Sri Lanka and Maldives Adventure

ITINERARY

• DAY 1

  Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka

  Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka, upon arrival at Bandaranayake International Airport our representative & driver guide will meet you and arrange the transfer to Negombo. Check-in at the deluxe room of Jetwing Blue is a stylish beach hotel that redefines the ultimate beach holiday experience.
  
  Welcome Dinner at the Hotel by Sri Lanka baila music. Overnight stay at hotel.

  What's included?

  • Dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Transfer
• DAY 2

  Dambulla - Visit the Capital of ancient city of Sri Lanka Anuradhapura and stop in Ritigala

  Breakfast at Hotel. Leave for Anuradhapura via Puttlam. Anuradhapura It was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka, It is the home of two World Heritage sites. Many places of historical and archaeological interest could be visited. Sri Maha Bodhi (Sacred Bo-Tree) was brought as a sapling of the tree under which prince Siddhartha attained enlightenment it is over 2,200 years old and is the oldest historically documented tree in the world. At Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C), the 1600 stone columns you see are all that is left of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks. Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C) is the most famous of all the Dagobas. It originally depicted the perfect ‘bubble shape" that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce. Samadhi' Buddha statue (4th century AD) is one of the most famous statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of 'Samadhi' or deep meditation. Isurumuniya rock temple (3rd century B.C) is well known for its rock carvings of 'The Lovers'. Kuttam Pokuna – twin ponds (6th century AD) was used by the Buddhist monks as a bathing pool. Thuparama Dagoba (3rd century B.C) is the oldest Dagoba on the island, which enshrines the right collarbone of the Buddha.
  
  On completion proceed to Ritigala to witness a 02 hours demonstration of Angampora Martial Arts – This ancient fighting technique dates to the reign of the Kings. It is a fighting art using wrestling, locks, and throws as well as numerous weapons, strict discipline, and meditative practices are incorporated in this art. This martial art was practiced only by royalty and nobles and contributed to the resistance against foreign invaders. The teaching of this technique was banned totally in 1818 by the British Government; any offender was punished by being shot on the legs below the knee. The sport has been revived thanks to the families who practiced this art and techniques not allowing it to die out. Continue to Dambulla.
  
  Check-in at Jetwing Lake Hotel in a Deluxe Room. Rest of the evening at leisure.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 3

  Polonnaruwa - Explore the Sigiriya and visit the 2nd ancient city of Sri Lanka Polonnaruwa

  Breakfast at Hotel. Proceed to Sigiriya to climb the 5th century Sigiriya rock fortress which is a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495 AD). The ‘Lion Rock’ is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 meters from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70-hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock. Visit the world-renowned frescoes of the ‘Heavenly Maidens’ of Sigiriya, which are in a sheltered pocket of the rock approached by a spiral stairway. These frescoes are painted in earth pigments on plaster.
  
  On completion leave for Polonnaruwa which was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and which is a world heritage site - Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya – where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’ and ‘Recumbent’ postures carved out of rock, the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, king Parakramabahu’s statue, and the Parakrama Samudraya lake built by King Parakramabahu the Great. There are also monuments of famous places of worship such as the Shiva Temple, the Lankathilake, the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera, and the remains of a former Temple of the Tooth Relic. Return to hotel for overnight stay.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 4

  Dambulla - Experience the local Village and visit Minneriya National Park

  In the morning, after breakfast at the hotel, experience a local village visit take a bullock cart ride through the village paths up to the lake then cross the lake by canoe. Take part in a cookery demonstration by the local women from the village. Also enjoy a locally prepared lunch. After lunch takes the Tuk Tuk through the village paths back to the vehicle.
  
  Return to Hotel or participate on a recommended experience: Pottery Making
  
  Experience the traditional methods of Pottery by a village of dedicated potters. Witness a myriad of creations evolve from experienced hands; to generations of dedicated artisans. Try your hand at pottery and make your own souvenir to take home.
  
  Late afternoon proceeds to Habarana to board a safari jeep to visit Minneriya National Park to witness game - The Minneriya Tank was created by King Parakarambahu at the height of Polonnaruwa’s glory as of the capital of Sri Lanka. The national park-based largely around the huge tank (reservoir) was created rather more recently but serves as an important gathering place for Sri Lanka’s large population of elephants. It is a great place for elephant spotting all year round – though as the dry season makes water scarce between June and September, more and more elephants gather on the shores of Minneriya Tank. Indeed by late August and September, the awe-inspiring site of up to 300 elephants can often be seen, in a phenomenon known as ‘The Gathering’. It is the largest concentration and gathering of Asian elephants that can be seen anywhere in the world. Watching baby elephants playing with each other, bull elephants tussling for dominance, and the great matriarchs surveying the scene is not a sight you are likely to forget in a hurry. Aside from the elephant, Minneriya is also home to some 23 other species of mammals: some, like the Deer and Sambur you will see, some like the Leopard, and the Sloth Bear will probably prove elusive. The arid dry zone is a paradise for many species of Lizard and you will see them here in all their technical color brilliance if you look carefully enough, as well as snakes like the Indian Python and the Mugger Crocodile. Above all, of course, are Sri Lanka’s wonderfully varied bird population. Among the 150 or so species, particular favorites of ours you may see in Minneriya include the beautifully painted stork, the Pelican, and various imposing eagle species, as well as the endemics: the Sri Lankan Jungle Fowl, the Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, and the Sri Lanka Gray Hornbill. Return to Hotel for overnight stay.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 5

  Dambulla - Visit Agro Village and the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings, Kandy

  After breakfast at the hotel, leave for Kandy en-route, visit Agro Village to experience the natural agricultural methods of the medicinal plants and Herbs in Sri Lanka – Experience a locally prepared lunch under shade vegetation.
  
  Check-in at Mahaweli Reach Hotel combines a sense of refined luxury with the old-world charm of an ancient kingdom.
  
  Afternoon leaves on a sightseeing tour of Kandy - Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a World Heritage Site. The name Kandy conjures visions of splendor and magnificence. Many of the legends, traditions, and folklore are still lovingly kept alive.
  
  Drive around the Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798. Visit the Kandy town and Bazaar, the arts & crafts center.
  
  Late evening visit Temple of the tooth to observe the rituals of Buddhist worship.
  
  Return to Hotel for overnight stay.
  
  Recommended Excursion: A visits during the sightseeing tour can be arranged to visit contemporary art gallery meet a local artist to understand the Sri Lankan contemporary arts.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 6

  Nuwara - Trek the Little Adams Peak in Ella and walk through lush green tea plantations

  Transfer to Kandy railway station to board the local train up to Nanu Oya the most scenic train journey in the country through waterfalls and tea plantations. On arrival at Nanu Oya railway station transfer to Nuwara, Eliya, en-route visit Pedro Tea Plantation and Factory.
  
  Check-in and overnight at Grand Hotel, an Iconic Landmark of Sri Lanka situated in the high elms of Nuwara Eliya (known as "Little England" or "Switzerland of the East").

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 7

  Yala - Trek the Little Adams Peak in Ella and walk through lush green tea plantations

  Breakfast at Hotel. Drive through Little England, leave for Yala en route trek the Little Adams Peak in Ella. Little Adams Peak whether considering the word ‘Little’, is named after the sacred Adams Peak (Sri Pada –where the footprint of Lord Buddha is preserved) regarding the similarity between the two mountains. Therefore the mountain was called Little Adams Peak. “Punchi Sri Pada” is another name for this peak. It is 1141 m in height. Gradually with an easy hike up to the mountain of Little Adams Peak, you can consummation a worth panoramic view. You have to walk through lush green tea plantations, waterfalls, and paddy fields while enjoying the sceneries.
  
  Check-in at Jetwing Yala Hotel which is beautifully positioned between the serene tranquility of the Indian Ocean and the natural wonders of Yala National Park.
  
  Rest of the afternoon at leisure.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 8

  Mirissa - Explore the Yala National Park by Safari Jeep

  Early morning, visit Yala National Park by Safari Jeep to witness game - This Park is famous for its high density of leopards, perhaps the highest in the world. You are also sure to see elephants – grumpy loan males during the dry months and large herds in the wet season. Sloth bears are also a big draw. You will also see mammals such as wild boars, several species of deer, and wild buffalo. There is a plethora of reptilian species and platoons of crocodiles. As is common in Sri Lanka there is a huge diversity of stunning birdlife including migratory species such as the flamingo. It is also one of the few places in the world where the severely endangered black-necked stork can still be seen. The uniqueness of the park is the sheer diversity of the habitat: dense jungles suddenly give way to lagoons and open plain areas and the park has a simply beautiful seafront. Huge, stark boulders dominate the horizon and the elegant, languorous leopard can often be seen basking atop the sun-baked rock.
  
  Return to Hotel for Breakfast. Leave for Mirissa via expressway.
  
  Check-in at Madara Resort to the Superior Sea View Room. The hotel is overlooking the famous Read Cliff Mountains and Mirissa Bay with a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean.
  
  Rest of the day at leisure & overnight stay at hotel.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
• DAY 9

  Galle - Enjoy the Whale Watching and Visit Galle Dutch Fortress

  Early start to be at Mirissa fishing harbor to board the boats to proceed on the Whale Watching expedition which will take approximately 3 hours. Completions return to the hotel to refresh and leave for Galle.
  
  Check-in at Amari Galle with Deluxe Ocean View Rooms. The hotel is the best place to visit with family.
  
  Afternoon visit Galle Dutch Fortress - The Galle fort was built first by the Portuguese, and then modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Even today, after 400 years of existence, it looks new and polished with reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka. Today Sri Lankan government and many Dutch people who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world.
  
  Recommended Tour: Visit a Cinnamon Plantation to experience the production of Cinnamon and Cinnamon Oil.
  
  Return to Hotel for overnight stay.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
  • Cruise/Boat
• DAY 10

  Kosgoda - Visit a local family and take a river cruise of Madu Ganga

  After breakfast at the hotel, before leaving Galle today we will visit a local family to understand the different flavors of cooking in the southern province of Sri Lanka. On completion of the cookery presentation enjoy the local lunch.
  
  Leave for Kosgoda en route take a river cruise of Madu Ganga. - At the outset, Madu Ganga is considered Sri Lanka's second-largest wetland consisting of 28 islands including two main islands providing shelter to 215 families. Over the past generations, Madu Ganga has played an important role in providing food and shelter and of course providing easy access to the mainland via small wooden boats. During the pre-colonization period, Madu Ganga was used as one of the main waterways connecting cities and ancient Sinhala Kingdoms. The main treasure of Madu Ganga is its mangroves that act as a bio-lock to the area in giving protection to the variety of aquatic plants and animal life. They provide a home for different kinds of aquatic plants, crabs, shrimps, fish, various invertebrates, and other animal life including crocodiles. According to villagers the main secret of the Madu Ganga is the tide. On any given day during the low tide, the seawater comes inland and mixes with fresh water and in the evening, it is the other way around - the magic of nature.
  
  Check-in at 5-Star hotel Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Resort & Spa. The hotel is overlooking Kosgoda beach and the Indian Ocean. The sea turtle conservation project is only 3 km from the hotel.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Transfer
  • Cruise/Boat
• DAY 11

  Kosgoda - Today is a day at leisure

  Breakfast at Hotel. Today is a day at leisure. Overnight stay at the hotel.
  
  Recommended Excursion: Visit Turtle Hatchery
  Kosgoda is famous for its sea turtle conservation project operated by the Wild Life Protection Society of Sri Lanka. It was established in 1988 to protect Sri Lanka’s turtles from extinction. Since then it has released about 3.5 million baby turtles into the wild.
  
  The hatchery pays fishermen for eggs that they collect at night along the long sandy beach. Although October to April is the main laying season, some eggs (mostly green turtles) can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year. The hatchery buries the eggs in the sand, and when they hatch around 50 days later the baby turtles are released into the sea at night. Only about one in 1,000 turtles survives to maturity. Kosgoda turtle hatchery also has tanks for injured or disabled turtles, including albino turtles that would not survive in the wild.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Accommodation
• DAY 12

  Welcome to Maldives!

  Breakfast at Hotel – Transfer to Bandaranayake International Airport to connect with departure flight to the Maldives.
  
  Welcome to the Maldives: Meet & greet by our representatives at Male International Airport.
  
  Scenic Seaplane transfer from Male International Airport to Veligandu Island Resort. (shared). The Veligandu Island Resort is situated on a small island in North Ari Atoll, this stylish adults-only resort features 91 well-decorated rooms surrounded by stunning crystal clear water.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Transfer
  • Flight
• DAY 13

  Maldives - Private Sunrise Snorkeling Trip

  Private Sunrise Snorkeling Trip
  
  Explore the abundant fish species diversity of the nearby colorful coral reef early morning. The visibility is great during the early morning as you can see many fishes and their amazing diversity in abundance.
  
  Rest of the day at leisure.
  
  No activities are scheduled for this afternoon, you are free to decide whether to relax or enjoy from many more activities available at the resort.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 14

  Maldives - Enjoy Private Sunset Dolphin Safari

  Private Sunset Dolphin Safari:
  Enjoy a late afternoon Dhoni cruise, photograph a beautiful tropical sunset, and hopefully, watch the dolphins play. Includes a glass of special punch.
  
  Recommended Excursion: Pamper yourself at Duniye Spa:
  Experience a tropical spa experience, focused on wholeness, simplicity, purity, and quality. The therapist’s healing energy combines with Asian massage techniques and chemical-free, pure organic products to create a natural, holistic and personalized approach to caring to reach guests’ health, beauty, and well-being. (supplementary)

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
  • Cruise/Boat
• DAY 15

  Maldives - Signature Private BBQ dinner on the beach

  Morning at Leisure.
  
  Since this is your last day in Veligandu Island no activities are scheduled for this morning. You are welcome to enjoy the available activities and excursions or relax by the beach enjoy the last bit of scenic view, fresh air, and Crystal clear waters.
  
  Signature Private BBQ dinner on the beach.
  
  A Holiday in the Maldives won’t be complete without a private dining experience on the beach. Enjoy a BBQ dinner under the stars on your last night at Veligandu Island Resort.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Dinner
  • Accommodation
  • Tour
• DAY 16

  Transfer with Scenic Seaplane to the airport flight back home

  Scenic Seaplane transfer from Veliganadu Island Resort to Male International Airport. (shared)
  
  See you soon! Wish you a safe flight back home. It has come to an end. Hope you enjoyed the unique Sri Lanka & Maldives island experience. Wish you a safe flight back home.

  What's included?

  • Breakfast
  • Transfer