Classic Sri Lanka & the Maldives

(N)

Arrive and transfer to Sigiriya for 3 nights at the Water Garden Sigiriya. (B)

Explore the 11th and 12th century ruins and the 2nd capital of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa. After, visit the Minneriya Tank, consisting of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is a habitat for elephant, spotted deer, leopard, sloth bear and crocodile. Enjoy lunch at a family-run restaurant. (B)

Climb the iconic fifth-century Sigiriya rock fortress with rises majestically 200 metres from the scrub jungle below. Afternoon at leisure. (B)

Travel to Ashburnham Estate, a 1930s tea planter’s house on the edge of the Knuckles mountain range with fine views of the surrounding hills and waterfalls. Stay 3 nights on this working tea estate. (B)

Take gentle walks in the surrounding area, visit the nearby waterfalls or explore the tea estate in the company of the estate manager at Ashburnham. (B)

Explore Kandy and its 16th century Temple of the Tooth in time for morning prayers. After explore the vibrant street market and wonderful botanical gardens that are home to a fine collection of orchids and a stately avenue of royal palms that were planted in 1905. (B)

Travel to Colombo through tea plantations and jungle covered hills for an overnight stay at the boutique Maniumpathy. Colombo is teeming with delicious food stalls, this evening take a walking tour of the city to try a range of these delectable snacks. (B)

Transfer to the airport for the short flight to the Maldives and a 5-night stay in a beach villa at Fushifaru. (B, D)

Transfer to the airport and fly home. (B)