Sri Lanka & Maldives: Beyond the Beaches

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the seaside city of Colombo with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe head out onto the walkable streets for a stroll through the leafy neighborhoods or head to one of the waterfront promenades for a drink by the water. After your meeting, maybe head out to dinner with your group – your leader will have the best recommendation.

This morning, travel inland towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where rural life and wildlife encounters await. Begin with a visit to a traditional chena cultivation farm and learn about this age-old agricultural practice directly from a local farmer. After, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch made with homegrown ingredients in the village. In the afternoon, set out on a safari in Minneriya National Park. Board a 4WD jeep and venture into the wilds of the park in search of elephants, often seen gathering near the reservoir, along with other wildlife like deer, birds and reptiles.

Rise early and make the short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, where Lion Rock rises 200 m (656 ft) above the surrounding plains. Climb to the top of the ancient fortress complex – these defensive capital remains include 5th-century frescos, terraced gardens and fountains. Then, return to the hotel to fuel up with some breakfast before visiting a local impact centre to learn how community initiatives are supporting sustainable livelihoods. Later, travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, and visit the Temple of the Tooth – one of the country’s most sacred Buddhist sites.

Journey into the cooler hill country, where rolling green landscapes dominate the scenery. Visit a working tea plantation to learn about the process behind Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea, from leaf to cup. In the afternoon, explore the area on two wheels, starting at Gregory Lake and pedaling past some of Nuwara Eliya’s viewpoints, tea plantations and tea estates. Along the way, pop into a local home to enjoy a cup of tea, some tasty traditional snacks and warm, local hospitality.

Rise early for a visit to Horton Plains National Park – a highland plateau known for its unique biodiversity and dramatic viewpoints. Set out on a guided walk through misty grasslands and cloud forests, visiting park highlights like Baker’s Falls and the famous World’s End escarpment, where sheer cliffs drop dramatically into the plains below. This evening, maybe join your group for dinner. Your leader will have some great recommendations where you can try a local curry or idiyappam (also known as string hoppers, this dish is a soft, lacy nest of steamed rice noodles) with dhal.

Hop aboard a local train today for a ride through Sri Lanka’s highlands and tea country towards Ella, passing emerald-green hills, waterfalls and small villages along the way. When you arrive in Ella, take a tuk-tuk to the picturesque Nine Arch Bridge – an iconic British-bridge set in the jungle and tea plantations where you might see one of Sri Lanka's trademark blue trains passing. Then, continue south to the coastal town of Unawatuna.

Today, you'll see a slice of coastal life on a visit to a local fisherman’s family home. Help cook a traditional Sri Lankan meal using fresh ingredients, then sit down together and savour what you’ve made as you chat with your hosts. Later, head further down the coast to Galle – home to the impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, known as the best surviving European fort in Asia. With extensive walls and many historic buildings, there’s heaps to explore here.

Head north to Colombo – Sri Lanka’s commercial heart and the final stop in your adventure. You’ll have some free time to explore the city’s mix of street markets, historic buildings, museums, restaurants and shops. When you arrive, maybe join your group for a farewell dinner and toast to an awesome journey.

This morning, you'll head to the airport for your flight to Male in the Maldives for the next leg of your adventure. When you arrive at Male airport, you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in nearby Hulhumale. You'll have another meeting this evening at 6 pm. After, maybe take a sunset walk around Hulhumale and get to know the new travellers in your group.

After breakfast, hop on a local bus for a short ride to Male City, the bustling capital of the Maldives. When you arrive, join your leader for a walking tour through the city’s lively streets, local fish and produce markets and highlights like the Male Grand Mosque and Presidential Palace. After, head to the Male jetty for a high-speed ferry ride to the island of Goidhoo, where life slows to a gentle pace. Settle into your guesthouse, then spend the evening discovering the village on foot. Enjoy a traditional Maldivian high tea and hedhika (finger foods), like bajiya (fish samosas) and caramel folhi, as you unwind into the rhythms of island living.

Today, head out on a guided snorkelling trip and get familiar with the incredibly biodiverse marine life of the Maldives. Stop at two reef spots, giving you plenty of time in the water with the kaleidoscopic fish – along the way, learn about the Maldives' coral and marine life conservation practices, and how global warming and El Nino are impacting the region. After, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your own pace – perhaps relax by the beach with a good book. This evening, visit a local vegetable farm before sharing a traditional, homecooked dinner with a Maldivian family in their home. After, head back to Hulhumale to spend the night.

This morning, set out to Thuladhoo, a nearby island known for its skilled artisans and traditional way of life. Explore the island on a walk with your local guide, visiting a lacquer workshop (liyelaa jehun) and a local dry fish production area and see the open-air yards where the fish is traditionally sun-dried. After, head to a fishermen’s village for a cooking demo and home-style lunch. Get to know the local anglers and hear the myths and stories of their lifestyle and island customs. Later, return to Goidhoo and enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your own pace. Maybe head to the beach for some chill time, then enjoy another beautiful sunset this evening.

Get a yummy start to the day with a hands-on cooking demo. Learn how to prepare classic Maldivian breakfast dishes like roshi and masuni, then fill up on the fruits of your labour for the day ahead. After breakfast, jump in a speedboat for the ride to the island of Thoddoo, known for its lush farms and laid-back vibe. When you get there, settle into your guesthouse then head out to explore the island by bicycle along village lanes and coastal paths. After your spin, the rest of the day is free for you to relax.

Enjoy a free day, maybe heading to the sand with a good book. If you like, you could go kayaking on Thoddhoo lagoon. As the sun sets, come together with your group for a traditional farewell Bodu Beru performance – the rhythmic drumming and dancing will bring your Maldivian journey to a memorable close. If you like, head out to dinner with your group after the celebration and toast to new friends and memories.

Your Maldivian journey comes to an end today with an early-morning local speedboat ferry transfer to Velana International Airport. If you want to extend your stay in Hulhumale, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.