Sri Lanka plus Maldives Cruise Extension

ARRIVAL IN COLOMBO

After your lunchtime arrival we stay for one night at the four-star Arie Lagoon Hotel.

DAMBULLA & HABARANA

Today the adventure begins and the sights and the sounds of Sri Lanka gradually unfold. The countryside is stunning – scenic paddy fields studded by water buffalos accompanied by wiry, loin-clothed farmers, extensive coconut groves, pineapple fields, working elephants with attentive mahouts astride their necks and everywhere the dense jungle interspersed by huge lakes.

We visit the amazing, 1st century cave temples of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage site and a wonderful introduction to the Buddhist religion. Set in an immense granite outcrop and reached by a number of steps, this serie of five caves are richly adorned with remarkably preserved frescoes and over 150 Buddhist statues. In the caves’ semi-darkness, surrounded by the serene faces of dozens of beautifully painted statues, it’s not difficult to imagine the incredible sense of awe this sacred site held for generations of worshippers.

We stay two nights at the four-star Habarana Village Hotel by Cinnamon.

SIGIRIYA ROCK

This morning you visit what for many will surely be the most memorable and fascinating monument in Sri Lanka: Sigiriya, or the ‘Lion Rock’, is a massive 600ft granite tower with sheer cliffs on all sides crowned by the remains of a 1,500 year old royal palace. The entire site is encircled by a moat and ramparts enclosing a variety of water gardens, the remains of numerous buildings and caves. As you approach Sigiriya rock, you see some of the finest ancient murals in the country – the ‘cloud maidens’ are found under a fold of rock and show in exquisite detail a procession of jewelled, beautifully dressed women bearing offerings of lilies and lotus flowers. Facing us is the imposing final entrance to the palace above: in ancient times the colossal head of a lion (hence ‘Lion Rock’) was built in brick and plaster, visitors entering through its mouth. Today, just the two front paws remain, their claws menacingly extended, still guarding the palace. It should be noted that there are numerous steps to the top of Sigiriya rock, but should pose no problem for those with normal mobility. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure to enjoy our hotel’s pool and facilities.

KANDY

This morning we leave Sigiriya for Kandy. Sri Lanka is noted for its magnificent spices so en route we visit a fascinating garden where we see many indigenous plants such as pepper, nutmeg and cinnamon before arriving at Kandy, the country’s royal capital.

You stay two nights with dinner at the four-star Cinnamon Citadel Hotel, beautifully located overlooking the scenic Mahaweli River and surrounded by peaceful forested hillsides. The hotel as a pool overlooking the river, with a colonnaded lobby, a charming bar and restaurant. 

Kandy is famous for its traditional dancing and so this evening we experience a colourful and hugely skilful display of this ancient art.

KANDY

Kandy’s crowded and bustling streets teem with daily comings and goings: the many white-uniformed children returning from school and the myriad of shops. The centre is dominated by a beautiful lake and the fascinating Temple of the Tooth, said to hold Buddha’s tooth. This is Buddhism’s most sacred shrine on the island and during our visit (today or tomorrow morning), you may be lucky enough to witness one of the many ceremonies. You also visit the stunning Royal Botanical Gardens. Planted over 150 years and covering a huge 150 acres, the gardens hold thousands of plant species and some superb examples of mature tropical trees. Strolling through lawns, shady avenues and immaculately kept flower beds, we see exotic birds and the commemorative trees planted by Edward VII, George VI, Princess Anne and the Queen.

Other highlights are the Avenue of Royal Palms and ‘Bat’ Drive where you can spot the large fruit-eating ‘Flying Foxes’ hanging upside down! The gardens also house Lord Mountbatten’s imposing HQ from World War II. 

TEA ESTATES

Today we leave Kandy driving through increasingly mountainous scenery to Sri Lanka’s premier tea-growing areas. Winding ever upwards, the lush tropical jungle gives way to tall pine forests and then box-like tea bushes begin – few at first and then seemingly covering every fold of the landscape like a huge green carpet. You visit one of the best-known tea estates to see how our favourite drink is rolled, dried and graded, followed by a refreshing cup of Ceylon’s finest. Nuwara Eliya, the main hill station, is nearly 7,000 feet above sea level and called ‘Little England’ due to its spring-like climate, parks and golf course.

You stay at the four-star Golden Ridge Hotel for one night. 

ELEPHANT TRANSIT HOME & YALA

You say goodbye to Sri Lanka’s hill country this morning on your way to Yala National Park in the south of Sri Lanka.  At around midday we arrive at the Elephant Transit Home, supported by the UK’s Born Free Foundation, at Udawalawe National Park, where you’ll be able to watch young elephant orphans being given one of their daily feeds.

You stay two nights at the excellent three-star superior Chaarya Resort & Spa Hotel, near Tissamaharama. 

YALA NATIONAL PARK

An early start this morning, accompanied by the unique sound of a tropical ‘dawn chorus’. As the morning mist disappears with the rising sun you explore the jungle and its incredible range of wildlife in 4x4 vehicles. The normally elusive leopard offers the Park’s most exciting game viewing and Yala has a high concentration of these big cats. They are the island’s top predator so are far less shy than elsewhere in the world. Yala is also known for its elephants, saltwater crocodiles, wild boar, sloth bears, monitor lizards and a huge variety of birdlife. After a late breakfast you can relax by the hotel’s pool before an optional second, early evening park drive.

YALA TO COLOMBO

Today we journey to Colombo, stopping at the UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle, with its imposing 16th century Dutch fort. In the late afternoon we arrive at the four-star superior Kingsbury Colombo for one night.

FLY TO MALÉ

Transfer from your hotel to Colombo airport for the 1hr.25 flight to the Maldivian capital Malé with a short domestic flight to Maamagili Regional Airport in South Ari Atoll.  On arrival you’ll be taken by dhoni (traditional Maldivian wooden boat) to the Yasawa Princess, your charming home for the week, where the friendly crew will help you check into your comfortable cabin. During this evening’s informal welcome meeting, you’ll be briefed on week’s itinerary, meet crew members and the other guests on board. Enjoy your complimentary pre-dinner cocktail as you catch the first of many spectacular sunsets over the Indian Ocean.

HURASDHOO DESERTED ISLAND

Get your first taste of cruising as we take a short cruise north west to  Hurasdhoo, a small deserted island with a white sandy beach. Take the opportunity for snorkelling to experience your first taste of the underwater world or relax and soaking up the sun and cooling off with a dip in the Indian Ocean. The ship’s tender makes trips to this beautiful island in the morning and afternoon.

For a small additional charge payable locally, you may wish to take a boat out with professional guides and go in search of the graceful giant manta ray visiting a manta ray cleaning station with the option to snorkel (seasonal). Tonight, you may wish to experience reef night fishing with traditional hand line bottom fishing technique (catch and release method).

EMBUDU DESERTED ISLAND

A short cruise to the western edge of the atoll we moor up near the small charming deserted island of Embudu. The tender takes you to the island in the morning and afternoon. Access to snorkelling is with ease, with a bit of luck you may find local residents Eagle rays or turtles passing by or simply relax on the long stretch of beach. You really are in the middle of the Indian Ocean. Tonight, why not try your hand at traditional fishing in the open ocean under the stars? Maldivians are true fishermen at heart, so you’re in good hands with our local guides. 

RAIYDHIGAA ISLAND & BEACH BBQ

After a leisurely cruise this morning, we arrive at the island of Raiydhigaa with a natural habour. With soft white sands, lush coconut trees and astonishingly clear water, this remarkably picturesque island appears to have sprung to life from the cover of a travel magazine! There is easy access to the reef for snorkelling. Lunch today is a picnic on the island.

For many, this evening will be a real highlight. Few experiences can compare with a meticulously prepared barbecue on the beach, served with warm Maldivian hospitality. Enjoy a wide selection of delicious food including traditional Maldivian Boduberu music and dancing under a starlit sky, a truly memorable experience.

ALIKOI RAH SANDBANK

Located in the centre of Ari Atoll is Alikoi Rah sandbank, a snorkellers haven with a house reef abundant to spot colourful fish, turtles and rays, visiting in the morning and afternoon.  This evening we watch the sky take on an array of magical shades of orange as we take a sunset cruise to the nearby Maaya sandbank.

MAAYAFUSHI SANDBAR

Heading to the northern edge of Ari atoll, visited in the morning and afternoon is the large sandbar of Maayafushi is renowned for flocks of common seabirds. A wonderful sandbar with a stunning sea-green lagoon and a surrounding reef, making snorkelling an absolute dream.

MALÉ

This morning we cross the open Ocean channel of Alihuras Kandu cooling off with a final dip in the warm ocean clear waters on a sandbar en route to Male. Once reaching our final mooring, our dhoni is ready to take you on an informal guided tour to the world’s smallest capital city.

With an area of approximately 2.3 square miles and a population of approximately 150,000, Malé is a fascinating commercial hub of the country. See the bustle and buzz of everyday life including local markets, whilst wondering around. Enjoy locals favourite pastime of having an ice cream or coffee or simply watch the world go by from one of various cafés in the area of Boduthakurufaanu Magu.

RETURN FLIGHT

After breakfast, we take our return flight to the UK via Colombo.