Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure

14 days
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Small Group Tour
This 14-day combo trip brings together the best of Sri Lanka's cultural highlights and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail the islands of the Maldives aboard a dhoni boat. Experience a safari in Udawalawe National Park, discover cultural treasures of Negombo and Kandy, and then spend an entire week cruising from one tiny and perfect atoll island to ano...
26%
$3,563
From$2,639
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Overview

Trip type
Small Group Tour
Lodging level
Standard - 3 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Balanced schedule

Highlights

    • Search for wildlife on a safari
    • Spend the night at a local tea plantation and estate
    • Cruise through some of the world's most beautiful islands
    • Uncover isolated beaches
    • Swim and snorkel the vibrant coral reefs of the indian ocean
    • Savour local cuisine

What's this trip about?

    This 14-day combo trip brings together the best of Sri Lanka's cultural highlights and the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to sail the islands of the Maldives aboard a dhoni boat. Experience a safari in Udawalawe National Park, discover cultural treasures of Negombo and Kandy, and then spend an entire week cruising from one tiny and perfect atoll island to another, snorkelling in crystal-clear waters and stretching out on blazing white-sand beaches. From culture to paradise, this tour's got it all.

Details

Itinerary focusOff the Beaten Path
Group sizeSmall Group - 24 max
Age range12 years and up
Flights and transportAll internal ground transport included
Start CityNegombo
End CityMale

Travel Themes

  • Cultural
  • Local Immersion & Homestays
  • Transformative

Destinations

  • Asia
  • Sri Lanka
  • Maldives

Attractions

  • Ella
  • Kandy
  • Negombo
  • Udawalawe

Activities

  • Homestays & Cultural Immersion

Trip includes

    • Your G for Good Moment: Lunch at Sthree Craft Shop and Café
    • KandyYour G for Good Moment: AMBA Estate
    • EllaYour G for Good Moment: Maldives Plastic Clean UpYour Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
    • Spice plantation visit
    • Temple of the Tooth visit
    • Tea plantation visit
    • Cooking demonstration
    • Safari in Udawalawe National Park
    • Elephant Transit Home visit
    • Galle City and Fort tour
    • Seven days aboard a dhoni boat (Maldives)
    • Fulidhoo Island visit and Bodu Beru performance
    • Felidhu Island visit
    • Bodu Mora Island visit
    • Snorkelling equipment
    • Beach time in the Maldives
    • Internal flight
    • All transport between destinations and to/from included activities

Popular Trips

Itinerary

Travel Map

Day 1 Negombo

Arrive at any time.

There are no planned activities until an evening welcome meeting.

Day 2 Negombo/Kandy

Drive to Kandy, visiting a spice plantation en route. Enjoy lunch at G Adventures-supported Sthree Craft Shop and Café. Later, explore Temple of the Tooth.

Day 3 Kandy

Explore Kandy with a free day.

Day 4 Kandy to Ella area

Travel by private vehicle to the historic town of Nuwara Eliya and enjoy some free time. Continue the journey to the rolling green valleys of the Ella area and spend 2 nights at the G Adventures-supported AMBA estate, an organic farm and guest house.

Livelihood ...

Day 5 Ella area

In the morning, enjoy a tour through the tea plantation and learn about one of the nation's most popular exports followed by a tea tasting. After enjoy free time to soak in the stunning scenery, opt to hike to Ella Rock, or visit Ella town by tuk tuk. This evening, enjoy a cooking demonstration of classic homestyle Sri Lankan dishes, a delicious mixture of savoury and sweet.

Day 6 Ella/Udawalawe National Park

Depart Amba Estate in the morning after enjoying a delicious home cooked breakfast. Begin the journey to Udawalawe National Park and visit the Elephant Transit home before enjoying an afternoon wildlife safari through Udawalawe National Park. Afterwards, head to a tented camp by the lake on the boundary of National Park and relax with a BBQ dinner around the campfire.

Day 7 Udawalawe National Park/Unawatuna

After breakfast transfer from Udawalawe to Galle for a tour of the fort and city. Later, head to Unawatuna, on the south coast.

Day 8 Unawatuna/South Malé Atoll

Hop on a flight to Malé for the Maldives portion of your trip. Transfer to South Malé Atoll. Settle in, and set sail on a voyage of discovery.

You will be met by airport representatives who will transfer you to the Malé town waterfront to meet our boat captain a...

Day 9 South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu

Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt. Aboard the dhoni, s...

Day 10 South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu

Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt. Aboard the dhoni, s...

Day 11 South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu

Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt. Aboard the dhoni, s...

Day 12 South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu

Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt. Aboard the dhoni, s...

Day 13 South Malé Atoll/Felidhu Atholhu

Spend the next five days cruising around the South Malé and Felidhu atolls, disembarking to visit islands and sandbars along the way. Snorkel ship wrecks and reefs and Bodu Moro Island is home to idyllic uninhabited beaches – the perfect photo opt. Aboard the dhoni, s...

Day 14 South Malé Atoll/Male

In the morning, make the short crossing to Malé. The tour ends on arrival at Malé International Airport.

Your CEO can offer assistance with any onward travel you may require.

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Dates & Availability

Price From $2,639
Price per day$189
Last Updated: 5/10/2024
Start Date
Finish Date
Base Price
Availability
30 Jun 2024
13 Jul 2024
$2,639
Sold Out
07 Jul 2024
20 Jul 2024
$2,759
5 spots left
14 Jul 2024
27 Jul 2024
$2,759
Sold Out
21 Jul 2024
03 Aug 2024
$2,759
3 spots left
28 Jul 2024
10 Aug 2024
$3,449
Sold Out
04 Aug 2024
17 Aug 2024
$2,932
8 spots left
11 Aug 2024
24 Aug 2024
$2,932
Sold Out
18 Aug 2024
31 Aug 2024
$2,804
8 spots left
25 Aug 2024
07 Sep 2024
$2,804
Sold Out
01 Sep 2024
14 Sep 2024
$3,104
10 spots left

Check Current Availability, prices, specials with G Adventures.

The total tour cost includes the tour price (regular or promotional) and the compulsory local payment. The promotional price is subject to change. Check directly with the operator for the latest price offer. The tour operator requires you to pay only the tour price to purchase your travel. The compulsory local payment will be paid when you join the trip. All prices are based on double, twin or triple share occupancy. Solo passengers will be accommodated in a double, twin or triple room according to availability with a passenger(s) of the same gender. Single supplement only needs to be paid if the passenger does not want to share and requests their own room. Discounts can only be applied at the time of booking and cannot be added at a later date, regardless of any changes made to the original booking.

Prices may vary due to local taxes and trip seasonality. Click "Request Info" to inquire directly with the tour operator for the final trip price.

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Tour Operator

G Adventures

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G Adventures is an adventure travel pioneer offering the planet's most awe-inspiring selection of affordable small-group tours, safaris and expeditions. Our award-winning trips embrace authentic accommodation, exotic cuisine and local transport to put travellers on a first-name basis with the planet’s people, cultures, landscapes and wildlife.

Adventure travel is more than a vacation. It’s a chance to get to know your world better by putting yourself on a first-name basis with the people, places, and things that make it worth exploring. This is your planet. Come and get it.

All G Adventures tours share a common love of adventure, but life-altering experiences come in a variety of flavors. Here are some of the Travel Styles we offer:

"Comfort": “Adventure travel” doesn’t have to mean “roughing it.” Comfort tours offer the genuine experiences you want with more extras, frills, and upgrades.

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No matter what kind of traveller you are, we’ve got a tour (or a dozen) that’ll fit you just right.

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To speak with G Adventure Travel Specialist call 1-855-667-9514 

Why we love this operator
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Logistics

Accommodation

Standard hotels/guest houses (6 nts), tented camp (1 nt), dhoni boat (6 nts).,A NOTE REGARDING SMALL SPACES ON BOATS: Please note that the rooming for these boats is done on a first-come, first-serve basis and no particular cabins nor berths can be guaranteed. Our skippers will pair up travel partners or if you are travelling single with someone of the same sex. Please be aware that as this is a traditional dhoni and not a cruise vessel, that the space on board is tight. You will be sharing a small room with one of your fellow passengers or travel partner and sharing all the facilities onboard. The sleeping quarters on boats are generally kept to a minimum size in order to maximize public space and performance. Some people are not comfortable with the type of close quarter arrangements typically found on boats, however if a real sailing experience on a real dhoni is what you are after, then this experience should more than make up for cramped quarters. Please note that the skipper will also be sharing the ship's quarters and amenities with you.

Transportation & Flights

Please be advised that any flights noted on the G Adventures Itinerary for this tour are included in the tour services provided. Flight tickets are provided by G Adventures during the tour. The date for this service will match the day of the itinerary, for which Day 1 is equal to the start date noted on the Invoice under Land Services: Tour. If flight information is required in advance for visa purposes, please contact G Adventures. Please note that travellers can have 2 checked luggage bags with a combined weight of 30kg (66 lbs), and 1 hand luggage bag with a weight go 7kg (15 lbs). Private vehicle, 4x4, local bus, walking, plane, dhoni boat.,

Transportation & flights

Private vehicle, 4x4, local bus, walking, plane, dhoni boat.
Guides
CEO (Chief Experience Officer), skipper, crew.
Requirements
Illegal drugs will not be tolerated on any trips. Possessing or using drugs not only contravenes the laws of the land but also puts the rest of the group at risk. Smoking marijuana and opium is a part of local culture in some parts of the world but is not acceptable for our travellers. Our philosophy of travel is one of respect towards everyone we encounter, and in particular the local people who make the world the special place it is. The exploitation of prostitutes is completely contrary to this philosophy. Our CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if drugs are found in their possession or if they use prostitutes.,We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Travel Insurance
Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your CEO, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy please bear in mind that all clients must have medical coverage and that we require a minimum coverage of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Visa requirements
All countries require a valid passport (with a minimum 6 months validity). Contact your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date visa requirements, or see your travel agent. It is your own responsibility to have the correct travel documentation. Visa requirements for your trip will vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. We keep the following information up to date as far as possible, but rules do change and sometimes without warning. While we provide the following information in good faith, it is vital that you check the information yourself and understand that you are fully responsible for your own visa requirements. Visa information specific to your destination and nationality can be found in our Important Pre-Departure Information page here Please use the below name & address when filling out your visa-on-arrival form upon entering the Maldives: Voyages Maldives Pvt Ltd P.O.Box 2019 Chaandhanee Magu Malé 20191 Maldives T +960 332 2019 l F +960 332 5336 l M +960 778 9229
Health & Safety
Please note inoculations may be required for the country visited. It is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up to date medical travel information well before departure. You should consult your doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend that you carry a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers / antibacterial wipes as well as any personal medical requirements. Please be aware that sometimes we are in remote areas and away from medical facilities, and for legal reasons our CEO are prohibited from administering any type of drug including headache tablets, antibiotics, etc. In Asia pharmacies tend to stock the same western drugs as you get at home but they are usually produced locally so please bring the full drug name with you when trying to purchase a prescription drug. When selecting your trip please carefully read the brochure and itinerary and assess your ability to cope with our style of travel. Please refer to the Physical and Culture Shock ratings for trip specific information. G Adventures reserves the right to exclude any traveller from all or part of a trip without refund if in the reasonable opinion of our group CEO they are unable to complete the itinerary without undue risk to themselves and/or the rest of the group. We strongly recommend the use of a neck wallet or money belt while travelling, for the safe keeping of your passport, cash and other valuable items. Leave your valuable jewellery at home - you won't need it while travelling. Many of the hotels we use have safety deposit boxes which is the most secure way of storing your valuables. A lock is recommended for securing your luggage.
Meals Included
11 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 9 dinners
Age Requirements
12 years and up
Additional Information

Important Notes

GEAR SIZE - CONFIRM AT BOOKING Snorkelling gear is provided on the boat, Please let us know your shoe/fin size at time of booking so that we can ensure we have proper sized gear onboard for you. MONEY USD, EUR, GBP and AUD are all accepted as payment for your beverage bill at the end of the tour. Maldivian Ruffiya are not accepted. RAMADAN According to the lunar cycle, Ramadan will fall between Mar 22nd - Apr 20th 2023, and Mar 10th - Apr 8th 2024.Please note that Ramadan is a month of fasting observed by Muslims throughout the world, during which time the followers of Islam should not eat or drink between sunrise and sunset. There may be some limitations to services and disruptions to schedules during Ramadan, but generally our tours still operate effectively during this period and food is available to non-Muslims throughout the day. It is very important to display increased cultural sensitivity during Ramadan. Please wear loose fitting clothes, that cover knees and shoulders, and try to avoid eating, drinking or smoking in public out of respect for those who can't at that time. TATTOOS Displaying body art or wearing clothing that includes an image of the Buddha is illegal; please be culturally sensitive and respect the law and should you have any such tattoos, keep them covered at all times. CLOTHING Some culturally significant sights in Sri Lanka may not allow entry to people wearing hats or hijabs, or to those with covered faces. Examples of cultural sites with such restrictions may include, but are not limited to, the Sri Maha Bodhi Tree section or the Anuradhapura Cultural Site, the Dambulla Cave Temple and Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. ROAD TRAVEL Traveling by road in Sri Lanka is certainly not what people are use to in Western countries. Many road ways are single lane, rules are not always followed, drivers appear to speed, do not stay in their lanes, and overtake in seemingly dangerous situations. Although their are some improvements in the works to the road infrastructure, there is a lot more to be done. As a result, some of the roads are poorly maintained, and this gets even more pronounced during and after the monsoon. As a result, travel time covering relatively short distances is very long in comparison to Western countries. COMBO TRIP Please note that this tour combines with other G Adventures tours. As such, the staff and some travel companions on your tour may have previously been traveling together with G Adventures, prior to Day 1 of your tour. Likewise, some staff and travel companions may be continuing together on another G Adventures tour, after your trip concludes. This particular trip combos with the Sri Lanka Express and the Maldives Dhoni Explorer featuring the Sea Farer boat. ACCOMMODATION NOTE: Please be aware that properties we stay in with only two stories may not have elevators installed and climbing the stairs with your luggage will be necessary.

Meals

Eating is a big part of traveling. Travelling with G Adventures you experience the vast array of wonderful food that is available out in the world. Generally meals are not included in the trip price when there is a choice of eating options, to give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat. It also gives you more budgeting flexibility, though generally food is cheap. Our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There is no obligation to do this though. Your CEO will be able to suggest favourite restaurants during your trip. The above information applies to G Adventures group trips. For Independent trips please check the itinerary for details of meals included. For all trips please refer to the meals included and budget information for included meals and meal budgets.

Dossier Disclaimer

The information in this trip details document has been compiled with care and is provided in good faith. However it is subject to change, and does not form part of the contract between the client and the operator. The itinerary featured is correct at time of printing. It may differ slightly to the one in the brochure. Occasionally our itineraries change as we make improvements that stem from past travellers, comments and our own research. Sometimes it can be a small change like adding an extra meal along the itinerary. Sometimes the change may result in us altering the tour for the coming year. Ultimately, our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience. Please note that our brochure is usually released in November each year. If you have booked from the previous brochure you may find there have been some changes to the itinerary. VERY IMPORTANT: Please ensure that you print a final copy of your Trip Details to review a couple of days prior to travel, in case there have been changes that affect your plans.

Trip ID
gadventure-23613

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