We Love —
- Enjoy this culturally rich and rewarding tour with a wonderful mixture of culture and adventure, followed by a sublime beach holiday.
- Explore the many different sides of Sri Lanka all in one superb tour, visiting spice plantations, cave temples and of course - the famed Sigiriya
- Your all inclusive hotel in Maldives will take your breath away with its pristine beaches, azure water & 5* service.
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 - 21:00 and Saturdays & Sundays from 09:00 - 17:30.
Your Destinations —
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.
At Medhufushi Island Resort, you are one of just two resorts in beautiful Meemu Atoll. The secluded location ensures that the surrounding coral reefs and dive sites are virtually pristine, with intact and healthy corals and an abundance of aquatic life.
Your Itinerary —
Day 1: Arrival
On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by your English Speaking chauffeur guide and transferred to the cultural hub of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya, where you will spend the rest of the day independently exploring. (Airport to Sigiriya approx. 4hrs)
Overnight accommodation in Sigiriya Village or similar.
After an early breakfast, you will take a journey to climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (Habarana to Sigiriya approx. ½ hour)
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a spectacular Rock Fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions. The most impressive facets of the unique complex are the Water Gardens, the Frescoes of beautiful maidens, the Mirror Wall with ancient graffiti, the Lion platform and the Summit of 1.6 hectares, which was completely covered by buildings during the period of Sigiriya’s glory. Built by King Kashyapa (477-495 A.D), the “Lion Rock” is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200m from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town and the base is ringed by a moat, rampart, and extensive gardens. The world-renowned frescoes (originally 500, of which only 19 remain today) which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway are painted in earth pigments on plaster. The old stairway to the top led through the mouth of a crouching lion but today only the huge paws remain giving an indication of the massive proportions of the head. Remains of the handsome royal citadel are on the summit and several caves for meditation, audience platforms and baths complete the unique site.
During the afternoon, you could engage on a game drive in Minneriya National Park.
Minneriya National Park (optional) - Located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8,890 hectares of Minneriya National Park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to favorites such as sambar deer, leopards and elephants. However the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3 rd century AD by King Mahasena). During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze, as well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants and painted storks to name a few) that come to fish in the shallow waters.
Overnight accommodation in Sigiriya Village or similar.
After breakfast, set off on your journey to the Last Kingdom on Sri Lanka – Kandy. (Sigiriya to Kandy approx. 2½ hrs)
En route you will visit the Rangiriya Dambulla Cave Temple – which is located in the North Central Province. This UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 01st century BC, is an amazing complex of 05 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock.
Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. Cave inscriptions from the 2nd Century BC are found and on the walls are many paintings most of which belong to the Kandy period (early 19th century). This temple is a perfect location to view evolution of ancient Sri Lankan art and is an important historical site due to the amalgamation of the material from many eras.
Next you will pause on your journey to discover the homeopathic remedies of the East at the Matale Spice Gardens. You will have the opportunity to dabble in the homeopathic remedies of the East! The pungent aroma of the spice permeates the air as you explore the treasure garden of the Spice Gardens!
Finally arrive in the city of Kandy - a lovely exotic city, the Hill Capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which retains an aura of grandeur, time has not affected. Encircled by hills, with a tranquil lake in its centre, it is the site of the renowned temple that enshrines the Tooth Relic of the Buddha and the Royal Botanical gardens – home to one of the world’s best collections of Orchids. A cultural sanctuary where many legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive, Kandy and its satellite villages are the centre of the islands handicraft industry (items of wood, brass & silver) exquisite silver or gold jewellery and precious gems of many varieties including the world’s best blue and star sapphires. The highlight of the city’s calendar is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the casket enclosing the Tooth is taken in procession for ten glittering nights in July/August by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and approximately 100 Elephants.
Overnight accommodation in Ozo Kandy or similar.
This morning you will visit Last Kingdom of Sri Lanka, you will visit the Royal Botanical Gardens. About 6km (4miles) southwest of the town centre at Peradeniya on the Colombo highway, close to the banks of the Mahaweli Ganga, these gorgeous gardens were first planted and laid out for king Kirthi Sri Rajasingha (1747-1780) and cover some 60ha (150acres) of trees lawns and flowering shrubs, including a 20-ha (50acre) arboretum of more than 10,000 trees. Under British rule, the royal park became a botanical garden in 1821 and is the largest of Sri Lanka’s three main botanical gardens. Here, exotic crops such as coffee, tea, nutmeg, rubber and cinchona (quinine) - all of which later became important to Sri Lanka's economy - were tested. Sights include a palm avenue planted by the British in 1905. Another British import was the enormous spreading Java fig which sprawls across the lawn, grown from a sapling brought from the East Indies. The gardens also have stands of towering bamboos from Burma, Japan China and the East Indies, and a fine collection of orchids from Sri Lanka and further field. In the centre of the gardens is an artificial lake in the shape of the island of Sri Lanka, beside which a white- domed rotunda commemorates George Garder, superintendent of the gardens in the mid 19th Century.
This evening you will witness a cultural show which will offer a display of the various kinds of arts practiced in the island of Sri Lanka. Watch the acrobatics of the Kandyan Dancers, displaying techniques utilised once by Dancing Warriors of the Sri Lankan Kings! See the grace and elegance of the Hill dances and the forceful energy of the Southern as you spend an eventful evening – usually topped by an entertaining display fire dancing/ playing.
Next on this evenings agenda is a visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth - the Crown Jewel of your experience in Kandy...
This is commonly known as the "Sri Dalada Maligawa", it has prominence in the city of hills, Kandy. It is an important shrine for Buddhists as it holds the tooth relic of Lord Buddha. It is famous for its carvings and the beautiful art that is unique to Sri Lanka. The most important part of the Dalada Maligawa is the octagon (Pathirppuwa). The Sri Dalada Maligawa is the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka. Thousands of people line up each day to get a glimpse of its majesty.
Overnight accommodation in Ozo Kandy or similar.
Your Hotels —
If the hotels mentioned are unavailable you will be accommodated in one of the same or higher standard.
Sigiriya Village - Sigiriya
You will spend 2-nights in a Standard Room on a Half Board basis.
Ozo Kandy - Kandy
You will spend 2-nights in a Kandy Sleep Room on a Half Board basis.
Medhufushi Island Resort 5* - Maldives
You will spend 7 or 10 nights in a Semi-Detached Beach Villa with an all inclusive board basis.
Far from the modern world, yet full of home comforts, the collection of 112 spacious villas are spread across 10 hectares of paradise. All come with a private sundeck and traditional Maldivian swing chair - there is no better spot to watch the gentle waves lapping the beach.
The distinctive Maldivian atmosphere is evident throughout the resort, from the warm and welcoming staff to the coconut thatch roofs of each property and the sandy floors of the restaurants.
Venture even further into the realm of nirvana at the in-house spa, built upon stilts over the sparkling lagoon. A visit to the spa transports you to a world of peace. Treatments are inspired by earthly elements, designed to rebalance mind, body and soul. Feel the stress melt away as you enjoy a range of treatments and massages to the sound of the nearby ocean.
Divers can discover a host of exciting and wondrous dive sites where manta rays, turtles, reef sharks and all manner of tropical reef fish can be found. The Werner Lau Diving Centre’s team is on hand to help you learn and discover.
Your Board Basis
Malafaiy restaurant is located beside the pool, overlooking the lagoon offers buffet style breakfast lunch and dinner with culinary influences from around the world.
Alfresco restaurant at the pavilion serves a wide range of beverages and a la carte specialities in an open air setting, allowing you to witness the wonderful sunset.
Gourmet Menus are available for those celebrating special occasions. These can either be served on the beach or at the sunset pavilion.
The Vilu Bar is built over the lagoon, offering spectacular beach and ocean view. Offers a wide selection of premium beverages and cocktails as well as an extensive snack menu.
The beach villas are furnished with four-poster beds with romantic white drapes, accompanied by sleek modern comforts and stylish furnishings. The large semi-open air bathrooms include showers shaded by a wishing-well-style roof and some have a standalone bathtub. Lounge on your terrace's Maldivian style swing and be enchanted by your lush surroundings while the gentle breeze sways you.
Please note that your all inclusive board basis includes the following:
Lunch served at the Main Restaurant, Afternoon Tea/Coffee with snacks served at the a la carte restaurant and dinner served at the Main Restaurant.
Bottled water & Drinks served by the glass (including soft drinks, beer, house wine and pouring spirits**). Beverages to be served between 10:00 and Midnight only.
After midnight all consumed drinks will be charged at the normal price.
**Pouring spirits include: Gin, Vodka, Whiskey, Brandy, Tequila, Rum, Arrack and Martini
Your Journey —
Flights: Are included with Sri Lankan Airlines.
Heathrow - Colombo: 21:30 - 12:45 (+1)
Colombo - Maldives: 07:20 - 08:15 OR 13:00 - 14:25
Maldives - Heathrow: 09:25 - 19:10
Transfers: Private transfers are included throughout as per the itinerary. Shared transfers are included in Maldives.
