We Love —
- Enjoy two breathatking locations on this twin centre trip - the perfect mix of adventure, culture, nature and relaxation.
- Explore the highlights of the island Sri Lanka on a 4 night tour, visiting Dambulla cave temples, Minneriya National Park and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
- Then we will whisk you off to the Maldives for an idyllic 5 or 7 night beach stay - All Inclusive!
Here to Help —
Booking 35 days in advance and spending over £500 per person? No need to pay in full today! Just select the 30% deposit option on our payment page (terms & conditions apply)
For any additional information on this offer or assistance in making your reservation please call one of our dedicated team on 0844 8262098 or email [email protected]
Opening hours are Monday to Friday 08:00 - 20:00 and Saturdays & Sundays from 09:00 - 17:30.
Your Destination —
This is a culturally rich and environmentally diverse country, with nine World Heritage Sites (the oldest dating back to the 3rd Century BC); 86 species of mammals (including elephant and leopard) and more than 400 bird species; a colourful array of flowering plants and trees, and a Hill Country famous for tea; 14 National Parks out of 100 areas protected by the government; and an Indian Ocean coastline boasting palm-fringed and sandy tropical beaches.
The Maldives archipelago consists of 1190 tiny islands scattered across the Indian Ocean. Only 185 of these islands are inhabited, while the others are used largely for tourism and agriculture. The atolls are composed of live coral reefs and sand bars perched atop a 960km submarine ridge, while the land features lush tropical vegetation with abundant local coconut palms.
The Maldives is renowned for its incredible diving opportunities. The crystal clear water and shallow lagoons are perfect for snorkelling, while the reef walls offer a kaleidoscope of sea life for more experienced divers. The Maldives have an amazing diversity of sea life, with corals and over 2000 species of fish, ranging from reef fish and reef sharks to moray eels, rays and whale sharks.
The local culture features a lively mix of South Indian, Sinhalese and Arab influences that is reflected in the traditional music, cuisine and art of the island.
Your Itinerary —
Day 01: AIRPORT / DAMBULLA (Approx Transfer time: 3 - 4 Hours)
Arrival at Colombo International Airport on flight. Here, you will be met by a professional Chauffeur Guide.
After the formalities at the airport you will be escorted to your air conditioned vehicle.
Next, transfer to your hotel in Dambulla and check-in to hotel - Just for you: EARLY CHECK-IN AT AMAYA LAKE
Later that day, of time permits, proceed to visit Dambulla Cave Temple.
A vast isolated rock mass- it was here that king Valagambahu took refuge in the 01st century B.C. He later turned the caves into a rock temple. Dambulla is a world heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. The complex of five caves with over 2000 sq. meters of painted walls and ceiling found here are over 2000 years old and is the largest area of painting found in the world. The caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is the colossal figure of the Buddha carved out of rock and spanning 14 metres.
On completion, return to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AMAYA LAKE, DAMBULLA or similar
Day 02: DAMBULLA / SIGIRIYA / DAMBULLA (Approx. Transfer time: 20 - 30 Mins)
After breakfasts at the hotel proceed to Sigiriya, where you could climb the 1200 steps and admire the fabulous frescoes on the walls of the ancient rock fortress.
The Sigiriya Rock Fortress is known as the 8th wonder of the world. This rock fortress was built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. In a sheltered a pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, are the famous frescoes. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare was the site of the palace and the outer wall was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya 5th century water gardens to their former glory.
On completion , proceed to Hiriwadunna to experience a unique village trek.
Hiriwadunna is a super jungle and village experience which is popular with most clients. Where we begin a scintillating walk over village paths, a tank (ancient reservoir) bund and forest. Cross a little jungle rivulet by catamaran to reach a farmers simple "wattle and daub" house where the breakfast is consumed. The villager will provide some tea and may be sweetmeats. Proceed half an hour by foot and bullock cart to a point where a vehicle meets you to continue your trip to the next destination.
After the village trek, return to your hotel in Dambulla and spend the rest of the day at leisure enjoying the hotel amenities.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AMAYA LAKE, DAMBULLA or similar
Day 03: DAMBULLA / POLONNURUWA / MINNERIYA / DAMBULLA
After breakfast, begin your day by heading to Polonnaruwa for a city tour . (Approx Travel time: 1½ - 2 Hours)
Polonnaruwa, which became the capital of Sri Lanka following the decline of Anuradhapura, was to witness the Sinhalese Buddhist civilization reaching still greater heights. The vast irrigation network with reservoirs that look like natural in-land seas sustained such epic scales in rice cultivation, during the reign of king Parakramabahu the Great (1153-1186 A.D), Sri Lanka became known as the Granary of the Orient.
After the tour of Polonnaruwa, proceed to Minneriya for a Wildlife safari. (Approx Travel time: 20 to 30 Mins)
Minneriya national park is one of the best places in the country to see wild elephants, which are often present in huge numbers, and wading birds. Dominated by the ancient Minneriya Tank, the park has plenty of scrub, forest and wetlands in its 88.9 sq km to also provide shelter for toque macaques, sambar deer, buffalo, crocodiles and leopards (the latter are very rarely seen however).
Elephants, which can number 200 or more, come to feed and bathe during what is known as ‘the Gathering’; and flocks of birds, such as little cormorants, painted storks, herons and large pelicans all fish in the shallow waters.
Between the months of August to September, In Minneriya, You will also be able to witness the once a year event of the “ Elephant Gathering” in Minneriya.
This is more spectacular than possibly any other wildlife event in Sri Lanka. During the dry season when water supplies start to diminish, more and more animals congregate around the Minneriya reservoir where grasses are rich and fertile. At any one time it is possible to witness up to 300-400 elephants. They are not migrating, they simply ‘gather’, to socialize, bathe, feed and possibly mate.
To be an observer of the largest gathering of wild elephants in the world is truly a memorable sight, and an unforgettable opportunity to watch the social dynamics of these great creatures. It is a unique phenomenon and only seen in Minneriya National Park.
On completion, return to your hotel in Dambulla and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AMAYA LAKE, DAMBULLA or similar
Day 04: DAMBULLA / PINNAWALA / COLOMBO
After breakfast, check out of the hotel and head to Colombo for the night. En-route stop by Pinnawala to visit the Elephant Orphanage. (Approx Travel time: 2 to 2½ Hours)
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the home for young Elephants who have been displaced or lost from their natural habitat, located at Pinnawala village in Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is the best place for an up close and personal experience with the world’s largest land mammals! Today with 70 elephants herein, Pinnawela has become the home to the largest captive group of elephants in the world. Feeding time at 1:15 pm.
On completion proceed to Colombo.
Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and the largest city with the highest population, Colombo is situated in the Western Province. It is a fascinating town which has a blend of eastern and western cultures where all colors of the island are drawn together. Many visitors appreciate the city’s colonial heritage and enjoy the vast range of fine shopping and dining outlets that can be located within the rush of its urban buzz.
Check into hotel and relax.
OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATION AT THE KINGSBURY, COLOMBO or similar
Day 05: COLOMBO / AIRPORT / MALDIVES
Today after breakfast you will be transferred to the Colombo Airport to catch your flight to continue to your beach stay in Maldives.
On arrival to the Airport of Maldives you will be transferred to your hotel by a speed boat.
Check into hotel and relax.
ALL INCLUSIVE STAY AT FIHALHOHI ISLAND RESORT, MALDIVES or similar
Day 06 - 09 or 11: MALDIVES
Enjoy the All Inclusive facilities at hotel.
Spend rest of the day at leisure by the beautiful beach or pool and enjoying the other facilities of the hotel.
ALL INCLUSIVE STAY AT FIHALHOHI ISLAND RESORT, MALDIVES or similar
Day 10 or 12: MALDIVES
After enjoying All Inclusive facilities at hotel, you will be transferred to the Maldives Airport to catch your flight back home.
(STANDARD CHECK - OUT IS AT 1200HRS. LATE CHECK- OUT IS SUBJECT TO AVAILABILITY ON DAY OF DEPARTURE)
If the hotels mentioned are unavailable you will be accommodated in one of the same or higher standard.
Your Hotels —
Amaya Lake - Dambulla 4*
You will spend 3 nights in a Superior Room on a bed & breakfast basis. Just for you: early check in.
The Kingsbury - Colombo 5*
You will spend 1-night in a Superior Room on a bed & breakfast basis.
Dine at the hotel's fabulous multi cuisine restaurant offering Western, Chinese, Japanese and South East Asian dishes, enjoy light snacks and drinks at the the Sky Lounge, or indulge in the seafood restaurant, featuring an outdoor seating deck and a selection of fine wines.
Fihalhohi Island Resort- Maldives 3*
Water babies will love the fact that activities such as fishing and a PADI-certified dive school are available on site, whilst those in search of pampering should head to the spa.
The 150 air conditioned rooms each have a terrace where you an enjoy the views and soak up the sunshine.
The main buffet restaurant serves International and local cuisine, whilst the Blue Lagoon Bar boasts a serene setting on the beach, and serves an extensive range of thirst quenchers and cocktails.
Your Journey —
Flights: The flights included are with either a scheduled or no-frills airline and are subject to live availability and prices can change. You can choose your preferred departure times during the booking process. Please select your flight options carefully as departure and arrival airports may differ.
Transfers: Shared transfers are included throughout as per the itinerary.
Colombo Airport to Amaya Lakes: 87 miles / 3.5 hours
Kingsbury to Colombo Airport: 21 miles / 50 minutes
Flight from Sri Lanka to the Maldives: 2 hours approx
Male Airport to Fihalhohi Island: 40 minute boat trip approx.
