3 weeks of adventure: roundtrip Sri Lanka & diving in the Maldives
Discover diverse Sri Lanka with wildlife, temples and spectacular landscapes & combine this with a week of diving in the crystal clear waters of the Maldives.
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Sri Lanka & Maldives in 3 weeks: touring and diving
Combine breathtaking diving with an unforgettable tour of Sri Lanka and the Maldives!
During the 2-week Sri Lanka tour, you’ll see the best of the island: from lush rainforests and sprawling tea plantations to wild elephants and impressive UNESCO World Heritage sites. You take two jeep safaris where you can spot elephants, leopards and countless other animals, hike to the iconic Adams Peak, travel by train from Ella to Kandy and visit temples and local markets. You’ll experience all these highlights in comfort with a private driver and overnight stays in 5* hotels.
Then the Maldives awaits: a week of diving around the remote Hanimaadhoo Island. From the Barefoot Eco Hotel & Resort, you dive into a colorful underwater paradise full of coral, schools of trophic fish and barracudas. You’ll also often spot turtles, rays and white tip reef sharks – a dream for every diver.
You can also easily reverse the trip: start in the Maldives and end with the tour of Sri Lanka.
Best travel time for a trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives
The best period for this trip is December through March. In Sri Lanka, you then enjoy dry weather on the south and west coasts and in the highlands. At the same time, this coincides with the dry season in the Maldives: calm waters, clear visibility and top diving conditions. April is also possible, with fewer crowds and often still good weather, but more chance of showers.
Average Temperatures
Wetsuit advice for diving in the Maldives
In general, a 3mm wetsuit is sufficient for diving in the Maldives. If you are more comfortable diving in a shorty, this is of course also possible. In general, however, it is nice to wear a long suit because you will be making several dives a day.
What will you experience on this diving vacation?
View itinerary here
Day 1 | Arrival in Colombo
Today you will arrive in the capital of Sri Lanka: Colombo! A direct flight will take about 10 hours, with a transfer the journey often takes 13 hours.
Upon arrival at the airport, a transfer will be waiting for you to take you to the hotel in Colombo. Nothing is planned for this day, so you can relax and recover from the trip.
Day 2 & 3 | City Tour Colombo & Galle
On the first real day of the trip, a city tour of Colombo is planned. A perfect start to the trip, as you will already learn more about Sri Lanka’s culture and local food right away.
Colombo is a mix of east & west and past & present, with a charm all its own. The city houses Sri Lanka’s main port and nearby is Pettah, the bustling local market and trading district. After sightseeing, you can start shopping; Colombo offers a wide range of options, from luxury stores to local market stalls.
The next day, after breakfast, you depart for Galle, which is a little further south than the capital. You will visit the historic Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site originally built by the Portuguese and later fortified by the Dutch. Inside the fortress walls you will find narrow streets, cafes, small stores and museums. You’ll see the 1755 Dutch Reformed Church, a relic of the Dutch colonial period, and discover traditional mask carving, a craft still practiced here. From the city walls you have a beautiful view of the ocean and harbor.
After the tour, you will travel on to Tissamaharama, which is about a 2-hour drive from Galle. Here you will stay for 2 nights.
Day 4 | Jeep safari in Yala National Park
Today a new highlight is on the program: a jeep safari in Yala National Park.
Yala is considered one of Sri Lanka’s finest wildlife destinations and offers an excellent opportunity to spot a wide variety of animals. During your safari, you can enjoy the impressive nature and observe animals in their natural habitat. The park is known for its exceptional biodiversity: from colorful birds and graceful deer to reptiles and water buffalo. But the real stars of Yala are the elephants and leopards, which are found here in relatively high numbers. A safari in Yala is an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and photographers.
Day 5 & 6 | Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adam's Peak in Ella
After breakfast, depart for Katharagama Temple, a sacred complex dedicated to the Buddhist patron god Kataragama Deviyo and the Hindu war god Murugan. It is one of the few religious sites in Sri Lanka revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and the Vedda people. You then continue on to Ella, where you check into your hotel.
The next day explore the breathtaking scenery of Ella. Walk across the Nine Arch Railway Bridge, also known as the “bridge in the sky,” a stunning example of colonial railroad construction. Take a short hike up Little Adam’s Peak for fantastic views and visit Rawana Falls before returning to the hotel.
Day 7 | From Ella to Kandy by train
After breakfast, depart for Ella train station for a scenic train ride to Nanu Oya. This route is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world and is hugely popular with travelers and photographers. The ride takes about 6 to 7 hours, but that just makes it possible to enjoy the spectacular scenery at leisure. Along the way, you’ll ride through lush green tea fields, rolling hills, misty valleys and past waterfalls as the train winds its way over old bridges and through tunnels. The views from the windows – or from the train’s open balconies – offer endless photo opportunities and an unforgettable experience of the Sri Lankan landscape.
In Nanu Oya, you will be picked up and continue your journey to Kandy. Along the way you will visit a tea factory or tea plantation, where you will see how the world-famous Ceylon tea is produced. The tour concludes with a fresh cup of tea before you arrive in Kandy.
Please note that due to high demand, train tickets cannot always be guaranteed. When the train is not available, the trip will be made alternatively by car.
Day 8 & 9 | Horton Plaints & cultural city of Kandy
With a packed breakfast, leave early in the morning, around 5:30 a.m., for Horton Plains National Park. This park is known for its vast grasslands, misty forests and spectacular views. The highlight is the famous “World’s End” cliff, where, from an almost perpendicular precipice, you have a breathtaking panorama of the surrounding valleys and mountains. After a morning of hiking and enjoying nature, drive back to Kandy in the afternoon.
The next day begins with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites, where the relic of Buddha’s tooth is kept. Next, visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden, a green oasis that offers a welcome respite from the hustle and bustle of the city and is filled with exotic plants, palms and colorful flowers.
The day ends with a cultural dance performance, where you will experience traditional Kandyan dances and music up close, before returning to the hotel for a well-deserved rest.
Day 10 | Spice garden & cave temple
After breakfast, depart for Dambulla, with an interesting stop at a spice garden in Matale. Here you will learn all about the spices that make Sri Lanka so famous, such as cinnamon, cloves, cardamom and pepper, and discover their uses in cooking and medicine.
Before checking into your hotel, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, an impressive UNESCO World Heritage Site with a history dating back to the first century BC. The complex consists of five caves, each filled with colorful paintings, sculptures and more than 150 images of Buddha. The absolute highlight is the enormous reclining Buddha, carved completely out of the rock and a whopping 14 meters long, a breathtaking sight that brings Sri Lanka’s rich religious and cultural history to life.
Day 11 | Lion rock climbing & elephant safari
After breakfast, depart for Sigiriya to climb the famous Lion Rock. This fifth-century citadel, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is beautifully tucked into an imposing rock setting. The climb takes you up a spiral staircase to the top, where you are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and the sprawling gardens of the ancient royal city. Along the way, you can admire the famous murals and enjoy the extraordinary architecture that makes this fort so unique.
In the afternoon, a safari is scheduled in Minneriya National Park, one of the best places in Sri Lanka to see wild elephants. Set around a large restored rainwater reservoir, the park attracts hundreds of bird species, reptiles, butterflies and other wildlife. The highlight is spotting the elephant herds that often congregate near the water, an unforgettable moment of nature that lets you experience the power and beauty of Sri Lanka.
Day 12 | Rest day in Trincomalee
After breakfast, depart for Trincomalee on the east coast of Sri Lanka. This coastal town is famous for its beautiful beaches, clear waters and historical sites, such as the Koneswaram temple on the cliffs. Popular with divers and sunbathers alike, Trincomalee offers a relaxed tropical atmosphere.
There is no program this day, so you can fill the day as you wish. You can relax on the beach or snorkel, dive or take a boat trip to nearby islands. You can also check out the local fishing port or enjoy fresh seafood at the beach restaurants.
Day 13 & 14 | Anuradhapura & Negombo
After breakfast, drive to Anuradhapura, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest cities and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city was an important religious and cultural center for centuries. In the afternoon, take a city tour of impressive ruins, ancient stupas and sacred Buddha statues. The well-preserved city provides a unique insight into Sri Lanka’s history and Buddhist heritage.
Early in the morning the next day you will visit Mihintale, a sacred mountain peak near Anuradhapura that is considered the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The mountain is dotted with temples, stupas and rock houses, and via a staircase of 1,840 steps you will reach the summit with stunning views of the surrounding area.
The last stop is Negombo, a bustling coastal town known for its fishing port, Dutch colonial architecture and lively markets. It is also the perfect last stop in Sri Lanka, as it is a 15-minute drive from the airport.
Day 15 | Flight to the Maldives
Today you’ll fly to the Maldives! The precise destination is Hanimaadoo, it’s one of the northern atolls of the Maldives. It’s a beautiful place, without a lot of tourism. The flight has a short layover in Malé and the total journey will take about 3 hours.
After arriving on the pristine island, you will be transferred to The Barefoot Eco Hotel & Villas. The hotel focuses on sustainable tourism and preserving the unique biodiversity of the Maldives. Guests will have the opportunity to experience Maldivian culture and traditions and discover authentic island life.
De dive center is located on the resort, so you can already walk by, unpack the equipment and get ready for a week of diving!
Day 16 to 20 | Diving at Hanimaadhoo Island
During 5 days of boat diving you will discover an impressive array of underwater landscapes, from shallow reefs to steep walls, caves and overhangs. The area is known for its rich biodiversity, with colorful corals, schools of fusiliers, yellowtail barracudas, jackfish and countless tropical fish. Turtles, rays, moray eels and white tip reef sharks can often be seen, and in season (from mid-May to early December) manta rays gather at Manta Point for cleaning visits.
Other popular dive sites include Hanimaadhoo Thila, with a top at 14 meters depth and a sloping wall up to 30 meters, and Hanimaadhoo Faru, where you’ll find a combination of lagoons and steep walls. For advanced divers, there is the Hondaafushi wreck, located at a depth of 27 meters and home to a variety of marine species.
Each dive is made from the boat, providing easy access to the best and most remote locations. With a variety of reefs, walls, wrecks and caves, each day offers something new, ideal for both novice and experienced divers. Clear waters, abundant marine life and professional guidance make Hanimaadhoo a perfect destination for an unforgettable diving experience in the Maldives.
Day 21 | The last day in the Maldives
Today there are no more dives on the program and you can fill the day as you wish. You can relax all day in the pool or at the beach, for example.
Still want to go out? Then you can take an excursion organized by the hotel. For example, you can hop on a bike with a guide and explore the island that way. You can also visit desert island and sandbank. In short: you will not be bored on this day!
Day 22 & 23 | The journey back home
The last day has arrived and today you will fly back. The journey goes via Malé back home and has 1 or 2 transfers.
If you prefer to start the trip with diving, that is of course possible as well. You can make the trip exactly the way you want: first the Maldives and then on to Sri Lanka or connecting or preceding it with a liveaboard trip instead of going to a resort.
Highlights of this trip
What can you expect from this trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives?
Jeep safari with elephants
Minneriya National Park is famous for “The Gathering,” the largest annual gathering of Asian elephants in the world. During the dry season (August-September), hundreds of elephants gather around Lake Minneriya to drink, bathe and eat grass growing on the muddy ground. This natural phenomenon attracts visitors from all over the world who want to witness this spectacular spectacle. You get up close to the elephants by jeep, who often graze or play just meters away.
The train journey from Ella to Kandy
This 7-hour train ride is hailed worldwide as one of the most beautiful in the world. You will travel through lush tea plantations, past misty mountains and charming villages. The route takes you over the famous Nine Arches Bridge, an impressive colonial bridge, and through tunnels winding through the green landscape. With open windows and the sound of the train on the rails, this is an unforgettable experience for any traveler.
Diving with manta rays
Hanimaadhoo Manta Point in the northern Haa Dhaalu Atoll is a breathtaking dive site and a highlight for divers in the Maldives. From mid-May to early December, large groups of manta rays congregate here at cleaning stations on the reef, a spectacular sight to see up close. In addition to manta rays, you often see white-tip reef sharks, turtles and colorful tropical fish. The relatively shallow, crystal clear waters make this an accessible and unforgettable experience.
The accommodations
The stay and the diving school
Overnight stays in Sri Lanka
During this roundtrip you will stay in 9 carefully selected 4-star hotels, spread across the island. In some destinations you will stay only one night, because you will travel on the next day to explore as much of Sri Lanka as possible. If you prefer something more luxurious, there is also the option to stay in 5-star hotels.
You will stay in comfortable double rooms with private bathrooms so you can relax after a day of adventure. Accommodation is on a half-board basis, with both breakfast and dinner included. So you can enjoy delicious meals and local cuisine every day, while you are out and about during the day for cultural highlights, nature experiences and exciting safaris.
Barefoot Eco Hotels & Resort
The Barefoot Eco Hotel & Resort at Hanimaadhoo is the ideal base for your adventure in the North Maldives. Located on a quiet local island, this four-star hotel offers a unique combination of local charm and modern luxury. You will stay in comfortable air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, minibar, rain shower and fresh water daily.
The resort features a beautiful 15-meter saltwater pool, a private beach with sun beds, a gym and a spa for relaxing treatments. For the active traveler, there are plenty of options: snorkeling, diving, canoeing, windsurfing, cycling and even bowling. In addition, you can participate in yoga and cooking classes, explore local culture and enjoy local and Western dishes overlooking the ocean at the Raanee Snack Bar.
With a focus on sustainability and respect for local culture, the Barefoot Eco Hotel & Resort offers an unforgettable experience in the Maldives. Whether you want to relax on the beach, explore the underwater world or discover the local culture, this resort has something for everyone.
The dive center
The boat and facilities
The Barefoot Eco Hotel & Resort’s diving school is conveniently located near the pier and offers everything you need for an unforgettable diving experience in the North Maldives. You can take SSI and PADI courses here, from beginner to advanced, or daily guided dives for certified divers. All dives depart from a comfortable dive boat, taking you to the most beautiful reefs and manta points. Certified divers can use nitrox for free and all diving equipment is available for rent. The experienced instructors give personal attention and tips, making both novice and experienced divers feel safe and secure.
Travel costs
What is included
This diving vacation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives is available from US$ 5.221 per person based on two people in one room. The diving trip can be expanded as desired. A number of things are included by default in this travel package.
Prices are subject to price changes, increases or changing exchange rates. Flights are always based on the cheapest possible booking class.
Want to know more about this diving vacation to Sri Lanka and the Maldives? Get in touch with us!
Included in this diving trip, from US$ 5.221 p.p.
- 14 nights in Sri Lanka in 4* hotels
- Meals on half board basis
- All mentioned excursions in Sri Lanka
- 7 nights at Barefoot Eco hotel based on bed & breakfast
- Dive package with 10 dives
- Nitrox for certified divers
- Return flight Hanimaadhoo
- Return transfers
- VZR & Administration fee
Excluding
- Flight to Colombo from US$ 1.405 p.p.
- Excursion on day 12
- Lunch on field trip days
- Maldives Government Green Tax ($84)
- Dive & Travel Insurance
✈︎ The quoted (international) flight prices are indicative prices and based on departures from Europe. However, we can arrange flights from any location worldwide. Booking your own flights is of course also possible.
Optional
- 15L tank ($6 per tank)
- Diving equipment ($32.50 per day)
Email this diving holiday
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Frequently asked questions about Sri Lanka & the Maldives
Diving general
Boat Dives
The dive sites are close: about a 20-minute boat ride away.
Yes, it is possible to make a night dive.
Yes, the Barefoot House Reef is within sight of the resort pier and adjacent to the beautiful lagoon. It is the perfect dive site for both novice and experienced divers. This is a shallow upper reef, descending to a sandy bottom at about 12 meters, often with little to no current. Suitable for all.
Yes, both PADI and SSI courses are offered.
The diving school is on the hotel grounds, so super close!
Diving equipment
Both tanks are available.
Yes, 15L tanks are available. The additional cost for using a 15L tank is $6 per tank.
Yes, you can. If you bring your own equipment it’s no problem at all.
Yes, you can dive here for free with nitrox if you are certified to do so.
Yes, renting a full set costs $32.50 per day.
Your diving equipment stays on the boat, so you do not have to drag your equipment on any day. After diving, everything is also washed on the boat by the crew.
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