A Luxury Sri Lanka and Maldives Getaway

Duration 13 days
Ideal time to visit November–March
Price guide
From
  PP
Set out on an adventure to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Begin your journey in historical Galle before moving on to Yala National Park for a thrilling safari. In the Tea Country, delve into the world of tea harvesting amidst Sri Lanka's misty highlands. Colombo, where tradition seamlessly collides with modernity, offers an immersion in the ever-growing cocktail scene before you surrender to the lap of luxury in a lavish overwater bungalow in the Maldives.

Trip Highlights

  • Explore the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort with a local resident
  • Join a ranger on safari in Yala National Park
  • Learn about tea harvesting in Sri Lanka's Tea Country
  • Escape to paradise in the Maldives

Bespoke trips with Jacada

We design one-of-a-kind journeys incorporating luxury in all its forms. Our bespoke trips include:

  • Luxury accommodation throughout
  • Privately guided tours
  • Private transfers
  • Meticulously selected experiences
  • Expertise and support from your Jacada Concierge
  • Days 1–3 Galle
  • Days 3–5 Yala National Park
  • Days 5–7 Tea Country
  • Days 7–8 Colombo
  • Days 8–13 The Maldives
A Luxury Sri Lanka and Maldives Getaway
Price guide
  PP
  • Days 1–3 Galle
  • Days 3–5 Yala National Park
  • Days 5–7 Tea Country
  • Days 7–8 Colombo
  • Days 8–13 The Maldives

Itinerary in detail

Every Jacada trip is tailored to your personal preferences and interests. Below you’ll find a sample itinerary to inspire your own custom-designed journey.

Days 1–3

Discover Galle's timeless treasures

Located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka, Galle offers a captivating blend of history, culture and coastal beauty. The city boasts a well-preserved Dutch Fort, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and eclectic assemblage of architecture. The narrow cobblestone streets within the fort are lined with colonial-era buildings, charming boutiques and cafes. Galle’s vibrant atmosphere extends beyond the fort, too, with markets, temples and the soothing sounds of the Indian Ocean lapping against its shores.

A personalised walking tour

Set off on a private walking tour with a local resident, tracing the path from the first Portuguese landing to the English departure. Along the way, you’ll discover tales of historic battles, shifting alliances and insider insights into the Fort’s unique blend of cultures spanning three centuries. Explore fortifications, administrative buildings, warehouses, and more, interspersed with churches, temples and mosques.

Days 3–5

Two nights in Yala National Park

Yala National Park, Sri Lanka’s second-largest and most popular, occupies the southeastern corner of the island. Divided into five blocks, two of them (Ruhuna and Kumana) are open for guided game drives. Covering 979 square kilometers of diverse landscapes – forest, wetlands, and savannah – the park is a crucial habitat for numerous species, including elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, wild water buffaloes and more than 200 bird species.

The park is renowned for its high concentration of leopards, possibly the highest in the world. Spotting these elusive predators remains a challenge due to their secretive nature, but with a skilled guide and a bit of luck, Yala is one of the best places globally to encounter these mysterious cats.

Days 5–7

Two nights in Tea Country

Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush landscapes, Sri Lanka’s Tea Country stands as a testament to the nation’s rich tradition of tea cultivation. The central highlands, particularly around Nuwara Eliya, Kandy and Ella, boast picturesque tea plantations that paint the hillsides in vibrant shades of green.

Renowned for its Ceylon tea, Sri Lanka has earned its stripes as a major global producer. The cool climate and fertile soil of the elevated regions create an ideal environment for cultivating tea bushes, and the meticulous hand-plucking of tender tea leaves ensures the production of high-quality tea.

You’ll see the hills dotted with women harvesting leaves by hand, baskets slung across their backs. Skilful workers deftly pluck the most flavoursome and aromatic parts of the bushes – the topmost leaves and buds – which are then dried and processed.

Tea Plantation tour with a tea planter

Guided by a seasoned tea planter, traverse the picturesque landscapes of a renowned estate. On this immersive experience, the planter unravels the tapestry of Ceylon tea, sharing insights into its rich history and cultural significance. What went into creating the perfect cup of refreshing Ceylon tea in 1867 were equal parts science, art, sleight of hand and a spot of luck – and little has changed since.  You’ll engage in the age-old art of hand-plucking tender tea leaves, connecting with the very essence of the tea-making process.

Days 7–8

Overnight in Colombo

An overnight stay in Colombo unveils a vibrant cityscape. As the sun dips below the horizon, dive into Colombo’s eclectic cocktail scene, where mixologists craft innovative concoctions that mirror the city’s dynamic spirit. Some streets come alive with the aroma of tantalising street food, inviting you to savour local delicacies like kottu roti and hoppers, while elsewhere you’ll find refined restaurants and chic rooftop lounges.

Days 8–13

Five nights in the Maldives

Indulge in five blissful days of relaxation at a sumptuous island resort amid the idyllic islands of the Maldives. You’ll have plenty of time to discover this paradise archipelago at your own pace, whether unwinding on the velvety soft sands or immersing yourself in the gin-clear waters to uncover the abundance of marine life. Your upscale lodging provides an ideal retreat for relaxation, fine dining and leisurely spa days.

Your seaplane or speedboat transfer

When the time comes to leave, board a scenic seaplane ride to and from your hotel, offering a unique perspective of the lagoon. If you prefer, we can also organise a speedboat ride, considering the current weather and sea conditions.

“Contacted 3 travel agencies - JACADA won!‌”

I contacted 3 highly rated travel agencies to plan our trip to Sri Lanka and Maldives (this is a way I determine their responsiveness and quality). JACADA TRAVEL came out on top! (Another company sent me e-mails and was way too willing to agree to places I mentioned without any further thought; the other company never called me for the…

Published 30th September 2022 on Trustpilot
Sharon Balilea

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Why book with Jacada

Personalised design

We’ll plan your trip around your personal interests, tastes and preferences, providing honest advice based on first-hand knowledge.

Authentic experiences

Our expert guides and brilliant Concierges are hand-picked for their ability to bring your destination to life with care and passion.

Positive Impact

We seek out unforgettable experiences that benefit both local communities and the environment.