• Wander through the bustling Dambulla wholesale markets – a feast for the senses.

• Climb the legendary Sigiriya Rock Fortress and explore the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple.

• Breathe in the scents of Sri Lanka at a lush spice garden in Matale.

• Start your day in style with a serene floating breakfast on Mapakada Lake.

• Explore the cultural heart of Kandy with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth and a dazzling dance show.

• Ride one of the world’s most scenic trains through misty highlands from Nanu Oya to Nuwara Eliya.

• Sip and learn at a working tea factory – the birthplace of world-famous Ceylon Tea.

• Stroll the cobbled streets of Galle Fort, where colonial charm meets coastal beauty.

• Go wild on a thrilling game drive through Yala National Park, home to leopards and elephants.

• End the tour with a few days in the tropical paradise of the Maldives, in a beautiful resort indulging in beach time, spas, snorkelling and relaxing!

14 days with Julie and Venus Adventures in Sri Lanka and the Maldives was a total sensory delight!

Lush, green landscapes, an incredibly diverse itinerary, elephants on safari (and I even spotted a cheetah!), birds, reptiles, historic towns, scenic rail journeys, temples and the very sacred Buddhist Temple of the Tooth.

Banquets of incredible food (diet out the window!), cooking classes, walking, boat trips, spices and, of course, cocktails at 6pm to bring us all together. I could go on and on!

The accommodation through out was oustanding, each place adding something special to the experience.

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Upon arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by our chauffer and transferred to our hotel in Negombo, around 30 minutes drive away, to relax after your long flight. We will meet in the evening for dinner. Overnight Negombo
Meals: B, L, D

Wake up with the sun and dive into the sensory spectacle that is the Negombo fish market. This is where the day starts early and with a bang — the clatter of crates, the calls of fishermen, and the dazzling spread of seafood fresh from the Indian Ocean. 

With the sea breeze behind you, head inland toward Kandalama your tranquil home base for the next 3 nights. Nestled among lush jungle and a mango plantation, and overlooking a peaceful lake, it’s the perfect launchpad for some unforgettable adventures. And the best bit? This hotel is entirely run by women, from the maintenance women to the Manager! We have to support that!

After checking in, some relaxation, maybe even a dip in the pool, it's time to go on an exciting safari in Minnerya National Park. The main actors that we want to spot are elephants, but you will also see many beautiful birds, monkeys, iguanas and who knows what else nature may provide!

Tonight we enjoy sumptuous buffet dinner at the hotel.

Overnight stay in Kandalama, Meals: B, D Driving time is approximately 3.30 hours.

First stop: the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple. Step into a world carved into stone, where five ancient caves hold over 150 statues and vibrant paintings of the Buddha – some dating back over two millennia. As your guide brings the stories behind these sacred spaces to life, you’ll understand why this World Heritage-listed site has drawn pilgrims for thousands of years.

Next stop – the bustling Wholesale Market. Here, chaos and color collide in the best possible way. Weave between trucks stacked sky-high with produce and vendors selling everything from fiery chilies to tropical fruit so fresh it might still be growing. This lively maze is where much of Sri Lanka’s harvest begins its journey to Colombo, and there’s no better place to soak in the sights, sounds, and flavors of the island’s agricultural soul.

Afternoon free to enjoy the hotel facilities, (Ayurvedic massages, pool, lake, gardens)or simply read your book.

Overnight stay in Kandalama Meals: B, D

total driving time is approximately 2.30 hours.

Please note that there are many steps to the caves and a dress code which requires you to remove your shoes and cover up your shoulders and legs.

This morning, lace up your walking shoes and prepare to conquer the mighty “Lion Rock” – Sigiriya. Towering dramatically above the surrounding plains, this iconic UNESCO World Heritage site is part natural wonder, part ancient masterpiece. As you ascend the winding stairways carved into the rock face, pause to take in the breathtaking views and the stories hidden along the way.

Below, explore the remains of ancient pleasure gardens — complete with moats, fountains, and symmetry that would make any royal proud. Halfway up, you’ll be greeted by enormous lion paws carved into stone, once part of a colossal sculpture that gave Sigiriya its name. And don’t miss the famous mirror wall — so smooth that ancient kings admired their reflections in it, and so cherished that ancient poets left their verses behind, still visible today.

After soaking up the grandeur of Sigiriya, it’s time to trade royal ruins for rural rhythms as you continue on to Hiriwadunna. Here, you’ll step into village life with a guided tour that blends tradition and nature. Travel like a local with a leisurely bullock cart ride, wander on foot through lush scrub jungle, and hop aboard an ‘oruwa’ – a traditional canoe-like boat – to cross a serene lake fringed with lotus flowers. It’s a peaceful, authentic glimpse into everyday life in Sri Lanka’s countryside.

Overnight stay in Kandalama, Meals: B, D

NOTE: The visit to Lion Rock takes around 3.5 hours in total. From the Lion’s Paw there is a steep, 30-minute climb over often narrow walkways and steps to reach all of the points of interest at the site. Those who do not want to climb can wait at the Lion’s Paw until the rest of the group return. You must climb in order to access sites like the water garden, boulder garden, frescoes and the mirror wall.

After breakfast, hit the road toward the remote and culturally rich town of Mahiyanganaya. Along the way, stop in Matale to explore a fragrant spice garden, where you’ll discover the roots (and leaves, and seeds!) of Sri Lanka’s famously flavorful cuisine. Wander through lush greenery as your guide explains how spices like cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg are grown and harvested. Top it off with a soothing head massage – a relaxing treat that’ll leave you feeling refreshed and ready for the journey ahead. Don’t forget to browse the garden shop if you want to bring home a little flavor of Sri Lanka.

Rise early and start your day with a touch of magic – a serene floating breakfast on the tranquil waters of Mapakada Lake. As the morning mist lifts and the sun sparkles on the surface, enjoy a delicious spread aboard your private boat, surrounded by the peaceful beauty of nature. It’s the kind of breakfast you’ll be talking about for years.

Then it’s onward to the cultural capital – Kandy. Along the way, stop at a fascinating Gem Museum, where you’ll discover why Sri Lanka is known as the “Island of Gems.” Learn how these natural treasures are unearthed and crafted, from rough stone to dazzling brilliance. You’ll see rare Ceylon sapphires – legendary for their quality – along with other semi-precious gems in hues of blue, green, red, and more. It’s a glittering window into the country’s geological wealth.

As evening falls, the energy shifts from sparkle to rhythm. At 5:00 PM, take your seat for an exclusive traditional dance performance. With vibrant costumes, hypnotic drumming, and fiery stunts, this cultural show is a dynamic display of Sri Lanka’s rich artistic heritage. From the elegant Kandyan dancers to the powerful beats of the traditional drums, this is a performance that stirs the soul and celebrates centuries-old traditions.

Overnight stay at Kandy, Meals: B, D

Start your morning with a visit to one of Sri Lanka’s most revered and spiritually significant sites – the Temple of the Tooth (Dalada Maligawa). Nestled in the heart of Kandy, this stunning temple houses a sacred relic believed to be a tooth of the Buddha himself. Since the 16th century, pilgrims have traveled from near and far to pay their respects, and today you’ll walk in their footsteps, soaking in the serene atmosphere, rhythmic chanting, and scent of lotus flowers.

**Next, trade temples for towering trees at the lush and expansive Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Home to over 4,000 species of plants, this green paradise features an enormous fig tree with a canopy that seems to go on forever, and a world-famous orchid collection that bursts with color. It’s a peaceful stroll for adults and a dream playground for kids to run, explore, and maybe spot a monkey or two in the treetops.

As twilight sets in, the real treat begins – dinner with a local Kandyan family. This isn’t just a meal; it’s a hands-on cooking class and cultural exchange rolled into one, with a focus on Sri Lanka’s sweet side. You’ll learn to make traditional Kandyan desserts, from coconut-filled delicacies to syrupy treats, all made with love and time-honored techniques. It’s an evening of warm hospitality, delicious flavors, and the kind of memories that linger long after the last bite. Overnight stay at Kandy, Meals: B, D

Say goodbye to Kandy and take a scenic drive into the highlands to Nuwara Eliya.

En route we visit to a lush Tea Estate, nestled in the cool highlands. Here, you’ll follow the journey of the iconic Ceylon black tea, from tender green leaf to steaming cup. Learn about the careful art of plucking, withering, rolling, and drying – a process that’s been perfected over generations. And yes, there’s a tasting session waiting at the end, so you can sip the very brew that’s made Sri Lanka famous around the world.

At 1,800 metres above sea level, Nuwara Eliya offers a cool, refreshing escape from the lowland heat. Known as "Little England" for good reason, the town still carries the charm of the colonial era — think tidy hedgerows, rose gardens, and old English manor-style homes dotting the hillsides. 

We reach Nuwara Eliya and go for a gentle  walk with sweeping views over the tea-carpeted hills, distant lakes, and cloud-kissed peaks. 

After checking into the wonderful, colonial-style Grand Hotel the only proper thing to do is to take High Tea, just like the old days!

Free time in the afternoon to explore town

Meals: B, D

This morning we hop aboard one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic train rides, from Nanu Oya to Ella (around 3 hours). Watch the landscape shift dramatically as you climb into the heart of tea country — rolling green hills, waterfalls, and endless rows of tea bushes stretch as far as the eye can see.

We step off the train in Ella. This laid-back gem is tucked high in the mountains and brims with cozy cafés, friendly vibes, and jaw-dropping views at every turn. You will have some free time to have lunch and browse the shops.

Next up: the iconic Nine Arches Bridge – it is a 20 minute walk to this marvel of colonial-era engineering, rising 24 metres above the forest floor and stretching 91 metres across a lush valley. 

After soaking in the beauty of Ella, continue on to Yala, where you’ll check into your hotel and unwind for the evening. With the wilds of Yala National Park on the horizon, a little rest now sets you up perfectly for tomorrow’s adventures.

Overnight stay in Yala, Meals: B, D

Start your morning very early with a wild adventure in one of Sri Lanka’s most thrilling natural playgrounds — Yala National Park. Hop into a 4x4 safari jeep and head deep into a landscape teeming with life, from sun-dappled lagoons to dense jungle and golden grasslands. Your guide will keep eyes and ears tuned to the secrets of the wild — listening for rustling leaves, bird calls, or the silent glide of a crocodile beneath the water’s surface.

Yala is a wildlife lover’s dream, home to elephants, monkeys, sloth bears, crocodiles, and water buffalo, and if luck’s on your side, you might even spot a leopard slinking through the underbrush — this park is one of the best places on Earth to catch a glimpse of these elusive cats in their natural habitat.

After our safari we head back to the hotel for breakfast.

En route to our next stop, we taste fresh, locally made buffalo curd, a creamy Sri Lankan favorite. Served in rustic terracotta pots and topped with thick, golden kithul treacle, this sweet-and-sour treat is delicious.

Next, journey southwest to the historic coastal city of Galle, where colonial charm and coastal beauty collide. Wander through the iconic Galle Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in 1588 and later fortified by the Dutch. With its cobbled streets, old ramparts, and colonial-era buildings, it’s no wonder this UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most atmospheric spots in the country.

Get dropped at Rampart hotel, walk down to the Galle Lighthouse, the old Dutch hospital (now full of alluring cafes) and then turn into Pedlar street, full of cute colonial era shops. Stroll your way down to the end of the street, browsing the shops, grab a bite to eat and back to the bus. About 1.5 to 2 hrs for a leisurely stroll, lunch and browse.

En route to the hotel we visit the Tsunami memorial and museum of Boxing Day 2004, a very sobering experience in which over 50,000 locals lost their lives. The trauma lives on til today.

Overnight stay in Bentota, Meals: B, D.

It’s time for a day off to digest all that you have seen and experienced!

Bentota is a resort town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Its long Bentota Beach stretches north, where it becomes a sandy strip known as Paradise Island, parallel to Bentota Lagoon.  There is also an optional lagoon cruise and turtel sactuary visit. On Bentota River, centuries-old Galapota Temple has a large Buddha statue.

Overnight stay in Bentota. Meals: B,

Early morning check out and proceed to the airport to catch a flight to the MALDIVES!! Meals: B

Today we fly to our tropical paradise in the Maldives for some Resort Indulgence

You will find when you reach the Maldives it might take a day just to change down a couple of gears, and get into “island time mode”. But once the relaxation sets in, you won’t want to leave! Choose to be as active or relaxed as you like,  it is a great de-stress from life and good for the soul. There are a variety of things to do and pleasant bars to watch sunset.

Spend the day at leisure, swimming in the warm waters, walking the island, in the gym or at the pool, reading your book, extreme relaxation or book yourself in for a snorkeling trip, massage, yoga classes, swimming with mantas etc etc!

Package Inclusions

• 3-night resort stay (single/double occupancy)

• Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner)

• Return speedboat transfers

During your stay you can book many optional add-ons, depending on what you feel like doing :)

• Dolphin Watching and sunset cruises

• A variety of massages and yoga classes, there is also a gym, a pool and deck chairs for reading your book by the beach

• Snorkelling, diving, trips

• Stand up paddle boards, kayaks for rent

Check-out and speedboat transfer to Velana International Airport