10 days tailor made from $6,690 pp
From $6,690 pp
At a glance
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Don't forget that all of our itineraries are totally customized and so this is just an idea of what we can build for you.
One of our most popular itineraries, we’d always recommend pairing Sri Lanka with the Maldives.
Sri Lanka is a fascinating country to explore. In the space of two weeks you can stand inside ancient cave temples, watch wild elephants gather at dusk in Minneriya, take a train through tea country so green it barely looks real, and track leopards through Yala.
The Maldives, by contrast, asks nothing of you at all. A week in one of the archipelago’s finest resorts, overwater villa, house reef on your doorstep, unhurried days that unspool at exactly the pace you set them, is the ideal counterpoint to a week of cultural exploration. The contrast between the two is precisely the point.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, this combination works particularly well. Sri Lanka has an evolving picture for gay visitors, and we’ll be candid with you about what to expect and where you’ll feel most at ease. The Maldives, despite its legal complexities, has welcomed Out Of Office clients for years, and the resort islands operate by their own rules. Both destinations, approached with the right knowledge and the right properties, deliver something close to extraordinary. This itinerary has been one of our most popular for good reason.
In detail
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Day 1: Colombo
On arrival, your driver will meet you and take you to your hotel in Colombo.
Once you have checked into your hotel, you will be taken on a city tour in which you will visit the ancient Fort and the hustle of Pettah Market. After this, you will then visit the Hindu Temple located on Sea Street. Here you can see many of the goldsmith shops scattered on the street. You will then visit the Dutch Church at Wolfendhal and the Independence Hall. Here you can see the replica of Avukana Buddha, the Independence Square and Gangarama Temple.
Day 2: Dambulla and Habarana
Your first full day sets the tone for the week. The drive north to the Cultural Triangle takes around three hours, broken by a stop at the Dambulla Cave Temple, a 160-metre rock complex housing hundreds of ancient Buddhist statues and murals that have been accumulating here for over two thousand years.
From there, it’s on to Sigiriya, the fifth-century rock fortress that rises almost vertically from the surrounding jungle. The climb is worth every step.
Day 3: Polonnaruwa
After a delicious breakfast, you will be transferred from your hotel to the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa.
Polonnaruwa was the Capital of Sri Lanka from 11th – 13th Centuries. Here you will see some magnificent statues depicting the rich history Polonnaruwa has. You will also see Lankatilake, Tivanka and Thuparama which are the largest and most beautiful Image Houses. Rankoth Vehera and Kirivehera are well preserved large stupas which are dome-shaped buildings. Whilst you are there visit Gal Vihare which is a rock shrine. It has four gorgeous Buddha statues, two seated, one standing and one reclining.
After this, you will be taken to Minneriya National Park. Minneriya is situated close to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and boasts the largest herd of wild elephants in Sri Lanka. Regular sightings of leopards and sambhur deer plus an abundance of bird life are also key attractions.
Day 4: Kandy
After breakfast, you will be driven to the old capital of Kandy. Here you will visit the Temple of the Tooth and Peradineya Botanical Gardens.
The Temple of the Tooth is Sri Lanka’s most holy site said to house Buddha’s tooth, brought to the country in the 4th century. It is now said that it was hidden in the hair of an Orissian princess to keep out of non-believer’s hands.
The Royal Botanical Gardens covers 147 acres. It was originally created to be a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Whilst you are there, visit the Spice Garden and Orchid House
Day 5: Nuwara Eliya
Today you’ll travel by scenic train to tea country and your driver will meet you for the onward journey to Nuwara Eliya (takes approximately 3 hours)
Visit a working tea factory and take in the natural beauty of this beautiful part of Sri Lanka.
Day 6 and 7: Yala National Park
An early start for the long drive down to Yala National Park (approximately 5-6 hours)
Yala National Park covers 126,786 hectares including the Strict Natural Reserve. Yala is famous for its big herds and large number of Elephants, Leopards, Spotted Deer, Sambhur, Crocodiles, Mongoose, Wild Boar, Wild Buffalo, and many other animals. More than 130 bird species are recorded which includes the resident and winter visitors.
Day 9 to 16: The Maldives
Arrive at Male Airport in The Maldives where you will be transferred (by speed boat or sea plane) to the island on which your hotel is located.
Allow yourself to completely relax and unwind. Embrace the island tropical paradise and lose yourself in ultimate decadence and comfort.
We have a large selection of properties to choose from in the Maldives and we’ll handpick the best one for you based on your requirements. Browse some of our favourite hotels in the Maldives.
Further information
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Sponsor a Child's Education in Sri Lanka
We believe it’s important to ensure that we give back and that’s why when you book a trip to Sri Lanka with Out Of Office, we’ll sponsor a child’s education for 6 months. We work with a local charity to help provide the resources and funding to make a difference to a child’s life and give them a better start and a brighter future.
Seaplanes in the Maldives
Seaplanes in the Maldives offer a unique and exhilarating way to travel between islands, providing stunning aerial views of the atolls and crystal-clear waters. These flights not only serve as a convenient mode of transportation but also present an unforgettable experience, showcasing the breathtaking beauty of this tropical paradise from above. Read More: Seaplanes in the Maldives.
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