Wednesday, November 15: Arrival in Colombo, Sri Lanka
Welcome to Sri Lanka! On your first day, spend the morning exploring the vibrant capital city of Colombo. Visit the Gangaramaya Temple, a beautiful Buddhist temple with stunning architecture. In the afternoon, take a stroll through Viharamahadevi Park, the largest park in Colombo, and enjoy the lush greenery. In the evening, head to Galle Face Green, a popular promenade by the ocean, to watch a beautiful sunset.
Viharamahadevi Park: Free admission, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Galle Face Green: Free admission, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Restaurants
The London Grill is a charming breakfast spot located in the heart of Colombo. They offer a variety of options including traditional Sri Lankan breakfast dishes as well as continental breakfast items. Average cost for a meal is about 800 LKR per person.
For lunch, head over to Ministry of Crab, a famous seafood restaurant in Colombo known for their delicious crab dishes. The restaurant is situated in a renovated Dutch hospital building and offers a cozy and elegant ambiance. Average cost for a meal is about 3000 LKR per person.
For dinner, try The Gallery Café, a trendy restaurant located in an old colonial mansion. They serve a fusion of Sri Lankan, Asian, and international cuisine in a beautiful setting with a lovely courtyard. Average cost for a meal is about 4000 LKR per person.
Thursday, November 16: Sigiriya and Dambulla
Embark on a day trip to Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress known as the "Lion Rock." Climb to the top for breathtaking views and explore the fascinating frescoes on the way. In the afternoon, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site with stunning cave paintings and statues. Return to Colombo in the evening.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Entrance fee - $30, Time spent - 3-4 hours
Take a scenic train ride from Colombo to Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses a sacred tooth of the Buddha. In the afternoon, explore the beautiful Royal Botanic Gardens and enjoy a cultural dance performance in the evening.
Temple of the Tooth Relic: Entrance fee - $10, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Royal Botanic Gardens: Entrance fee - $10, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Cultural Dance Performance: Entrance fee - $15, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Saturday, November 18: Nuwara Eliya
Travel to Nuwara Eliya, also known as "Little England," renowned for its lush tea plantations and colonial architecture. Visit a tea factory to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea. Explore the beautiful Victoria Park and stroll around Gregory Lake.
Victoria Park: Entrance fee - $2, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Gregory Lake: Free admission, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Sunday, November 19: Maldives - North Malé Atoll
Take a short flight from Colombo to the Maldives and arrive at the North Malé Atoll. Spend the day relaxing on the pristine white-sand beaches, snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters, and soaking up the sun. Enjoy a luxurious stay at one of the fabulous resorts in the Maldives.
Beach Relaxation: Free, Time spent - Full day
Snorkeling: Rental fee - $20, Time spent - 2-3 hours
Start your day with a delicious breakfast at The Spice Restaurant, located on the North Malé Atoll. This beachfront eatery offers a buffet-style spread with a wide variety of international and local dishes. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
For lunch, head to Blu Beach Restaurant, a stunning oceanfront restaurant known for its fresh seafood and Mediterranean cuisine. Enjoy panoramic views of the Indian Ocean while indulging in dishes like grilled lobster and octopus salad. Average cost for a meal is about $40 per person.
End your day with a memorable dinner at Edge Restaurant, a unique overwater dining experience. With its innovative fusion menu featuring flavors from around the world, you can savor dishes like seared tuna with wasabi foam and Moroccan spiced rack of lamb. Average cost for a meal is about $60 per person.
Monday, November 20: Maldives - South Malé Atoll
Head to the South Malé Atoll and explore the underwater beauty of the Maldives. Go on a diving excursion to discover vibrant coral reefs and swim alongside tropical fish. Relax on the beaches and indulge in delicious seafood at a local restaurant.
Diving Excursion: Starting from $100, Time spent - Half day
Beach Relaxation: Free, Time spent - Full day
Seafood Dinner: Prices vary, Time spent - 1-2 hours
Tuesday, November 21: Departure
Enjoy your last morning in the Maldives, take a final stroll on the beach, and soak up the serenity of the Indian Ocean. Depart from the Malé International Airport with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
Hidden Gems and Local Favorites
While exploring Colombo, don't miss out on visiting the Pettah Market, a bustling market where you can find a variety of goods, from spices to clothes. In the Maldives, take a trip to a local island and experience the traditional Maldivian way of life. Don't forget to try the local cuisine, such as mas huni (a tuna salad) and garudhiya (a fish soup), which are popular among the locals.