Sri Lanka in Depth + Maldive Dhoni Cruise

22 days
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Small Group Tour
Combine two of our favourite trips on a journey through enchanting Sri Lanka and the pristine Maldives. Our first two weeks are spent touring the cultural highlights of the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' before cruising through paradise in the Maldives. Wildlife in Sri Lanka - Search for leopards, elephants and sambar deer on game drives in the country's nati...
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate

Highlights

    • Explore Sri Lanka's many highlights before a stunning 6-day Maldives cruise
    • Discover the Sri Lanka's ancient cities and wildlife-filled national parks
    • Snorkel through turquoise waters and idyllic atolls from our Maldives Dhoni vessel

What's this trip about?

    Combine two of our favourite trips on a journey through enchanting Sri Lanka and the pristine Maldives. Our first two weeks are spent touring the cultural highlights of the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean' before cruising through paradise in the Maldives. Wildlife in Sri Lanka - Search for leopards, elephants and sambar deer on game drives in the country's national parks Culture in Sri Lanka - Wander through ancient capitals, painted cave temples and climb the dramatic 'Sky Fortress' Maldives Dhoni experience - Spend a week cruising, snorkelling and relaxing amongst crystal clear waters

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - max of 20 people
Age range16 to 85 years
Flights and transport
Start CityNegombo
End CityMale

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Hiking & Walking

Destinations

Attractions

  • Colombo
  • Dambulla
  • Ella
  • Kandy
  • Negombo
  • Nuwara Eliya
  • Polonnaruwa
  • Sigiriya
  • Tangalle
  • Udawalawe
  • Yala
  • Yala National Park

Activities

  • Hiking

Max Group Size

  • Max Group Size: 20

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Join trip in Negombo

Arrive in Negombo, the famous coastal town famous for its fishing industry and golden sands. This relaxing beach resort is a short distance from Sri Lanka's capital city, and is the perfect place to spot locals bringing in the day's catch and watch the sunset. F...

Day 2 Game drive in Wilpattu National Park; drive to Anuradhapura

A three-hour drive north takes us to Wilpattu National Park. En route, we will visit a nearby fishing village which uses traditional-style outrigger canoes, known as 'oruvas'. Along the way, depending on the season, we hope to spot the toddy tappers climbing tall coc...

Day 3 Full day to walk up Mihintale Mount and explore Anuradhapura ancient citadel

This morning we travel eight miles to the mountain peak of Mihintale. It is believed that this was the site of a momentous meeting between the monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, introducing Buddhism to the country. Exploring Mihintale involves climbing a flight o...

Day 4 Visit Dambulla's cave temples en route to Giritale

Travelling towards Giritale, we pause to view the magnificent Standing Buddha of Aukana, which stands 12 metres high. Sculptured in the 5th century by a master craftsman, it is still relatively isolated in its jungle setting. Our next stop is Dambulla, where a gre...

Day 5 Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and drive to Sigiriya

This morning we explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which reached its height of glory in the 12th century, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The city still maintains many of its spectacular buildings and monuments, with arguably the most im...

Day 6 Climb Lion's Rock at sunrise; drive to Kandy

An early start this morning as we plan to climb Sigiriya Rock ahead of the crowds and whilst it is cool. The ruins of this 5th century 'Sky Fortress' are one of Sri Lanka's major attractions, a stupendous sight to behold and a feat of consummate engineering skill. Bui...

Day 7 Explore Kandy. Discover the Temple of the Tooth

Sitting on a plateau 500 metres above sea level and 112km northeast of Colombo, Kandy is, in climatic and cultural terms, a world apart from Colombo. Serving as the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom until falling to the British in 1815, it is a place of cultural a...

Day 8 Drive to Dalhousie for an ascent of Adam's Peak

After a free morning, we drive three and a half hours to Dalhousie in the foothills of Adam's Peak. Here, we have the opportunity to ascend this sacred peak, known locally as Sri Pada. A depression at the top of the peak is said to be Buddha's footprint and, each year...

Day 9 Stop at a tea plantation on the way to Nuwara Eliya

Returning from the peak this morning, we enjoy a well-earned breakfast before making our way to Nuwara Eliya on a scenic drive of around three hours. This part of Sri Lanka is also an important tea growing area and plantations stretch over rolling hills for as far as ...

Day 10 Take the train to Demodara, crossing the Nine Arch Bridge

After a relaxed breakfast this morning we drive the short distance to Nanu Oyu to board our train for the scenic journey to Demodara. The train winds through tea plantations stopping for dramatic views of the valley below as we cross the Nine Arch Bridge, also known a...

Day 11 Drive to Udawalawe, explore the National Park by Jeep and visit the elephant transit home

This morning we visit the nearby Ravana Ella Falls, one of the widest waterfalls on the island, before continuing south through the hill country until we reach the plains. We will make a stop and walk a short distance to see a 51-foot image of the Buddha carved into t...

Day 12 Drive to Koggala Beach via the Portuguese Fort at Galle

Continuing southwards this morning, we descend through a huge region of rice paddies before reaching the coast. We travel through the small fishing port of Tangalle, home to a project supported by the Travel Foundation, where women learn to make traditional Beeralu La...

Day 13 Free time to relax on Koggala's quiet beaches

Today is free to relax on the beaches of Koggala, or explore more of nearby Galle. For those seeking pure relaxation, local Ayurvedic massages with natural, aromatic herbal oils are highly recommended. Alternatively, between the months of December and April, you might prefer to go on a whale watching trip in the hope of spotting humpback and blue whales.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 14 Early morning to relax on the beach before driving to Colombo

Take some time to soak up the last few hours on the beach before we journey back to Colombo for our last night- a total travel time of just a couple of hours. Once in the capital we spend the afternoon exploring Sri Lanka's capital city. We'll wander around the histor...

Day 15 Fly to the Maldives and join trip in Male

This morning we fly to Male and after meeting up with our representative we'll transfer to our hotel. After checking in we'll go on a walking tour of the town, taking in the Mosque, to the fish market and strolling along the water's edge to watch the ferries coming and going.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 16 Sail to Vavuu Atoll and explore Kuda Anbaraa Island

This morning we walk to the waterfront to meet our moored dhoni and crew. As we take our breakfast the boat begins cruising south, passing through the Vaadhoo Canal to the South Male Atoll - a smaller and quieter neighbour to the more developed North Male Atoll. Here...

Day 17 Snorkel in the clear waters of the Meemu Atoll

Today we sail south for a further two to three hours, crossing to Meemu Atoll - home to one of the longest stretches of reef in the Maldives. On this or other crossings, we may be lucky enough to be chased by spinner dolphins, who like jumping in our wake. We are als...

Day 18 Cruise to Dhiggaru Island for a Bodu Beru display

After a relaxed start, we head east to the inhabited island of Dhiggaru. Here, we drop our anchor by a particularly good snorkelling reef. Later in the afternoon, when it has cooled down a bit, we plan to go ashore to meet the island's inhabitants. We may be struck by...

Day 19 Visit the traditional village of Felidhoo

Today, we head back to Felidhoo Atoll and its administrative centre, Felidhoo. With a population of about 400, this is the least populated of all the country's administrative centres. Again, we take time to visit the village and have the opportunity to enjoy another Bodu Beru performance.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20 Discover Hulhidhoo reef before sailing to Fulidhoo

By now, we are likely to be feeling completely relaxed, as our routine of reading, sunbathing and napping between island stops and snorkelling spots has become second nature. With a subtly different name to our previous day's stop-off, we break today's journey with a ...

Day 21 Sail to Male stopping to snorkel at Embudhoo Reef

Our last day on the boat sees us cruising back towards Male. We take the opportunity for some final snorkelling and swimming, before enjoying a farewell meal with our boat crew.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22 Trip ends in Male

The trip ends after breakfast on our dhoni in Male. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Male on flights from 11 am. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at the airport for a cost of...

Day 1 Join trip in Negombo

Arrive in Negombo, the famous coastal town famous for its fishing industry and golden sands. This relaxing beach resort is a short distance from Sri Lanka's capital city, and is the perfect place to spot locals bringing in the day's catch and watch the sunset. F...

Day 2 Jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park; Drive to Anuradhapura

A three-hour drive north takes us to Wilpattu National Park. En route, we will visit a nearby fishing village which uses traditional-style outrigger canoes, known as 'oruvas'. Along the way, depending on the season, we hope to spot the toddy tappers climbing tall coc...

Day 3 Full day to walk up Mihintale Mount and explore Anuradhapura ancient citadel

This morning we travel eight miles to the mountain peak of Mihintale. It is believed that this was the site of a momentous meeting between the monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, introducing Buddhism to the country. Exploring Mihintale involves climbing a flight o...

Day 4 Visit Dambulla's cave temples en route to Giritale

Travelling towards Giritale, we pause to view the magnificent Standing Buddha of Aukana, which stands 12 metres high. Sculptured in the 5th century by a master craftsman, it is still relatively isolated in its jungle setting. Our next stop is Dambulla, where a gre...

Day 5 Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and drive to Sigiriya

This morning we explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which reached its height of glory in the 12th century, when it was a thriving commercial and religious centre. The city still maintains many of its spectacular buildings and monuments, with arguably the most im...

Day 6 In Sigiriya; drive to Kandy

An early start this morning as we plan to climb Sigiriya Rock ahead of the crowds and whilst it is cool. The ruins of this 5th century 'Sky Fortress' are one of Sri Lanka's major attractions, a stupendous sight to behold and a feat of consummate engineering skill. Bui...

Day 7 Explore Kandy. Discover the Temple of the Tooth

Sitting on a plateau 500 metres above sea level and 112km northeast of Colombo, Kandy is, in climatic and cultural terms, a world apart from Colombo. Serving as the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom until falling to the British in 1815, it is a place of cultural a...

Day 8 Drive through the Hill Country to Nuwara Eliya

This morning, we set off on a journey into the heart of the Hill Country. This magnificent region of Sri Lanka is an important tea growing area. Plantations stretch over rolling hills for as far as the eye can see, interspersed with the occasional tea-making factory. ...

Day 9 Take a walk on Horton Plains or explore Nuwara Eliya

Today we explore this beautiful region of Sri Lanka with a trek on Horton Plains. This unique and beautiful plateau of wild grassland and thick forest is famous for its biodiversity, with many plant and bird species exclusive to this area. On our walk, we will take in...

Day 10 Take the train to Demodara, crossing the Nine Arch Bridge

After a relaxed breakfast this morning we drive the short distance to Nanu Oyu to board our train for the scenic journey to Demodara. The train winds through tea plantations stopping for dramatic views of the valley below as we cross the Nine Arch Bridge, also known a...

Day 11 Drive to Udawalawe, explore the National Park by Jeep and visit the elephant transit home

This morning we visit the nearby Ravana Ella Falls, one of the widest waterfalls on the island, before continuing south through the hill country until we reach the plains. We will make a stop and walk a short distance to see a 51-foot image of the Buddha carved into t...

Day 12 Drive to Koggala Beach via the Portuguese Fort at Galle

Continuing southwards this morning, we descend through a huge region of rice paddies before reaching the coast. We travel through the small fishing port of Tangalle, home to a project supported by the Travel Foundation, where women learn to make traditional Beeralu La...

Day 13 Free time to relax on Koggala's quiet beaches

Today is free to relax on the beaches of Koggala, or explore more of nearby Galle. For those seeking pure relaxation, local Ayurvedic massages with natural, aromatic herbal oils are highly recommended. Alternatively, between the months of December and April, you might prefer to go on a whale watching trip in the hope of spotting humpback and blue whales.

Meals Provided : Breakfast

Day 14 Early morning to relax on the beach before driving to Colombo

Take some time to soak up the last few hours on the beach before we journey back to Colombo for our last night- a total travel time of just a couple of hours. Once in the capital we spend the afternoon exploring Sri Lanka's capital city. We'll wander around the histor...

Day 15 Fly to Maldives, join trip in Male

This morning we fly to Male and after meeting up with our representative and transfer to the hotel. After checking in we'll take an orientation walking tour of the city, taking in the Mosque, to the fish market and strolling along the water's edge to watch the ferries coming and going.

Meals Provided : Breakfast & Dinner

Day 16 Sail to Vavuu Atoll and explore Kuda Anbaraa Island

This morning we walk to the waterfront to meet our moored dhoni and crew. As we take breakfast we begin cruising south, passing through the Vaadhoo Canal to the South Male Atoll - a smaller and quieter neighbour to the more developed North Male Atoll. Here, many of t...

Day 17 Snorkel in the clear waters of the Meemu Atoll

Today we sail south for a further two to three hours, crossing to Meemu Atoll - home to one of the longest stretches of reef in the Maldives. On this or other crossings, we may be lucky enough to be chased by spinner dolphins, who like jumping in our wake. We are als...

Day 18 Cruise to Dhiggaru Island for a Bodu Beru display

After a relaxed start, we head east to the inhabited island of Dhiggaru. Here, we drop our anchor by a particularly good snorkelling reef. Later in the afternoon, when it has cooled down a bit, we plan to go ashore to meet the island's inhabitants. We may be struck by...

Day 19 Visit the traditional village of Felidhoo

Today, we head back to Felidhoo Atoll and its administrative centre, Felidhoo. With a population of about 400, this is the least populated of all the country's administrative centres. Again, we take time to visit the village and have the opportunity to enjoy another Bodu Beru performance.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 20 Discover Hulhidhoo reef before sailing to Fulidhoo

By now, we are likely to be feeling completely relaxed, as our routine of reading, sunbathing and napping between island stops and snorkelling spots has become second nature. With a subtly different name to our previous day's stop-off, we break today's journey with a ...

Day 21 Sail to Male stopping to snorkel at Embudhoo Reef

Our last day on the boat sees us cruising back towards Male. We take the opportunity for some final snorkelling and swimming, before enjoying a farewell meal with our boat crew.

Meals Provided : Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 22 Trip ends in Male

The trip ends after breakfast on our dhoni in Male. There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Male from 11 am. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at the airport for a cost of approx. $6...

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Dates & Availability

Price From $5,330
Price per day$242
Last Updated: 3/14/2025
Departure Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Single Room (Optional)
Availability
23 Mar 2025
13 Apr 2025
$5,910
$830
30 Mar 2025
20 Apr 2025
$6,160
$830
21 Sep 2025
12 Oct 2025
$6,020
$830
28 Sep 2025
19 Oct 2025
$5,330
$830
05 Oct 2025
26 Oct 2025
$5,810
$830
12 Oct 2025
02 Nov 2025
$5,330
$830
19 Oct 2025
09 Nov 2025
$5,530
$830
26 Oct 2025
16 Nov 2025
$5,810
$830
02 Nov 2025
23 Nov 2025
$5,530
$830
09 Nov 2025
30 Nov 2025
$5,530
$830

Check current availability, prices, specials & more.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Lesley

Mar 2025

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Sri Lanka in Depth + Maldive Dhoni Cruise

Sri Lanka tour, a great way to see Sri Lanka with a mix of culture and wildlife. Dhoni cruise, boat was basic but clean. Food amazing, staff great. A great way to se...

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Trusted Customer

Feb 2025

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Sri Lanka in Depth + Maldive Dhoni Cruise

Our Explore leader George, was without doubt, the best leader / guide we have ever had on any trip! His knowledge, kindness, professionalism would be hard to beat a...

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Trusted Customer

Feb 2025

Written on

Sri Lanka in Depth + Maldive Dhoni Cruise

An excellent 3 weeks with 2 excellent guides. Sri Lanka section was well organised by our guide Nala. he tweaked the itinerary so that we got the very best out of ou...

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Logistics

Accommodation

Transportation & Flights

Bus, 4WD,

Transportation & flights

Bus, 4WD
Guides
Explore Tour Leader, Driver(s), Local Guide(s)
Cancellation policy
These conditions are applicable to Discovery & Wildlife, Cycling, Walking and Family Trips. These conditions were updated November 2022. Booked a Polar trip? Please refer to our Polar booking conditions. To make it easy to know the detail of our flexibility, we’ve put it in a grid (these terms apply to all trips apart from our Polar Voyages.) Standard cancellations or changes within 69 days of travel If you’re getting closer to your trip, cancellation charges will apply as follows: For trips confirmed by 31st December 2022: 59-42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100% For trips confirmed from 1st January 2023: 69 -42 days before trip start date – 30%, or loss of deposit if higher 41-28 days before trip start date – 60% 27-14 days before trip start date – 90% Less than 14 days before trip start date – 100%
Travel Insurance
We strongly recommend purchasing travel insurance alongside your travel package to safeguard against unforeseen circumstances such as medical expenses, trip cancellations, and other contingencies. It offers you peace of mind and ensures you are prepared for unexpected events that may occur before or during your journey
Visa requirements
Sri Lanka: All foreign nationals who intend to visit Sri Lanka for a short stay of up to six months, including transit passengers, must apply for travel authorization online prior to travel to the country. All UK, EU, US, Australian, New Zealand and Canadian nationals can obtain an eVisa for a fee of approx 50 USD. You must apply for this prior to travel. It is strongly recommended that you print and bring a copy of the eVisa approval notice with you. The Sri Lankan authorities require that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from Sri Lanka. https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/ In addition to this, Sri Lanka has discontinued the use of paper land cards, and passengers are now required to fill out the following online arrival form, prior to arriving in Sri Lanka: https://eservices.immigration.gov.lk/emb/eEmbarkation/'#/home-page Maldives: Citizens of the UK, Australia, New Zealand, US and Canada are given a free 30 day permit on arrival, provided they meet the entry requirements. Please note that visa requirements often change and it is your responsibility to obtain any required visas for this trip. Therefore we recommend that you check with the nearest embassy or consulate of your chosen destination, including countries you plan to transit or transfer through. Other nationalities should consult the relevant consulate. www.immigration.gov.mv/tourist-visa An on-line Traveller Declaration form must be filled in and submitted by all clients travelling to and from the Maldives, within 96hours to the flight time. The form has to be submitted electronically via: www.imuga.immigration.gov.mv/ethd Flights via Sri Lanka: If your flight requires you to transit in Sri Lanka then you will not be required to obtain a Sri Lankan visa if your transit time is less than 48hrs. The Sri Lankan authorities require that your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after departure from Sri Lanka. If you do require assistance in obtaining a visa then you may be able to apply through Explore's recommended visa service in the UK, Travcour. See www.travcour.com to download the relevant visa application for your trip, if applicable (UK citizens only), along with details of how to apply for your visa through Travcour. The Team at Travcour will be happy to answer specific questions relating to visa applications, please call them directly on 0208 5431846. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are in possession of a full passport, with the correct validity for your chosen destination.
Health & Safety
Nothing compulsory, but we recommend protection against malaria, tetanus, typhoid, hepatitis A plus Polio and diptheria. Consult your travel clinic for latest advice on different prophylaxis available against malaria. We strongly recommend the wearing long sleeved shirts and the liberal application of insect repellents containing DEET as a precautionary measure to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes. These precautions should be taken at all times as the mosquitoes are also active during daylight hours. Please check the latest requirements with your travel clinic or doctor prior to departure. The above is not an exhaustive list. Further information regarding vaccinations and travel health advice can be found by following the NHS and NaTHNaC links at <a href="https://www.explore.co.uk/essential-information/know-before-you-go/travel-health">Explore Travel Health</a> and from your local healthcare provider. Visa and vaccination requirements are subject to change and should be confirmed by you before travelling.
Meals Included
    • Breakfast : 21
    • Dinner : 9
    • Lunch : 7
  • Breakfast : 21
  • Dinner : 8
  • Lunch : 7
Age Requirements
16 to 85 years
Additional Information
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Trip ID
explore-SLM

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