With colourful cities and timeless ruins, gorgeous beaches and tea plantations as far as the eyes can see; Sri Lanka offers an irresistible mix of history, culture, and natural beauty. When combined with the barefoot luxury and indulgence of the Maldives, where minutes seem like hours and hours feel like days, you have all the makings of an unforgettable holiday. Isn’t it time you got away?
Striking the perfect balance of exploration and relaxation, this trip will take you to the spiritual mecca of Kandy and on to the verdant tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya - plus a whole lot more. Enjoy free time to relax on the beach or bite into the delicious cuisine of Negombo; visit Dambulla, the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka; and travel to the charming Galle, home to the famous Galle Dutch Fort. Then, slip into relaxation mode with four nights at the 4-star Adaaran Club Rannalhi in the Maldives, enjoying three meals daily and an unlimited drinks package. Bliss!
This incredible discovery package includes return international full-service flights on Sri Lankan Airlines, 8 nights of quality hotel accommodation while on tour in Sri Lanka, an English-speaking tour guide and so much more.
Want more? Maldives Overwater Bungalow and premium accommodation upgrades are also available.
Today depart from Australia for Negombo (Colombo), Sri Lanka! Fly with Sri Lankan Airlines plus any airline partners. Upon arrival, be met by a tour representative and transferred to the hotel.
Please note: due to flight scheduling and availability, some departures may occur on day 0. Affected customers must be at the airport the night before. Flight times will be indicated on your final documents, issued 4-6 weeks prior to departure.
Overnight: Negombo Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: In-Flight
Enjoy today at leisure as you adjust to the new time zone and surroundings. If you have spare time, your guide will introduce you to some of Negombo’s curious sites such the Dutch churches, perhaps take a boat ride along the Dutch canals or laze on the golden sands. Negombo was an important port during the colonial periods. In the late 17th century, the Dutch built a network of canals, over 100km in length, that was used to transport cinnamon and other spices from inland plantations to the coast.
Overnight: Negombo Hotel (Standard or Premium option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Following breakfast, enjoy time at leisure. In the afternoon depart for Kandalama. Upon arrival check into the hotel and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure, or alternatively join an optional tour to visit the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress (not included).
Optional Activity: Sigiriya Rock Fortress - $60 AUD per person
In the afternoon visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is the fifth century rock citadel of King Kasyapa. Step through the gigantic 'Lion Paws’, set overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens, to comprehend the splendour that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts and moats, the Lion Rock is coated by frescoes that relate to Gupta style paintings found in the Ajanta caves of India. Wander into the museum downstairs for an insight into how the citadel floated above citizens and learn about the advanced ponds and irrigation that pumped water right onto its summit through an ingenious hydraulic system.
Overnight: Sigiriya/Kandalama Hotel (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today enjoy the day at leisure, or join one or both of the following optional tours:
Optional Activity: Morning Polonnaruwa City Tour - $65 AUD per person
Rising with the decline of Anuradhapura, the city of Polonnaruwa - medieval capital and crown jewel of King Parakramabahu I - remains superior proof of ancient culture and heritage blended with religious beliefs. Walk among the scattered walls of this World Heritage Site, dotted with stupas, resting Buddha statues, irrigation canals and fantastically carved Hindu sculptures – while observing the relic house - Watadage - which boasts impressive stone carvings. Look closely and you will notice a subtle Hindu influence on the architecture and statues found in Polonnaruwa.
Optional Activity: Half Day Jeep safari in Minneriya National Park - $100 AUD per person
Experience an afternoon safari at Minneriya National Park. If you're up for a serious rumble in the jungle, then Minneriya is the place to go! Spread over 8800 hectares, it’s a sanctuary for elephants and home to herds of deer and ample birdlife, but its spotlight remains between swaying trunks and flapping ears. Park your jeep on the bank of the reservoir and switch off its engine. Take the opportunity to see herds of elephants - one by one - roll onto the grass-covered banks, to feed on tender shoots. In fact, this is the largest elephant gathering in the world (over 300 at a time) – it’s an absolute must-do for wildlife enthusiasts.
Overnight: Sigiriya/Kandalama Hotel (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast travel to Dambulla and stop at the Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, which has been treasured by many kings since the first century B.C. An icon of Sri Lanka, Dambulla Rock Cave Temple features five magnificently constructed cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. Observe the exquisite cave paintings along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, be sure to cast your eyes up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.
On completion of the tour leave for Kandy. Upon arrival, check into the hotel.
Afterwards, embark on a guided city tour. Kandy was the last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings – a centre of culture, history, and heritage. Experience the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. A stroll across this small lakeside town cradled among the misty hills will take in the Kandy city centre as well as a bazaar, an arts and crafts centre and a gem and lapidary museum. Next, fine-tune your evening by stepping to the beat of traditional music and drumming, with a vibrant Sri Lankan cultural show.
Overnight: Kandy Hotel (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast depart for Nuwara Eliya. In the afternoon, commence a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya. Sri Lanka, tea, and tourism are words which cannot be separated. Head to the cold & misty hills for the ultimate tea plantation tour through lush green fields. Or just step into a tea factory processing the prestigious brand of Ceylon Tea, to observe a rich tradition kept alive up to date. As you observe the hissing and swishing of machines, inhaling the heavenly scent arising from these facilities, make sure to end the day in style over a perfectly blended cup of pure Ceylon Tea.
Overnight: Nuwara Eliya Hotel (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Following breakfast leave for the epic southern capital of Galle (approx. 6 hours), where classic Dutch architecture meets a laid-back tropical setting. Enjoy a tour of the famed Galle Dutch Fort. Stroll through the Dutch-influenced streets, listening to the creak of wooden saloon doors, and observe how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions.
Preserved for more than three centuries, the Galle Dutch Fortress still has its original ramparts and bastions. Beyond the old gate bearing the British coat of arms you will see the Zwart bastion, the lighthouse, and the Point Utrecht Bastion. Venture into the Dutch Hospital Shopping Complex for a wide range of souvenirs. On completion of the tour be transferred to the hotel.
Overnight: Galle Hotel (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy the day at leisure to explore and enjoy the beach.
Overnight: Galle Hotel (Standard or Premium Option)
Meals included: Breakfast
Today after breakfast, check out of the hotel and transfer to the airport (approx. 2.5 hours) for the short flight to Malé, Maldives. Upon arrival in Malé, be met at the airport by a representative and transferred to the resort by speedboat, where you can relax and unwind for the next four nights on island time.
Overnight: Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Maldives (Standard or Overwater Bungalow)
Meals included: Breakfast; Dinner
Enjoy the next three days at leisure in this incredible resort. Relax in this tropical oasis, or perhaps try out one of the many activities available on the island (not included).
Overnight: Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Maldives (Standard or Overwater Bungalow)
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Enjoy a further day at leisure to relax and enjoy the resort facilities.
Overnight: Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Maldives (Standard or Overwater Bungalow)
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Enjoy a further day at leisure to relax and enjoy the resort facilities.
Overnight: Adaaran Club Rannalhi, Maldives (Standard or Overwater Bungalow)
Meals included: Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today, at the appropriate time you will be transferred to the airport for the return flight home after one travel dream come true!
Meals included: Breakfast; In-Flight
Please note: Some flights may arrive +1 day later due to flight scheduling.
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