Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure - 14 Days

From £2,041£146 per daySave 26%

Trip Snapshot

Genders

  • Female61%
  • Male39%

Average age

51
12 Min100 Max

Start / End

  • Negombo
  • Male

Physical rating

3/5

Group size

1 - 14

Meals included

27

Highlights

  • Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's rich culture, exploring the revered Temple of the Tooth in Kandy and visiting a fragrant spice plantation, experiencing local life through community-supported initiatives.
  • Indulge in an enchanting stay at the AMBA Estate, an organic tea plantation in the picturesque Ella area. Enjoy a guided tea tour, breathtaking scenery, and a hands-on cooking demonstration of authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
  • Embark on an exhilarating wildlife safari through Udawalawe National Park, offering an incredible chance to witness majestic elephants and a diverse array of animals in their natural habitat.
  • Discover the historical elegance of Galle with a guided tour of its iconic fort and charming city, where colonial architecture and vibrant local culture beautifully intertwine.
  • Set sail on a traditional dhoni boat for a magnificent seven-day cruise through the South Malé and Felidhu Atolls in the Maldives, discovering secluded islands and pristine sandbars.
  • Dive into an underwater paradise with exceptional snorkeling opportunities amidst vibrant coral reefs, encountering a spectacular marine ecosystem of tropical fish, turtles, and reef sharks, complemented by blissful relaxation on untouched white-sand beaches.
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What's inside the PDF

  • Day-by-day itinerary
    Every day mapped out, covering activities, travel times, meals and where you'll stay.
  • Packing & kit list
    Exactly what to bring, from clothing and essentials to luggage guidelines and what's available to hire locally.
  • What's included
    Accommodation, transport, guides and meals, so you can see exactly what your price covers.
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Summary

This 14-day combo trip brings together the best of Sri Lanka's cultural highlights and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail the islands of the Maldives aboard a dhoni boat. Experience a safari in Udawalawe National Park, discover cultural treasures of Negombo and Kandy, and then spend an entire week cruising from one tiny and perfect atoll island to another, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and stretching out on blazing white-sand beaches. From culture to paradise, this tour's got it all.

Itinerary

  • Day 1

    Negombo

    Arrive at any time. There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

  • Day 2

    Negombo/Kandy

    Drive to Kandy, visiting a spice plantation en route. Enjoy lunch at the tour operator-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Later, explore Temple of the Tooth.

  • Day 3

    Kandy

    Explore Kandy with a free day.

  • Day 4

    Kandy to Ella area

    Travel by private vehicle to the historic town of Nuwara Eliya and enjoy some free time. Continue the journey to the rolling green valleys of the Ella area and spend 2 nights at the the tour operator-supported AMBA estate, an organic farm and guest house. Livelihood opportunities in the valley of Bandarawela, Sri Lanka are limited for low income community members. Many rely on agricultural work, especially in the tea plantations, which can be arduous with little financial gain. Amba Estate came to the area with the purpose of promoting economic growth through their organic tea plantation, paying fair wages, sharing their profits with their workers, and creating opportunities for growth. Having established its place in the travel market, Amba is now ready to support community cooperatives as a means of better spreading the income of tourism throughout the valley.

    Planeterra is working alongside Amba Estate by supporting the initial investment for the first community-led microenterprise that will work in partnership with Amba. Planeterra’s catalyst grant covers the equipment, training and setup costs for a group of six women to formally become a chutney co-operative. The chutney will be sold back to Amba Estate for travellers to consume, as well as sold to guests and in markets throughout Sri Lanka. the tour operator travellers began visiting Amba in July 2018. They now have the opportunity to eat the delicious chutneys, meet the women and see how it’s made!

  • Day 5

    Ella area

    In the morning, enjoy a tour through the tea plantation and learn about one of the nation's most popular exports followed by a tea tasting. After enjoy free time to soak in the stunning scenery, opt to hike to Ella Rock, or visit Ella town by tuk tuk. This evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration of classic homestyle Sri Lankan dishes, a delicious mixture of savoury and sweet.

  • Day 6

    Ella/Udawalawe National Park

    Depart Amba Estate in the morning after enjoying a delicious home cooked breakfast. Begin the journey to Udawalawe National Park for an afternoon wildlife safari through Udawalawe National Park.

  • Day 7

    Udawalawe National Park/Unawatuna

    After breakfast transfer from Udawalawe to Galle for a tour of the fort and city. Later, head to Unawatuna, on the south coast.

  • Day 8

    Unawatuna/South Malé Atoll

    Hop on a flight to Malé for the Maldives portion of your trip. Transfer to South Malé Atoll. Settle in, and set sail on a voyage of discovery. You will be met by airport representatives who will transfer you to the Malé town waterfront to meet our boat captain and crew. Once settled into our cabins, we will depart.

    Cruise south for 2-3 hours through the Vaadhoo Canal to a nearby island in South Malé Atoll; probably Guraidhoo, a small inhabited island where the plan is to moor in (or just outside) the small harbour for the first night on board.

  • Day 9

    South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu

    Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt.

    Aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please – lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood.

    Off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. The shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses. Cruise to the southernmost point of South Malé Atoll before crossing the channel into Felidhu Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.

  • Day 10

    South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu

    Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt.

    Aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please – lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood.

    Off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. The shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses. Cruise to the southernmost point of South Malé Atoll before crossing the channel into Felidhu Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.

  • Day 11

    South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu

    Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt.

    Aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please – lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood.

    Off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. The shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses. Cruise to the southernmost point of South Malé Atoll before crossing the channel into Felidhu Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.

  • Day 12

    South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu

    Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt.

    Aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please – lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood.

    Off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. The shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses. Cruise to the southernmost point of South Malé Atoll before crossing the channel into Felidhu Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.

  • Day 13

    South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu

    Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt.

    Aboard the dhoni, spend free time as you please – lounge on the sundecks and take in the views, relax with a good book, or socialize with fellow travellers as you enjoy delicious local seafood.

    Off the boat, opt to swim and enjoy snorkelling about twice a day amongst the spectacular marine life of the Maldives. The shallow islands and amazing coral reefs make it a key feeding ground for many species of tropical fish. Keep an eye out for turtles, reef sharks, stingrays, and octopuses. Cruise to the southernmost point of South Malé Atoll before crossing the channel into Felidhu Atoll. The main industry here is fishing and there is typically an opportunity to see traditional boat-building on at least one of the islands.

  • Day 14

    South Malé Atoll/Male

    In the morning, make the short crossing to Malé. The tour ends on arrival at Malé International Airport.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    Standard hotels/guest houses (7 nts), dhoni boat (6 nts).

  • Meals

    Breakfasts: 12, Lunches: 6, Dinners: 9

    Vegetarian options are available on all meals throughout the adventure.

    Vegetarian options available

  • Local Guide

    Guided

    This adventure is led by a local guide throughout. The main language of this adventure is English. Please contact us for other languages available.

  • Wifi

    Wifi is available during the adventure. In some areas and / or accommodation / transport Wifi may be free.

Dates & Prices

  • Jun 2026

    from £2,177
  • Jul 2026

    from £2,041
  • Aug 2026

    from £2,498
  • Sep 2026

    from £2,313
  • Oct 2026

    from £2,177
  • Nov 2026

    from £2,351
  • Dec 2026

    from £3,118
  • Jan 2027

    from £3,118
  • Feb 2027

    from £3,118
  • Mar 2027

    from £3,118
  • Apr 2027

    from £2,722
  • Jun 2027

    from £2,722
  • Jul 2027

    from £2,722
  • Aug 2027

    from £2,939
  • Sep 2027

    from £2,722
  • Oct 2027

    from £2,722
  • Nov 2027

    from £2,939
  • Dec 2027

    from £3,118
  • Save 26%
    Sunday 12 Jul 2026to Saturday 25 Jul 2026
    Guaranteed Departure
    £2,749£2,041
    Best offer
    Solo Room from +£1,633
  • Save 26%
    Sunday 19 Jul 2026to Saturday 1 Aug 2026
    Guaranteed Departure
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    Solo Room from +£1,633
  • Save 16%
    Sunday 26 Jul 2026to Saturday 8 Aug 2026
    4 spaces of 14 leftGuaranteed Departure
    £2,749£2,313
    Solo Room from +£1,633

Customer reviews & ratings

(4.71 out of 5)
Based on 535 reviews
  • Maldives outstanding, incredible in every way. Sri Lanka good but not amazing As it is a two part holiday, one part was very much better than the other part

    Helen Apr, 2025 Verified
  • Such variety and interesting things to see and do in 2 very different environments. G Adventure CEOs are outstanding! They really make the trips stand out. Guides are amazing. So knowledgeable and caring. Itineraries are well curated. Everything is so well organized.

    Allison Oct, 2024 Verified

Essential trip information

Our Important Notes and Packing List cover all essentials, from necessary equipment to inclusions, ensuring you're fully equipped and informed for this extraordinary adventure and more.

Frequently asked questions

  • What kind of experience does the "Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure" offer?

    This 14-day trip combines Sri Lanka's cultural highlights with a week-long sailing adventure in the Maldives. You'll experience safaris, cultural treasures, cruising between atoll islands, snorkeling in clear waters, and relaxing on white-sand beaches.
  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    Accommodation includes 7 nights in standard hotels/guest houses and 6 nights aboard a traditional dhoni boat. Please note that some hotels with two stories may not have elevators, and space on the dhoni boat is compact.
  • What meals are included in the tour price?

    The tour includes 12 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 9 dinners.
  • What are some of the main activities in Sri Lanka?

    In Sri Lanka, highlights include visiting a spice plantation, exploring the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, a tea plantation tour and tasting, a cooking demonstration of local dishes, a wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Park, and a tour of Galle city and fort.
  • What can I expect during the Maldives portion of the trip?

    The Maldives portion involves a week of cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls aboard a dhoni boat. Activities include disembarking to visit islands and sandbars, snorkeling shipwrecks and reefs twice a day, and enjoying beach time. There may also be opportunities to see traditional boat-building and a Bodu Beru performance on Fulidhoo Island.
  • What is the typical group size for this adventure?

    The maximum group size for the land portion is 14 people, and for the boat portion, it is also 14 people.
  • What is the minimum age to participate in this tour?

    Travelers must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above are permitted if accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.
  • Is travel insurance mandatory for this trip?

    Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. It must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and lost luggage coverage are strongly recommended.
  • What forms of transportation are used during the tour?

    Transportation includes private vehicles, 4x4s, local buses, walking, a plane for the internal flight, and a dhoni boat for the Maldives section.
  • What is the physical activity level required for this tour?

    This trip has a physical rating of 3, meaning an average level of fitness and mobility is required. Travelers should be able to walk unaided, climb 3-4 flights of stairs, step on and off small boats, and carry their own luggage.
  • Is there an extra charge for solo travelers?

    No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation without a single supplement. Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same sex. A "My Own Room" option is available for an extra charge, though exceptions apply for nights 4 and 5.
  • What currency should I bring and are credit cards widely accepted?

    In the Maldives, USD, EUR, GBP, and AUD are accepted for your beverage bill on the boat, but Maldivian Ruffiya is not. ATMs that accept Visa and Mastercard are limited to major cities, and major credit cards may incur a 2-4% transaction fee in shops. It's recommended to carry an emergency fund of at least USD $200 (or equivalent).
  • Is tipping expected in Sri Lanka and the Maldives?

    Yes, tipping is customary and appreciated. For service providers like waiters, about 10% is recommended. Guidelines for drivers and local guides are $4-5 USD per person per day. For the tour CEO, $8-10 USD per person per day is suggested. For the Maldives CEO and crew, $10-15 USD per CEO/crew member per week (or $50-75 total) is recommended.
  • What is the recommended dress code for cultural sensitivity?

    Conservative dress is recommended throughout Asia to respect local customs. This means covering shoulders and wearing knee-length shorts or longer. Singlets and tank tops are not acceptable. One-piece bathing suits are recommended, and topless sunbathing is unacceptable. Some cultural sites may have specific entry restrictions regarding hats or covered faces. Displaying body art or clothing with an image of Buddha is illegal in Sri Lanka and should be covered.
  • Does the tour include internal flights?

    Yes, any flights noted in the itinerary for this tour, such as the flight between Sri Lanka and Malé, are included in the tour services. International flights to and from the starting and finishing points are generally not included.
  • How does this tour contribute to local communities?

    This tour includes "G for Good Moments" which are part of the Planeterra International Foundation's initiatives. You'll visit the tour operator-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café in Kandy, stay at the AMBA estate (an organic farm and guest house that promotes economic growth and fair wages), and participate in a Maldives Plastic Clean Up. Planeterra supports community-owned businesses to help local communities earn income from tourism.
  • What happens if I have pre-existing medical conditions?

    Travelers with a pre-existing medical condition are required to complete a short medical questionnaire, which must be signed by their physician, to ensure they have the necessary fitness and mobility for the trip.
  • Are there any specific safety guidelines I should follow?

    It is strongly recommended to use a neck wallet or money belt for valuables. Leave valuable jewelry at home. Many hotels offer safety deposit boxes. Your group leader has the authority to amend or cancel parts of the itinerary due to safety concerns. Optional activities during free time are at your own judgment regarding safety. Water-based activities should ideally be accompanied by a guide, and swimming/snorkeling is always at your own risk. It's also recommended to check your government's travel advice before departure.
  • What are the visa and entry requirements for Sri Lanka and the Maldives?

    All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. As of October 15th, 2025, an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) is mandatory for foreign nationals visiting Sri Lanka for tourism, which should be obtained prior to arrival. For the Maldives, a visa-on-arrival form requires specific address details: Voyages Maldives Pvt Ltd, P.O.Box 2019, Chaandhanee Magu, Malé 20191, Maldives, Vessel name: Sea Farer. It is your responsibility to check the most up-to-date requirements with your local embassy or consulate.
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