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Heroes and Heroines Cycling the Sites
Cycle through the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in the Cultural Triangle.
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Our Team Steppes Travel is made by the people who work here. Incredible holidays are made possible because of their vast travel experience and the great enthusiasm they bring to their work.
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Our Tour Experts We carefully select our experts based on their knowledge, companionship and influence, ensuring that you can travel with the most knowledgeable leaders in the field.
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Heroes and Heroines The people who lead the way when it comes to those things which matter to us: exploration, the environment, women’s empowerment and education.
The Best of Sri Lanka and The Maldives
A holiday to Sri Lanka and the Maldives is a great combination and offers the perfect solution for anyone torn between an indulgent relaxing holiday and the desire to explore. Both destinations suit families and couples alike.
Key Highlights of this Itinerary
1
2Ellerton Tea Experience
Take a walking tour through Ellerton Tea Estate to learn about tea production.
3Historic Galle Fort
Stay at one of Galle Fort’s stylish boutique hotels amidst the cafes and shops.
4Maldivian Beaches
Spend a week on an easily accessible island, such as Baros, home to colourful reefs and white sand beaches.
Why we like it
The promise of adventure and mystique in Sri Lanka and the serenity and calm of the Maldives is a winning combination. Also, consider visiting these two countries all year round, and benefit from significantly lower rates for the Maldives during the summer months – a time when manta rays and whale sharks congregate, particularly the western side of the Indian Ocean archipelago.
Day 1
Colombo - Horathapola
Day 2
Horathapola - Sigiriya
Day 3
Sigiriya
Day 4
Sigiriya - Kandy
Day 5
Kandy
Day 6
Kandy - Koggala - Galle
Day 7
Colombo - Male
Day 8 - 13
Male - Baros
Day 14
Baros
Day 1
Colombo - Horathapola
Day 2
Horathapola - Sigiriya
Day 3
Sigiriya
Explore the extensive ruins of the cultural triangle, and climb up the impressive giant rock fortress of Sigiriya.
Day 4
Sigiriya - Kandy
Day 5
Kandy
Day 6
Kandy - Koggala - Galle
Wander the ramparts of Galle Fort at sunset and choose from many of the incredible restaurants. By day visit the many museums, arts and crafts shops.
Day 7
Colombo - Male
Day 8 - 13
Male - Baros
Baros is an exotic Maldives luxury resort on a coral-fringed bijou island in the heart of the crystal clear waters of the Maldives.
Day 14
Baros
More details
Stumbling Over Ruins in the Cultural Triangle
The historical Buddhist UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa in the Cultural Triangle offers ancient stupas and stone carvings. Often busy, the best time to view the popular sites is shortly after sunrise in the morning, avoid any crowds and be among the first few to visit that day. An entire morning is required to explore Polonnaruwa, the ancient second capital of Sri Lanka.
There is no better way to explore Polonnaruwa than pedalling the less trodden back roads. We organise a local cycling guide to accompany you – who is a villager and shares insider knowledge of the area. Starting off from Bendiwewa, the trail is 13 kilometres. Pass by a local house for kurumba made from coconut. Pass beautiful rural countryside, passing lakes and lush forests
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Historic Dutch Heritage of Galle Fort
Discover the cultural and vibrant town of Galle, with its chic boho accommodation and arty eclectic shops and restaurants. The real draw of this UNESCO World Heritage site is the beautiful colonial houses, so many now lovingly renovated and opened as boutique hotels. Originally built by the Portuguese, the Dutch renovated all the house in between 1640-42 using traditional local building methods.
Occupying many of these buildings are classy retreats – restaurants and hotels offering the perfect setting for a great meal in colonial dining rooms. Original souvenirs are two a penny, ranging from a super stylish reproduction poster, from Stick No Bills, top quality teas from Withered Leaves, and local linen and rugs from Barefoot. Galle is also home to the very popular annual Literary Festival, every January – worth a look.
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How To Reach the Maldives
A short flight from Colombo takes you to Male, the capital of the Maldives. The airport is home to a fleet of seaplanes and sleek speedboats, ready to whisk guests to their respective tropical island paradises. Here, at your chosen island resort there is nothing more to focus on than the snorkelling, fresh seafood BBQ’s and choosing from the spa menu – total bliss.
Set Sail from Baros
Set out early for a full-day of dolphin or whale shark watching, take off on a fishing expedition, or bask in the Baros sunset on a romantic cruise. The Maldivan dhoni, Nooma, gets you out on the water in the traditional way. Or the luxury motor yacht, Serenity, is ideal for a daylong adventure. Reef snorkelling adventures, sunset sailing or romantic dinner cruises for two, this is the perfect vessel for an authentic local experience. Featuring a sundeck, a private saloon lounge and an air-conditioned double bedroom – everything at your fingertips for a jaunt across the waves.
Whale Sharks and Manta Rays
Whale sharks are year-round residents, tending to favour the western side of the Indian Ocean archipelago from May to December, then heading to the east until April. The South Ari Atoll is a Marine Protected Area. The Maldives Whale Shark Research Programme is a charity that carries out whale shark research and spearheads conservation initiatives in the Maldives. Snorkelling with Whale sharks is an unforgettable experience. There are a number of hotels that work alongside these respected charities and offer hands-on experience during your stay. We love the work that takes place at both Vakkaru Maldives, and Six Senses Laamu.
Let’s chat
A note on price
Prices will vary depending on the time of year you are travelling. Prices do not include international flights. Please ask one of our Travel Experts for an accurate quote. Flights purchased through Steppes Travel departing from the UK are ATOL protected.
This Itinerary
Price
From £4,700 Per person
When to travel
Sri Lanka in January
Sri Lanka benefits from generally good weather all year round and experiences a tropical climate with the best and most popular to visit being during our winter months, from January to April.
Sri Lanka in February
Visit the Southern and Western coast of Sri Lanka to experience the hot and humid climate in coastal areas or visit the mountainous regions for cooler temperatures with less humidity.
Sri Lanka in March
In Northern and Central Sri Lanka, temperatures will start to rise, and these regions will become more humid with March being generally a dry month for Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka in April
Overall, April is a very good time to visit Sri Lanka, with most of the island experiencing high temperatures and lots of sunshine, all before the first monsoon rains of the year begin in the South.
Sri Lanka in May
From May to August, the country experiences the first of its two annual monsoon seasons in Southwest Sri Lanka. Therefore, during these months it is best to visit Northeast Sri Lanka including Batticaloa and Passekudah.
Sri Lanka in June
Rainfall with continue in the South during the monsoon season whereas in Northern Sri Lanka, June is one of the best times to visit this area with a warm climate and high temperatures throughout.
Sri Lanka in July
In Northern Sri Lanka, the months of June and July are particularly good times to travel to the area, with minimal rainfall, particularly high temperatures and long days of sunshine.
Sri Lanka in August
Throughout the country, you can expect excellent climate conditions. August is ideal month for those wanting to experience both the Northeast and Southwest regions of the island, typically quite unusual due to Sri Lanka’s monsoon seasons.
Sri Lanka in September
September will start to see the end of the monsoon season in the Southwest and whilst rainfall and thunderstorms are less frequent, are still likely across the region.
Sri Lanka in October
Prior to the monsoon season, rainfall is likely throughout the country and can sometimes be unpredictable, meaning disruptions in travel are likely.
Sri Lanka in November
From November to February, Northeast Sri Lanka will experience one of two annual monsoon seasons. Whilst most days will experience rainfall, it is a great time to travel to experience the lush, green countryside.
Sri Lanka in December
Due to the monsoon in the Northeast, it is best to visit the southwest coast of Sri Lanka prior to the second monsoon reaching this area in May. Experience high levels of sunshine, perfect for Sri Lanka’s beaches.
Holiday Inspiration
Our experts have created and curated these tailor-made holiday ideas to get you started. Take the time to search through them and find something that is the spark for your unique adventure.
Why Choose Steppes?
Our knowledge and expertise set us apart. So too our curiosity. It is this that drives us to create a journey that is really bespoke to you, all the while ensuring we travel and operate sustainably.
Are you ready to discover extraordinary once again?
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