Relaxing Sri Lanka and Maldives holiday

Itinerary in brief:

• 2 nights Kandy
• 2 nights Ella
• 2 nights Yala National Park
• 2 nights Galle
• 5 nights Maldives

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Sri Lanka

On arrival in Sri Lanka, you will be met at the airport and driven straight to Kandy, in the heart of the island checking into your hotel for 2 nights.

Included: Transfers, 3* hotel   

Day 3: Kandy

After breakfast, you’ll head out to explore Kandy. Starting with a drive up the hill for a spectacular view over the town. Next, you’ll go back to the city centre, taking a walk around the famous shopping streets and visit the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. They have a rare orchid house, - founded in 1824, the gardens still hold one of the world largest collections of plants and trees, including palms, mahogany and tamarind.

In the evening you’ll discover the sacred Temple of the Tooth – this is the prime edifice of Buddhists all over the world. The relic is housed in the magnificent temple and is a joy to explore in the dusk light.

Included: Breakfast, touring, 3* hotel    

Day 4: Train to Ella

This morning you’ll leave Kandy behind as you hop on the train that rattles its way to Ella. With a cool breeze through the window and people selling local snacks on the train it’s a delightful journey through the mountains. Keep an eye out for birds along your journey – you might spot woolly necked storks, buzzards and peacocks. Ella is a little village surrounded by high mountains and breath-taking vistas in the central hills of Sri Lanka – on arrival you’ll check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, train, 3* hotel     

Day 5: Ella

After breakfast, you’ll enjoy a short tour of Ella. Visit the Nine Arches Bridge, feel the spray from Ravana Falls and explore the green tea plantations. The rest of your time in Ella is yours to enjoy how you wish – whether you hike the gentle trail to the summit of Little Adam’s peak for endless views of lush countryside, wander through the local tea fields or simply relax at your hotel, high in the tea hills of Ella.

Included: Breakfast, touring, transfers, 3* hotel               

Day 6: Travel to Yala National Park

After breakfast, you’ll be driven south towards Yala National Park. During the journey, you’ll descend from the mountains to the coast, passing chilli fields and pepper plantations where kingfishers and bee-eaters flit through the warm air. You’ll arrive in Yala in the early afternoon and check into your hotel for two nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, 3* hotel                 

Day 7: Yala National Park

In the early morning you’ll set off on a game drive. The guides will help you track elephants, sloth bears and the famous leopards of Yala National Park. At the same time, they’ll keep an eye out for some of the smaller residents, such as mongooses, cobras and bright blue bee-eaters. It’s magical place to explore, with wildlife round every corner.

If you want to book more game drives, just ask.

Included: Breakfast, 1 x game drive, 3* hotel     

Day 8: Travel to Galle

Today you will be driven along the south coast to Galle. Stop in at Dondra Head to see the famous lighthouse on the way, or to play in the waves on the golden sands of Tangalle. When you arrive in Galle, you can check into your hotel and begin to unwind.

Included: Breakfast, transfers   

Day 9: Galle

This morning you’ll enjoy a walking tour of the Galle Fort. Explore the striking bastions and grass-covered ramparts while wander along small cobbled streets. This remarkable fort sits right next to the Indian Ocean – with 150 acres to explore, this tour will give you the chance to learn all about Sri Lanka’s religious and architectural history.

The afternoon is yours to explore the city a little more or relax at your hotel.       

Included: Breakfast, touring, 3* hotel    

Day 10: Fly to the Maldives

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport for your flight to the Maldives. On arrival, you’ll be taken by speedboat to your hotel.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international flights, all-inclusive 4* hotel            

Days 11 - 14: Maldives

Welcome to the Maldives, a lush nation made up of many tiny islands, with a big heart! We’ve booked you an overwater bungalow at Oblu by Atmosphere. Jump into the turquoise water for a quick snorkel before breakfast and in the evening catch a magnificent sunset from your deck. Spend your days kayaking through the crystal-clear ocean or learning to dive on the colourful house reef. In the evening, settle down for a sumptuous dinner of grilled fish by the sea.

Included: 4* all-inclusive hotel                 

Day 15: Depart Maldives   

After breakfast, you’ll be taken by boat back to the airport in time for your flight home.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, international transfers  

Day 16: Arrive UK