Sri Lanka Highlands & Maldives Escape

Land at Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, where your private driver guide greets you for a brief transfer to your coastal hotel in Negombo. Settle in, unwind from your journey, and take an evening stroll along the palm-lined beach as traditional catamaran fishing boats return across the lagoon under golden sunset skies.

Travel east into the verdant foothills toward Kandy, the historic hill capital. En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to observe elephants bathing in the river. Upon reaching Kandy, explore the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic on the shores of Kandy Lake and attend a captivating evening cultural performance featuring Kandyan drumming and fire dancing.

Ascend winding mountain roads carved through rolling emerald tea fields, stopping to admire the cascading beauty of Ramboda Falls. In Nuwara Eliya, experience the cool mountain air and colonial heritage of Little England. Tour an orthodox working tea factory to observe the time-honored plucking and processing of Ceylon tea, followed by a tea tasting and a lakeside walk by Lake Gregory.

Journey deeper into the southern highlands to Ella, famous for its dramatic mountain gaps and lush hiking trails. Walk through peaceful tea estates to photograph the architectural marvel of the Nine Arch Bridge as trains rumble across the viaduct, then take a gentle hike up Little Adam's Peak for 360-degree panoramic views across Ella Gap.

Descend the southern highlands past the tumbling waters of Ravana Falls, traveling toward the golden beaches of Bentota on the southwest coast. Settle into your beachfront resort, dip your toes in the warm Indian Ocean, and enjoy a tranquil afternoon listening to the gentle crash of ocean waves under swaying coconut palms.

Set out on a morning excursion to the historic walled city of Galle. Stroll atop the 17th-century Dutch ramparts, visit the iconic lighthouse, and wander cobblestone streets lined with colonial-era villas, jewelers, and craft boutiques. On your return to Bentota, stop at a local sea turtle hatchery in Kosgoda to observe conservation efforts protecting vulnerable marine species.

Transfer along the modern expressway to Colombo for an introductory city tour covering Gangaramaya Temple, Independence Square, and the colonial facades of the Old Parliament. Afterward, proceed to Bandaranaike International Airport for your 75-minute flight to Male. Upon arrival at Velana International Airport, transfer by speedboat to your island resort and check into your tropical villa.

Wake up in an island paradise surrounded by crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand. Spend your first full day in the Maldives indulging in total leisure: swim directly from your villa into the warm lagoon, lounge on secluded sunbeds, sip tropical cocktails, and savor gourmet international cuisine served right on the beach.

Embark on a guided morning snorkeling safari across vibrant coral gardens alive with colorful tropical fish, reef sharks, and graceful manta rays. In the afternoon, try paddleboarding or kayaking across the calm lagoon, or unwind with an oceanfront massage at the resort spa before watching a spectacular Indian Ocean sunset.

Savor a final tropical breakfast beside the water and take a morning swim in the turquoise lagoon. Check out of your resort and take a scenic speedboat transfer across the atoll back to Male Velana International Airport for your onward international flight, concluding a breathtaking vacation across Sri Lanka and the Maldives.