Experience the vibrant culture and stunning landscapes of Sri Lanka, followed by the serene beaches of the Maldives, all while enjoying a holiday filled with unforgettable family-friendly activities!

This amazing holiday invites you to explore the essence of Sri Lanka, where you can indulge in its delicious cuisine, embark on an exciting safari in Minneriya National Park, cycle through the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, and dive into rich cultural experiences. After your adventures, relax in the Maldives, lounging on stunning beaches and snorkelling in pristine waters. This journey is filled with unforgettable moments, ensuring memories you’ll treasure for a lifetime!

3 Nights Cultural Triangle – 3 Nights Gal Oya – 2 Nights Kandy – 4 Nights Maldives

A team of real experts, brilliant at designing bespoke holidays.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Sri Lanka holiday today.

Jo IND kerela beach
"I’ve canoed the Lower Zambezi, wild camped in the Okavango Delta, and driven from the UK to Cape Town. I love getting under the skin of a place and its landscapes, wildlife, and culture."
Jo Shuttleworth, Director
view of Matale plantations in Sri Lanka

Explore Matale Spice Gardens

Discover the spice capital of Sri Lanka with a visit to a local spice garden or take a fun tuk-tuk tour of the nearby village.

view from the top of the Sigiriya6 Rock in SRi Lanka overlooking the scenery

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Hike to the top of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO site, and enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding jungle landscape.

Polonnaruwa Ruins in Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka

Visit to Polonnaruwa

Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, where well-preserved ruins and intricate statues bring Sri Lanka’s rich history to life.

swimming elephants at Gal Oya National Park

Boat Safari Adventure

Experience the thrill of a boat safari in Gal Oya, where you might spot elephants and other wildlife along the serene waters.

giant sea turtle swimming in the ocean in Maldives

Relax at Olhuveli Beach

Unwind on the pristine beaches of Olhuveli and enjoy the luxurious all-inclusive amenities of your idyllic Maldives resort.

Sri Lanka is a truly amazing country. The people are so friendly, the food is delicious. We enjoyed all the experiences we had.

Angie Newman, Sri Lanka

We have just returned from a holiday in Sri Lanka. It was the best holiday that we have ever had… The itinerary was well thought out and we had a good mixture of culture, wildlife and experience of the lovely country and people. I congratulate Sundowners and their in country partners who arranged a superb holiday.

Clive Newell, Sri Lanka

It was the holiday of a lifetime! Our trip to Sri Lanka was totally effort free allowing us to experience the best of this amazing country and exceptionally friendly people.

Karen Farnfield, Sri Lanka

Our experience with Lucy and the Sundowner team in Sri Lanka was nothing short of exceptional. Their meticulous attention to detail ensured that every aspect of our trip catered perfectly to our family's needs, making our visit truly memorable.

Sobana, Sri Lanka

From the most amazing food and walking tour in Galle Fort, to glamping and safari in Yala, to a treetop jungle hideaway, waterfall swimming and train through the tea hills in Ella, to climbing Monkey Mountain in Gal Oya, to a Sri Lankan cookery class, private cinema for 2 under the stars and helping local fishermen bring in their catch at a pristine beach on the east coast, we can honestly say we truly experienced Sri Lanka and completely fell in love with it.

Victoria, Sri Lanka
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Tour itinerary

Days 1 & 2 :

Fly to Colombo and settle into Jim’s Farm Villas, an eco-retreat amidst lush plantations located in rural Matale

Fly overnight from the UK to Colombo.

On arrival you will be met by your driver/guide and transferred approx. 3 hrs inland to rural Matale to spend 3 nights at Jim’s Farm Villas, an independently owned eco-retreat on a large coconut and spice plantation that offers beautiful surroundings, friendly service and a great selection of activities. We particularly love the cooking classes with the farm chef and cycling to the nearby local temples.

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

swimming pool at Jim's Farm Villa
Day 3:

Exploring Matale, the spice capital, with a tour of local gardens

You will have a full day in this wonderful part of Sri Lanka! There are plenty of activities to enjoy at Jim’s Farm. Matale is the spice capital of Sri Lanka so you could head to a local Spice Garden, or to experience Sri Lankan village life, you could ask Jim’s Farm to arrange a tuk-tuk tour of the local village. Or if you’re feeling active, there is table tennis, volleyball and badminton available to you, or borrow some bikes to go off exploring on your own!

yoga space with yoga mats at Jim's Farm Villa
Day 4:

Climbing to the summit of Sigiriya for stunning panoramic views

This morning you will be collected after breakfast and head approx. 1 1/4 hrs into the heart of the Cultural Triangle to enjoy a day exploring the main sights. Firstly, head to the iconic Rock Fortress of Sigiriya for a guided tour of this fascinating UNESCO complex and a hike to the top to marvel at the stunning scenery. After, you could choose to head to a fruit and vegetable market for an incredible local experience and to fully immerse yourself into the hustle and bustle of traders selling their goods, or head back to Jim’s Farm for some down time by the pool after your hike.

In the afternoon, you’ll be taken on a private safari in Minneriya National Park – the Park is home to a huge range of wildlife, including monkeys, spotted deer and macaques, but it is most famous for elephants! July is the peak season for the ‘elephant gathering’ – the largest gathering of Asian elephants on earth.

Want to pick up the pace? Talk to us about shortening your stay in the Cultural Triangle.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

Sigiriya Rock view
Day 5:

Embarking on a guided cycling tour of the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa then onto Gal Oya

This morning you will hit the road and head approx. 4 hrs to the remote Gal Oya National Park. En route, you will head to the ancient kingdom of Polonnaruwa to enjoy a guided cycling tour. This UNESCO World Heritage site was the second capital of Sri Lanka after the destruction of Anuradhapura in 993 and contains some incredible well-preserved stupas, temples and Buddha statues. You will then continue on to Gal Oya Lodge where you will spend your next 3 nights – a true hidden gem and a nature lovers paradise! Enjoy the rest of your afternoon relaxing by the pool.

Gal Oya Room with wooden features and bamboo roof
Day 6 & 7:

Embracing nature with an array of hikes and wildlife-spotting tours

Two full days to enjoy this exceptional part of Sri Lanka! There are a wide range of unique activities on offer that you could take part in. You have one boat safari included in your stay, and you can also head out on guided hikes and bicycle tours. You could go on a tour of the Vedda village to meet the Vedda Tribe, the last indigenous tribe still in existence in Sri Lanka, or take a hike up ‘Monkey Mountain’ for spectacular views of the surrounding landscape. There’s plenty to keep you all entertained! Interested in some more activities?

Call us to discuss what else you could do in Gal Oya.

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your holiday

jeep drive across a river at Gal Oya
Day 8 & 9:

Leave Gal Oya and head into the heart of Kandy

Today you will be collected and transferred approx. 3 1/2 hrs to Kandy, where for the next 2 nights you will stay at Villa Rosa. This is a real Sundowner favourite, with stylish rooms and one of the best views in Kandy! The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore under your own steam. There are plenty of activities on offer around Kandy including street food tours or a visit to Udawattakele Rainforest Sanctuary, or you could instead head to the pool to enjoy a refreshing dip to cool off.

The next day you will visit the UNESCO Temple of the Tooth and Royal Palace today. The Buddhist Temple is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, and is a great piece of Sri Lankan culture. There’s time to take in the local markets, or take in the sights of the city on an Old Kandy walking tour.

balcony with couple of chairs overlooking sunset scenery at Villa Rosa, Sri Lanka
Day 10:

Say goodbye to Sri Lanka and hello to the Maldives!

Today you will head approx. 4 hrs in land to Colombo Airport to catch your flight to Male. On arrival into Male, you will be met and transferred by speedboat to the Olhuveli Beach & Spa Maldives where you will spend your next 4 nights on an All Inclusive basis. Settle in this afternoon to your new surroundings – this idyllic resort is surrounded by beautiful beaches and abundant sandbanks and is the perfect place for a few nights of utter relaxation.

Want more time to relax or a different resort – give us a call on 01273 923100.

 

view of a beach front resort in the maldives surrounded by white beaches, palm treas and turquoise waters
Days 11 - 13:

Unwinding on pristine beaches and enjoying snorkelling in the crystal-clear waters

Three full days to relax and enjoy some beach time! Olhuveli is complete with an array of recreational activities, both on and off the island. While the vast crystal-clear lagoon is perfect for a host of water-based activities and the house-reef is fantastic for snorkelling, back on shore a wide range of activities will tempt you off the deck chair. Flood-lit tennis, beach volley, billiards, badminton, or take on the island team with a football match.

The Sun Diving School is located at the end of the jetty, with easy access to the house reef. The SSI Instructor Training Centre has a multilingual team of experienced and friendly instructors who will guide you through the many courses available. You can also enjoy Manta Point! In the evening you can watch the neighbouring mantas enjoy their plankton dinner!

giant sea turtle swimming in the ocean in Maldives
Day 14:

Farewell to Paradise – return home!

Early this morning you will be transferred approx. 45 mins by speedboat to Male International Airport to check in for your flight back to the UK. Welcome Home!

Welcome home! 

a person windsurfing on the crystal clear waters in Maldives
wildebeest

Talk to us about your perfect trip to Sri Lanka

Call 01273 923100 to start planning your Sri Lanka Holiday today.

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