Day 1, 2 & 3Upon arriving in Sri Lanka, transfer directly to the Cultural Triangle where you will stay three nights at Heritance Kandalama. The next morning, explore Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins. Polonnaruwa became Sri Lanka’s royal medieval capital in 1073 and remained the capital until the late 13th century. Today, these ruins provide a fascinating insight into a sophisticated ancient civilisation. Explore Dambulla’s cave temple with its rock ceiling a sweep of colorful frescoes, some of which dates back to over 2,000 years. This cave temple has the largest number of Buddha statues all housed in one place, including a 14 meter recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock. Located nearby is the Sigiriya Rock Fortress built in the 5th century by King Kasyapa, considered by some to be the Eighth Wonder of the World. We also recommend an elephant safari where you are taken on elephant back along a jungle path and across shallow rivers.

Day 4Today you journey to Sri Lanka's hill capital, the small lakeside city of Kandy, and check into Amaya Hills situated on a hill overlooking Kandy town. In the evening visit the Temple of the Tooth where a sacred tooth relic of the Lord Buddha is enshrined since 4th Century A.D. The temple has decorative walls, a golden roof and fine woodwork. Religious services (pooja) are held daily at dawn, mid-day, and in the evening where guests can participate. The services are accompanied with traditional music and drumming. Other possible activities can include: a visit to the Peradeniya Botanical gardens, with its orchid collection and formally laid-out trees; nature walks in Udawatte Kelle Forest Reserve; and Kandy’s rich ancient arts and crafts including drum-making, Dumbara mat-weaving, jewelry-making and traditional Kandyan dance and drumming.

Day 5 & 6Travel on to Pussellawa for a two nights stay at the Lavender House, a stunning five-bedroom tea planter’s bungalow situated on a working tea plantation midway between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Explore the surrounding Helboda Tea estate and tea factory where you will gain insight into the manufacturing process as well as an opportunity to taste the different grades of hill country tea. If you can face leaving Lavender House, you might consider a day trip to Nuwara Eliya. The town, situated about 6,200 ft above sea level, sprawls over the fertile valley flanked by Mount Pidurutalagala and is scattered with Victorian-style 19th century bungalows and hotels.

Day 7Leave after breakfast for Colombo, Sri Lanka’s laid-back capital city, one of the greenest in Asia and an interesting stopping point before your stay in the Maldives. Check into the Galle Face Regency, the new wing of the famous Victorian hotel located in the heart of Colombo. You may wish to go shopping during the afternoon, or instead pamper yourself at the Spa. In the evening we wholeheartedly recommend visiting the Gallery Café for a truly special open-air dinner.

Day 8 to 13Depart early in the morning for your flight to the Maldives and a five night stay in Bandos Resort. A 20 minute speedboat ride from Male International Airport takes you to Bandos, nestled in the clear blue seas of the North Male Atoll. Bandos is situated on its own white-sand island. Many activities are on offer here ranging from an idle stroll and swims by the beach, to diving, parasailing, catamaran sailing and host of other quality water sports. Diving at Bandos is particularly good with a plethora of fish in nearby waters and a state of the art dive centre. Off and out of the water Bandos has a Gym, Spa and a host of good restaurants, bars and a disco.