13 Nights in Sri Lanka & The Maldives: A Culture & Beach Escape

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress looms over the surrounding landscape from atop a dramatic, 180-metre-high monolith, itself the remnants of a volcanic plug. It is venue fit for the most powerful of kings, which is perhaps why King Kashyapa chose it as the site for his new capital in the 5th century A.D. Pass through the Lion’s Gate (now only its paws remain) and ascend the steps to the summit of this impressive structure to explore the remnants of the citadel and take in the staggering panoramas across the surrounding jungle-cloaked plains and mountains. You can also take some time to marvel at the stunning frescoes and ponder the improbability of developing a fortress in such an unreachable location.

After Sigiriya, your driver-guide will take you to Polonnaruwa, a medieval city and UNESCO World Heritage Site that became Sri Lanka’s capital between the 10th and 12th centuries A.D. following Anuradhapura’s gradual decline. The landscape surrounding Polonnaruwa is punctuated by manmade reservoirs, the most famous being Parakrama Samudra, whose area is larger than Colombo’s modern harbour. Highlights here include the Royal Palace complex with its Kings Palace and Audience Hall, as well as Gal Vihare complex with its four massive images of the Buddha which were cut from a single slab of granite. There are also many fine examples of Sri Lanka’s Hindu influence, most notably the Temples of Shiva and ornate statues of Hindu gods.

After exploring Polonnaruwa, you will return to Habarana and spend the remainder of the day at leisure.


Accommodation: Habarana Village by Cinnamon.

Today you will visit the most sacred site in Buddhism, Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Located in the Royal Palace Complex, nucleus of the former Kingdom of Kandy, this ornate temple houses a relic of the tooth of Buddha, which was smuggled onto the island from the eastern coastal region of India in the 4th century A.D. Renowned for its intricate carvings and beautiful artworks, visitors can visit this exquisite temple and line up to see the dazzling gold arrangement which contains the sacred tooth relic.

Afterwards, you’ll head to a nearby events hall to enjoy a Kandyan cultural dance performance, complete with dizzying acrobatics, unique dance routines, fire-breathing and mind-boggling juggling techniques.


Accommodation: Cinnamon Citadel Kandy.

In morning, you will transfer to Yala on Sri Lanka’s southeastern coast, home to Yala National Park with its extraordinary diversity of unique wildlife. This scenic road transfer through the island’s captivating interior landscapes will take approximately 4 hrs.

After checking into your accommodation, you will embark on an enthralling game drive experience through Yala National Park, which stretches for some 97,800 hectares. Yala National Park is famous for its Sri Lankan leopard population, boasting the highest density of leopards anywhere in the world. Throughout the park’s rich grassland, shrub jungle and both saltwater and freshwater lagoons, you might also spot species such as Asian elephant, sloth bear, wild boar, crocodile and a plethora of both resident and migratory bird species.


Accommodation: Cinnamon Wild Yala.

At a prearranged time, you will be transferred to Colombo’s international airport for your flight to the breathtaking archipelago of the Maldives.

The journey time from Galle to Bandaranaike International Airport is approximately 2 hrs 30 mins.

Infused with fun and Maldivian charm, OBLU NATURE Helengeli by SENTIDO sits in the North Male Atoll. A diver's dream, the island has its own reef, home to a phenomenal variety of marine life and colourful corals - and the resort's 5-star dive centre is the perfect way to experience it. Tucked away on Helengeli Island, the resort is just 50 minutes away by speedboat from Male International Airport. 

Depart your tropical island paradise and return to the international airport in Male, where you will connect for your international flight.