The Culture and Beach Balance

Kandy, Hatton, Galle, North Male Atoll

This example itinerary from

$10,800pp

14 days

DESTINATIONS > ASIA > SRI LANKA, MALDIVES > The Culture and Beach Balance

This example itinerary from

$10,800pp

14 days

Highlights

Take the train through the rolling green hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country
Enjoy cultural experiences whilst in Kandy, Hatton and Galle
Cook up a storm with culinary classes to learn more about Sri Lanka’s local delicacies
Spot beautiful marine life whilst on your journey to One & Only Reethi Rah by boat
Unwind in one of the most award-winning spas in the Maldives

What’s Included

10 nights Bed & Breakfast in Kandy, Galle and the Maldives
3 nights fully inclusive at Ceylon Tea Trails
8 days of private driver and guiding throughout Sri Lanka
Tea factory visit, tuk-tuk tour of Galle Fort
Train journey in Sri Lanka
Non-motorised water sports in the Maldives
All road and boat transfers

Example Itinerary

Day 1 - 3 Day 3 - 6 Day 6 - 9 Day 9 - 14

Day 1 – 3

KANDY, Sri Lanka

Enjoy views over lush paddy fields from the infinity pool, landscaped into the hillside
Visiting the Temple of the Tooth, one of Sri Lanka’s most significant Buddhist relics

Situated in central Sri Lanka and set on a plateau, Kandy is encompassed by mountains and home to rainforest, tea plantations and the idyllic Kandy Lake.

Begin your adventure in Sri Lanka, where you’ll spend two nights at Kandy House, a boutique hotel set on the hillside of historical Kandy. As tempting as lounging in the tropical gardens by the pool sounds, a whole world awaits you behind the gates. Home to a fusion of craft, culture, nature and art, your local expert guide will bring the history of Kandy to life. Visit sites such as the Temple of the Tooth and the paintings and statues of Dambulla Caves and Temple, as well as hearing stories at the British Garrison Cemetery.

View The Kandy House

Day 3 – 6

HATTON, Sri Lanka

Pick your own tea leaves before learning how to make it
Paddle along Castlereagh Lake in a kayak with spectacular views of the surrounding tea-covered mountains

The lush-green hillside town of Hatton is set in Nuwara Eliya and famous for its tea plantations and plentiful in forest, banana plantations and waterfalls.

Travel south by train to the Tea Country where you’ll spend three nights in a boutique bungalow at Ceylon Tea Trails, nestled along the spectacular Castlereagh Lake. For a quintessential tea experience, enjoy a guided tour of Dilhmah’s tea factory before settling down for a picnic lunch in the hills of Dunkeld Bungalow. Perfect for adventurers alike, climb the heights of Adam’s Peak forest reserve, mountain bike through the beautiful valleys, or go hiking through tea garden, jungle and waterfalls.

View Tea Plantations and The Hill Country

View Ceylon Tea Trails

Day 6 – 9

GALLE, Sri Lanka

Uncover the charming coastal and colonial town of Galle by foot
Pedal through picturesque paddy fields

Stone sea walls surround the coastal city of Galle and its streets are lined with historical buildings and colonial architecture.

Continue to the southern coast of Sri Lanka, where you’ll spend three nights at the charming boutique Kahanda Kanda, located between swaying palm trees and tea plantations. For those seeking adventure, we can arrange for you to go whale watching off the coast and elephant spotting in Uda Walawe National Park. For a final taste of Sri Lankan culture, hop in a tuk-tuk to tour the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort, or upgrade to boat trip on Koggala Lake to visit Kahathuduwa Temple and the Spice Garden.

View Kahanda Kanda

Day 9 – 14

NORTH MALE ATOLL, Maldives

Indulge in a delicious dinner and show at Tapasake restaurant
Pick between the island’s 12 immaculate beaches

This tropical country is home more than 1,000 coral isles and is famous for its blue lagoons, sprawling reefs and white sandy beaches.

Swap tea plantations for beaches and fly to the paradisiacal islands of the Maldives for five nights at the One & Only Reethi Rah. Here you’ll enjoy a larger island experience with hands-on island experiences in abundance, perfect for those not wanting to simply lie on the beach. During the days, we can arrange for you to set off on a traditional Maldivian dhoni boat, island hopping and dolphin-spotting. Or you can choose to discover the island by bicycle and brush fins with fish whilst snorkelling in the blue lagoons. Revel in the island’s own ‘sundowner-friendly’ time zone whilst upgrading to a sunset champagne cruise or moonlit beach picnic. Then enjoy the turquoise waters and spectacular views one last time as you hop aboard a boat to transfer back to the airport at the end of your trip.

View North Male Atoll

View Reethi Rah

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Sophie

Cheval Blanc was absolutely amazing. That place is off the charts and the rooms are incredible and the style and design are perfect. As a standard room (considering all the rooms in the resort are the same), they will be the best in the world, that I’m sure! The staff are amazing and accommodating, and I couldn’t fault the food – I could go on and on! Thank you so much for all your work organising, genuinely, the most perfect trip.