Sri Lanka and Maldives: Exotic Beauty at Its Finest
If you’re seeking an exotic journey brimming with natural wonders, Sri Lanka and Maldives are the perfect destinations for you. With their white sandy beaches, crystal-clear oceans, and breathtaking landscapes, these places are true paradises on Earth. Discover more about these jewels in South Asia and join one of our group tours (learn more here!).
The landscapes speak for themselves, showcasing an island with awe-inspiring nature. Panoramic points like Adam’s Peak and Sigiriya offer a real sense of the beauty that awaits, a beauty further revealed in the tea plantations. An immense green surrounds you, in a country also known for its beaches, the cuisine of the “Spice Island,” and most of all, the friendliness of its people. And the journey doesn’t end in Sri Lanka—it continues to the paradise islands: the neighboring Maldives!
1 – A Journey through Sri Lanka
What to visit in Sri Lanka? The country’s exotic allure sets the tone for this trip: starting in the bustling city of Colombo and heading towards true natural sanctuaries.
Galle could be your next stop, heading south on the island and enjoying beach days in Mirissa. The journey from Kandy to Ella is a scenic train ride, a lively way to take in various landscapes that unfold like scenes from a movie.
The Dambulla Caves are a memorable sight, with their spectacular splendor etched into memory. The itinerary can continue to the typical village of Hiriwaduna and Minneriya (a renowned National Park where you can spot animals in their natural habitat). Two more panoramic points are included: Sigiriya and Adam’s Peak, offering the most stunning views of Sri Lanka!
2 – The Bustling Colombo
The starting and ending point for almost all journeys, Colombo is the economic capital of Sri Lanka and home to the important International Airport. It’s also the departure point for the beautiful train journey to the south, running alongside beaches and the sea.
Colombo developed significantly due to its historical role as a center of trade, frequented by Portuguese, Dutch, and English explorers from the 16th to the 20th century.
While it can get busy during rush hours, the city is worth a visit (you can explore it by tuk-tuk) and a leisurely stroll along the charming waterfront.
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3 – Galle and Mirissa
Known as the capital of southern Sri Lanka, Galle is a living museum, featuring many remnants of past civilizations. Notably, its European architecture, mainly Dutch, and its imposing centuries-old fortress. The place has a cool and trendy vibe, with modern restaurants and small shops selling various goods, many focused on the arts.
If Galle represents a picturesque village, then Mirissa offers one of the most well-known and beautiful beaches in southern Sri Lanka. It’s a haven for diving and surfing activities, as well as boat trips for whale and dolphin watching in the open sea!
4 – Ella and Kandy
This journey includes one of the most sought-after—and beautiful!—train rides in the world.
Surrounded by mountains, Ella is one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful villages, renowned for its tea plantations (dating back to when it was called Ceylon, under colonial rule).
The trip between Kandy and Ella offers one of the most scenic train rides globally. The Nine Arches Bridge is likely one of the most photographed spots on this itinerary—a British construction from the 19th century.
Kandy, known as the mountain capital or the Sacred City, is one of Buddhism’s holiest places. It’s also where you can enjoy cultural dance and theater performances, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
5 – Dambulla Cave Temple
One of the most impressive sites to visit in Sri Lanka, the Dambulla Cave Temple is hidden away in the city of Dambulla, about 70 km from Kandy. This archaeological treasure dates back to the 1st century BC and contains incredible drawings and paintings in five cave temples, along with over 150 (!) Buddha statues. This pilgrimage site is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
6 – Animals in the Wild
Minneriya National Park is where safaris are usually conducted in Sri Lanka. Here, you can observe animals in their natural habitat, including dozens of elephant families in an area covering almost 9,000 hectares. Apart from these mammals roaming freely, you can also spot deer and various bird species.
7 – Sigiriya and Adam’s Peak
These are two of the most popular panoramic points in Sri Lanka. An ancient fortified city built in the 5th century on a massive rock, Sigiriya is steeped in legends. Consequently, it’s now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage site worth visiting. The site once housed a fortress adorned with gardens and statues, featuring advanced hydraulic systems for its time. While the ruins may not fully depict its past grandeur, the view from this location is unmissable.
After climbing Sigiriya, the journey continues to Adam’s Peak. This mountain peak stands 2,243 meters tall and offers a relatively easy tourist trail that leads to a magnificent panoramic view.
8 – Best Time to Visit
The months with the most rain in Sri Lanka are from May to August, but on the west coast, the best months to visit are December to March. The weather is consistently warm with less rain during these months, though it retains a tropical ambiance. Interesting fact: June is the coldest month of the year, with an average temperature of 29ºC.
9 – Gastronomy
As the Spice Island, Sri Lanka’s cuisine is naturally rich in flavorful dishes. Its influences come from various nations that have passed through, including the Portuguese and Dutch. Rice is a staple in all meals and the primary ingredient.
One of the most typical Sri Lankan dishes is Appam (Hoppers), a delicious pancake with a coconut flavor (a prominent ingredient). These pancakes have a bowl-like shape and can be enjoyed with an egg in the middle.
Dhal, made from lentils, is also served in every meal; Kottu or Kottu Roti is a mixture of vegetables, meat, eggs, and bread (roti). And of course, there’s the beloved curry!
10 – Maldives
The idyllic beaches of the Maldives are, for many travelers, the second part of their Sri Lanka journey. After all, these neighboring countries are separated by just over an hour’s flight. They are two destinations that complement each other, and while the beaches of Sri Lanka are already charming, the turquoise blue of the Maldives promises to leave you speechless. With over a thousand coral islands, 26 atolls, the Maldives become one of the most incredible places in the world—a true paradise!
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