History, culture and luxury come together in the most delightful way in our Sri Lankan Heritage and Maldives Luxury itinerary.
Discover the rich heritage of Sri Lanka on excursions and visits to some of its most famous attractions - the stunning Sigiriya Rock, the massive cave temples of Dambulla and the impressive ruins of Polonnaruwa. In Kandy, delve into the central tenets of Buddhism in the country on an enlightening temple tour. Experience Sri Lanka’s natural beauty in Nuwara Eliya, known as Little England, for its rolling hills and pleasant year-round weather. Take in Sri Lanka’s biodiversity on exciting safaris in Yala National Park. After an action-packed holiday in Sri Lanka, unwind in the pristine beaches of the Maldives and explore its otherworldly underwater treasures, while you stay in your indulgent oceanfront resort.
Talk to our travel experts today, and customise your holiday to the region according to your preferences and requirements.
Trip Highlights
- Trek up the famous Sigiriya Rock
- Discover Sri Lanka’s rich history on excursions to the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Dambulla and Polonnaruwa
- Visit temples in the charming city of Kandy
- Unwind in the tea estates of Nuwara Eliya
- Spot elephant herds and other wildlife at Yala National Park
- Soak up the sun, sand and surf in beautiful Maldives
Start your Journey
Negombo
Welcome to Sri Lanka. You will be picked up at the airport and dropped off at your hotel in Negombo, a charming seaside town about an hour from the capital city, Colombo.
Explore this quaint beach town and take in its sights and sounds with a boat ride down the Hamilton Canal. Built and developed by the British and the Dutch administration, it was primarily used as a supply route to transport commodities to the harbour. Sit back and observe the idyllic way of life here. You will also get to see the wildlife of the region, including crocodiles, water monitors, monkeys and an interesting variety of birds. Visit the Muthurajawela Wetlands, known for its rich and diverse ecosystem and tour the Negombo Lagoon on a small boat.
Sigiriya
Leave for Sigiriya in your chauffeur-driven private vehicle. The duration of the trip is around four hours.
Visit Sigiriya Rock, also known as the Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and arguably the country's most iconic attraction. Rising tall above the dense vegetation surrounding it, the rock was selected by King Kashyapa as the capital of his kingdom in the fifth century. Ancient frescoes and murals adorn the western rock face, and it's worth spending time admiring the artwork. Pause at the Mirror Wall, originally made of brick masonry and covered in highly polished white plaster, that is filled with graffiti in the form of poem verses dating back to the eighth century.
Head to the magnificent Dambulla Rock Cave Temple next. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the caves hold over 150 statues of the Buddha, Sri Lankan kings, gods, and goddesses. Delve deep into the history of Sri Lanka on a day trip to Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka, built after the destruction of Anuradhapura. Explore the many structures and temples of Polonnaruwa, including the Royal Palace, the massive Audience Hall with elephants carved along its perimeter, and the swimming pool. Stroll through the buildings comprising the Quadrangle constructed on a raised platform and enclosed by a wall.
Kandy
Leave Sigiriya for Kandy in your private chauffeur-driven vehicle. The duration of the ride is around three hours.
Begin your discovery of Kandy, the erstwhile capital of Sri Lanka and home to Sri Dalada Maligawa temple or the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the holiest places of worship for Buddhists from around the world. Watch devotees make a beeline to the shrine that holds the left canine tooth of Gautama Buddha. Admire the Kandyan architecture of the temple and the beautiful ivory, gold, silver, and bronze carvings in the hallways and pillars. Stroll around the nearby Kandy Lake and take a few moments to enjoy the scenic surroundings. Later, learn about the history of tea in Sri Lanka at the Ceylon Tea Museum, a tea factory set up in the 1920s, and sample some of the country’s best brews.
Visit Kandy’s most famous religious monuments on a fascinating temple loop tour. Admire the art and architecture of the Gadaladeniya Temple, Lankathilaka, and Embekke Devalaya, which feature exquisite stone carvings. Take in the soothing greens of Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, and pause every now and then under the shade of its magnificent trees. Witness the country’s rich art and craft heritage on a tour of a local batik printing factory that will give you an overview of the intensive process and its many traditional and contemporary motifs.
Go on a half-day tour of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, home to among the largest herd of captive elephants in the world. Watch as the elephants head to the river to bathe and frolic. Delight in seeing these creatures play and discover the world around them.
Nuwara Eliya
From Kandy, make your way to Nuwara Eliya in a private chauffeur-driven vehicle. The duration of the ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya is around two hours.
Swathed in mist and cool air, the rolling hills of Nuwara Eliya are a balm to the soul. Take a scenic walk to Bambarakanda Falls, the country’s highest waterfall. Walk past villages and take in the sights of workers picking tea leaves at the many tea estates en route. Stop at Lanka Falls for a swim and enjoy a delicious picnic spread. Experience the thrill of navigating the Devil’s Staircase, a steep and narrow trail section consisting of three hairpin bends. Be awed by the white cascade that drops 863 ft between Mount Welihena and Mount Bambaragala. Soak in the splendid views all around.
Hike up the Horton Plains National Park to reach World’s End, a viewpoint located at an altitude of 7,000 feet. If you are lucky, you might even get to spot wildlife such as the Sri Lanka whistling thrush, Sri Lanka magpie, black-throated munia and more.
Yala National Park
Travel to Yala National Park, five-and-a-half hours from Nuwara Eliya, in your chauffeur-driven private vehicle.
Witness Sri Lanka’s diverse and abundant wildlife on a half-day private safari through Yala National Park. Choose to go on a morning or evening jeep ride through the lush greenery of the park and come face-to-face with its residents—spot herds of elephants, monkeys, deer and bears. You might even see a leopard lurking on a tree or behind the bushes if you are lucky. Yala’s wetlands are home to over a 100 bird species, so keep your binoculars handy. Do note that the park might close during the months of September and October for maintenance.
Galle Fort
Leave Yala National Park for Galle Fort in your chauffeur-driven private car. Travel duration is around four hours.
As you amble around Galle Fort, take a journey back in time and discover its rich history and Dutch heritage. Spend time at the Maritime Museum going through the fabulous collection of archaeological artefacts, including some fascinating 800-year-old items salvaged from shipwrecks. Stroll around the fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and enjoy delicious meals served in the most stunning cafes and restaurants. Shop at chic boutiques and browse through alluring collections of jewellery, antiques and handmade laces.
Colombo
Head back to Colombo from Galle in your chauffeur-driven private car. The duration of the journey is around three hours.
Discover the many sights and sounds of the capital city on a tour through its most iconic buildings and charming neighbourhoods. Depending on the time available, you could go on a variety of short excursions. Visit the lively Pettah market, a local favourite, or explore the Fort. Walk along Sea Street lined with temples and mosques or visit the city’s famous landmarks such as Town Hall and the Old Parliament buildings. Roam around the city’s upscale neighbourhoods around Cinnamon Gardens or wet your toes in the waters near Galle Face Green.
Head to Colombo Airport and board your flight to Male (Duration - 1.5 hours). Upon arrival at Male, you will be met by a representative and taken to the resort counter at the airport to finish the check-in formalities. After this, you will be escorted by the resort staff to board your seaplane. Do note that depending on the number of passengers, you might have to wait at the lounge area to board your seaplane. The seaplane can drop you at the resort directly or after a few other stops. The resort will inform you of the seaplane departure time 24 hours before arrival.
Male
Welcome to the island paradise of Maldives! Check into your villa and relax as you gaze out at iridescent aquamarine waters of the Indian Ocean just a few steps away from your room. Head out on a snorkelling excursion with a guide and discover a spectacular underwater world filled with coral gardens and marine life. You can even try out scuba diving with certified instructors or indulge in jet skiing, windsurfing or kiteboarding. Take a catamaran out into the lagoon or watch the sky change colour at sunset as you sail on a dhoni (a traditional boat). Back on land, play a game of tennis at the court or sign up for a relaxing spa treatment at the in-house wellness centre. Meal times are an indulgent affair with a range of dining options. Savour exquisite French, American, Indian, and Japanese cuisine, sip on fine wines, and ring in the evenings with your favourite cocktails and fabulous entertainment.
Plan Your Dream Trip
What To Expect
Dream Carefree
Go ahead and dream big. Hayes & Jarvis experts are here to help you plan the ultimate escape. Tell us your vision for the trip of a lifetime and we’ll make it a reality.
Plan Carefree
One of our destination experts will reach out to craft a completely customized itinerary. Book your personalized journey and know that our flexible policies have you covered.
Travel Carefree
Relax and prepare for takeoff, knowing that your trip is perfectly planned and you have a personal concierge on call 24/7. Our experts are here to keep you safe and handle the details.
Includes
- Meals and accommodations as specified in the itinerary
- Transportation services as specified in the itinerary
- Any excursions and activities as specified in the itinerary
- Your Trip Coordinator: a 24/7 point of contact supporting you during your trip
- Carbon emissions offsetting for your trip
Excludes
- International and domestic airfares
- Personal expenses and gratuity
- Entrance fees and/or meals, unless mentioned in the itinerary description
- Cancellation charges, health, and travel insurance
- Visa and tourism fees
Let's Chat
We have answers to all your questions.
Start planning your dream trip by talking to our Destination Specialists
Sign up for our newsletter
Receive the latest travel inspiration and destination news.

Three Easy Steps to a Tailor-made Holiday
The Hayes & Jarvis Way
Since 1952, our travel experts have been traversing the world to connect you with the very best our 60+ destinations have to offer. Tell us what your dream trip entails and we will craft it for you with precision and passion.