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Your Sri Lankan journey begins on arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport. After completing immigration and customs formalities, meet the Ceylon Gate Travels representative and set off towards the island's interior. En route, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to one of the largest herds of captive elephants in the world, established to care for orphaned and abandoned elephants found in the wild. Observe the elephants bathing, feeding and roaming within the sanctuary grounds before continuing the journey towards Habarana, where the evening is spent settling into your surroundings amid the island's scenic interior.
Dinner and overnight stay in Habarana.
Spend the day exploring the natural and cultural surroundings of Habarana. Climb Pidurangala Rock, a striking granite outcrop near Sigiriya offering panoramic views over the surrounding plains and forest, and once home to an ancient monastery. Continue to Kaludiya Pokuna, a tranquil forest monastery site centred around a natural pond, reflecting the quiet monastic traditions of the region. Later, set off on a cycling excursion through rural villages, passing paddy fields and rustic homesteads for a closer look at everyday countryside life. Return to Habarana for the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay in Habarana.
Travel from Habarana towards the cooler highlands of Riverston. Visit Pitawala Patana, a highland grassland plateau known for its unique flora and sweeping views over the surrounding hills. Continue to Mini World's End, a dramatic escarpment offering panoramic vistas reminiscent of its larger namesake in Horton Plains. Later, explore the Ilukkumbura River, a scenic waterway winding through the lush Riverston countryside, ideal for a peaceful riverside interlude. Arrive in Riverston in time to settle in for the evening amid its cool, misty surroundings.
Dinner and overnight stay in Riverston.
Leave Riverston and travel towards Kandy, Sri Lanka's last royal capital and a city steeped in tradition. Enjoy a Kandy city experience, taking in its scenic lake, bustling streets and historic neighbourhood at a relaxed pace. Continue to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, one of the finest botanical gardens in Asia, renowned for its extensive collection of orchids, spice trees and a striking avenue of royal palms. Spend the afternoon wandering its landscaped grounds before settling in for the evening in Kandy.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.
Spend a full day exploring the hills surrounding Kandy, combining adventure with rural charm. Set off on a trekking adventure in Ranagala, following scenic trails through lush forests and enjoying breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Continue with a village walk, providing insight into the traditions, crops and daily routines of local communities living amid the hills. Conclude the day with a refreshing waterfall experience, pausing to enjoy the cool cascading waters amid lush natural surroundings before making your way back to Kandy for the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay in Kandy.
Depart Kandy and travel towards the coast, passing through Sri Lanka's scenic hill country along the way. Visit the Ambuluwawa tower, a striking multi-faith monument set atop a hill, offering sweeping views over the surrounding highlands. Continue to Ramboda Falls, a cascading waterfall nestled amid misty tea country. Enjoy a Tea Tasting & Tea Plantation visit, learning about the cultivation and processing of Ceylon tea in a region renowned for producing some of the world's finest. Continue the journey onward to Nuwara Eliya for the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Depart Kandy and travel towards the coast, passing through Sri Lanka's scenic hill country along the way. Visit the Ambuluwawa tower, a striking multi-faith monument set atop a hill, offering sweeping views over the surrounding highlands. Continue to Ramboda Falls, a cascading waterfall nestled amid misty tea country. Enjoy a Tea Tasting & Tea Plantation visit, learning about the cultivation and processing of Ceylon tea in a region renowned for producing some of the world's finest. Continue the journey onward to Nuwara Eliya for the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.
Spend the day exploring the highlands around Haputale, with a choice of two memorable excursions. Trek towards Bambarakanda, home to Sri Lanka's tallest waterfall, cascading dramatically through forested hillsides, or instead make your way to Lipton's Seat, the viewpoint where Sir Thomas Lipton is said to have surveyed his tea empire, offering sweeping views over the surrounding plantations. Either option concludes with a local lunch, enjoyed amid the tea country scenery. Return to Haputale for the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay in Haputale.
Leave Haputale and travel towards Udawalawe, stopping along the way at sites of natural and historical interest. Visit the Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, where a series of natural pools set amid the falls offer a refreshing pause along the route. Continue to Buduruwagala, an ancient rock-carved site featuring a towering standing Buddha statue flanked by smaller figures, dating from the Mahayana Buddhist period. Afterwards, continue the transfer to Udawalawe, arriving in time to settle in for the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay in Udawalawe.
Rise early for an Udawalawe Safari, exploring the open grasslands of Udawalawe National Park, well known for its large population of wild elephants roaming freely across the park. Continue to the Elephant Transit Home, a facility dedicated to the rescue and rehabilitation of orphaned elephant calves before their eventual release back into the wild. Later, journey onward to Galle Fort, a UNESCO-listed fortified city built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch, with its cobbled streets and colonial architecture. Continue to Colombo for the evening.
Dinner and overnight stay in Colombo.
Enjoy breakfast before setting off on your transfer to Maldives, continuing your journey from Sri Lanka's vibrant culture to the tranquil beauty of the Maldivian islands. Arrive and check in to your resort, where turquoise waters and white sand beaches set the scene for the days ahead. The remainder of the day is at leisure to relax and settle into your island surroundings.
Dinner and overnight stay in Maldives.
To provide accurate pricing and availability, we require your preferred travel dates, as resort rates and availability vary throughout the year. Due to high demand, many resorts book out well in advance.
Wake to the gentle rhythm of island life in the Maldives and spend the day enjoying the Maldives beach at your own pace. Relax beside the turquoise lagoon, unwind on soft white sands, or simply take in the tranquil island atmosphere. The day is left open for relaxation, offering a peaceful contrast to the cultural and scenic journey through Sri Lanka.
Dinner and overnight stay in Maldives.
Spend another leisurely day at your resort in the Maldives, with no fixed plans in place. Whether relaxing by the beach, enjoying the surrounding waters, or simply unwinding in your island setting, the day remains entirely at your own pace, allowing time to fully enjoy the natural beauty and tranquillity of the Maldives.
Dinner and overnight stay in Maldives.
Enjoy a final breakfast overlooking the Maldivian waters before transferring to Male International Airport for your scheduled departure flight. This marks the end of your unforgettable journey through Sri Lanka and the Maldives, concluding the travel experiences and services thoughtfully arranged by Ceylon Gate Travels throughout your stay.
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