In Sri Lanka and the Maldives Buddhist art, Ceylon tea and idyllic lagoons

Journey to Sri Lanka with a sea excursion in the Maldives? Yes, without a doubt, and it is not as opportunistic as you might think. The ties between Sri Lanka and the Maldives are longstanding, and the enlightened people of the former have always been interested in the atolls of the latter. You are embarking on a long history and a seamless journey. Starting with Dambulla, in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle; this highland region is crucial to the country’s identity. The Golden Temple, Kashyapa’s eagle’s nest at Sigiriya, the medieval capital of Polonnaruwa - you’re right in the heart of it all: amazed and thrilled. At home with the Buddha. After this impressive start, the area around Madulkele, on the edge of the Knuckles Range, invites you to engage with another great love affair: tea. You spend two days among the plantations, following the rhythm of caring for the tea plants and picking the leaves; you observe the processes that lead to Orange Pekoe and to the infusion. A certain art of living is born on these green hills. And a beautiful balance between agriculture and nature can be felt here. In Kandy, the heart of Sinhalese Buddhism, there are several things you approach with the benefit of experience. These include the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which attracts pilgrims, the magnificent Peradeniya Botanical Garden, witness to a key moment in the history of botany and acclimatisation, and a Sri Lankan cookery lesson - just because the food is extremely good. And because it is just as relevant an entry point into the world below as archaeology. You know something about this as a guest; this time it’s about stepping to the other side of the stove. It will then be time to fly to Velassaru in the Maldives. In the best possible way, this reserves for you exactly what you expect. It is indeed true that, while reality always surpasses imagination, some countries have greater means than others to prove it.

Your journey

From a logistical point of view, the Sri Lankan part requires more than the Maldivian part. This is done in two transfers, and after that, all you have to do is choose from the idyllic possibilities immediately offered by your island accommodation. In Sri Lanka, there are three stops and tours in the area. Your driver-guide is therefore the lynch pin of your trip. They convey you and act as an intermediary, specifically in relation to daily life. In short, they make things easier for you. Of course, you speak to them in English, but there's no need to be an expert in the language. Context and situational intelligence help to make up for any potential language gaps. It’s true. Distances are reasonable, with no tiresome connections, and spectacular landscapes reveal themselves along the way. All your hotels are of an excellent standard. In Sri Lanka, they demonstrate a genuine concern for blending into the surroundings and a remarkable ability to accommodate the remnants of history: while the British influence is still evident, the transition has been fully accomplished and Sri Lankans are looking to the future. It is most enjoyable. As is a well-deserved afternoon tea. The scheduled tours are conducted with your driver-guide, or with private guides whenever necessary. You are never abandoned or coerced; wherever you go, you retain the autonomy implicit in your your journey. As for the Maldives, they have mastered the art of dream accommodation. Finally, if an off-the-cuff wish or a minor setback arises along the way, you have the contact details for our on-site Concierge service to assist you.