The best of Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Immerse yourself in the multifaceted beauty of Sri Lanka and the tranquility of the Maldives on this tour. Begin your adventure with the impressive cultural riches of the Cultural Triangle and the bustling city of Kandy, surrounded by tea plantations and hilly landscapes. Spot wild elephants and rare leopards on a safari in Yala National Park and walk the ancient fort walls of Galle Fort. End your trip on the paradisiacal beaches of the Maldives, where clear blue waters, colorful reefs and ultimate relaxation await you.

Important information:

An international passport is required, valid for at least 6 months after return, with at least 2 blank pages.
A valid visa is required.
No special vaccinations are required, but are recommended. When traveling to Sri Lanka we recommend vaccination against DTP and Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B and TB. Vaccination against yellow fever is only mandatory for Sri Lanka if you have been in a country with yellow fever 7 days before entering Sri Lanka. This also applies if you have made a transfer and spent more than 12 hours in the yellow fever country in question. There is no risk of malaria. We do recommend seeking advice from your family doctor or the Tropical Institute.

Day 1: Arrival in Colombo

Upon arrival in Colombo, meet your private driver-guide and travel to your hotel in the Cultural Triangle. In the afternoon, visit the impressive Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with frescoes, hideaway caves and ruins of a royal palace. During the tough climb, you'll enjoy stunning views and a fascinating story about King Kasyapa. After the visit, return for refreshing snacks and return to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 2: Polonnaruwa and Minneriya

After breakfast visit, on foot or by bicycle, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO site with monumental ruins such as the Royal Palace, the Vatadage and the Gal Vihara Temple. After the visit, enjoy a traditional homemade lunch at a local cafe. In the afternoon, a jeep safari is scheduled in Minneriya National Park, where you can spot herds of wild elephants and other animals.

Day 3: Dambulla - Kandy

After an early breakfast, visit the Dambulla Caves, Sri Lanka's largest and best-preserved cave complex, with impressive statues and paintings depicting the life of Buddha. You then travel on to Kandy, stopping along the way at a private spice garden to learn all about spices such as cinnamon and cardamom. In Kandy, take a city tour and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, one of the most important Buddhist shrines. You stay overnight in a Caractère hotel in the hilly capital.

Day 4: Kandy

After a short drive, meet a local family in Kandy and visit the village market together to select vegetables and spices for a cooking workshop. Back at their home, you will learn to prepare traditional curries, followed by a cozy lunch. In the afternoon you will visit Pilimathalawa, where artisans make copper art and you will learn more about the colorful Kandyan dance and music. End the day with an energetic performance and, if you wish, an introduction to dancing and drumming.

Day 5: Kandy - Nuwara Eliya

After breakfast, take a train from Kandy to Nanu Oya, a ride of about four hours along Sri Lanka's beautiful hilly landscape. Your driver awaits you in Nanu Oya and takes you on to Nuwara Eliya. Along the way you will visit a tea plantation and factory to discover the production process. After checking into your Caractère hotel, you can relax or take a city tour of this charming town with a British atmosphere and green tea fields.

Day 6: Nuwara Eliya - Yala

After breakfast, your private driver takes you to Yala and you check into your hotel. In the afternoon you take a jeep safari in Yala National Park, known for its leopards, wild elephants and various bird species. In the park you will discover a mix of forests, grasslands and lagoons full of wildlife. After the safari you return to the hotel for a relaxing evening.

Day 07: Yala - Maldives

After breakfast, depart for the airport for a flight to the Maldives. Once you arrive, a hotel staff will wait for you and you will depart together by seaplane to Mirihi Island Resort, a true paradise.

Day 8 - 10: Maldives

Over the next few days, enjoy the beautiful beach and clear blue waters. Join yoga sessions, go guided snorkeling and diving or spot whales and dolphins on an excursion.