Highlights Of Sri Lanka & Cruising The Maldives

Check-in at hotel in Negombo (situated close to Colombo airport).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+)

Boarding our minibus, we drive inland to Anuradhapura. En route we will visit a nearby fishing village. The catch here is made in traditional style large outrigger canoes, known locally as ‘oruvas’. We will also stop at a tile factory to discover the intricacies of tile making. Later we watch the toddy tappers climbing tall coconut trees and collecting sap from the flowers to make Arak, a local whisky type spirit. We then drive on via Chilaw to Anuradhapura.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we explore some of the major places of interest in Anuradhapura. Founded around 500 BC, it became important with the conversion of the Ruler and his people to Buddhism some time later – 260-210 BC. The site was vast and the city spread over many miles. There were hospitals for the sick, hostels for travellers, and artificial reservoirs ensured a good water supply. Of great interest are the Sacred Bo-Tree (more than 2,200 years old); the Brazen Palace (once a nine storey residence for monks); the Ruvanvalisaya Dagoba (a massive dome-shaped shrine 90m high), which towers over the surrounding countryside; and the Smadhi Buddha (a 4th century AD masterpiece). In the afternoon we visit Mihintale, situated 8 miles away and the veritable cradle of Buddhism. The young monk Arahath stayed in these mountain caves and converted the local people to Buddhism. Exploring Mihintale involves climbing a flight of 1,840 shallow stone steps leading to the summit of the Missaka mountain. There are excellent views from the top looking back to Anuradhapura.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Travelling towards Giritale, we pause to see the magnificent Standing Buddha of Aukana (12m high). Sculptured in the 5th century AD by a master craftsman, it is still relatively isolated in its jungle setting. Leaving Aukana we drive to Dambulla, where a great series of caves have been turned into temples (dating from the 1st century BC). We will visit five separate caves, which contain a large number of Buddha images and a few sculptures of Hindu Gods. This World Heritage Site is visited by crowds of worshippers. After a lunch stop, there is an option to do a 1 1/2 hour elephant back safari in Habarana, or you may choose to do a nature walk or simply relax in the shade with a book by the lake. Afterwards, we finally reach the small town of Giritale.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which reached its height of glory in the 12th century. The city still has many interesting and spectacular buildings and monuments. There is the Royal Palace Group with its Audience Hall, Bathing Pool and Quadrangle – a very compact collection of ruins. Close by is the Circular Relic House, a curious round structure with a beautifully preserved ‘moonstone’ carved at the foot of a flight of steps. Another famous feature of the deserted city is the group of carved images of the Buddha known as Galvihara. Here there are four colossal figures, all of which are hewn out of solid granite. The Reclining Buddha is no less than 14m long! In the early afternoon we drive to our hotel Sigiriya. You may choose to take an optional jeep safari in Minneriya National Park or in Kaudulla National Park on the way (park varies depending on the season).

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

A morning climb brings us up to the redoubtable Sky Fortress. The ruins of this 5th century fortress are one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions, a stupendous sight to behold and a feat of consummate engineering skill. A switchback series of steps and steel stairways (sometimes steep and challenging) ascend to the top. Halfway up, tucked beneath a sheltering overhang of rock, are the famous frescoes – the Sigiriya Damsels, their colours still glowing. Magnificent views can be enjoyed from the summit of the rock palace (200m high). On the way to Kandy we stop to visit the woodcarving centre at Naula and a Spice Garden. Finally we reach Kandy where our hotel is situated a short walk from the heart of this lovely mountain town.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Lying in the mountains 112km northeast of Colombo, Kandy is, in climatic terms, a world apart due to its altitude of 500m above sea level. The town was captured by the British as late as 1815, and is known more for its cultural and spiritual importance rather than its history. Buddhists from all over the world come to this delightful old highland town, specifically to visit the Temple of the Tooth, the Dalada Maligawa. The costly jewelled shrine of the Holy Tooth (said to be 3.5cm long by 1cm thick and Buddha’s left canine) is kept in the upper floor of the original building. This relic was brought from India 1,500 years ago and every year, at the time of the August full moon, it is paraded round the town with great pomp and circumstance. During this ten-night festival of Perahera, the Tooth (or a simulacrum) is borne along on a richly caparisoned elephant, surrounded by saffronrobed monks and Kandyan dancers. Kandyan dancers can also be seen performing every night at one or two locales around town. This morning’s sight-seeing includes attending the Temple of the Tooth Ceremony and a visit to the Peradeniya Botanical garden. Your afternoon will be free to continue your exploration of this charming mountain town.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

A scenic drive through magnificent mountains brings us to a tea plantation, which we visit en route to Nuwara Eliya. From here we continue to Maskeli Oya Family Park resort where we stay for two nights. The land surrounding the resort is cultivated by areas of tea, a small natural forest and a lovely natural spring. The area will allow you to experience Sri Lanka’s typical hill country setting and enjoy the beauty of the area.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

At our location on the resort we have an ideal spot from which to explore the surrounding countryside and mountains. There are many relaxing walks along the tea covered slopes. The night sky is particularly fine at this altitude. An optional climb up Adam’s Peak (overnight ascent, only during the pilgrimage season from the December full moonday to the May full moonday. Please note: this hike is strenuous) is recommended. Although the number of pilgrims making the ascent often makes progress slow, watching the sunrise from the Buddhist temple at the summit is an experience to treasure.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we will drive to Bandarawela through the mountains and round green rolling hills covered in tea plantations.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

In the morning we drive to Ella and visit Rawana Ella Falls. We continue south through the hill country by road until we eventually reach the plains and the small town of Wellawaya, which stands at a major national crossroads. From here we follow a small track and soon we will be able to see the Colossi of Buduruvagala, a 51ft image of the Buddha, rising majestically above us. Other fine Mahayana statues can be spotted near the Buddha. Continuing southwards, we descend through a huge rice growing area before reaching the coast. Our journey takes us alongside Udawalawe National Park, a refuge for orphaned elephants, one of which Explore has sponsored. Although we will not have time to enter the park, we may be lucky to spot elephants from the road. We will also travel through the small fishing port of Tangalle and on to the attractive beach resort of Unawatuna, close to the southern tip of Sri Lanka. Although there is still evidence of damage from the 2004 tsunami all along this coastline, the international relief effort has put the area on a fast path to recovery; and the brand new infrastructure is allowing local communities to benefit from tourism once again.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Unawatuna has a variety of activities and attractions to occupy your free time. You may choose to hire snorkelling equipment and explore the corals or take a sea trip around the coast. Alternatively travel upriver past small largely uninhabited islands. One afternoon we visit the old, walled seaside town of nearby Galle. Important as a trading port for the Portuguese since the 16th century when the fortress was constructed, it has undoubtedly been a trading centre since ancient times. There is plenty to see particularly in the old fort area, which was designated as a World Heritage Site in 1988. Overlooking the sea, the fort ramparts protect the harbour, old houses, churches, warehouses and the Arab quarter. If you feel that you haven’t spent enough time here on the afternoon sightseeing tour you may want to come back later. For those seeking pure relaxation, local Ayurvedic massages with natural, aromatic herbal oils are highly recommended. During your free time on day 13 there is now the opportunity to go on a whale watching trip. Alternatively you may wish to visit our tree for life project and sponsor a tree which will eventually be donated to villages affected by the Tsunami.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we return to the fishing village of Negombo. En route we will call in at a nearby lace making project where women learn to make and sell lace to make their own living. (This project is supported by the Travel Foundation in an effort to help women become more self sufficient). The afternoon is left free here for your own exploration. Early evening flight to Male where we meet our Dhoni crew.

Overnight Standard Hotel (H+) Included meals: Breakfast

Transferring to the waterfront we board our dhoni, taking the opportunity to meet our captain and crew before our departure in early to mid-afternoon. We will cruise south for 2 to 3 hours through the Vaadhoo Canal to a nearby island in South Male Atoll; probably Guraidhoo, a small inhabited island where we plan to moor in (or just outside) the small harbour for our first night on board.

7 nights on board Dhoni vessel

Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed start this morning, we continue to the southernmost point of South Male Atoll before crossing the channel to Felidhoo Atoll. Whilst South Male Atoll is within the ‘tourist zone’, Felidhoo Atoll and the other southern atolls are not. And whereas there are about 20 resorts on the islands of South Male Atoll, there are only two in Felidhoo Atoll. The main industry is fishing and there is a chance that we will see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands. Our total travelling time will be about 3 to 4 hours, depending on how many times we stop off en route. We should reach the idyllic uninhabited island of Ambaraa by early afternoon, with the remainder of the day free to enjoy the beach and snorkel in the crystal clear waters around the island.

Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we sail south for a further 2-3 hours, crossing to Meemu Atoll. As with the rest of the journey, we are hardly ever out of sight of land (weather permitting) and we actually cruise very close to many of the islands. Meemu Atoll has 34 islands of which 25 are uninhabited. Some of the inhabited ones grow yams, and all of them are almost totally dependent on fishing. Here more than anywhere, we are likely to experience the true Maldivian way of life. Shortly after entering the atoll we arrive at Fenboa Finolhu, another beautiful uninhabited island where we aim to base ourselves for the night – again with plenty of time to enjoy the beach and to snorkel amongst the reefs.

Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed start we head east to the inhabited island of Dhiggaru. Here we drop anchor outside the reef, a great area for snorkelling. Late afternoon is a good time to visit this lively village, which often has large dhonis under construction and very few tourist groups visiting it. We enjoy the laid back pace and traditional way of life of its people; as with all the villages that we visit it is important to remember to dress respectfully and behave responsibly. When visiting a house or mosque, shoes must be removed. We hope to be invited in the evening to a performance of Bodu Beru (Big Drum), the traditional folk music of the country.

Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we head back to Felidhoo Atoll and its administrative centre Felidhoo. This is the least populated of the administrative centres with a population of about 400 people. Again, we take time to wander through the village; every visit ashore shows us something new and different about the lives of the islanders. Again, this is a great place to enjoy a Bodu Beru performance.Today we head back to Felidhoo Atoll and its administrative centre Felidhoo. This is the least populated of the administrative centres with a population of about 400 people. Again, we take time to wander through the village; every visit ashore shows us something new and different about the lives of the islanders. Again, this is a great place to enjoy a Bodu Beru performance.

Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our journey today is the longest of the trip and takes us right back through the islands of Felidhoo and South Male Atolls. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and swim and snorkel or to explore the islands en route. Our destination tonight is Emboodhu Finolhu, one of the northernmost islands of South Male Atoll.

Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning we cruise back towards Male where we leave our Dhoni for the day and explore the capital.  We reboard our Dhoni in the evening for the final night on board.

Overnight Accommodation on Boat (U) Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Included meals: Breakfast