The Wild Wildlife of Sri Lanka & Blissful Blue Maldives

March 28 - April 7 or 10 (with an extension), 2024. Here's a 10-day vacation that will take you to two extraordinary destinations beyond your wildest imagination. We start our journey by diving deep into the enchanting beauty of Sri Lanka, known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean", just as you wished! Our main focus during this trip will be on experiencing the stunning natural wonders and abundant wildlife that this paradise has to offer. It's a dream come true for any animal lover.

"Embark on a 13-day island adventure that takes you to two extraordinary destinations beyond your wildest dreams. We start with an immersive journey through Sri Lanka, known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean," just as you requested! This trip is all about discovering the untouched beauty of nature and wildlife. It's a dream come true for animal lovers, with opportunities to see elephants, primates, and possibly even tigers. If that's not enough, March is also the perfect time to witness four different species of the largest whales on the planet. And if you crave enthralling history, vibrant culture, and breathtaking landscapes, this is the vacation for you.

The ancient Kingdom of Ceylon unfolds before you with its nine UNESCO sites dating back centuries. Travelers flock here for the magnificent ancient temples, the enticing aromas of spices and teas, and the remarkable handicrafts. You can also indulge in the serenity of Ayurveda spas, experiencing the tranquility of this Buddhist land. Our previous groups have adored their time here, and this year, we're adding even more exciting experiences, such as visits to animal sanctuaries, nature hikes, cave temples, thrilling jeep safaris, tranquil boat cruises, immersive tuk tuk tours, cooking classes, zip-lining, and even hot air ballooning.

Sri Lanka has now emerged as the premier affordable vacation destination with the rupee offering great value to our dollar. You'll be able to revel in the luxury of our hotel and resort without breaking the bank. From the bustling capital of Colombo to the majestic Sigiriya, and from the breathtaking Yala National Park to the picturesque town of Tangalle, each activity and sight will leave you utterly spellbound. As Marco Polo once described it, Sri Lanka truly is "the finest island country in the world." It's incredibly easy to visit (no visa required), wonderfully exotic, and utterly remarkable!

But that's not all – we also offer an indulgent extension to the Maldives, known as the "Escape of Serenity." This slice of paradise features 1,194 coral islands scattered like pearls across fifty shades of blue ocean. Prepare to experience true "barefoot luxury" as you settle into your overwater villa. Dip into the warm iridescent waters of a magical lagoon right from your private deck and discover a mesmerizing underwater world teeming with vibrant fish and awe-inspiring marine life. Previous AFSers have even had the pleasure of encountering graceful sea turtles and majestic manta rays. At night, let the gentle lull of the waves lull you into a peaceful sleep.

Our exclusive all-inclusive resort is nestled at the tip of an atoll, offering easy access to the vibrant capital of Male. Enjoy a range of exhilarating water sports, indulge in delectable cuisines, relish the unparalleled hospitality of the Maldivian staff, and witness golden sunsets that will leave you breathless. Since so many of our travelers have fallen in love with this destination, we now offer it as an add-on option. Trust us, once you experience it, you'll long to return. Surrender yourself to temptation and let yourself be swept away into a world of pure bliss.

Opportunities like this come around only once, and this extraordinary two-country vacation is truly one-of-a-kind. Let your wanderlust ignite as you explore these island treasures, creating memories that will last a lifetime!"

Note- This itinerary is placed here for your convenience. It can deviate in some ways. Please see www.afstravelers.com for the latest..

Mar 28 - Fly USA to Colombo, Sri Lanka. Many airlines to choose. Air details to come in trip tips.

Mar 29 -  Welcome to the beautiful island country of Sri Lanka! (Land begins in Colombo). You'll love this land of teas, spices, gems and incredible wildlife.  Transfer to our first-class hotel located on the seafront. One group airport pick up for group. Relax by the pool or explore nearby sites. See all the great amenities here at the Movenpick.

Overnight Movenpick Colombo   https://movenpick.accor.com/en/asia/sri-lanka/colombo/movenpick-hotel-colombo.html

Mar 30 -   Colombo - Sigiriya

After breakfast at 9 AM, we head out to fabulous Sigiriya, a simple village where elephants roam free! Drive time around four hours with stops along the scenic route. Enroute we stop to visit a must see – mystical Dambulla Cave Temple with rich religious and cultural heritage. This UNESCO site is a complex of five separate cave temples carved out of rock. See the reclining Buddha and stunning Buddhist rock murals. It's one of the top tourist attractions set in a landscape of lush green hills.

Enjoy our all inclusive boutique resort for three glorious nights... delicious food, infinity pool, Ayurveda wellness spa and unique experiences like e-bike tour, cooking, pottery, safari with the naturalist and more.  Welcome Dinner tonight to get to know your fellow travel lovers and a special welcome surprise by Sri Lankan drummers. Our past groups loved this resort where sweet dreams await.

Overnight:   Aliya Resort in Sigiriya  B,L,D          https://www.themacollection.com/aliya-resort/

Mar 31 -   Lion Rock, Tuk tuks, Primate Centre

This morning embark on a fun tuk-tuk jeep adventure to the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This World Heritage Site is a masterpiece of engineering, irrigation and artistry. You can slowly walk up the citadel partway or climb to the top for amazing photos. The historic mountain top palace ruins and frescoes have earned it worldwide accolades. Return back to our resort later to rest, swim or enjoy all the activities offered by the staff.  

At 6:30 PM, proceed to the primate center for our enchanting "Lorries by Night Tour." This small forest oasis is home to an exclusive group of slender lorries. It's a unique experience to see one of the worlds rarest mammals. These tiny primates are endangered and are the most elusive creatures in the wild who live solitary lives. At dusk, hear their piercing screeches to each other. Follow our field guides over walkways, always staying together in silence. Nocturnal lorries are active with feeding and socializing. Guides spot them with red lights as they move. You may also see mouse deer, civets, fruit bats, owls, lizards and the rarest fishing cat in this night forrest.

Overnight at Aliya Resort, Sigriya         B

Apr 1  - Ballooning, Boats, Villages

Experience Hot Air Ballooning in Sri Lanka:  Sri Lanka is an epic country for hot air ballooning. Its variety of terrain offers visual treats of lakes, lush hills, and wildlife. Rise early for the best views at sunrise. Assist the crew in setting up your launch for a stunning bird's eye view determined only by the wind. There is an optional $285 reservation available during the booking process.

Around 9:30 AM, return to resort for full breakfast. We journey onto quaint Hiriwadunna Village, nestled in colorful Habarana town. The tour starts with a traditional Bullock Cart Ride around the scenic pond. After a walk around the paddy fields, gardens and village farms, we board a boat for a ride to a village house. Engage in a cooking demonstration with introduction to Sri Lankan spices, followed by a light lunch.

Back to the resort to explore the scenic surroundings and for poolside cocktails at sunset.

Overnight at Aliya Resort, Sigriya.      B,L

Apr 2 - Ziplines, Tea Plantation, National Park

Rise and shine early to embark on a 245 km drive to Yala. (Around seven hours total, but we break it up with activities and scenic stops along the way. Overland is the only way to see the best parts of this country.)

Zip-lining adventure – At 98 Acres Resort get ready to soar like an eagle over beautiful mountains. It's adrenaline pumping fun to soar a half kilometer up to 60 mph for stunning views of mountains!

The next stop is an award-winning Tea Factory, one of the world's largest Ceylon tea producers. Guided tour of the estate to learn about tea making magic. Plenty of tea tastings and a tea shop for your purchases. Lunch at Ceylon restaurant, the first tea themed café with fusion food and finest selection of tea infused cocktails, mocktails, single malts and wines.

Time permitting, visit Suphulpawwa ancient monastery and the Magul Viharaya Buddhist caves, both pilgrimage sites.   Continue journey to Yala National Park, a sprawling expensive forests, lagoons and grasslands hugging the Indian Ocean. Rich in wildlife like leopards, elephants, crocs and hundreds of birds species, Yala is an explorer is paradise. At dusk, check into fabulous Cinnamon Wild Resort for dinner and so much more here. (Sri Lanka produces 92% of the world's cinnamon)

Overnight at Cinnamon Wild/Yala       B,L,D.   https://www.cinnamonhotels.com/cinnamonwildyala

Apr 3 -  Yala Jeep Safaris

Yala is home to an amazing variety of wildlife, including the worlds highest concentration of leopards. Board jeeps for our game drives, both morning and evening,  when animals are most active! You may witness elephants, buffalo, deer, sloth bears, leopards, perhaps the elusive tiger and more. The lagoons of Yala hold 20 different types of fish with an abundance of crabs and crocs.

Overnight  Cinnamon Wild/Yala.       B, D

Apr 4 -  Whale Safari,  Tangalle Anantara

Early wake up for an exciting day ahead as we board our boats for dolphin and whale watching! In March, you may see Fin Whales, Brydes Whales, Sperm Whales and Blue Whales, the biggest creatures on earth. Also, look for orcas, whale sharks and leaping dolphins off Sri Lanka's north coast. Our sea voyage may last 4 hours. There's no guarantees with nature, but our chances for sightings are excellent for some incredible photos.

Return to resort to check out and drive two hours to our five-star luxury beach resort – Anantara Peace Haven! There aren't enough superlatives for this 5-star resort set on a golden beach lined by coconut palms. This luxury tropical sanctuary overlooking the Indian ocean will pamper you beyond your dreams.  There is a huge pool, yoga, tennis, nature trails and award-winning Ayurveda spa.

Overnight Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort/Tangalle    B  https://www.anantara.com/en/peace-haven-tangalle

Apr 5 -  Free at Last

It's your day to hang on the beach to chill and relax or be as active as you like.  Anantara has all you need with jet skis, paddle boards, snorkel gear, bikes and more. Download their leisure experience brochure for all the excursions. Bells signal when local fisherman bring in their catch each day, there's a white tea plantation, agro park, organic garden market, turtle watching tour, Hummanay Blowhole and more.

Overnight at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort/Tangalle      B

Apr 6 - Fort town Tangalle - Colombo

After breakfast, we head out 3.5 hours to Galle to visit UNESCO site Galle Fortress, built by the Portuguese in 1588. Arrive afternoon to the capital city of Colombo for a City Tour of iconic landmarks. There is so much diverse religious heritage here – see the intricate Gangarama temples, the lively Sea Street Hindu temple, Davatagaha mosque, then to Independence Hall and the Dutch Church of 1749.

Later we dive into the bustling Pettah Bazaar, a vibrant market filled with aromatic spices. Sri Lanka has exquisite handicrafts and shops like Lanka Hands and Laksala for some retail therapy. It is also called the "gem capital of the world," most famous for its natural blue sapphires. Discover a dazzling array of local stones at Gem Gallery. Our past groups had custom pieces crafted here for a most memorable souvenir.

Farewell Dinner tonight to toast each other goodbye after an epic adventure together.

Overnight Movenpick Colombo   B,D. 

 https://movenpick.accor.com/en/asia/sri-lanka/colombo/movenpick-hotel-colombo.html

Apr 7 - Depart Colombo

Transfer to airport for a flight home. Those extending onto the Maldives, transfer to airport for a flight into Male! Dates April 7-10.

April 7-10  MALDIVES OPTIONAL EXTENSION PACKAGE    

7 April  Colombo – Maldives Extension by Flight

Early morning transfer to Colombo International to catch your flight for Maldives.  Depart Colombo at 0720 Hrs by Srilanka Airline UL 115. Arrive Male at 8:15 AM  Flight Price $TBA

If you have the time, we offer an optional extension to The Maldives because we are that close. The Maldives is a pristine haven for an exceptional holiday. Days are spent basking in the golden sun, swimming in clear lagoons, and frolicking on powdery sandy beaches.

Adaaran Club, aka ARC, is a delightful luxury resort, reached by a brisk 45-minute speed boat ride over the turquoise sea. It's all-inclusive – enjoy impeccable dishes of fresh fish and fruits and excellent service. There's complimentary use of snorkel gear, canoes, paddleboards, as well as beach volleyball, daily live bands, sundowner DJ music, and the Chavana Spa. There are opportunities for a sunset photo cruise, island hopping, local village visits, dolphin cruises, and fishing at night and early morning. The water sports center caters to divers, with night dives being particularly fascinating. Our little island provides easy access to Male if you'd like to explore the museums, markets, and scenic sites. Maybe you'll just prefer to rest and chill in this beautiful place!

(Please note- 97% of resorts with overwater villas do not have twin beds. As with all our past groups to the Maldives, an extra small bed will be provided in your villa. Take turns. Also note that some resorts can exceed over 2K per night. Our resort is voted by Maldives tourism as one of 'the top 10 best value' options on their list. Same waters, same amenities, but far better value for wise travelers!)

April  8-10

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Overnight at Adaaran Club https://www.adaaran.com/clubrannalhi/

April 10 - Morning free to relax. Late afternoon transfer to Male International airport