Highlights of Sri Lanka + Maldive Dhoni Cruise

Highlights of Sri Lanka + Maldive Dhoni Cruise

945 Views
14 Days From

$3730

Highlights of Sri Lanka + Maldive Dhoni Cruise

14 Days Starting in Negombo and ending in Male

Visiting: Negombo, Wilpattu National Park, Dambulla, Kandy, Koggala, Malé, Meemu Atoll, Dhiggaru, Felidhoo, Fulidhoo

Tour operator:

Explore!

Tour code:

SLHM

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

4 - 18

Physical rating:

Moderate

Age range:

16-

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Vegans

Tour operated in:

English

Interests:

Cultural

From: $3730

NB: Prices correct on 23-Dec-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Explore the Pearl of the Indian Ocean on this week-long tour of Sri Lanka that packs in all of the highlights. Discover the island's spiritual history, wandering through ancient cities and intricate temples before spotting wildlife on safari in Wilpattu National Park. Take in the views from two of Sri Lanka's famous peaks, before unwinding on white-sand, tropical beaches.

Wilpattu National Park - Take a jeep safari to search for leopards, elephants, and sambar deer.
Sigiriya - Climb the UNESCO Heritage Site of Lion's Rock and soak up stunning views of the surrounding plains.
Dambulla - Explore the incredible painted cave temple filled with Buddha statues and share a meal with a local family.

Highlights

  • Combine a week exploring Sri Lanka with a Maldives cruise through turquoise waters

  • Discover Sri Lanka's ancient kingdoms, Buddhist temples, natural beauty and wildlife

  • Stunning snorkeling with abundant marine life on a Maldives Dhoni cruise

Itinerary

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Day 1: Join Trip In Negombo

Location: Negombo

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Earls Regent Hotel

Our tour starts today in Negombo, a coastal town that's famous for its fishing industry and golden sands. The perfect introduction to Sri Lankan life, Negombo is a busy coastal town with a lively fish market, and traditional ketti-maran (catamaran) fishing boats scudding across the waters - the capital, Colombo, is a short distance away, too. Head down to the water to catch the sunset and spot locals bringing in the day's catch.

For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Negombo at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), which is a 30-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to head to the beach or make use of the hotel facilities which include a swimming pool.

Day 2: Game Drive In Wilpattu National Park; Drive To Anuradhapura

Location: Wilpattu National Park

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Lakeside at Nuwarawewa

Meals Included: Breakfast

Leaving Negombo this morning, we'll travel north following the coastal road via the small towns of Chilaw and Putalam before reaching the entrance to Wilpattu National Park, a drive of around four hours including stops. Here, we'll leave our bus and hop in jeeps for an afternoon safari through the park, hoping to spot Sri Lanka's most elusive resident, the leopard.

Despite its location in Sri Lanka's dry zone, Wilpattu National Park boasts nearly 60 lakes and is renowned for being home to leopards, elephants and sambar deer. We'll head out on a jeep safari in the hope of spotting the elusive leopard. We choose to visit this park, rather than the more touristy Yala National Park further south because we believe it offers our customers a better experience. The same animals can be seen here as in Yala, however, it's less crowded, making our visit more enjoyable and responsible.

Leaving the park, we'll drive onwards for about one hour to nearby Anuradhapura, where we'll spend the night.

Day 3: Climb Mihintale En Route To The Coast

Location: Dambulla

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pigeon Island Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

We start this morning with a visit to the mountain peak of Mihintale. It's believed that this was the site of a momentous meeting between the monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa, introducing Buddhism to the country. Exploring Mihintale involves climbing a flight of shallow stone steps leading to the summit. There are excellent panoramic views from the top across the entire surrounding landscape.

After our visit, we'll board our bus and drive to Trincomalee on the east coast of the island, a journey of around two hours. We'll visit the Koneswaram Temple, which dates back to the 3rd century BC - the ornate design is similar to that of the coloured carved temples of Madurai in South India. After exploring the temple, we'll make our way to the beach and the rest of the day is free to relax.

Day 4: Free Time To Explore Trincomalee

Location: Kandy

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Pigeon Island Resort

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is left free for you to relax on the beaches of Trincomalee. The waters on the east coast are particularly calm and shallow, in some areas, you can walk almost 100 metres/328 feet into the sea with the water only being waist height. Alternatively, you could take a short tuk-tuk ride into the town and explore the fort area, built in 1623 by the Portuguese and then captured by the Dutch less than twenty years later.

Day 5: Explore Cave Temples And Lunch With The Locals

Location: Koggala

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Acme Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we'll leave the coast and head inland. We'll swap our bus for a bullock cart and make our way slowly through a small village on the outskirts of Habarana. Reaching the lake, we'll change seats again and use dugout canoe-style boats - adapted with seats for a more comfortable ride - to cross the lake to Hiriwaduna Village where we'll be treated to a traditional Sri Lankan lunch with various curries, sambal and rice.

Our next stop is Dambulla, where a series of caves have been turned into temples dating from the 1st century BC. This UNESCO World Heritage Site still attracts scores of worshippers. After walking up the hill we'll visit five separate caves, which contain a large number of Buddha images, as well as sculptures of Hindu Gods.

Finally, we'll drive the short distance to Sigiriya where we'll spend the night.

Day 6: Climb Lion Rock At Sunrise, Drive To Kandy

Location: Koggala

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Hotel Casamara Kandy

We'll have an early start this morning as we plan to climb Sigiriya ahead of the crowds and while it's still relatively cool. Rising dramatically from the central plains, the UNESCO-protected ruins of this 5th-century 'Sky Fortress' are one of Sri Lanka's major attractions and an impressive feat of engineering skill. The fortress was built in just seven years as a fortified palace atop the granite peak, to protect the reign of merciless King Kassapa who had assassinated his father and deposed his brother.

Before our final ascent to the summit, we'll pass between a set of enormous lion paws carved out of the rock - all that remains of an ancient gateway that gave Sigiriya, the 'Lion Rock', its name. From here a series of switchback steel stairways ascend to the top. Once at the 200-metre/656-foot summit, we can take in the magnificent views of the surrounding jungle and countryside. We return to our hotel in time for a late breakfast.

After a chance to have breakfast and freshen up, we leave the hotel at around 11am and we'll drive for around two and a half hours to Kandy. Sitting on a plateau 500 metres/1640 feet above sea level and 112 kilometres/69 miles northeast of Colombo, Kandy is, in climatic and cultural terms, a world apart from Colombo. Serving as the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom until falling to the British in 1815, it's a place of cultural and spiritual importance. Buddhists from all over the world come here specifically to visit the Temple of the Tooth, the Dalada Maligawa. The costly jewelled shrine of the Holy Tooth, said to be Buddha's left canine, is kept on the upper floor of the original building. This relic was brought from India 1,500 years ago and every year, at the time of the August full moon, it is paraded around the town as part of the Perahera Festival.

On arrival, we'll have free time to explore this historic town. You might like to visit the Temple of the Tooth or take a short tuk-tuk ride out to Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.

Day 7: Fly To The Maldives And Join Trip In Male

Location: Malé

Accommodation: Hotel

Accommodation Name: Mookai Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

This morning, we'll fly to Male and after meeting up with our representative we'll transfer to our hotel. After checking in, we'll go on a walking tour of the town, taking in the Mosque, the fish market and strolling along the water's edge to watch the ferries coming and going.

Please note, not all group members will join the Maldives extension trip and we'll be saying goodbye to some in Colombo.

Day 8: Sail To Vavuu Atoll And Explore Kuda Anbaraa Island

Location: Meemu Atoll

Accommodation: Boat

Accommodation Name: Aboard Dhoni

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This morning, we'll walk to the waterfront to meet our moored Dhoni and crew. We'll have breakfast as the boat begins cruising south, passing through the Vaadhoo Canal to the South Male Atoll - a smaller and quieter neighbour compared to the more developed North Male Atoll. Here, many of the islands are uninhabited, simply vegetation and white sand, surrounded by clear turquoise water and reefs.

Heading further south, we'll cruise to the Vavuu Atoll, where we'll spend time exploring the uninhabited and picturesque islands of Kudiboli and Kuda Anbaraa. When exploring this and other islands in the itinerary, it isn't necessary to bring special footwear. Most people manage well in flip-flops, and these have the obvious advantage of being quick to get on and off - ideal for walking through sand.

Our afternoon will be spent snorkelling or relaxing on board. Over the course of the week, underwater fauna we are likely to see includes green turtles, reef sharks and gigantic manta rays, as well as smaller sting rays and eagle rays. At each stop, we'll also swim among a rainbow of small, colourful fish, including the famous Clown Fish. Our knowledgeable representative will be able to help identify many of the underwater species that we come across.

Every meal is included on the Dhoni. Menus are likely to include freshly caught fish each day, as well as curries and pasta. Drinking water, tea and coffee are readily available, with alcoholic and soft drinks available for purchase on-board. You can pay your bill for drinks at the end of your cruise in US dollars or by Credit Card.

Our cabins are compact but with plenty of room for two people and luggage. However, many people choose to enjoy the tranquillity of sleeping under the stars on deck for at least some of the nights.

Day 9: Snorkel In The Clear Waters Of The Meemu Atoll

Location: Meemu Atoll

Accommodation: Boat

Accommodation Name: Aboard Dhoni

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we'll sail south for a further two to three hours, crossing to Meemu Atoll - home to one of the longest stretches of reef in the Maldives. On this or other crossings, we might be lucky enough to be chased by spinner dolphins, who like jumping in our wake. We're also likely to see flying fish, sometimes leaping right over the deck of our Dhoni. Meemu Atoll is made up of 34 islands, of which 25 are uninhabited. Some of the inhabited ones grow yams, and all of them are largely dependent on fishing. Here more than anywhere, we're likely to experience the true Maldivian way of life.

Shortly after entering the atoll, we'll arrive at Fenboa Finolhu - another beautiful uninhabited island where we'll aim to base ourselves for the night. We'll have plenty of time to enjoy the white-sand beach and to snorkel on the reef. This evening, we can look forward to a barbeque beach banquet in an idyllic spot on the island, laid on by the Dhoni crew.

Day 10: Cruise To Dhiggaru Island For A Bodu Beru Display

Location: Dhiggaru

Accommodation: Boat

Accommodation Name: Aboard Dhoni

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After a relaxed start this morning, we'll head east to the inhabited island of Dhiggaru. Here, we'll drop anchor by a particularly good snorkelling reef. Later in the afternoon, when it has cooled down a bit, we plan to go ashore to meet the island's inhabitants. You might be struck by the traditional, yet relaxed, way of life in the island's lively village. Very few tourist groups visit and it's important to remember to dress and act respectfully, removing our shoes when visiting a house or a mosque.

In the evening, we hope to be invited to a performance of Bodu Beru (Big Drum) - the traditional folk music of the country.

Day 11: Visit The Traditional Village Of Felidhoo

Location: Felidhoo

Accommodation: Boat

Accommodation Name: Aboard Dhoni

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we'll head back to Felidhoo Atoll and its administrative centre, Felidhoo. With a population of about 400, this is the least populated of all the country's administrative centres. Again, we'll take time to visit the village and have the opportunity to enjoy another Bodu Beru performance.

Day 12: Discover Hulhidhoo Reef Before Sailing To Fulidhoo

Location: Fulidhoo

Accommodation: Boat

Accommodation Name: Aboard Dhoni

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

By now, we're likely to have hit a relaxed rhythm, as our routine of reading, sunbathing, and napping between island stops and snorkelling spots becomes second nature. With a subtly different name to our previous day's stop-off, we'll break today's journey with a visit to Fulidhoo Island. Once again, we'll meet the locals and gain more of an appreciation of their life in this tropical paradise. After a further visit to the island of Hulhidhoo, we'll anchor by a large reef, where we can spend time snorkelling.

Day 13: Sail To Male Stopping To Snorkel At Embudhoo Reef

Location: Malé

Accommodation: Boat

Accommodation Name: Aboard Dhoni

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our last day on the boat sees us cruising back towards Male. We'll take the opportunity to dive into the water for a last dip or snorkel before enjoying a farewell meal with our boat crew.

Day 14: Trip Ends In Male

Location: Malé

Meals Included: Breakfast

The trip ends in Male after breakfast on our dhoni.



There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Male on flights from 11.00am. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at the airport for a cost of $6 per item. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Male International Airport (MLE).

What's Included

  • Fully Guided

  • All Domestic Transportation (including internal flights)

  • Accommodation

    6 nights simple boat

    7 nights comfortable hotel

  • Meals – Half Board

    Breakfast: 13

    Lunch: 7

    Dinner: 6

  • Game Drives on Safari

What's Not Included

  • 1 bottle of Mineral Water per person per day

  • Country Entry Visas

  • Tipping and Gratuities

Why Book this Tour

This tour provides the opportunity to see the fascinating highlights of Sri Lanka before spending a week cruising around the idyllic Maldives on a traditional Dhoni. You'll see wildlife, ancient ruins and bustling local life before a relaxing week of snorkelling, swimming and visiting traditional fishing villages to meet the locals.

Meals

Breakfasts: 12
Lunches: 7
Dinners: 7

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • What is the maximum group size?

    16

  • Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

    Yes

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Yes

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    No

  • Is there any free time to explore places during the tour?

    Yes

  • Can you assist with pre or post tour accommodation?

    Yes

  • I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?

    It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.

  • Should I get travel insurance?

    Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.

  • Can I join the tour once it has departed?

    Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.

  • Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?

    Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.

  • What is the accommodation like?

    We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.

  • Do I need to be very fit to book with you?

    All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o

  • Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel

    It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.

Reviews from travellers on this tour

Rosemary  

Highlights of Sri Lanka and Maldive Dhoni Cruise

The dhoni cruise exceeded expectations both the ac

The dhoni cruise exceeded expectations both the activities, company and service on dhoni in particular the food was delicious and imaginative

Sarah  

Highlights of Sri Lanka and Maldive Dhoni Cruise

Great trip. Sri Lanka probably much as I expected.

Great trip. Sri Lanka probably much as I expected. Maldives exceeded my expectations- magical!

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Book with Confidence

  • Free Date Changes

    Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 70 days before the start of the tour.

  • Low Deposit

    Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 70 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of explore! charges.

    Up to 70 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 69 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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