Cycling the Sites
Cycle through the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in the Cultural Triangle.
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.
Cycle through the ancient city of Polonnaruwa in the Cultural Triangle.
Take a walking tour through Ellerton Tea Estate to learn about tea production.
Stay at one of Galle Fort’s stylish boutique hotels amidst the cafes and shops.
Spend a week on an easily accessible island, such as Baros, home to colourful reefs and white sand beaches.
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
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.
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.
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 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 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Prior to the monsoon season, rainfall is likely throughout the country and can sometimes be unpredictable, meaning disruptions in travel are likely.
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.
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.
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?