Sri Lanka with Maldives (winter), no flights

Arrival at Colombo International Airport and meeting with our assistant for the shared transfer to the hotel. In the early afternoon, depart for a panoramic city tour. Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and its main port. An incredible blend of cultures and colors on this paradise island. There are many facets to this city of skyscrapers, beaches, and a mix of markets and gardens that amaze visitors with its perfect combination of well-preserved colonial architecture and modern urbanism. The city tour includes a visit to the Fort and Pettah area, where we will experience the lively streets of Pettah, Colombo's vibrant market district, and the historic Fort, which was the center of British colonial administration. We will also pass by the Old Parliament Building, an iconic colonial structure of great historical significance. Continuing through the city, we will visit Town Hall, a majestic colonial building, and the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, known for its red and white striped exterior. We'll also stop at Nelum Pokuna, a modern theater complex, and enjoy the beauty of Vihara Maha Devi Park, Colombo's largest urban park. The tour will also include a visit to famous Hindu temples such as the Sri Ponnambalawaneswaram Kovil, as well as Independence Square and its Independence Memorial Hall. Finally, we'll pass by the BMICH (Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Centre) and visit the beautiful Gangaramaya Temple, a combination of traditional and modern architecture. After the visit, return to the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast and departure for Ridee Viharaya (Silver Temple), located near Kurunegala. Ridee Viharaya is a hidden gem nestled in the verdant hills of Kurunegala District. This ancient cave temple, built during the reign of King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century BC, is deeply connected to the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. According to legend, the silver found at this site was used to complete the great Ruwanwelisaya stupa in Anuradhapura, hence its name, the “Silver Temple.” The temple complex features intricate carvings, centuries-old murals, and a serene atmosphere surrounded by forest-covered rock formations. Enjoy the tranquil and spiritual surroundings, along with panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. This is a unique opportunity to delve into the timeless beauty of Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage, away from the typical tourist trails. After the visit, continue to Dambulla, in the Cultural Triangle. Lunch at a local restaurant and visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We will explore the ancient Buddhist cave temples, which house stunning murals and over 150 Buddha statues. The temples are situated within a large rock formation, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area. The detailed art and serene atmosphere make this a truly unique place to visit. After visiting the temples, transfer to your hotel in Habarana or Dambulla. Dinner and overnight stay.

Early departure to Sigiriya Rock Fortress for the morning climb. We will visit Sigiriya, the magnificent rock fortress that rises 200 meters above the jungle and was once a royal citadel. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this site is famous for its ancient frescoes, water gardens, and the impressive Lion's Gate. From the summit, we will enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and explore the ruins of the royal palace and other historic structures. As we ascend the rock, we will walk through an intricate series of steps, platforms, and remnants of ancient architecture, each telling the rich history of Sri Lanka. Return to the hotel for breakfast. This will be followed by the Village Safari Experience.

Immerse yourself in rural Sri Lankan life with a tractor or ox-cart ride through the village, followed by a relaxing boat ride on a local lake. This activity will give you an authentic insight into the country's traditional way of life. We will also enjoy a tuk-tuk ride through the nearby villages. Lunch will be served at a local restaurant, where we will sample a traditional Sri Lankan meal prepared with fresh, local ingredients and accompanied by a soft drink or beer. We will then depart for Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka's second capital, a historic city declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, known for its well-preserved ruins. Key sites include the Royal Palace, Gal Vihara, a stunning rock temple with carved stone Buddha statues, and Parakrama Samudra, an ancient man-made reservoir built by King Parakramabahu. We will explore the ancient stone sculptures, beautiful Buddhist shrines, and the majestic remains of former royal palaces. Return to the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Breakfast and departure for Nalanda Gedige, a fascinating and little-known archaeological site located near Matale. Its ancient rock temple, believed to be over a thousand years old, displays a unique blend of Hindu and Buddhist architectural styles. It is often called the "center point" of Sri Lanka. Nalanda Gedige is surrounded by greenery and offers a peaceful yet interesting stop for history and architecture lovers. Its hybrid design and secluded atmosphere make for a captivating visit. After the visit, continue to Matale. Arrival and visit a Spice Garden, where we will learn about the different spices cultivated in Sri Lanka, such as cinnamon, cardamom, pepper, and vanilla. We will have firsthand experience with the plants and their processing, and also have the opportunity to purchase local spices as souvenirs. Afterward, we will visit the Sri Muthumari Aman Kovil, a beautiful Hindu temple in Matale dedicated to the goddess Mariamman, known for its vibrant and intricate architecture. It's an excellent place to learn more about Sri Lanka's religious diversity. Continue your journey to Kandy, a city famous for its cultural significance and stunning natural beauty. Arrival and lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we'll take a city tour, beginning with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. We'll also visit Kandy Lake, an iconic landmark in the heart of the city, and then the Kandy Viewpoint for a panoramic view of the city. We'll also visit a batik factory, where we'll see the traditional process of creating these typical Sri Lankan sarongs, and a semiprecious stone factory, which produces jewelry and ornamental pieces with locally mined stones. After the tour, free time to explore the city on your own. Dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast and departure to Nuwara Eliya, in the central mountains of Sri Lanka. We will travel through the scenic mountainous region, passing tea plantations and rolling hills. This picturesque drive offers spectacular views of lush green landscapes. Along the way, we will visit a tea plantation to learn more about this famous Sri Lankan industry. We will tour a tea factory, where we will learn about the production process, from leaf to cup. After the visit, we will enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea while admiring the surrounding hills and terraced fields. Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England." The town is distinguished by its cool, temperate climate and colonial architecture. Free time to explore the town, stroll around Lake Gregory or Victoria Park, and enjoy the peaceful atmosphere. Dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast and departure to Ella, a picturesque town nestled in the hills of Sri Lanka. During the drive along winding roads, we will enjoy panoramic views of lush tea plantations and spectacular mountain landscapes. Upon arrival in Ella, we will take a tuk-tuk ride to the famous Nine Arch Bridge. This iconic bridge, surrounded by dense jungle, is one of the most photographed places in Sri Lanka. We will enjoy a breathtaking view where we can take our time capturing this spectacular landscape. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, we continue to Buduruwagala, an ancient Buddhist temple carved into the rock in a setting of great peace and serenity. This temple is known for its enormous stone sculptures, including a 15-meter-high Buddha statue, along with several other smaller figures. It is an important historical and cultural site, offering a good insight into Sri Lanka's ancient Buddhist heritage. We continue our journey through picturesque rural landscapes to Tissamaharama, the gateway to Yala National Park. Arrival at the hotel, dinner, and overnight stay.

Early departure to Yala National Park, one of the best places to observe wildlife in Sri Lanka. The park is famous for its high concentration of leopards, as well as elephants, crocodiles, and a wide variety of birds. We will take an open jeep safari, traveling through landscapes ranging from dense jungles to open plains, providing multiple opportunities to spot animals in their natural habitat. After the safari, we will continue to the south coast, stopping at a coastal village to witness the traditional pole fishing technique practiced by local fishermen. This unique method involves standing on wooden poles in shallow water, using a simple fishing line to catch fish. Arrive in Galle and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant. Afterward, we will explore Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch, this colonial fort offers stunning views of the ocean and harbor, as well as charming cobblestone streets featuring Dutch-era architecture. Finally, transfer to the hotel and the rest of the afternoon is free to relax and enjoy the seaside amenities. Dinner and overnight stay.

Breakfast and transfer to Colombo International Airport.

Flight from Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo to Velana International Airport, Male. *

Transfers Male - Kuramathi Maldives Hotel - Male

Accommodation in selected hotel.

* The client may choose to take the flight included in the package or buy and book it on their own.

Stay at the hotel on the basis chosen by the client. Free day to enjoy the fine white sand beaches, the crystal-clear turquoise waters and the coral reefs.

Stay at the hotel on the basis chosen by the client. Free day to continue enjoying this natural environment that the Indian Ocean offers us and that seems straight out of a movie.