Sri Lankan Heritage and Maldives Luxury

Encounter the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka during this one hour visit! Dating back to the 1st century, the Dambulla rock caves became a Buddhist temples when they were converted into residential quarters for monks. You will be amazed by the five caves that sit under a vast overhanging rock. Each one now acts as a shrine room and contains numerous images of Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses. Mural paintings line the walls, depicting Buddha’s journey to enlightenment and his teachings. Throughout the centuries, this has been a sacred pilgrimage site for Buddhists.(Duration - 1 hr Activity Type excluding drive Timings; Private Activity Type ; Private Transfer)

Polonnaruwa..the medieval capital of Sri Lanka, was the second capital city of the country after the destruction of the ancient city of Anuradhapura in 993 (from 10th-12th century AD). Note ancient Sri Lankan architecture from the 12th Century..see Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas and the monumental ruins of the garden city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. Visit the ruins of the King's Council Chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, the Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House, Kiri Vehera and Gal Vihare; see Art, Architecture and Sculpture at Gal Viharaya, Thuparamaya Image House and Lankatilaka Image House. (DURATION: 3 hrs ; TRAVEL TIME TO ACTIVITY: 1 hr ; TIMINGS: 08:00 hrs - 16:00 hrs; )

Explore a Sri Lankan jewel! Located at an altitude of almost 500 m above sea level, the ancient capital city of Kandy offers a rich amalgam of ancient wonders. Visit centuries-old famous temples and architectural marvels on a pleasant Kandy loop, past three 14th century Hindu-Buddhist temples and back through Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Embekka Devalaya, Lankatilaka Vihara and Gadaladeniya Temples are among the other famous sites in the city. Discover fascinating traditional and contemporary motifs and colors during your visit to a local batik printing factory, before you return to your hotel.

Spend a half day at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, a three hour drive (80km) from Negombo. Witness the biggest herd of captive pachyderms in the world who journey to the river twice a day to bathe. Managed by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department, Pinnawala encourages both breeding and aiding the recovery and release of injured wild elephants back into the forest. The little jumbos, orphaned as their parents were victims of poachers/accidents, also splash about. Learn how they are tamed, reared and trained by their human keepers (known as mahouts) who bottle feed and bathe them. (USP: Bottle feeding is one of the highlight for this Orphanage; Duration: 1-2 hrs; Times (if specific): Milk Feeding:Daily at : 9.15am – 9.45am / 01.15pm-01.45pm, Bathing: Daily at : 10.00am – 12.00pm / 2.00pm – 4.00pm, Fruit Feeding: 09.00am – 09.45am / 12.00pm – 1.45pm; Time of Day : Open between 8:30hrs till 18hrs; Shared activity; Private Transfer)

Adventure seekers can go hiking at an altitude of 2,134m to the 'World's End' - a sheer 1,000 feet vertical escarpment, a unique feature of Horton Plains. The scenic beauty impresses even the most discerning traveler. If lucky, catch a glimpse of the Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush, Sri Lanka Magpie, Black-throated Munia, Black-napped Hare and Giant Squirrel. (DURATION: 6 hrs;TRAVEL TIME TO ACTIVITY: 1.5 hrs;TIMINGS: 05:30 - 10:30; Private Activity; NOTES: Best time to visit is in the morning / Guest must be physically fit because lot of walking is involved.)

Embark on exhilarating jungle safaris in Yala National Park while you stay at Chena Huts. Discover the abundant bird and wildlife of Sri Lanka’s second largest national park, in the company of your naturalist guide from the accommodation. On your first day, arrive at the jungle camp by the afternoon, just in time for a delicious lunch. Take an afternoon safari to sight the many elephants, wild buffalo, crocodiles, primates and birds, across the Park’s parklands, lagoons and jungles. Return to your camp by sundown and relax with delicious cocktails and refreshments until your al fresco dinner is served. Turn in early and wake up in time for the dawn safari that offers some of the best opportunities to view animals in their natural habitat. If you’re lucky, you may even spot the endangered Sri Lankan leopard! The park is known for its wildlife conservation efforts, especially for its native population of elephants, leopard and buffalo. After a morning well spent, return to breakfast. (Half Day Shared Safaris; Time of Day: Morning & Afternoon; Duration: 3.5-4 hrs; Please bring comfortable clothing and shoes, don’t forget your binoculars and cameras; Note: Park closed during Sep–Oct).

Pamper yourself with this all-inclusive tropical island holiday at Lily Beach Resort and Spa. Once you settle in, explore your surroundings with a variety of activities. Make use of complimentary snorkeling gear to explore the gorgeous coral garden in the waters off the private island. You also have the option of discovering local culture and traditions with an island exploration. Replenish your energy levels with in-room spirits, beverages and light snacks. Enjoy a game of badminton or volleyball on the well-maintained courts. Relax indoors with table tennis and a round of pool. As the shadows lengthen, enjoy a sunset fishing trip or settle in for a leisurely cruise to catch the fading rays of the sun. After an active day, unwind with a selection of signature cocktails, premium wines, beer, juices and soft drinks at one of the four bars on the premises. At breakfast, lunch and dinner, take your pick of dishes and imported cheeses at the main restaurant with live cooking stations and barbecue. For lunch, you could enjoy the a la carte menu at one of two bars. Relish Indian and Thai cuisines at the specialty restaurant once a week. (Included: full board with all meals, snacks, beverages, and some activities; Choice of three excursions out of four available options)