100% customisable travel idea
In Sri Lanka and the Maldives Buddhist art, Ceylon tea and idyllic lagoons
Sri Lanka - Cultural Triangle - Tea Country - Maldives
Highlands and atolls
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.
Itinerary
100% customisable for you
Night on board, arrival the next day.
Meet your English-speaking driver-guide and set off for Dambulla. You’ll stay for three nights on the shores of Kandalama reservoir. The villas are tucked away beneath the trees; they open onto the gardens and offer the easy-going comfort that suits travellers. This is the spirit of the estate: a certain elegance without airs. As for meals, you’ll enjoy skilfully crafted fusion cuisine in the dining room, in your home, or outdoors, just about anywhere in the park. While some head to the spa for a holistic approach to well-being, others play ping-pong, badminton, volleyball or go cycling. Then of course there’s the pool. You can also go canoeing on the lake.
Scheduled - Sigiriya. The fortress of the mad king Kashyapa, perched atop the 180 metres (590 feet) of red gneiss of Lion Rock, dates back to the 5th century. The site's hydraulic system is highly sophisticated, and the Demoiselles (royal concubines or apsaras) painted on the rock face are exceptional - both for their beauty and because they are the only known female images from that period in Sri Lanka. After reaching the top via a system of stairs and walkways, you’ll explore the remains of the palace and gardens and enjoy the panoramic view. Later, still accompanied by your driver-guide, you’ll visit the cave sanctuaries of the Dambulla Golden Temple - ancient Buddhist statues and mural paintings from the Kandy school, 18th century. These two major sites are listed as UNESCO World Heritage sites.
On your itinerary - Polonnaruwa, by tuk-tuk and in private. The tuk-tuk - a motorised tricycle - is an excellent way to explore the capital of Ceylon from the 11th to 13th centuries. The city features remarkable attractions, such as the large Rankoth Vehera stupa, the Nissanka Latha Mandapaya - a pavilion where King Nissanka Malla listened to Buddhist chanting - and the Hatadage, a relic temple that once housed a tooth of Siddhartha Gautama. Nevertheless, the Buddha sculptures (standing, seated and reclining) at Gal Vihara, a 12th-century rock temple, are especially impressive. Unesco could not do otherwise than to add it to the World Heritage list. And the toque macaques bring life to this beautiful piece of rational urban planning.
Optional - In a hot air balloon above the Cultural Triangle.
Drive to Madulkelle. You’ll settle in for two nights under a safari tent among the tea plantations. At an altitude of 1,000 metres (3,280 feet), your spacious tent is beautifully equipped in a British country life style: extremely comfortable and elegant. It opens onto a wonderful landscape of deep green hills, where the mist leaves long morning veils and the pickers bring the scene to life as they come and go during the day. In the background, the Knuckles Mountains extend their rocky ridges. Breakfast on the furnished terrace in front of the tent is a unique moment of privacy.
Optional - A massage at the lodge spa.
Scheduled - Visit to the plantation and the tea factory. The eco-lodge is part of a tea estate. An in-house English-speaking specialist welcomes you as the owner would. From the Camellia sinensis assamica plant to the cup, every stop of tea growing and processing is explored. Explanations are given on site, in the fields, in the factory workshops and in the tasting room. A chance to renew your understanding of the art of infusion at its very source. This tour is complemented by a naturalist hike in the hills. When it comes to botany and zoology, your guide is top-notch. He will guide you. He speaks English, and will tell you all about the yellow-eared bubul, Layard’s parakeet, mouse-deer, barking deer, sambar, etc.
First, you’ll drive to Kandy. On arrival, you’ll settle in for two nights in the hills. During World War II, Louis Mountbatten, then head of the South East Asia Command, came here to rest from his duties. The décor keeps this memory alive. The natural surroundings are splendid and abundant, beyond the manicured lawns. The interior strikes a balance between grand British style and contemporary rigour. It is always very well maintained and comfortable. The restaurant serves both Sri Lankan and international cuisine with flawless expertise. Afternoon tea follows tradition. The spa showcases the therapeutic benefits of tea. A lovely swimming pool is available.
Scheduled - A ticket to the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya. It is renowned for its collections of orchids and palm trees, as well as its herb and aromatic plant garden. Developed in the 1840s, this site is marked by both a romantic design and the exuberance of local plant life. This encounter makes it a uniquely appealing park.
Scheduled - In the former royal palace, the Temple of the Tooth preserves one of the Buddha’s teeth. It is a precious relic, and possessing it guarantees significant religious and political status, earning Kandy its inclusion on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Every day, many pilgrims come to venerate it. It’s not so surprising when you think about the veneration of relics at home. Private tour in English.
Also planned - a private Sri Lankan cooking class. An excellent way to connect with people is to step into their kitchen. You’ll therefore be invited to tie on an apron and grab a saucepan with a family from Kandy. First of all, you’ll take a trip to the market for fresh ingredients, since that's where it all begins. Next, under the supervision of the home chef, you’ll prepare a signature dish. It will most likely be a curry. And everyone will put in their best effort, as the result will be shared and assessed on the spot. Attention to detail easily makes up for any possible gaps in English.
Optional - Yoga in Aladeniya.
Drive to Colombo Airport. Flight to Malé, Maldives. Transfer to Velassaru. You’ll stay for three nights on an island hotel, where piers and overwater bungalows stretch out into the sea like antennae. Everything here breathes elegance and comfort. In fact, the comfort stems from the architecture. The contemporary Maldivian architecture is perfectly suited to an exclusive seaside experience. Because there are beach resorts and then there are waterfront beach resorts that are about as close as it gets to paradise. Your bungalow opens onto the beach. With its pure aesthetics and comfortable design, it offers the best conditions for your stay. Life feels obvious here. Nevertheless, sometimes it’s hard to choose between the pool and the beach. Or maybe you’d rather enjoy a massage on stilts. You may have trouble deciding between all these options in paradise. At the restaurant, there is a kind of culinary glamour with a freedom made possible by the finest technique. This is, in fact, a hallmark of the establishment: highly refined operating procedures discreetly support a confident sense of carefree ease. Moreover, there is a certain atmosphere of love here that you can’t help but feel, no matter what mood you arrive in.
The white sand, the clear, ever-changing blue sea and the deep green vegetation set the tone for a journey defined by colour. The trees and thatched roofs offer gentle, welcoming shade. The sand glistens gloriously and the clear water insistently invites you to swim. You can also set off by boat, head offshore, and turn your swim into a snorkelling or diving trip to be dazzled by the shimmering colours of the marine life. Many water games and sports are available from the hotel: fun tube, sea kayak, catamaran, windsurf, wakeboard, and more. You can even play tennis. Or join a yoga class. Or simply do nothing. In short, let life carry you along, hour by hour, with your feet in the warm water. Nothing suits such a setting better than the inspiration of the moment. A subtle mechanism lets you be free.
Transfer to Malé and flight back. Night on board, arrival the next day.
À la carte
This suggested itinerary can be customisable down to the smallest detail, including duration, stops and content. An à la carte menu of experiences is also available to create a journey that reflects who you are.
Dambulla - Hot Air Balloon Ride over the Cultural Triangle
Gaining altitude has revolutionised archaeology. Seen from above, the landscapes reveal the outline and extent of the remains, their structures and their intentions. It is this kind of experience that a hot air balloon flight invites you to enjoy. Your gaze stretches far over the sites and the shapes of the countryside. Gaining some height is always a good thing. Not to mention, playing the aeronaut is a very, very enjoyable experience. A one-hour flight (and a sparkling drink upon landing, to celebrate being back on solid ground).Madulkele - A massage at the lodge spa
In harmony with everything else, the spa is set up under a tent in the heart of the countryside. This creates a naturally relaxing atmosphere: birdsong, the gentle sound of water, the rustling of branches - you feel surrounded by positive energy. Add to that the essential oils of aromatherapy and the expertise of the massage therapists, and you have one hour of pure, invigorating bliss.Kandy - Yoga in Aladeniya
Park by the side of the road and set off on foot along the path that leads to the house of yogi Noyel Dharmajith. Once you arrive, you will have a private hatha yoga lesson under their guidance: postures and breath control. While this hour only allows you to touch briefly on the subject, it lets you do so in a meaningful way and gives you a concrete idea of what yoga is - and is not. It is essential to fit the criteria for this. This introduction requires participants to be in good physical condition.
Why visit Maldives with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to Maldives
- CO2 absorption
Why visit Sri Lanka with Voyageurs du monde?
Every day, our travel specialists craft bespoke experiences shaped around each traveller's profile, desires and budget. These passionate experts design experiences delivered on the ground by a local network of Concierges and trusted contacts. These fully customisable, made-to-measure trips are complemented by a wide range of high-end services (lounges, 24/7 assistance, travel booklet, app, Wi-Fi, restaurant booking, etc.)
Let us create your tripA few of the advantages of travelling with us to Sri Lanka
- Globally unique concierge service
- CO2 absorption
