Highlights Of Sri Lanka & Cruising The Maldives

• 1

  Join tour Negombo

  Our tour begins this afternoon in the small town of Negombo. Our hotel is set on the beach allowing us to watch the fishing boats bring in the days catch and the sun
  setting over the ocean.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

• 2

  Drive to Anuradhapura: Wilpatu National Park

  Boarding our minibus, we drive inland to Wilpatu National Park. 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 also stop to watch the toddy tappers climbing tall coconut trees and collecting sap from the flowers to make Arak, a local whisky type spirit. Wilpatu National Park is located on the north west coast, in Sri Lanka's dry zone. Despite this location the park boasts nearly 60 lakes and is renowned for leopard, elephant and sambar deer spottings. We take a jeep safari in the park in the hope of spotting the elusive leopard. Leaving the park we transfer to nearby Anuradapura.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

• 3

  In Anuradhapura; visit Mihintale

  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
  Single Rooms Available

• 4

  Visit Aukana en route to Giritale

  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 we reach the small town of Giritale.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

• 5

  Visit Polonnaruwa; drive to Sigiriya

  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 either Minneriya or Kadaula National Park (depending on the season) where we take a jeep safari to look for herds of wild elephant. The park is also home to a large array of birdlife including painted storks.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

• 6

  In Sigiriya; drive to Kandy

  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
  Single Rooms Available

• 7

  In Kandy

  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
  Single Rooms Available

• 8

  Morning free, Afternoon drive to Dalhousie for Adams Peak climb

  After a free morning we drive to Dalhousie, located at the foothills of Adam's Peak. We have an optional ascent of this sacred peak. Shortly after midnight we join pilgrims in an ascent of Adam's 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. 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 and views across the country. 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 Rooms Available

• 9

  Drive to Nuwara Eliya

  Returning from the peak early this morning we take breakfast before making our way to Nuwara Eliya where we have free time to explore the colonial buildings set around the lake.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

• 10

  Drive to Bandarawela

  This morning we make our way to Bandarawela arriving in the late afternoon.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

• 11

  Drive to Unawatuna

  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
  Single Rooms Available

• 12

  In Unawatuna

  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.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

• 13

  In Unawatuna

  Today is a free day to relax on the beaches of explore the nearby town of Galle.

  Overnight: Standard Hotel
  Single Rooms Available

• 14

  Morning wetlands tour; Fly to Male

  Starting early this morning we head north and take a short boat trip around a wetland reserve on the look out for kingfishers before we return to Colombo. En route we will also 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). This evening we board the flight to Male in the Maldives (occasionally we will take an earlier flight depending on the airline schedule). On arrival in Male we meet will transfer to the Dhoni for the evening. On occassion we may not be able to spend tonight on the dhoni boat whilst cleaning takes place, instead we will stay in a local hotel.

• 15

  Cruise to the South Male atoll

  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: Simple Boat

• 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 islands of Kudiboli and Kuda Anbaraa. After exploring the islands we head back to the dhoni and spend the afternoon snorkelling or relaxing on board before anchoring for the night in a large lagoon.

  Overnight: Simple Boat

• 17

  Snorkel in the clear waters of the Meemu Atoll

  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: Simple Boat

• 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 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: Simple Boat

• 19

  Visit the traditional village of Felidhoo

  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. This is another great place to enjoy a Bodu Beru performance.

  Overnight: Simple Boat

• 20

  Discover Hulhidhoo reef before sailing to Fulidhoo

  Our journey today sees the start of our sail back to Male and takes us right back through the island of Fulidhoo where we stop to meet the locals and get an idea of their life in this tropical paradise. We stop en route to explore the island of Hulhidhoo and just off shore there is a large reef where we can spend time snorkelling.

  Overnight: Simple Boat

• 21

  Sail to Male stopping to snorkel at Embudhoo Reef

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

  Overnight: Simple Boat

• 22

  Tour ends in Male

  Our tour ends this morning after breakfast.