From Sri Lanka, you will see the essentials! After an incursion into the Cultural Triangle to discover the key sites in the history of Sri Lanka, you rise on the highlands whose splendid landscapes result from the extraordinary flowering of tea culture since the end of the 19th century. .
Rich in memories made in Sri Lanka, you will fly away for your honeymoon in the Maldives, whose myriad of islands are dotted with turquoise water! For 2 days, you experience an enchanted interlude between the water and the sky. Imagine an aquarium in which you progress to the rhythm of fins, a world of silence where angelfish and clownfish flirt with Manta rays and reef sharks.
AYUBOWAN WELCOME TO SRI LANKA!
Discover the agency :
Inspire Holidays (Pvt) Ltd.
12 days
From : €2,100*
Corinne
Services included:
Hotels in BB except in the Maldives
Transport by private air-conditioned vehicle (by car) with English-speaking driver
Parking fees, petrol and tolls as well as accommodation and meal costs for the driver
Double room hotels
Entries for:
One bottle of water per day
A Sim card to be able to reach your driver (RECHARGEABLE)
The train journey in the mountainous region in 2nd class (subject to availability at the time of booking)
All-inclusive formula in the Maldives
All Taxes
Services not included:
International flights
Visits not mentioned in the "included services"
Day 1: Colombo International Airport to Sigiriya (4h drive)
Day 2: Sigiriya a Polonnaruwa et Minneriya - Sigiriya (2h)
Day 3: Habarana - Polonnaruwa - Minneriya - Habarana
Day 4: Around Kandy
Day 5: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and Ella (4h)
Day 6: Around Ella - Tuk tuk challenge in the tea plantations!
Day 7: Ella to Dondra then visit Blow Hole and transfer to Mirissa (3H)
Day 8: Mirissa to Galle and Negombo (3h)
Day 9: Negombo to Colombo International Airport (20min)
Day 10: A wedding in paradise
Day 11: A wedding in Paradise
Day 12: Male International Airport and return to France
You are met by your driver upon your arrival in Colombo. You have arrived in tropical land. You take the road to the cultural triangle.
Along the way, discover the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka passing before your eyes, made up of rice paddies, coconut plantations and mountains.
After settling into your hotel, you can rest from your long journey and enjoy the swimming pool.
You could end this day with a relaxing massage at the Athreya Ayurveda Ashram in Habarana! Sri Lanka is renowned for its Ayurvedic massages.
Overnight in Sigiriya
The visit of Polonnaruwa, an ancient city that was the royal capital of Sri Lanka during the 11th and 12th centuries, and covers about ten km2. You can visit by bike or tuk-tuk the ruins of palaces, and temples, but especially Kalu Gal Vihara, a set of 4 Buddha statues carved in granite. The archaeological museum is also worth a visit.
Then, around 3:00 p.m., leave for a jeep safari in the Minneriya National Park, famous for its population of elephants which is around 400. You can see other wild animals there: crocodiles, buffaloes, deer, monitor lizards, cormorants, pelicans and other multitudes of birds. The park is also interesting for its landscapes, between swamps, lakes, and mountains emerging on the horizon.
Overnight in Sigiriya
We advise you early in the morning to avoid the crowds to visit the Lion Rock of Sigiriya, which overlooks the village from its 200 meters high. Your guide will show you the different parts of the site, from the gardens to the natural caves, from the frescoes of the Demoiselles to the ruins of the Kasyapa palace at the top. This site owes its reputation to this megalomaniac king who built his residence there in the 10th century. Listed by UNESCO, it is the most visited site in Sri Lanka.
Or if you prefer, you can climb the hill of Pidurangala, right next to the lion rock, which has archaeological significance. A walk in the middle of nature, which will allow you to enjoy a magnificent view once at the top, in particular on the rock of Sigiriya, and the park of Minneriya further. At the top you will see the ruins of a monastery, Buddha statues, caves etc. A beautiful walk still uncrowded and a great time to enjoy the sunrise!
Your route passes through Dambulla, where you could visit the Golden Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with its hilltop Buddhist caves. You can discover incredible murals, Buddha statues, all scattered in 5 caves. Also enjoy the beautiful panorama of the surroundings. On the way down, you can stroll through the wholesale market of Dambulla, the largest market in the country.
On the way, you will have the opportunity to stop at Matale, to visit a spice garden. This visit is an opportunity to discover the virtues of the country's plants, fruits and spices and learn more about their culinary uses and medicinal properties. You will see in particular: cinnamon tree, pepper tree, nutmeg tree, clove tree or cocoa tree. Then you continue your journey to Kandy.
Overnight in Kandy
Kandy is, by its character and its history, an essential step. Former capital of the Sinhalese kings. You can discover the city center on foot, starting with a visit to the Temple of the Tooth, a major Buddhist pilgrimage site. At the very heart of the city is Lake Kandy (or Lake Bogambara), which attracts many walkers. You could then browse the vegetable market not far from the lake, very lively and sometimes crowded with touts but worth the detour for the diversity of products and the atmosphere.
You can also stock up on souvenirs at Selyn, the only fair trade-labeled shop in Sri Lanka. There are lots of pretty things made from organic cotton. Also go and discover the Batik craftsmen, or The Kandyan Arts & Crafts, you will find many wooden sculptures, clothes, jewelry, postcards etc…
We suggest you later, the visit of the botanical garden of Peradeniya which extends over 60 ha at the edge of the Mahaweli river. Renowned for its rich collections of tropical and aromatic plants, the Peradeniya Garden is one of the most famous botanical gardens in the world. Established in 1821 under the British presence, this former royal park with 4,000 species of plants, occupies an area of more than 60 hectares. Among other things, it houses a magnificent collection of orchids, including the Gramma To Thyllum Speciosum, the largest orchid in the world, as well as a splendid alley of palm trees dating from 1950.
At 5 p.m., come and discover Sri Lankan culture by attending a performance of traditional Kandyan dances! Dating back to the Kandyan kings, these ritual and religious dances, with splendid colorful costumes, are still an integral part of the cultural richness of the island and are worth seeing.
Overnight in Kandy
You are now on your way to Nuwara Eliya. Along the way, stop to admire the Ramboda waterfalls, one of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. Arrival in Nuwara Eliya, the highest city in Sri Lanka and full of charm with British influences. It is reputed to be the vegetable garden of the country. Arrival in Nuwara Eliya, the highest town in Sri Lanka. A former English colony, the city has a certain charm that is quite original on the Asian continent. Many buildings bear witness to a typically British architectural style. With the elegant post office as a masterpiece. Also in the city center is Victoria Park. A park whose name was given on the occasion of the 60 years of reign of Queen Victoria.
Board a train from Nanu Oya to Ella (seats subject to availability, approximately 2.5 hours by train). Before your eyes, the most beautiful landscapes in Asia pass by, made up of endless tea plantations. Your driver awaits you at the station, you continue the road to reach your hotel in Ella, a small mountain village offering magnificent views of the valley below.
Overnight at Ella
If you want to discover the region in a fun way, depart for a 4-hour tuk-tuk ride. The direction of the beautiful tea plantations is where you can meet pickers. You can stroll in the fields. Your guide will teach you about the tea industry in Sri Lanka.
Continue your climb by tuk-tuk, you will take winding roads and cross small villages. Stop to admire the view of the surrounding valleys and waterfalls. Go mingle with the pickers in their village. Observe how tea leaves are weighed and how a plantation operates on a daily basis. Continue to the top of the mountain to a breathtaking viewpoint.
Then go to Lipton's Seat, this is where the tea master liked to sit and contemplate his lands. Enjoy a good glass of tea in the little shop at the top. Then, you visit the Dambatenne tea factory, the opportunity to learn more about the manufacturing process of this national beverage. Meeting with the pickers and demonstration of picking.
Overnight at Ella
This morning, you leave for the coast, considered one of the most beautiful on the island. You will discover hidden beauties along your route.
A variety of excursions are possible in the surroundings such as a whale-watching cruise or discovering the beaches of Rekawa where the giant tortoises of Sri Lanka come to lay their eggs.
You could go visit the “Blow Hole” on the south coast, towards Tangalle. The spectacle is impressive because this Blow Hole, a natural phenomenon, is caused when seawater rushes through a submerged cavern and is pushed upwards. Indeed, at high but irregular frequency, you can see a huge jet of sea water coming out of the rocks!
You could just laze on the beach. Do not miss to taste a fresh fish in the evening, served on the beach.
Overnight at Mirissa
This morning, going up the coast to the north, you will also be able to see the Ahangama stake fishermen.
We advise you to visit the city of Galle: to go to Galle is to jump back a few centuries in Sri Lankan history and its Portuguese, Dutch and English colonial past. Located in the southwest of the island, the old town of Galle is surrounded by ramparts, like a city fortified by Vauban. The interior of the fort is made up of streets intersecting at right angles, colonial style houses with red tiles, baroque churches, … Nothing better than a short walk on the ramparts to discover the fort.
In the afternoon, we offer you a bike ride to discover the countryside near Galle, made up of rice fields and typical villages. Stop to refresh yourself and enjoy a "King Coconut" before continuing your journey to Negombo.
This bike ride will make you discover another Sri Lanka, authentic and preserved!
Overnight in Negombo
This morning, you fly to Malé in the Maldives. You are welcomed by our representative and taken to your hotel by speed boat. Your journey continues on a paradise atoll.
Many activities are possible to plan the agenda for the day: set sail and go tease the fish with a Maldivian fisherman? Going to meet the local population by exploring other islands? A dive in the fabulous aquarium? A catamaran trip? A windsurfing experience? Or simply stay on the island, move from the deck chair to the turquoise water and alternate contemplation with a game of table tennis. A boat trip to Robinson Island could end this dream break in the Maldives in style!
All-inclusive service in the Maldives
Soft white beaches, azure skies, and the endless turquoise ocean glisten in the sunshine… You couldn’t imagine a more romantic setting for your honeymoon!
On the program, massages at the Spa of the hotel resort, a real Maldivian institution, combining body treatments and massages with essential oils.
If you wish, we can arrange a wedding ceremony. You will have the opportunity to experience a magical moment during your wedding on the white sand, facing the turquoise-colored lagoon….
All-inclusive service
While swimming, take advantage of the exceptional marine fauna which promises a magical spectacle. Calm lagoons with translucent and warm waters, multicolored fish, heavenly beaches, coral reefs.
Or take advantage of diving or snorkeling which are, of course, the essential activities of the island!
Otherwise, you can rest on the pontoons in the sun or in the shade: be careful, it's hard here! index 50 to take in your suitcase….
Your Resort organizes night fishing parties, fishing at nightfall will be a good idea of activity after a lazy day on the beach. Why ? Because larger fish are easier to catch in the evening, when they go out to feed, than during the day. Would you like a barbecue in paradise?
All-inclusive service
Today you come to the epilogue of your trip to the Maldives. While waiting for your transfer to the airport, you can enjoy this fabulous natural universe one last time, breathe, swim, tread the sand to feel and engrave in your body, your mind and your heart these unforgettable emotions. As the boat moves away from your island, you continue to intoxicate yourself with beautiful images. After 45 minutes, you reach the mainland and the airport of Male, with wonderful memories of your double discovery of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
That's it, all beautiful things come to an end... Today, your driver will take you back to the airport so that you can be there 3 hours before your flight to Frankfurt takes off.
We hope you leave with lots of great memories!
***END OF YOUR TOUR***
Each Travel Idea is customizable according to your wishes