Sunny Side Up in Sri Lanka & Maldives

Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by our representative and transferred to the coastal town of Negombo. Known for its golden beaches and colonial heritage, Negombo is the perfect place to unwind after your international flight. Spend the remainder of the day relaxing at your leisure and preparing for the exciting journey ahead.

Begin the morning with a scenic excursion on the tranquil waters of Negombo Lagoon. Surrounded by mangroves, waterways and traditional fishing communities, the lagoon offers an early glimpse into the everyday life of Sri Lanka’s coastal communities.

Later, leave the coast behind and travel north towards Wilpattu National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s most important wildlife destinations.

Arrive at your accommodation and settle into the peaceful surroundings of the wilderness, where the sounds of nature become part of the experience.

Rise early for a safari through Wilpattu National Park, Sri Lanka’s largest national park and one of the country’s most rewarding places to experience wildlife in its natural habitat.

Keep watch for elephants, deer, crocodiles and an incredible variety of birdlife, with the possibility of spotting some of the park’s more elusive inhabitants.

After your safari, continue north towards Jaffna.

Later, begin discovering this fascinating cultural capital with a visit to some of its significant landmarks, including the magnificent Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, Jaffna Fort and the historic Jaffna Public Library.

Today, venture beyond the mainland to one of Sri Lanka’s most intriguing islands.

Travel across the Palk Strait to Delft Island, a remote and atmospheric place where history and nature exist side by side. Explore its distinctive landscape, ancient ruins and remnants of its Portuguese and Dutch colonial past.

One of Delft’s most fascinating features is its population of wild horses, descendants of animals introduced to the island centuries ago.

Take time to discover this unique corner of Sri Lanka before returning to Jaffna.

Leave the northern peninsula behind as you travel south towards Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle.

Your destination is Habarana, surrounded by lush countryside and some of the island’s most important ancient sites.

The remainder of the afternoon is yours to relax and enjoy your surroundings.

As the sun begins to soften, come together as a group for a special sundowner. Raise a glass, share stories from the journey so far and enjoy the beauty of a Sri Lankan evening.

Step back in time today as you explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

Once the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, this remarkable archaeological site is filled with ancient temples, royal ruins, statues and intricate stonework that reveal the grandeur of a bygone kingdom.

Choose to explore the historic city by bicycle or on foot, taking your time to appreciate the atmosphere and extraordinary craftsmanship.

The afternoon is at leisure.

For those looking to add another wildlife experience, an optional Habarana safari can be arranged.

An early start brings one of the journey’s most memorable moments — sunrise at the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress.

Rising dramatically from the surrounding landscape, Sigiriya is one of Sri Lanka’s most extraordinary cultural landmarks. As the morning light spreads across the ancient rock and surrounding countryside, discover the fascinating history of this remarkable site.

Later, experience a very different side of Sri Lanka during a visit to a traditional village.

Travel through the countryside, enjoy a leisurely catamaran boat ride and share a traditional local lunch while gaining an insight into the rhythms of rural life.

It is a chance to slow down, connect with the landscape and experience Sri Lanka beyond its famous landmarks.

Continue towards the hill capital of Kandy, stopping along the way at a traditional spice garden in Matale.

Discover the aromatic world of Sri Lanka’s spices, herbs and Ayurvedic plants and learn about the important role they have played in the island’s cuisine, culture and traditional practices.

Continue to Kandy and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist sites.

Set beside the beautiful Kandy Lake, the temple remains an important centre of pilgrimage and a powerful expression of the island’s spiritual heritage.

This morning, explore the magnificent Royal Botanic Gardens of Peradeniya.

Wander through beautifully landscaped grounds filled with tropical plants, flowering trees, palms and extraordinary botanical collections. The gardens offer a peaceful contrast to the bustle of the city and are a wonderful place to simply slow down and enjoy Sri Lanka’s natural beauty.

Later, continue towards Ambuluwawa.

The distinctive Ambuluwawa Tower rises above the surrounding countryside, offering spectacular panoramic views across the mountains, valleys and villages below.

Today gives you the opportunity to choose between two very different experiences.

Option 1 — Kandy Temple Loop

Travel beyond the city to discover three fascinating historic temples — Gadaladeniya, Lankatilaka and Embekke.

Each temple reveals another layer of Sri Lanka’s religious and architectural heritage, with intricate details, ancient traditions and beautiful settings among the central highlands.

Option 2 — Elephant Freedom Project

Spend time learning about and observing rescued elephants in a more intimate environment.

Discover more about the challenges facing Sri Lanka’s elephants and the work involved in their care, while enjoying the opportunity to observe these magnificent animals at close quarters.

Whichever experience you choose, the day offers a deeper connection with Sri Lanka’s culture, traditions and wildlife.

Leave Kandy behind and journey deeper into Sri Lanka’s spectacular hill country.

Stop at beautiful Ramboda Falls, where water cascades through the lush mountain landscape.

Continue to Nanu Oya, where you board one of Sri Lanka’s famous scenic trains for the journey to Ella.

As the train winds through the highlands, watch the scenery unfold outside your window — misty mountains, rolling tea plantations, waterfalls and tiny villages appearing between the hills.

The journey itself becomes part of the adventure.

Discover two of Ella’s most iconic sights today.

Begin with a walk to Little Adam’s Peak, where spectacular views stretch across the surrounding valleys and mountains.

Later, travel by tuk-tuk through the lush countryside to the famous Nine Arch Bridge.

Set among dense tropical greenery, this beautiful colonial-era railway bridge has become one of Ella’s most recognisable landmarks.

Take time to enjoy the scenery and atmosphere before returning to Ella.

Today takes you deeper into Sri Lanka’s dramatic hill country.

Discover Upper Diyaluma Falls, the upper reaches of one of the island’s most spectacular waterfalls. Surrounded by rugged mountains and lush greenery, the area offers some truly memorable scenery.

Continue to the atmospheric Ravana Caves, a site steeped in local legend and associated with the ancient story of King Ravana.

It is another day where Sri Lanka’s natural landscapes and mythology come together.

Continue south through Sri Lanka’s changing landscapes with a visit to Buduruwagala.

Carved into a towering rock face, the ancient Buddhist figures are an impressive reminder of the island’s long spiritual and artistic heritage.

Later, visit the Elephant Transit Home, established to care for orphaned and injured elephants with the aim of eventually returning them to the wild.

Continue onwards to Udawalawe and settle into the peaceful surroundings of your accommodation.

Today belongs to the wild.

Set out early for a safari through Udawalawe National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known wildlife destinations and a particularly rewarding place to see elephants in their natural surroundings.

Travel through open grasslands, wetlands and forested areas, keeping watch for elephants and the many other species that call the park home.

After your safari, enjoy a special riverside lunch before returning to your accommodation for a relaxed afternoon.

Travel towards the west coast today with a visit to the historic Galle Fort.

Wander through its atmospheric streets and discover a fascinating blend of Sri Lankan, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences. Explore colonial architecture, old ramparts, boutiques and cafés while soaking up the distinctive character of this UNESCO-listed heritage site.

Later, continue to Colombo for a city tour and an introduction to Sri Lanka’s vibrant commercial capital.

From historic landmarks to modern city life, Colombo provides a fitting final glimpse of the island before your journey continues to the Maldives.

Today, the journey takes you from one island paradise to another.

Transfer for your flight to the Maldives and arrive surrounded by turquoise waters, white-sand beaches and tropical skies.

After arriving at your resort, settle into your beach villa and let the pace slow completely.

The remainder of the day is yours to relax, swim, explore or simply enjoy the extraordinary setting.

Your Sri Lankan adventure gives way to a few days of pure island escape.

Wake to the sound of the ocean and enjoy a completely unhurried day in the Maldives.

With no scheduled sightseeing, you are free to create your own island experience.

Swim in the warm lagoon, snorkel among tropical marine life, relax on the beach or make the most of the resort’s facilities and activities.

Today is about doing as much — or as little — as you please.

Another beautiful day awaits.

Slow down and enjoy the simple pleasures of island life. Wander barefoot along the beach, take a dip in the crystal-clear lagoon or simply find a quiet place to enjoy the tropical surroundings.

For those seeking more adventure, the resort offers a range of activities and experiences to make the most of this spectacular island setting.

Make the most of your final full day in paradise.

There are no schedules to follow today — only the freedom to enjoy the Maldives at your own pace.

Take one last swim in the warm turquoise waters, relax beneath the palms or savour a final tropical evening surrounded by the beauty of the Indian Ocean.

After the adventure, culture and wildlife of Sri Lanka, this is the perfect opportunity to simply stop, breathe and enjoy.

Your Sunny Side Up journey comes to an end today.

Enjoy your final moments on the island before your onward journey, taking with you memories of Sri Lanka’s ancient kingdoms, remote northern landscapes, spectacular wildlife, misty mountains, colourful culture and warm hospitality.

And, of course, the final few days of barefoot island life in the Maldives.

It is time to say goodbye — but hopefully not to the spirit of adventure that brought you here.