Sri Lanka Tour with Beach Extension to the Maldives

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka Airport authority staff will page you at the gate and escort you through the immigration to a private exclusive lounge as we have signed you up for the Fast Track arrival service. At the entrance of the lounge, you will be met by our airport staff and your assigned chauffeur guide who will escort you throughout your stay with us.

Your baggage will be picked up by our airport staff while you enjoy refreshments after the long journey in the lounge and will be escorted to your vehicle for the transfer to your overnight hotel (approximate duration – 45 minutes’ drive).

Check in at your hotel and relax.

Enjoy breakfast at hotel, spend the morning at leisure.

Late afternoon (activity starts at 15.00 and duration of the activity is approximately three hours to three hours and 30 minutes) join Colombo city tour with Mark Forbes.

Join Mark Forbes, native Dutch resident, and passionate photographer, on a gentle walking tour through his city of old Colombo. Follow him as he leads you through the streets and listen as he recounts stories of the island’s capital. Your journey starts at the Old Dutch Hospital, a colonial treasure and former hospital from the 17th century which is now home to a number of high-end restaurants and boutiques. Continue into the commercial hub of Colombo Fort, away from the tourist hotspots, and learn about the colonial buildings and important monuments whose stories have helped shape the Colombo of today. Perhaps stop for a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea and, if you have the energy, Mark will lead you to the bustling Pettah Bazaar. The bazaar is both a wholesale and retail marketplace, selling everything from trinkets to textiles, from vegetables to electronics and of course, plenty of spices. Flexibility is key to this entertaining and gentle walk with Mark.

Optional activities/ experiences (extra cost applicable):
Spa Ceylon therapy experience Or Sea food experience at The Ministry of Crab

After breakfast at your hotel, check out and your baggage will be picked up by A&K staff and transfer to Colombo Airbase (approximate duration – 45 minutes’ drive) to board your scheduled Sea Plane to Sigiriya.

A vehicle from the hotel will pick you from Sigiriya Domestic Airbase and transfer you to your overnight hotel in Sigiriya (approximate travel time – 20 minutes’ drive).

Late afternoon proceed to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (approximate duration – 15 minutes).

A UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya is an enormous rock boulder rising up 200 meters above the surrounding jungle. Incredibly, the rock fortress was built by King Kassyapa I in the fifth Century and served as a royal citadel for more than 18 years, something that seems more astonishing with every step you climb. Pause occasionally during your ascent to admire the mirror wall, the sigiri graffiti, the famous Sigiriya frescoes (paintings) and the great lion paws. Upon reaching the summit you’ll immediately see that it was worth the effort. Wander through the ruins and admire the courage and work it must have taken to build this palace all those years ago- you will even find a fully functional swimming pool up there. Aside from the ruins, with the unparalleled 360-degree view of the surrounding jungle and hills, it will not just be the climb that takes your breath away.

Guests should have good fitness levels to be able to climb the Rock fortress. Minimum duration to ascend to the top is about one hour at a moderate climbing pace.

Return to hotel and enjoy a mesmerizing sundowner at your hotel, overlooking the Sigiriya Rock.

After breakfast, proceed to Polonnaruwa (approximate duration – one hour and 30 minutes’ drive), proceed on a city tour of Ancient city of Polonnaruwa by bicycle.
An interesting blend of archaeological monuments, Polonnaruwa was the second kingdom of Sri Lanka and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The iconic man-made reservoir was appropriately named “Parakrama Samudra”, or “the sea of Parakrama”, due to its enormous size. Look out for the famous Gal Viharaya or “Rock Temple” where you will see four colossal statues of the Buddha cut into the stone, reflecting peace, serenity and strength. Polonnaruwa also boasts ruins of ancient palaces, intricately carved moon stones and royal baths. If you are feeling a bit more energetic, this whole site can also be explored on bike and your guide will be more than happy to arrange this for you at a cost.

Thereafter proceed to Minneriya (approximate duration – 45 minutes’ drive) and enjoy a game drive with a local trekker at the Minneriya National Park (Private normal Jeep).

The Minneriya National Park, located in the North Central district of Sri Lanka is a sanctuary for wildlife. Alongside the Udawalawe National Park it is one of the best places on the island to see the Sri Lankan Elephant up close, all year round. As well as elephants, you are likely to see a whole host of other mammals, birds, butterflies, reptiles and amphibians. The park is also an important habitat for the two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka – the Purple-faced Langur and Toque Macaque.

Aside from the wildlife, the impressive Minneriya tank – a reservoir built by an ancient civilization – is undoubtedly the highlight of the park. If you are visiting between June and September you are likely to experience the dry season when the reservoir slowly dries out, giving way to fresh grass and shoots and attracting large herds of elephants, deer and water buffalo. It is during this time that Minneriya National Park gains fame in the viewing of “the Gathering” of wild elephants. If you are lucky, you may witness between 50 and 300 wild elephants making their way to the shores of the reservoir in what is considered to be the largest known meeting point of Asian Elephants in the world. We recommend an early morning or late evening visit to the park.

**Depending on the period of the year / weather we will provide the safari at different national parks with prior notice, Kaudulla National Park or Eco Park which are located within the same region**.

Return to hotel and spend the rest of the evening at leisure.

After breakfast at the hotel, experience a gastronomic guide to Sri Lankan cuisine with in-house chef. Sri Lankan food is flavorful, spicy, colorful and incredibly delicious. You will definitely crave it when you are back home. So, here’s an opportunity to learn more about Sri Lankan cuisine and to pick up a few great recipes.

Thereafter proceed to explore a Gem cutting and polishing experience.

Gem cutting and polishing Sri Lanka used to be affectionately known as Ratna-Dveepa or “Gem Island” since it is famous throughout the world for its large quantity and exquisite variety of gemstones. Despite being a small island Sri Lanka houses one of the highest densities of gemstone deposits in the world, producing over 70 varieties of both precious and semi-precious stones. Blue Sapphires, Star Sapphires, Cats Eye, Garnet, Amethyst, Moonstone and Blue Topaz are all found on island. In fact, one of the world’s largest Blue Star Sapphires was discovered recently in Sri Lanka! The value of a gemstone will be decided by its quality and its quality is determined by its shape, cut, color, size and clarity. The main difference between precious and semi-precious stones is in the density; the latter being slightly softer than the former. During a visit to a local factory, you can watch as the stones are cut and polished. Admire how the shine of a stone is brought out through expert cutting and you even have the opportunity to cut and polish your own, beautiful stone and have it made into a piece of jewelry. Before completing your visit, hear from the professionals about the tiresome task of mining for precious stones, including blocking the flow of rivers to sieve through the gravel.

Soon after this activity, proceed to Habarana to enjoy a Cultural Dance Show. Sri Lanka, are an incredible display of the rich and diverse heritage of the country. Located in the central region of Sri Lanka, Habarana is a small town known for its picturesque landscape, tranquil atmosphere and vibrant cultural life. The town is surrounded by lush green forests, rolling hills, and sprawling lakes, making it a popular tourist destination.
The Cultural show highlights traditional dance and music performances for almost 2 hours. The hops are a fusion of various cultural elements from different parts of the country. They are performed to the rhythm of traditional musical instruments such as drums, flutes, and cymbals. These performances celebrate Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and are an excellent opportunity for tourists to experience the country’s vibrant and dynamic traditions.

Return to hotel and relax.

After breakfast at hotel, checkout and leave for Kandy (approximate trave time – three hours’ drive).

Optional activity (extra cost applicable): En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temple.
Dating back to the first Century BC, Dambulla is a vast cave complex, converted into a rock temple which is still regarded today as one of the most important Buddhist monasteries. Covering the rock ceiling is the largest collection of paintings in Sri Lanka within a cave temple, and surrounding you is the highest number of Buddha statues found in one single place. As you wander through the temple, notice the serenity and the exceedingly well-preserved nature of the place. It is no wonder the Rock Temple has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Check in at hotel and enjoy lunch.

Late evening do a walk in the City of Kandy with a curator.
The city of Kandy was the last Kingdom of Sri Lanka and has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will notice a more comfortable temperature here, compared to the tropical climate prevailing throughout the rest of the island. The Sacred Temple of the Tooth is certainly the most revered and iconic place to visit in this cultural capital but other highlights include the historic Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens and the scenic Victoria Golf Club. Whilst you are in Kandy, also look out for the silverware, brassware and gem-studded jewelry, carefully carved and designed by the Kandyan craftsman, who are known to be the most skilled in the country. Kandy can be a bustling place in the day so there is nothing quite like a late evening stroll around the serene lake with a view to the Sacred Temple and the distant sound of drums in the background.

Return to hotel, relax and enjoy dinner.

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel. Spend the morning hours at leisure, enjoying the facilities at the bungalow.

After lunch at the hotel, proceed to Peradeniya (approximate travel time – 30 minutes’ drive) visit the Botanical Gardens with your chauffeur guide.

Originally created in the 14th Century as a pleasure garden for the Queens, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya are located in the city of Kandy. Spread over 147 acres and bordered by the charming Mahaweli River – the longest in Sri Lanka – it is the largest botanical garden on the island. The garden is home to over 4,000 species of plants, ferns, shrubs, palm trees, spices and medicinal plants, all complemented by an array of butterflies and bird species. Take time to admire the incredible collection of over 300 varieties of orchids: certainly, one of the garden’s highlights. The giant bamboo and double palm trees, both of which are imports to the island and many are over one hundred years old, create a natural canopy. A leisurely stroll through the immaculate lawns and along the quiet paths, perhaps stopping to enjoy a sumptuous picnic, is a great way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city.

Thereafter visit the Suriyakantha Arts and Crafts Center

The SURIYAKANTHA Center for Art and Culture is an unforgettable place located in the heart of Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, Kandy. The historic residence of a village chief, locally known as “walawwa,” has now been transformed into a functional and modern art center, carefully preserving its 18th-century colonial-style architecture.
The rich collection housed in the center reflects the passion of its founders, the late Rohan de Silva and Dr. Jacques Soulié. It includes traditional furniture, artworks, ancient books, including precious original historical editions, photographs, and postcards, showcasing the encounter between two civilizations: the East and the West.

Return to hotel, relax and enjoy dinner.

After breakfast at the hotel, checkout, and transfer to Hulang grounds (approximate duration – 20 minutes’ drive) to board the Chartered Helicopter to Galle.

A vehicle from the hotel will pick you up from Samanala Grounds and transfer you to your overnight hotel (approximate duration – 20 minutes’ drive).

Check in at hotel and relax.

Late evening, proceed on a city tour of Galle Fort with a specialized curator.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, the city of Galle mixes the exotic with the colonial. The impressive Fortress, originally built by the Portuguese and further fortified by the Dutch, remains standing today with only a few changes, and is a living example of the interaction between European architecture and South Asian traditions during the 16th to 19th Centuries. Explore the Galle Fort on foot at your own pace, perhaps paying a visit to the Maritime Museum, the Old Dutch Reformed Church, the Sun and the Moon bastions, the lighthouse and the souvenir shops along the way. Early evening is the perfect time to climb the ramparts and sip a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea, or perhaps something stronger (payable locally), as you gaze upon the setting sun.

End the day with a magical Sundowner, and a breathtaking sunset view from the ramparts.

After breakfast at hotel, proceed to Bentota (approximate duration – one hour and 30 minutes’ drive), visit Lunuganga Geoffrey Bawa Estate.

Lunuganga garden in Bentota is a destination in itself – the artistry that went into the evolution of this iconic country house deserves slow and gentle exploration. Bawa created Lunuganga over a period of 40 years and it is a revelation of his architectural evolution where many of his trademark innovations sit alongside experimental flourishes. Bawa’s brother Bevis lived near Lunuganga and his former country estate, Brief, has also been preserved for future generations. Tours of this more intimate property, its structured gardens and low slung, simplistic house brimming with detailed murals, ghoulish statues, personal photos, and colonial-era antiques make this another Bentota experience not to miss. This garden is an elegant early 18th century former shopfront set in tranquil lakeside gardens, to appreciate more of Geoffrey Bawa’s visionary handiwork.

Traditional rice and curry can be enjoyed at lunchtime, and curries are also on the menu for lunch, alongside more traditional western options such as scrambled eggs and homemade granola. Drinks include coffee, Ceylon Tea and freshly squeezed juices. All dishes use the finest local ingredients, and many of the fruits, vegetables and herbs used in our freshly cooked meals are sourced from local vendors.

Return to the hotel and relax.

Your vehicle and chauffeur guide will pick you from Galle and transfer you to Ahangama (approximate duration – 40 minutes’ drive) to explore Cinnamon tapping experience.

Cinnamon tapping experience, followed by a Cinnamon infused lunch. Outside the city of Galle is Villa Mayurana, a piece of paradise set among a cinnamon plantation offering magnificent views of Koggala Lake and the coastline beyond. Upon arrival, freshen up with a cinnamon-infused towel before venturing on a guided tour of the estate. Learn about the method of growing and harvesting cinnamon as well as how a cinnamon tree can be transformed into the cinnamon sticks, we buy. Watch a fascinating demonstration from one of the estate’s expert peelers to see how this intricate process is carried out. Continue to learn how this aromatic spice is gathered for grading and how it is prepared before being sent to market. If you wish, you may end your spice trail with a delicious cinnamon-inspired lunch at the villa, accompanied by a fragrant cinnamon tea.

Return to your hotel and enjoy the hotel facilities.

After breakfast at hotel, checkout and transfer to Airport (approximate duration – two hours’ and 30 minutes’ drive) in time to connect with your international flight for departure to the Maldives.

Upon arrival at Malè Velena International Airport, you will be transferred by shared Speed Boat (approximate duration – 30 minutes) to your overnight resort in the Maldives.

Check in at your resort, relax and enjoy dinner.

Enjoy breakfast at the resort, spend the days at leisure enjoying the hotel facilities and beach.

Enjoy dinner at the resort.

Enjoy breakfast at the resort. Transfer to Male Velena International Airport by shared Speed Boat (approximate duration – 30 minutes) in time to connect with the international departure flight.