panoramic view of Dambulla seen on the top are definitely worth the effort.

In the afternoon, continue your exploration in the rural village of Hiriwadunna. Travel into the lush Sri Lankan countryside by a jeep or a tuk tuk. Hop into a bullock cart alongside paddy fields and rural vegetable plantations. At dusk, take a boat ride and sail to the other side of a lake, enjoying the fantastic sunset view, and looking out for birds, butterflies, as well as the villagers fishing or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake.

Overnight: Sigiriya
Meal: Breakfast

Today, get started with the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, home to many magnificent Buddha images and rock painting dating back to 2nd century BC. Drive to Ceylon's old capital of Kandy, en route stop for an interesting visit to learn a wide range of spices at one of spice garden, a 15-minute complimentary Ayurveda Massage is recommended.

After arriving in Kandy (approx. 3.5 hrs by road), appreciate a vivid and traditional Cultural Dance (Kandyan Dance) before walking to the nearby Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist shrine, the Puja Ritual held in the temple with all the fanfare, drums, trumpets and brightly colored Monks definitely shows you how special and spiritually important the temple means to Sri Lanka.

Overnight: Kandy
Meal: Breakfast

In the morning, take an interesting visit to Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya which boasts 300+ varieties of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees at. This afternoon is at your leisure. You could either rest at your lovely hotel or explore the city with your chauffeur, e.g. walking around Kandy Lake in city centre or go some shopping in the downtown markets. 

Overnight: Kandy
Meal: Breakfast

Ceylon tea is known as one of the best tea in the world and is crucial to the Sri Lankan economy. Today, you will take a morning half day excursion to Geragama Tea Estate, 20 minutes away from Kandy City, where you could visit see the tea plantation, visit a tea factory and are treated to a lesson in the intricate steps required to process tea leaves into tea.

After enjoying a cup of estate grown and processed tea, you will be driven to Galle (approx. 6 hours). Upon arrival in Galle, a colonial port fortified by Portuguese first then Dutch, check in to hotel and rest of day is at your leisure. 

Overnight: Galle
Meal: Breakfast

Today, your guide will show you around the Dutch Fort, the colonial heart of Galle. It is regarded as one of the Sri Lanka's best-preserved fortresses, where you will see a few small museums and imposing Dutch churches; Later, you could wander the rampart walls. In the evening, it is suggested that you try one of the local restaurants for dinner in the fort, is lit up at night and many of the small boutiques stay open into the evening.

Overnight: Galle
Meal: Breakfast

Today, you will board a train at Galle Railway station northwards to Colombo City, the capital of Sri Lanka. The railway from Galle to Colombo follows the coastal route and is scenic and enjoyable. The 3-4 hours' train journey offers chances of photos with locals, as well as beautiful views of the ocean and some spectacular places the train passes by.

Be picked up by your chauffeur guide at Colombo railway station upon your arrival, and then take a guided city tour to explore Colombo's colonial legacies including the Independence Square, Gangarama Temple of Colombo, mile-long promenade of Galle Face Green and Colombo's National Museum etc. Stop for taking pictures when driving by the former British Administrative Center etc. 

Overnight: Colombo
Meal: Breakfast

Morning is at your leisure. In time, you will be escorted to CMB airport (1-hour drive from Colombo city) for your onward flight to Male, the capital island of Maldive Island.

Upon arrival, met and welcomed by your resort representative, who will escort you to your resort on one of the Maldive islands by speedboat or seaplane. Rest of the day is at your leisure after you check in.

Overnight: Maldive Island
Meal: Breakfast

Be free at your leisure on the island.

Overnight: Maldive Island
Meal: Breakfast

Enjoy your free day in Maldive Island.

Overnight: Maldive Island
Meal: Breakfast

Take speedboat or seaplane back to the Male airport to board your flight home.

Meal: Breakfast