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Peregrine Travel Centre

Sri Lanka & Maldives: Beyond the Beaches

Sri Lanka & Maldives: Beyond the Beaches

From $ 6,745 AUD

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Description

Travel from the tear-drop island of Sri Lanka to the beautiful Maldives on this immersive adventure, packed with ancient temples, wildlife encounters, cultural traditions and plenty of great food. In Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, search for wild elephants on safari, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth and sip a cuppa in tea country. Then, head to the Maldives for island-hopping, swimming and soaking up sunshine. Meet local families and fishermen, learn to cook Maldivian favourites, cycle through the countryside and snorkel with rainbow-hued marine life. Meet local lacquer artists, feel the beat of traditional Bodu Beru and find a new love for island time with your toes in the sand.

Trip Name
Sri Lanka & Maldives: Beyond the Beaches
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
15
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Climb the rock fortress of UNESCO-listed Sigiriya to the ancient ruins that lie atop the 200 m (656 ft) summit and be rewarded with panoramic views over the surrounding wilderness.
  • Fall in love with Sri Lankan food like hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes with crispy edges and a spongey centre) and mud crab curry, then get to know a local fisherman and his family during a homecooked meal on the coast.
  • Look for elephants within the beautiful Minneriya National Park during a jeep safari with expert local guides by your side.
  • Get to know a more authentic side of the Maldives as you visit slow-paced islands, stay in locally owned guesthouses and engage directly with island communities.
  • Snorkel with the colourful marine life that makes the Maldives so special and learn about the islands' biodiversity, conservation practices and the impacts of global warming and El Nino.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Colombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the seaside city of Colombo with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. If you arrive early, maybe head out onto the walkable streets for a stroll through the leafy neighborhoods or head to one of the waterfront promenades for a drink by the water. After your meeting, maybe head out to dinner with your group – your leader will have the best recommendation.
Day 2 - Dambulla
This morning, travel inland towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, where rural life and wildlife encounters await. Begin with a visit to a traditional chena cultivation farm and learn about this age-old agricultural practice directly from a local farmer. After, enjoy a freshly prepared lunch made with homegrown ingredients in the village. In the afternoon, set out on a safari in Minneriya National Park. Board a 4WD jeep and venture into the wilds of the park in search of elephants, often seen gathering near the reservoir, along with other wildlife like deer, birds and reptiles.
Day 3 - Kandy
Rise early and make the short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya, where Lion Rock rises 200 m (656 ft) above the surrounding plains. Climb to the top of the ancient fortress complex – these defensive capital remains include 5th-century frescos, terraced gardens and fountains. Then, return to the hotel to fuel up with some breakfast before visiting a local impact centre to learn how community initiatives are supporting sustainable livelihoods. Later, travel to Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital, and visit the Temple of the Tooth – one of the country’s most sacred Buddhist sites.
Day 4 - Nuwara Eliya
Journey into the cooler hill country, where rolling green landscapes dominate the scenery. Visit a working tea plantation to learn about the process behind Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea, from leaf to cup. In the afternoon, explore the area on two wheels, starting at Gregory Lake and pedaling past some of Nuwara Eliya’s viewpoints, tea plantations and tea estates. Along the way, pop into a local home to enjoy a cup of tea, some tasty traditional snacks and warm, local hospitality.
Day 5 - Nuwara Eliya
Rise early for a visit to Horton Plains National Park – a highland plateau known for its unique biodiversity and dramatic viewpoints. Set out on a guided walk through misty grasslands and cloud forests, visiting park highlights like Baker’s Falls and the famous World’s End escarpment, where sheer cliffs drop dramatically into the plains below. This evening, maybe join your group for dinner. Your leader will have some great recommendations where you can try a local curry or idiyappam (also known as string hoppers, this dish is a soft, lacy nest of steamed rice noodles) with dhal.
Day 6 - Ella to Unawatuna
Hop aboard a local train today for a ride through Sri Lanka’s highlands and tea country towards Ella, passing emerald-green hills, waterfalls and small villages along the way. When you arrive in Ella, take a tuk-tuk to the picturesque Nine Arch Bridge – an iconic British-bridge set in the jungle and tea plantations where you might see one of Sri Lanka's trademark blue trains passing. Then, continue south to the coastal town of Unawatuna.
Day 7 - Unawatuna
Today, you'll see a slice of coastal life on a visit to a local fisherman’s family home. Help cook a traditional Sri Lankan meal using fresh ingredients, then sit down together and savour what you’ve made as you chat with your hosts. Later, head further down the coast to Galle – home to the impressive UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, known as the best surviving European fort in Asia. With extensive walls and many historic buildings, there’s heaps to explore here.
Day 8 - Colombo
Head north to Colombo – Sri Lanka’s commercial heart and the final stop in your adventure. You’ll have some free time to explore the city’s mix of street markets, historic buildings, museums, restaurants and shops. When you arrive, maybe join your group for a farewell dinner and toast to an awesome journey.
Day 9 - Hulhumale
This morning, you'll head to the airport for your flight to Male in the Maldives for the next leg of your adventure. When you arrive at Male airport, you’ll be met by a representative and transferred to your hotel in nearby Hulhumale. You'll have another meeting this evening at 6 pm. After, maybe take a sunset walk around Hulhumale and get to know the new travellers in your group.
Day 10 - Male to Goidhoo
After breakfast, hop on a local bus for a short ride to Male City, the bustling capital of the Maldives. When you arrive, join your leader for a walking tour through the city’s lively streets, local fish and produce markets and highlights like the Male Grand Mosque and Presidential Palace. After, head to the Male jetty for a high-speed ferry ride to the island of Goidhoo, where life slows to a gentle pace. Settle into your guesthouse, then spend the evening discovering the village on foot. Enjoy a traditional Maldivian high tea and hedhika (finger foods), like bajiya (fish samosas) and caramel folhi, as you unwind into the rhythms of island living.
Day 11 - Goidhoo
Today, head out on a guided snorkelling trip and get familiar with the incredibly biodiverse marine life of the Maldives. Stop at two reef spots, giving you plenty of time in the water with the kaleidoscopic fish – along the way, learn about the Maldives' coral and marine life conservation practices, and how global warming and El Nino are impacting the region. After, the rest of the day is free to enjoy at your own pace – perhaps relax by the beach with a good book. This evening, visit a local vegetable farm before sharing a traditional, homecooked dinner with a Maldivian family in their home. After, head back to Hulhumale to spend the night.
Day 12 - Goidhoo
This morning, set out to Thuladhoo, a nearby island known for its skilled artisans and traditional way of life. Explore the island on a walk with your local guide, visiting a lacquer workshop (liyelaa jehun) and a local dry fish production area and see the open-air yards where the fish is traditionally sun-dried. After, head to a fishermen’s village for a cooking demo and home-style lunch. Get to know the local anglers and hear the myths and stories of their lifestyle and island customs. Later, return to Goidhoo and enjoy a relaxed afternoon at your own pace. Maybe head to the beach for some chill time, then enjoy another beautiful sunset this evening.
Day 13 - Thoddhoo
Get a yummy start to the day with a hands-on cooking demo. Learn how to prepare classic Maldivian breakfast dishes like roshi and masuni, then fill up on the fruits of your labour for the day ahead. After breakfast, jump in a speedboat for the ride to the island of Thoddoo, known for its lush farms and laid-back vibe. When you get there, settle into your guesthouse then head out to explore the island by bicycle along village lanes and coastal paths. After your spin, the rest of the day is free for you to relax.
Day 14 - Thoddhoo
Enjoy a free day, maybe heading to the sand with a good book. If you like, you could go kayaking on Thoddhoo lagoon. As the sun sets, come together with your group for a traditional farewell Bodu Beru performance – the rhythmic drumming and dancing will bring your Maldivian journey to a memorable close. If you like, head out to dinner with your group after the celebration and toast to new friends and memories.
Day 15 - Thoddhoo to Male
Your Maldivian journey comes to an end today with an early-morning local speedboat ferry transfer to Velana International Airport. If you want to extend your stay in Hulhumale, just get in touch with your booking agent to organise additional accommodation.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
23-01-202706-02-2027AUD $ 6,745-
06-03-202720-03-2027AUD $ 6,745-
20-03-202703-04-2027AUD $ 6,745-
03-04-202717-04-2027AUD $ 6,745-
17-04-202701-05-2027AUD $ 6,745-
18-09-202702-10-2027AUD $ 6,745-
16-10-202730-10-2027AUD $ 6,745-
06-11-202720-11-2027AUD $ 6,745-
20-11-202704-12-2027AUD $ 6,745-
27-11-202711-12-2027AUD $ 6,745-
11-12-202725-12-2027AUD $ 6,745-
18-12-202701-01-2028AUD $ 6,745-
08-01-202822-01-2028AUD $ 7,080-
15-01-202829-01-2028AUD $ 7,080-
22-01-202805-02-2028AUD $ 7,080-
04-03-202818-03-2028AUD $ 7,080-
18-03-202801-04-2028AUD $ 7,080-
01-04-202815-04-2028AUD $ 7,080-
15-04-202829-04-2028AUD $ 7,080-
16-09-202830-09-2028AUD $ 7,080-
14-10-202828-10-2028AUD $ 7,080-
04-11-202818-11-2028AUD $ 7,080-
18-11-202802-12-2028AUD $ 7,080-
25-11-202809-12-2028AUD $ 7,080-
09-12-202823-12-2028AUD $ 7,080-
16-12-202830-12-2028AUD $ 7,080-

Accommodation

Guesthouses (6 nights), Hotels (8 nights)

Transport

Private vehicle, Speed boat, Public Bus, Train

Map

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