Highlights Of Sri Lanka & Cruising The Maldives

• 1

  Join tour in Negombo

  Our tour begins this afternoon in the coastal town of Negombo, famous for its fishing industry and golden sands. Our hotel is just a 15 minute drive north of the airport. From its beach location, we are likely to see fishing boats bring in the day's catch. We may also be treated to a stunning sunset over the ocean.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel Swimming Pool Available
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  None

• 2

  Game drive in Wilpatu National Park; drive to Anuradhapura

  A three-hour drive north takes us to Wilpatu National Park. En route, we will visit a nearby fishing village which uses traditional-style outrigger canoes, known as 'oruvas'. Along the way we hope to spot the toddy tappers climbing tall coconut trees to collect sap from the flowers. This is used to make Arak - a local whisky-type spirit.
  
  Despite Wilpatu National Park's location in Sri Lanka's dry zone, it boasts nearly 60 lakes and is renowned for leopard, elephant and sambar deer spottings. We will go on a jeep safari in the hope of spotting the elusive leopard. We choose to visit this park, rather than the more touristy Yala National Park further south because we believe it offers our customers a better experience. The same animals can be seen here as in Yala, however it is less crowded, making our visit more enjoyable and responsible. Leaving the park, we drive to nearby Anuradapura, where we will spend the next two nights.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 3

  Full day to explore the ancient citadel

  This morning, we explore the ancient capital of Anuradhapura - a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its well-preserved ancient ruins. One of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, it was founded around 500 BC. Its golden age began around 260BC, when the King and his people converted to Buddhism. The city became vast, spreading over many miles. There were hospitals for the sick, hostels for travellers and artificial reservoirs to ensure a good water supply.
  
  Of great interest are the 2,200 year-old Sacred Bo-Tree; the Brazen Palace, once a nine storey residence for monks; the 4th century Smadhi Buddha masterpiece and the Ruvanvalisaya Dagoba - a 90 metre-high dome-shaped shrine towering over the surrounding countryside.
  
  In the afternoon, we travel eight miles to the mountain peak of Mihintale. It is believed that this was the site of a momentous meeting between the monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, introducing Buddhism to the country. 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
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 4

  Visit Dambulla's cave temples en route to Giritale

  Travelling towards Giritale, we pause to view the magnificent Standing Buddha of Aukana, which stands 12 meters high. Sculptured in the 5th century by a master craftsman, it is still relatively isolated in its jungle setting.
  
  Our next stop is Dambulla, where a great series of caves have been turned into temples dating from the 1st century BC. This World Heritage Site still attracts scores of worshippers. We will visit five separate caves, which contain a large number of Buddha images and a few sculptures of Hindu Gods. After a lunch stop, we reach the small town of Giritale - our base from which to explore Polonnaruwa. Our hotel for the night looks out over a large and picturesque 7th century man-made lake.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel Swimming Pool Available
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 5

  Search for elephants in Minneriya National Park

  This morning we explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which reached its height of glory in the 12th century, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The city still maintains many of its spectacular buildings and monuments, with arguably the most impressive being the Quadrangle. This sacred precinct originally housed the tooth relic. It contains a superbly decorated circular shrine which is one of the most ornate buildings in the country. The neighbouring audience hall and bathing pool are also worth a visit. Close by, the curious round structure of the Circular Relic House has a beautifully preserved moonstone carved at the foot of a flight of steps. Another famous feature of this deserted city is the group of carved images of the Buddha, known as Galvihara. These four colossal figures are all hewn out of solid granite and the Reclining Buddha alone is no less than 14 meters long.
  
  In the early afternoon, we drive to either Minneriya or Kadaula National Park (depending on the season), where we enjoy a jeep safari to look for herds of wild elephant. These parks are also home to a large array of birdlife, including painted storks.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 6

  Climb Lion's Rock at sunrise; drive to Kandy

  An early start this morning as we plan to climb Sigiriya Rock ahead of the crowds and whilst it is cool. The ruins of this 5th century 'Sky Fortress' are one of Sri Lanka's major attractions, a stupendous sight to behold and a feat of consummate engineering skill. Built in just seven years as a fortified palace to protect the reign of merciless King Kassapa, who had assassinated his father and deposed his brother, it is seen as one of the world's best preserved examples of ancient urban planning. Unfortunately for the king, despite its impregnable reputation, he was defeated here by his brother after a reign of just 18 years.
  
  A switchback series of steps and steel stairways ascend to the top. Halfway up, tucked beneath a sheltering overhang of rock, are the famous frescoes - the Sigiriya Damsels, their colours still glowing. Before our final ascent to the summit, we pass between a set of enormous lion paws carved out of the rock - all that remain of an ancient gateway that gave Sigiriya, the 'Lion Rock', its name. Once at the 200 meter summit, magnificent views can be enjoyed of the surrounding jungle and countryside.
  
  This afternoon, a two-hour drive takes us to Kandy. En route, we stop to visit the woodcarving centre at Naula and a spice garden. The colonial-style hotel that will be our base for the next two nights is situated on the famous lake, just a short walk from the centre of this historic town.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel Swimming Pool Available
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 7

  Discover the Temple of the Tooth

  Sitting on a plateau 500 metres above sea level and 112km northeast of Colombo, Kandy is, in climatic and cultural terms, a world apart from Colombo. Serving as the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom until falling to the British in 1815, it is a place of cultural and spiritual importance. Buddhists from all over the world come here specifically to visit the Temple of the Tooth, the Dalada Maligawa. The costly jewelled shrine of the Holy Tooth, said to be 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.
  
  This morning's sight-seeing includes attending the Temple of the Tooth Ceremony and a visit to the serene Peradeniya Botanical garden. Your afternoon is free to continue your exploration of this delightful old highland town.
  
  In the evening, we hope to have the opportunity to watch a performance by the famous Kandyan dancers, admiring their impressive costumes and graceful dances, accompanied by a thundering drum beat.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel Swimming Pool Available
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 8

  Drive to Dalhousie for an ascent of Adam's Peak

  After a free morning, we drive to Dalhousie in the foothills of Adam's Peak. Here, we have the opportunity to ascent this sacred peak, known locally as Sri Pada. A depression at the top of the peak is said to be Buddha's footprint and, each year, thousands climb to the top for sunrise. Shortly after midnight, we join pilgrims for our ascent. There is a stone staircase which we follow right to the top. It can be tough on the legs, but we can take our time and savour the experience. We reach the top in time for sunrise, when spectacular views all around us.
  
  For anyone not wanting to climb the peak, there is free time to explore the small town of Dalhousie, or relax at our guesthouse.

  Overnight: Simple Guesthouse
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

• 9

  Stop at a tea planation on the way to Nuwara Eliya

  Returning from the peak early this morning, we enjoy a well-earned breakfast before making our way to picturesque Nuwara Eliya.
  
  Known as 'Little England', here we will find red telephone boxes, Victorian colonial architecture and pretty rose gardens - legacies from its era as a hill country retreat for homesick Brits and Scots. The cool climate provided a sanctuary in which to immerse themselves in familiar pastimes, such as polo, golf, cricket and fox hunting. This part of Sri Lanka is also an important tea growing area and plantations stretch over rolling hills for as far as the eye can see, interspersed with the occasional tea-making factory.
  
  We have free time for the rest of the day to explore this colonial treasure.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast, Dinner

• 10

  Drive to the hill town of Bandarawela

  This morning, we make our way to Bandarawela by train. Regarded as among the most picturesque train journeys in the world, we wind our way through the mountains on a rail network that was introduced during British Colonial rule and has changed little since. Passing by impressive waterfalls and travelling through lush tea plantation country, we are likely to see colourfully-dressed tea pickers working in groups. Arriving in Bandarawela late in the afternoon, we have the opportunity to explore the quaint shops of this small, untouristy town, before settling down in our colonial-style hotel for the night.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 11

  Transfer to the coastal town of Unawatuna

  This morning, we visit Rawana Ella Falls, one of the widest waterfalls in the country, before continuing south through the hill country until we reach the plains and the small town of Wellawaya. Travelling onwards, we are likely to spot a 51 foot image of the Buddha, known as Colossi of Buduruvagala, rising majestically above us, along with other Mahayana statues.
  
  Continuing southwards, we descend through a huge rice growing area before reaching the coast. We will also travel through the small fishing port of Tangalle and may be lucky enough to see the famous stilt fisherman balancing seemingly precariously above the ocean. Tangalle is also home to a lace making project supported by the Travel Foundation, where women learn to make and sell lace, helping them to become more self sufficient. We hope to visit a learn a little of their craft.
  
  Our base for the next three nights is the attractive beach resort of Unawatuna, close to the southern tip of Sri Lanka.
  
  Once again, our itinerary today involves a long drive, but is broken up with lots of breaks. Varied and spectacular scenery from the hill country, through paddy fields and on to the coast, provides plenty of interest.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel Swimming Pool Available
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 12

  Stroll through the Portuguese Fort at Galle

  This morning is free for you to enjoy the many activities and attractions of Unawatuna and the surrounding area. You may choose to hire snorkelling equipment and explore the beautiful corals, or take a boat trip around the coast or upriver, past small largely uninhabited islands.
  
  This afternoon, we plan to visit the neighbouring pretty coastal town of Galle. An important trading centre since ancient times, the fortifications that can be seen today were built by the Portuguese and then the Dutch from the 16th to the 17th centuries. The fort ramparts of this World Heritage Site protect the harbour and a myriad of fascinating old houses, churches and warehouses. Today, the town has a strong arts vibe, with foreign and local artists, writers, photographers, designers and poets drawing inspiration from their surrounds. Boutique shops and cafes around the town showcase their work.
  
  There is a lot to explore in the town and enjoyment can be gained simply by wandering around its streets, soaking up its unique atmosphere. If you feel that you haven't spent enough time here on this afternoon's sightseeing tour, you have the opportunity to come back tomorrow.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel Swimming Pool Available
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 13

  Free time to relax on Unawatuna's quiet beaches

  Today is free to relax on the beaches of Unawatuna, or explore more of nearby Galle. For those seeking pure relaxation, local Ayurvedic massages with natural, aromatic herbal oils are highly recommended. Alternatively, between the months of December and April, you might prefer to go on a whale watching trip in the hope of spotting humpback and blue whales.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel Swimming Pool Available
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 14

  Early morning wetlands visit en route to Negombo

  An early start this morning to fit in a few stops on our journey back north to Negombo - a total travel time of just a couple of hours. We plan to visit a beautiful wetland reserve where a boat trip provides us with the opportunity to spot kingfishers. A short detour to Colombo in the afternoon provides us with time to explore the capital, before returning to our hotel in Negombo for our final evening.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel Swimming Pool Available
  Single Room Available

  Included Meals:  Breakfast

• 15

  Fly to Male. Cruise to the South Male Atoll

  This morning we make our way to Colombo Airport and take the short flight to Male in the Maldives. After meeting up with our Explore representative and the rest of the group, we walk to the waterfront to meet our moored dhoni and crew. Having settled into our cabins, we aim to slip the lines and depart by mid-afternoon. Cruising south for two to three hours, we pass through the Vaadhoo Canal to the South Male Atoll - a smaller and quieter neighbour to the more developed North Male Atoll. Here, many of the islands are inhabited simply by vegetation and white sand, surrounded by clear turquoise water and reef. Our night stop may vary, but is most likely to be at Guraidhoo - a small, inhabited island where we will moor in, or just outside, the harbour. Every meal is included on the dhoni and this evening we settle down to our first dinner together. Menus are likely to include freshly-caught fish each day, as well curries and pasta. Drinking water, tea and coffee are readily available, with alcoholic and soft drinks available for purchase on-board. Our cabins are compact, but with plenty of room for two people and luggage. However, many customers choose to enjoy the tranquillity of sleeping under the stars on deck for at least some of the nights.

  Overnight: Simple Boat

  Included Meals:  Lunch, Dinner

• 16

  Sail to Vavuu Atoll and explore Kuda Anbaraa Island

  Heading south today, we cruise to the Vavuu Atoll, where we spend time exploring the uninhabited and picturesque islands of Kudiboli and Kuda Anbaraa. When exploring this and other islands in the itinerary, it isn't necessary to bring special footwear. Most customers seem to manage well in flip-flops, and these have the obvious advantage of being quick to get on and off - ideal for walking through sand. Our afternoon is spent snorkelling or relaxing on board. Over the course of the week, underwater fauna we are likely to see include green turtles, reef sharks and gigantic manta rays, as well as smaller sting rays and eagle rays. At each stop, we will also swim among a rainbow of small, colourful fish, including the famous Clown Fish. Our knowledgeable Explore representative will be able to help identify many of the underwater species that we come across.
  Today, and each day, afternoon tea with freshly baked cake will be served by our talented chef. Tonight, we anchor in a large lagoon, providing further swimming opportunities.

  Overnight: Simple Boat

  Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• 17

  Snorkel in the clear waters of the Meemu Atoll

  Today we sail south for a further two to three hours, crossing to Meemu Atoll - home to one of the longest stretches of reef in the Maldives. On this or other crossings, we may be lucky enough to be chased by spinner dolphins, who like jumping in our wake. We are also likely to see flying fish, sometimes leaping right over the deck of our dhoni. Meemu Atoll is made up of 34 islands, of which 25 are uninhabited. Some of the inhabited ones grow yams, and all of them are largely 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. We will have plenty of time to enjoy the white-sand beach and to snorkel on the reef. This evening, we can look forward to a barbeque beach banquet in an idyllic spot on the island, laid on by the dhoni crew.

  Overnight: Simple Boat

  Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• 18

  Cruise to Dhiggaru Island for a Bodu Beru display

  After a relaxed start, we head east to the inhabited island of Dhiggaru. Here, we drop our anchor by a particularly good snorkelling reef. Later in the afternoon, when it has cooled down a bit, we plan to go ashore to meet the island's inhabitants. We may be struck by the traditional, yet relaxed, way of life in the island's lively village. Very few tourist groups visit and we must remember to dress and act respectfully, removing our shoes when visiting a house or a mosque. In the evening, we hope to be invited to a performance of Bodu Beru (Big Drum) - the traditional folk music of the country.

  Overnight: Simple Boat

  Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• 19

  Visit the traditional village of Felidhoo

  Today, we head back to Felidhoo Atoll and its administrative centre, Felidhoo. With a population of about 400, this is the least populated of all the country's administrative centres. Again, we take time to visit the village and have the opportunity to enjoy another Bodu Beru performance.

  Overnight: Simple Boat

  Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• 20

  Discover Hulhidhoo reef before sailing to Fulidhoo

  By now, we are likely to be feeling completely relaxed, as our routine of reading, sunbathing and napping between island stops and snorkelling spots has become second nature. With a subtly different name to our previous day's stop-off, we break today's journey with a visit to Fulidhoo Island. Once again, we meet the locals and gain more of an appreciation of their life in this tropical paradise. After a further visit to the island of Hulhidhoo, we anchor by a large reef, where we can spend time snorkelling.

  Overnight: Simple Boat

  Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• 21

  Sail to Male stopping to snorkel at Embudhoo Reef

  Our last full day on the boat sees us cruising back towards Male. We take the opportunity for some final snorkelling and swimming, before enjoying a farewell meal with our boat crew.

  Overnight: Simple Boat

  Included Meals:  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

• 22

  Tour ends in Male

  Our tour ends this morning after breakfast. Once we have said our goodbyes to the crew, we disembark the dhoni and are transferred to Male International Airport.

  Included Meals:  Breakfast