Asia Escapes · Signature Tropical Journey

Sri Lanka & Maldives Holiday 11 Days

Experience the ultimate tropical escape combining the rich cultural heritage and lush landscapes of Sri Lanka with the luxurious beach paradise of the Maldives.

DestinationSri Lanka / Maldives

Duration10 Nights / 11 Days

Best ForCultural Heritage • Wildlife Safari • Tea Plantations • Luxury Beach Resort

StylePrivate Multi-Destination Holiday

Journey Route

Colombo

→

Dambulla

→

Habarana

→

Polonnaruwa

→

Minneriya National Park

→

Maldives

Journey Highlights in Pictures

Your Journey

Day 1 – Colombo – Dambulla – Habarana

Arrive in Colombo, where you will be met and assisted before travelling towards Habarana. En route, visit the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple, one of Sri Lanka’s most atmospheric Buddhist sites. The temple complex is built into a rocky outcrop and contains five caves decorated with statues, murals and religious artwork. The impressive reclining Buddha, carved directly into the rock, is one of the highlights. Continue to Habarana and check in to your hotel. The remainder of the day is free to relax. Overnight: Habarana.

Day 2 – Habarana – Polonnaruwa – Minneriya Safari – Habarana

After breakfast, travel to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval royal capital and one of the country’s most fascinating archaeological sites. Explore the ancient ruins, temples and monuments, including the famous Gal Vihara, where four impressive Buddha figures were carved directly into the granite rock. Later, head to Minneriya National Park for a wildlife safari. The park is particularly renowned for its large gatherings of wild Asian elephants, offering an excellent opportunity to see these magnificent animals in their natural surroundings. Return to Habarana for dinner and overnight accommodation. Overnight: Habarana Meals: Breakfast.

Day 3 – Habarana – Sigiriya – Habarana

Today is dedicated to one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks: Sigiriya, the spectacular Lion Rock. Climb the ancient rock fortress and discover its famous frescoes, landscaped gardens, Mirror Wall and monumental Lion’s Paws. The climb rewards you with impressive views across the surrounding countryside. Sigiriya dates back to the 5th century and remains one of Sri Lanka’s most memorable historical sites. Return to Habarana for a relaxed evening. Overnight: Habarana Meals: Breakfast.

Day 4 – Habarana – Matale – Kandy

After breakfast, continue towards Kandy, travelling through the lush landscapes of central Sri Lanka. Stop at a spice garden in Matale, an area traditionally associated with Sri Lanka’s famous spices. Learn about cinnamon, cardamom, pepper and other aromatic plants used in local cuisine and traditional remedies. Continue to Kandy, the historic hill capital and one of the island’s most culturally important cities. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, which houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist relic. The temple becomes particularly atmospheric during the evening religious ceremonies. Overnight: Kandy Meals: Breakfast.

Day 5 – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Kandy

Today takes you into Sri Lanka’s beautiful tea country. Travel to Nuwara Eliya, situated at around 1,900 metres above sea level and surrounded by rolling green hills and tea plantations. Enjoy a walk through the tea-growing region and visit a tea factory, subject to opening days. Discover how Ceylon Tea is produced and enjoy the opportunity to taste some of Sri Lanka’s best-known tea. Return to Kandy in the evening. Overnight: Kandy Meals: Breakfast.

Day 6 – Kandy – Beruwala

After breakfast, leave the hills behind and travel towards Sri Lanka’s west coast. Arrive in Beruwala and check in to your hotel. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the beach, relax by the pool or simply unwind after the sightseeing programme. Overnight: Beruwala Meals: Breakfast.

Day 7 – Beruwala – Malé – Maldives

After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to the Maldives. On arrival in Malé, you will be transferred by speedboat to your island resort. The contrast is immediate: after Sri Lanka’s cultural and scenic highlights, the next part of your holiday is all about slowing down and enjoying the Indian Ocean. Settle into your all-inclusive resort and enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Overnight: Maldives.

Day 8 – Maldives

A completely free day in paradise. Relax on the beach, swim in the clear lagoon, enjoy the facilities of your resort or simply take time to do nothing at all. Overnight: Maldives.

Day 9 – Maldives

Another day to enjoy your island surroundings at your own pace. Whether you prefer a quiet day by the sea or want to make the most of the resort’s activities and facilities, this is your time to relax. Overnight: Maldives.

Day 10 – Maldives

Your final full day in the Maldives is free for relaxation. Take a last swim in the warm turquoise waters, enjoy the beach or simply savour the peaceful atmosphere of your island resort. Overnight: Maldives.

Day 11 – Maldives – Departure

After breakfast, transfer by speedboat to the airport for your onward or return flight. If your flight departs later in the day, luggage storage allows you to continue enjoying the resort until it is time to leave. Meals: Breakfast.

✦ Plan Your Journey

Tell us your preferred travel dates, number of travellers and hotel preferences. Our team can customise this Sri Lanka & Maldives holiday for you.

✦ Asia Escapes Insider Tips

This itinerary works particularly well for travellers who want a varied first week followed by several days of complete relaxation. Sri Lanka is packed with experiences, so expect some early starts, sightseeing and road journeys during the cultural section. The climb at Sigiriya requires a reasonable level of fitness and involves many steps, so comfortable footwear is recommended. For the Minneriya safari, early or late-day excursions generally provide a more atmospheric wildlife experience. Nuwara Eliya is considerably cooler than the coastal areas, particularly in the morning and evening, so a light jacket or warm layer is useful. The Maldives section is deliberately slower. Rather than filling these days with excursions, allow yourself time to enjoy the resort, beach and lagoon. This makes the combination particularly appealing for couples and travellers looking to balance sightseeing with genuine downtime. For the smoothest experience, allow some flexibility around weather, wildlife sightings and local operating schedules. Tea-factory visits and certain activities may be subject to opening days or local conditions.

✦ Why Choose This Sri Lanka & Maldives Holiday?

This 11-day itinerary brings together two very different sides of the Indian Ocean in one journey. In Sri Lanka, you experience ancient Buddhist heritage, royal cities, wildlife, dramatic landscapes and the country's celebrated tea country. The route has been arranged to cover several of the island's key cultural and natural attractions without turning the entire holiday into a sightseeing marathon. The Maldives then provides a complete change of pace. Four nights at an all-inclusive island resort give you time to relax after the touring section, with beaches, warm waters and plenty of space to enjoy the destination at your own rhythm. It is a well-balanced choice for travellers who want culture, history and wildlife followed by a classic tropical beach escape — all within one carefully planned holiday.

✦ Trip Highlights

Explore the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple

Discover the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa

See the famous rock sculptures of Gal Vihara

Enjoy a Minneriya National Park safari

Climb the iconic Sigiriya Lion Rock

Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy

Travel through the green tea country around Nuwara Eliya

Visit a traditional Ceylon tea factory

Relax on the beaches of Beruwala

Fly from Sri Lanka to the Maldives

Enjoy four nights at an all-inclusive Maldivian resort

Finish the journey with unhurried days beside the Indian Ocean

✦ Recommended Hotels or Choose Your Own

CITIES / NIGHTS	CAT. A HOTELS	CAT. B HOTELS
Dambulla / Habarana (03 Nights)	Occidental Paradise	Habarana Village by Cinnamon
Kandy (02 Nights)	Hotel Suisse	Golden Crown
Beruwala (01 Night)	The Palms	Cinnamon Bey
Maldives (04 Nights)	Oblu Ailafushi (Beach Villa)	Varu by Atmosphere (Beach Villa)

✓ Services Included

6 nights' accommodation in selected Sri Lankan hotels on a half-board basis
4 nights' all-inclusive accommodation in the Maldives
Transfers and sightseeing in an air-conditioned vehicle
Local guide service in English, Spanish, German, Portuguese, Italian, French or Turkish
Airport assistance by an English-speaking representative
Entrance fees to Dambulla Cave Temple
Entrance to Sigiriya Fortress
Entrance to the Temple of the Tooth
Entrance to Polonnaruwa
Minneriya National Park safari
Speedboat transfers between Malé and the Maldivian resort
Assistance at airports and during transfers
Applicable rates at the time of booking

✕ Services Not Included

International and domestic flights unless specifically stated in the booking
Tips and gratuities for guides, drivers, hotel staff and porters
Camera or video fees at monuments, where applicable
Personal hotel expenses such as laundry, telephone calls and other extras
Meals and drinks not specifically mentioned
Travel insurance
Visa or entry-related charges
Any service or expense not specifically listed under “What's Included”

Recommended Hotels or Choose Your Own

Occidental Paradise

Hotel Suisse

The Palms Beruwala

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi — Beach Villa

Cinnamon Velifushi Maldives

SAii Lagoon Maldives

Anantara Dhigu Maldives Resort

Taj Exotica Resort & Spa Maldives

LUX* South Ari Atoll

Hurawalhi Island Resort

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Kuda Huraa

Four Seasons Resort Maldives at Landaa Giraavaru

Frequently Asked Questions

How many days is the Sri Lanka & Maldives holiday tour?

This itinerary is designed for 11 days and 10 nights, covering the cultural and natural highlights of Sri Lanka followed by a luxury beach stay in the Maldives.

Are flights between Sri Lanka and the Maldives included?

Yes, the international flight connection from Colombo to Malé is fully integrated into your tour package program.

How are transfers managed in the Maldives?

Resort speedboat or seaplane transfers from Malé International Airport to your chosen island resort are fully included.

Are private vehicles and guides provided during the Sri Lanka portion?

Yes, private air-conditioned vehicle transfers and professional English-speaking guide services are included for all sightseeing across Sri Lanka.

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