Private Sri Lanka Adventure & The Maldives

Day 1- Home  Negombo

Hotel - Pegasus Reef Hotel or Similar

Welcome to Sri Lanka! 

On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be met in the arrivals hall by a local representative and escorted to your waiting private transfer who will transfer you to your Negombo hotel. Check in and relax after your international flight.

Your private chauffeur guide is at your disposal for the duration of your trip. During any free time, your private chauffeur guide is available to take you on any extra sightseeing, shopping, or to a recommended lunch or dinner. You will be given your private chauffeur guide’s mobile number at the beginning of your trip and he or she can be reached at any time during your stay.

Day 2 - Negombo Sigiriya

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then meet your private chauffeur guide who will take you on a tour of Negombo. Visit the local fish market and understand the traditional methods of catching and drying fish. See the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort and Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts which feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal.

Following your morning tour, we drive approximately 3 hours to Sigiriya arriving mid-afternoon at the beautiful Sigiriya Jungles resort. Take time to relax and unwind in the hotel grounds, take a dip in the pool or venture to the hotel lookout for incredible views of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. 

Exclusive to Inspiring Vacations guests is a complimentary Ayurvedic treatment at the resort spa. Enjoy a relaxing 20 minute foot, shoulder or head message or upgrade to one of the indulgent treatments using traditional herbs and ancient healing methods. 

This evening, enjoy dinner overlooking the hotel gardens.

Inspiring Highlights

• Negombo Fish Market
• Negombo Lagoon

Hotel – Sigiriya Jungles or Similar

Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 3 - Sigiriya Anuradhapura Sigiriya

Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at the hotel before we travel approximately an hour to visit the UNESCO site and ruins of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka and is known for its well-preserved ruins. Visit the sacred Bo Tree, a spiritual reminder of the beginnings of Buddhism in Sri Lanka and the inspiration for Anuradhapura’s great buildings. The ruins themselves are spread over quite a large area, some in woodland settings and others appearing park-like with columns and ponds dotted about.

Travel back to Sigiriya where the afternoon is a leisure. Alternatively, you may wish to join an optional tour of Minneriya National Park.

Enjoy dinner at your hotel in the evening.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Anuradhapura

Hotel – Sigiriya Jungles or Similar

Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 4 - Sigiriya  Sigiriya Rock Fortress  Polonnaruwa  Sigiriya

After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and climb the monolith, one of the most extraordinary artistic complexes of its time (477 – 498 AD). Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1982, this magnificent citadel allures artistic and architectural curiosity from around the globe. 

Return to the hotel late this morning with time to relax before we head out this afternoon to visit the second ancient capital of Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1982. After the demise of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa became the middle historic capital of Sri Lanka (1017 – 1235 AD). In comparison to Anuradhapura, here your private chauffeur guide will show you well preserved remains of temples and ancient homes and describe the meaning behind the relief and carvings that can still be seen today. 

Following our tour, travel back to Sigiriya in time for dinner at your hotel.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Sigiriya Rock Fortress
• Polonnaruwa 

Hotel – Sigiriya Jungles or Similar

Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 5 – Sigiriya Dambulla Matale Kandy

After breakfast, we leave Sigirya and proceed to Kandy via the Dambulla Cave Temple Built in the first century BC, It is recognized to be the largest cave sanctuaries in the world with its 2000 m2 of walls and ceilings painted more than 150 Buddha images whose largest engraved in the rock reaches 14 metres.

Following this, we visit one of the spice gardens in Matale. Enjoy a tour through the garden as you learn of the different spices that have framed Sri Lanka’s trade history. Learn of the harvesting process and the use of each spice in Sri Lankan cooking and herbal medicines. 

We enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, then continue our journey to Kandy, “The Hill Capital” (1514 – 1815 AD). Originally known as Senkadagala, the city eventually came to know as Kandy, derived from the word “Kanda” meaning “the Mountain”. Kandy was declared as an UNESCO heritage site in 1988. The style and character of the Sri Lankan civilization at the time is well articulated in the heart of the city itself, with its lake, the temples including the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces. 

Arrive at the hotel late this afternoon where the rest of the day is at leisure. 

This evening, you may wish to join an optional cultural performance followed by dinner.

Inspiring Highlights

•  Dambulla Cave Temple
• Matale Spice Garden
• Kandy

Optional Tour - Evening Cultural Performance & Dinner

Enjoy a cultural evening of traditional Sri Lankan dance and music. Dressed in traditional costume, see performers retell the history and folklore through dance and music.  Following the performance, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant overlooking the lake and city of Kandy.

Hotel - Hotel Topaz Kandy or Similar

Meals - Breakfast

Day 6 - Kandy

After breakfast, visit the lake and the beautiful Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, this venerated temple is a deeply spiritual and sacred Buddhist site that contains a fragment of the tooth of Buddha, collected from his funeral pyre.

Following our morning tour, we enjoy an Inspiring Taste as we join a local in their home to learn the art of traditional Sri Lankan cooking. Get an understanding of the locally grown spices and their importance to Sri Lankan dishes, then learn to make five different curries using traditional methods cooked over an open fire in clay pots. Afterwards, enjoy the benefits of your tuition as you enjoy lunch. 

Return to the hotel where the rest of the day is at your leisure before enjoying dinner at the hotel.

Inspiring Highlights

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Hotel - Hotel Topaz Kandy or Similar

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7 - Kandy  Nuwara Eliya

Today after breakfast, ascend by rail towards the British hill station of Nuwara Eliya. The train journey is truly a great local experience and an adventure in itself. Apart from the breathtaking scenery of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with the local people. 

On arrival into Nuwara Eliya, we head to the hotel to freshen up and have a short rest.

This afternoon, enjoy an Inspiring Taste at probably the most talked about property in Nuwara Eliya, with an indulgent high tea at the iconic Grand Hotel.  The High Tea can be taken at any time from 12pm - 6pm and is included as your lunch today.

The rest of your evening will be spent at your leisure.

Inspiring Highlights

• Nuwara Eliya Grand Hotel 

Special Information 

Your travel time today will be approximately 2.5hours.

Sri Lanka Railway tickets can only be booked 30 days prior to departure. The 1st and 2nd class is basic but has air-conditioning. The non-air conditioned 3rd class sometimes is the only option based availability. On the rare occasion the train is fully booked we’ll conduct the route by road. Your chauffeur guide will transport your luggage to Nuwara Eliya and you will travel by yourself.

Hotel - Mirage King's Cottage or Similar

Meals - Breakfast

Day 8 - Nuwara Eliya

Enjoy a leisurely breakfast this morning at your hotel. 

For those adventure seekers, you may wish to join an optional hike to the incredibly scenic Horton's Plains and World's End (see below for more detail). 

Today we tour Nuwara Eliya. Often referred to as ‘Little England’, this genteel highland community we see the rose-tinted colonial-era bungalows and it's beautiful gardens and lake. Also today, we visit a tea plantation and factory. Here you will enjoy an absolute tea experience, taking you from the moment young tea leaves are plucked to being processed in the factory to make a steaming cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase high quality tea.

Return to your hotel where the rest of the afternoon is at leisure. 

Inspiring Highlights

• Nuwara Eliya
• Tea Plantation & Factory

Optional Tour - Horton Plains & World’s End

At approximately 5:30am, leave for Horton Plains National Park. This park holds great importance due to the rich and unique biodiversity and being a catchment area feeding some of the main rivers of Sri Lanka. It is also known to be a 'super biodiversity hotspot' and thus declared a UNESCO site in 2010. The national park is most famous for the vista - World's End.

You will be accompanied by a private escort the entire duration of the hike - from the Horton Plains Park Park Office, to World's End (via Mini World's End) and back. Wear strong and comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses. Bring sunscreen, food and water. The weather can change very quickly on the plains – one minute it can be sunny and clear, the next chilly and misty. Bring a few extra layers of warm clothing.

Meeting Point: Hotel
Includes: Return transfers, entrance into Horton Plains National Park, packed breakfast, private escort
Start Time: 5.30am
End Time: 12.30pm

Note: 7.5km round trip - 150m elevation gain. There are no safety rails available so we recommend this activity for those who are physically fit and go on long walks often. We do not recommend this if you have a difficult time walking along uneven, potentially wet, and rocky terrain.

Hotel - Mirage King's Cottage or Similar

Meals - Breakfast

Day 9 - Nuwara Eliya  Yala National Park

This morning after breakfast, depart for Yala National Park. Enroute, travel through incredible landscapes and make several stops at stunning local waterfalls before continuing to Ella and onto Yala. 

On arrival, enjoy lunch before proceeding into the National Park to spend the afternoon on a private guided game drive. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to possibly sight elephants, sloth bears and the elusive leopard.

Return to your hotel and enjoy dinner. 

Inspiring Highlights

• Yala National Park 

Special Information 

Your travel time today will be approximately 3 hours.

Yala National Park closes for a period between the months of September and October. The exact closure dates are made clear closer to the time. The closure is due to the prevailing dry weather prior to this time and taking into consideration the well-being of the wildlife in the reserve. For departure dates that fall over this period, Yala National park will be replaced with a visit to Udawalawe National Park, while still being able to visit Block 4 or 5 of Yala National Park.

Hotel - Chaarya Resorts & Spa - Tissamaharama or Similar

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 10 - Yala National Park

This morning, enjoy another safari in the Yala National Park by private jeep to spot the diverse wildlife which calls the park home.

Return to the hotel for breakfast and enjoy a free day to relax.

Lunch and Dinner will be included at your hotel today.

Hotel - Chaarya Resorts & Spa - Tissamaharama or Similar

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 11 - Yala National Park  South Coast

Continue east today along Sri Lanka's picturesque coastline.

Upon arrival, check into your hotel and enjoy the rest of the day relaxing by the pool or in the sea. We recommend heading to a local restaurant or beach bar and enjoying the coastal scenery.

Hotel - Mandara Resort or Similar

Meals - Breakfast

Day 12 - South Coast

Today is free to relax by the pool, walk along the beach or try a local cafe or restaurant for some tasty treats. 

If a day of relaxation is not your thing, your private chauffeur guide is at your disposal to show you around the local area, or to take you to one of the local restaurants or bars.

Hotel - Mandara Resort or Similar

Meals - Breakfast

Day 13 - South Coast  Galle

Enjoy breakfast overlooking the ocean before we head to Galle and enjoy a tour of the Galle Fort. This is a city that exudes an essence with a perfect blend of past and present. Declared a UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and British is evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the fort. Walk the relaxed residential streets inside the fort and keep an eye out for some great local shopping and cafes as well as some excellent photo opportunities.

Enjoy lunch at one of the local colonial styled restaurants before you check into your beautiful heritage property situated in the heart of the city of Galle inside the historic Dutch Fort. 

The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure to wander the narrow streets of this beautiful heritage town filled with museums, boutiques, cafes and antique stores.

Inspiring Highlights

• Galle Fort

Hotel - The Heritage Galle Fort or Similar

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch

Day 14 - Galle  Colombo

After breakfast  head north towards Colombo. Along the way, visit the small town of Balapitiya where you will take a boat trip on the Madu River and its 64 scattered islands. Cinnamon Island, locally known as “Kurundu Doowa” is one of the islets you’ll visit to get an informative experience of cinnamon production. Sri Lanka is the largest producer of pure cinnamon in the world.

On arrival into Colombo, check into your hotel located in the heart of the Galle-Face district and enjoy some time to relax and wander the local streets. 

This evening, tour the capital of Sri Lanka, whose long history as a port on the ancient east-west trade route, was ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. This heritage is reflected in its architecture, mixing colonial buildings with high-rises and shopping malls. 

Enjoy a final dinner to celebrate your time in Sri Lanka.

Inspiring Highlights

• Madu River
• Colombo

Hotel - Fairway Colombo or Similar

Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 15 - Colombo  Male  Kaafu Atoll

At the appropriate time, transfer to Colombo airport to board your flight to Male. 

Welcome to Paradise! A visit to the Maldives is truly a dream come true. This stunning tropical nation lies within the Indian Ocean and is composed of 26 colourful coral atolls composed of hundreds of idyllic islands. The Maldives is world famous for its beautiful beaches, sapphire blue lagoons and extensive coral reefs. 

Upon arrival you will be welcomed and then transferred to your hotel by speed boat. After checking in, the rest of the day is yours to spend at leisure, taking in the gorgeous tropical landscape.

Special Information

Today you will say goodbye to your Tour Guide in Sri Lanka, and the rest of your tour will be Independent.

Your included flight allows one checked bag up to 30kg (66lbs), and one 7kg (15 lbs) carry-on, with options to increase your luggage allowance at the airport if needed. Your flight will be unescorted, however your tour guide will assist you to ensure that your journey is trouble free. 

At Male Airport, a representative will greet you with an "Adaraan" name board. If you have difficulty finding the representative, please proceed directly to the Adaaran counter B3 in the airport lounge, next to the baggage claim area.

Your all-inclusive package includes:

• Breakfast, lunch & dinner daily - snacks & cakes are available outside main mealtimes.
• Tea, coffee, iced tea, cordials & water are available from 7.30am to midnight.
• Whisky, brandy, gin, vodka, rum, draft beer, house wines, soft drinks, selected cocktails & mocktails beverages are served until midnight (no alcoholic beverages for guests under 18 years of age). Additional cost may apply during excursions.
• Meals and drinks are included until midday on the date of departure.

Hotel - Adaaran Club Rannalhi or Similar

Meals - Breakfast, Dinner

Day 16 - Kaafu Atoll

This morning enjoy a delicious breakfast while admiring the surrounding low-lying islands that make up the utopian Maldives. Every atoll here is formed by centuries of coral reef growth, and each is encircled by a shallow lagoon, protected by the surrounding reef systems. The islands here have tropical castaway qualities: tall coconut palms, white sandy beaches and crystal clear lagoons. Today you may enjoy an entire day of leisure, participating in some of the many exciting activities that the islands have to offer.

Our hotel offers some phenomenal snorkelling opportunities, where you can explore the shallow oases at the island's edge. You may also choose to enjoy some exciting optional water sport activities, such as catamaran sailing where you can experience the thrill of riding the winds and speeding through the crystal waters. Canoeing may also appeal to those who seek tranquillity while they enjoy the surrounding natural beauty. Windsurfing is also an activity available to the more adventurous. There really is no end to the adventures you may seek as you explore the wonderful Maldives - jet-skiing, parasailing, and scuba diving may also be on your list.

Hotel - Adaaran Club Rannalhi or Similar

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 17 - Kaafu Atoll

Following another delicious breakfast this morning, you may enjoy yet another day of leisure in the dreamy Maldives. Enjoy any number of the incredible activities available to you, and make the most of your fantastic adventure here. Alternatively, relax on the beach and take in the picture-perfect surroundings while dipping your toes in the warm, luscious waters of the Indian Ocean. You will have never known true relaxation until you set foot on this luxurious white sandy beach.

Hotel - Adaaran Club Rannalhi or Similar

Meals - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 18 - Kaafu Atoll Male Home

Unfortunately, today marks the end of your incredible tour through Sri Lanka and The Maldives.

At the appropriate time, you will be transferred by speed boat to Male Airport in time for your departure flight.

Departure transfers are included as part of your package. You will be collected from your hotel at the appropriate time and transferred to the airport to meet your flight. Note that there isn’t a fixed schedule for the boat transfers. Your transfer will be coordinated based on your flight times.

Meals - Breakfast

Day 19 - Home

Arrive home today, with memories to last a lifetime.