COMO Maalifushi
A calm, well-run island in the remote south with surf breaks, a strong COMO Shambhala spa and an all-inclusive plan that keeps the bill in check.
Sri Lanka and the Maldives: temples, tea and a far atoll
About this journey
Eight nights in Sri Lanka with a private driver-guide, from the rock fortress at Sigiriya to the tea estates and the old fort at Galle, then a short flight to Malé and five nights on a quiet island in Thaa Atoll.
- 13 nights
- December to March
- Sigiriya, Kandy, Hatton tea country, Galle and Thaa Atoll, Maldives
What is included
- Return economy flights from London Heathrow to Colombo, returning from Malé with one connection
- Flight from Colombo to Malé
- Return seaplane transfers from Malé to COMO Maalifushi
- A private English-speaking driver-guide and air-conditioned car for the eight nights in Sri Lanka
- Entry to Sigiriya, the Dambulla cave temples and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
- Half board throughout
Not included
- Travel insurance
- Sri Lanka electronic travel authorisation fee
- Gratuities for your driver-guide and hotel staff
- Diving, spa treatments and drinks in the Maldives
Day by day
Open any day for the detail. Everything here can move: add a night, swap a hotel, change the order.
The cultural triangle
Land in Colombo and drive north to a hotel among the paddies near Sigiriya. Climb the rock fortress at first light before the heat, visit the painted caves at Dambulla, and cycle round the ruined city of Polonnaruwa.
Kandy
Drive south through spice gardens to Kandy, Sri Lanka's last royal capital. The evening ceremony at the Temple of the Tooth is worth being there for, and the botanical gardens at Peradeniya fill the morning.
Tea country
Take the train for part of the climb into the hills, then two nights in a planter-era bungalow on a working estate. Walk between the tea gardens in the morning mist and see how the leaf is picked and processed.
Galle and the south coast
Drive down to the south coast and the walled fort at Galle. Walk the ramparts at sunset, browse the lanes of the old town, and swim on one of the quieter beaches to the east.
Fly to the Maldives
Drive to Colombo for the short flight to Malé, then a seaplane south over the atolls to Thaa. Arrive in time for a swim before dinner.
Five nights in Thaa Atoll
Thaa is far enough south that the reefs see few other boats. Snorkel the house reef, take a boat out to look for dolphins, surf the break nearby if you want to, or do very little at all.
Fly home
Seaplane back to Malé for the flight home to London Heathrow with one connection.
Where you stay
The properties this route is planned around. We can suggest alternatives at a different price point.
Ways to make it yours
Two nights in Yala
Add two nights on the edge of Yala National Park between the hills and the coast, for leopards, elephants and birdlife.
A water villa
Upgrade from a beach suite to an overwater villa at COMO Maalifushi, with steps straight down into the lagoon.
Business class flights
Upgrade the long-haul flights to business class in both directions. We quote the fare at the time of booking.
Dates and seasons
Planned for December to March, when Sri Lanka is at its best. Outside those months it still works, with different trade-offs; ask us.
When to go to Sri LankaAsk about this journey
Tell us your dates and who is travelling, and your specialist will send a tailored version of this route.
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