Highlights of Sri Lanka + Maldive Dhoni Cruise

BM-21808

5.0Based on

14 days

“

Good combination of two very different weeks. Good food and interesting and varied sights in Sri Lanka. Well organised and led, in very difficult circumstances during severe flooding and landslides! The boat tour of the Maldives was excellent, by far the best way of seeing this country. The boat was comfortable with great food and attentive crew. The main activity is snorkelling so if this is your thing you will love it!

Alastair | Traveled in December

5 - Excellent

Carbon neutral

14 daysDuration

Small Group TourUsually 8-12 participants

16 peopleMaximum group size

16 - 99 yearsAge range for participants

EnglishGuide language

Easy

Light physical activity suitable for most people with average fitness levels.

Starts

Ends

Negombo, Sri Lanka

Male, Maldives

Select Date

Best price guaranteedNo credit card or booking fees.Carbon neutral tours.

1 other person is considering this tour right now.

Highlights

Highlights of Sri Lanka - Wander ancient kingdoms, witness Buddhist temples and visit the revered 'temple of the tooth'. Wilpattu National Park - Take a jeep safari to search for leopards, elephants, and sambar deer. Maldives cruise - Cruise through the Maldives, visiting remote fishing villages and snorkelling in tranquil waters.

Itinerary

White-sand beaches, ancient cities, and wildlife safaris—discover it all with the "Highlights of Sri Lanka + Maldive Dhoni Cruise" tour package. In just 14 days, this easy-paced trip for experienced travelers takes you from the cultural treasures of Sri Lanka to the turquoise waters of the Maldives for an unforgettable escape.

Begin your journey exploring Sri Lanka’s spiritual heritage, wandering among ancient capitals and intricate temples. Safari through Wilpattu National Park, keeping your eyes peeled for leopards, elephants, and sambar deer. Scale the heights of UNESCO-listed Sigiriya, then marvel at the painted cave temples of Dambulla, even sharing a meal with a local family for a taste of genuine hospitality.

The tour’s unique selling point is its relaxing conclusion—a multi-day cruise on a traditional Dhoni in the Maldives. Here, snorkeling, swimming, and sunbathing become your daily routine as you hop between idyllic islands.

With all transport, accommodation, and meals included, this trip offers a seamless blend of cultural discovery and tropical relaxation. Ideal for those seeking the best of both worlds in one tour package.

day 1Join trip in Negombo

Our tour starts today in Negombo, a coastal town that's famous for its fishing industry and golden sands. The perfect introduction to Sri Lankan life, Negombo is a busy coastal town with a lively fish market, and traditional ketti-maran (catamaran) fishing boats scudding across the waters - the capital, Colombo, is a short distance away, too. Head down to the water to catch the sunset and spot locals bringing in the day's catch. For those arriving in time, our tour leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 6pm for a welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you're free to arrive in Negombo at any time. If you'd like an airport transfer, you'll need to arrive into Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), which is a 30-minute drive from our hotel. If you miss the welcome meeting, your tour leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, you might like to head to the beach or make use of the hotel facilities which include a swimming pool.

Accommodation

Earls Regent Hotel

day 2Game drive in Wilpattu National Park; drive to Anuradhapura

day 3Walk up Mihintale Mount, explore Dambulla cave temples, drive to Sigiriya

day 4Climb Lion Rock at sunrise, drive to Kandy

day 5Visit highlands tea producer, drive to Koggala beach via Galle Fort

day 6Free time to explore Galle, whale watching (seasonal) or time to relax at Koggala Beach

day 7Fly to the Maldives and join trip in Male

day 8Sail to Vavuu Atoll and explore Kuda Boli

day 9Snorkel in the clear waters of the Vaavu Atoll

day 10Cruise to Felidhoo Island

day 11Shipwreck snorkel. Visit the traditional village of Fulidhoo. Bodu Beru drum display

day 12Nurse shark reef snorkel before sailing to South Malee Atoll

day 13Sail to Male stopping to snorkel at Maafushi Coral Garden and Stingray Point

day 14Trip ends in Male

What's Included

Accommodation

Earls Regent Hotel (1 night)Lakeside at Nuwarawewa (1 night)Kassapa Lions Rock (1 night)Hotel Casamara Kandy (1 night)Koggala Beach Hotel (2 nights)The Somerset Hotel (1 night)Aboard Dhoni (6 nights)

Meals

13 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 7 Dinners

Transport

Driver(s)Bus4WD

Guide

Explore Tour Leader

Others

Naturalist(s)

What's Excluded

Customer Reviews

5.0

based on 7 reviews

Availability

Loading availability...

Monthly Price Comparison

Good to Know

Travel Insurance

Visa

Other Practical Information

Do you need help from our trip consultants?

If you have any question about this tour or need help with planning a trip, please do not hesitate to get in touch with us.

Our travel experts are ready to help.

Why Book with Bookmundi

No credit card or booking fees.

Best price guaranteed.

Carbon neutral tours.

25,000+ trip reviews, with an average rating of 4.8 out of 5.

What are customers saying about Bookmundi

4.67/5

Excellent based on 850 customer reviews from

Karen

Problem-free booking and service right through the process

3 weeks ago

Similar Tours You Might Like

Discover our top tours similar to Highlights of Sri Lanka + Maldive Dhoni Cruise that you might like.

Family Sri Lanka and Maldives Adventure

4.0(5 reviews)

Looking for a trip that blends cultural immersion with tropical relaxation? The "Family Sri Lanka and Maldives Adventure" tour package delivers exactly that, taking you from the vibrant streets of Colombo to the tranquil atolls of the Maldives over 15 unforgettable days. Designed with experienced travelers in mind and rated as 'easy' for physical activity, this small-group journey combines the best of active exploration and laid-back island life. Begin your adventure in Sri Lanka, where the itinerary immerses you in the country’s highlights. Wander through the historic city of Kandy, marvel at ancient sites, and venture deep into lush jungles for a blend of sightseeing and outdoor fun. A standout moment is the safari in Udawalawe National Park—a true wildlife enthusiast’s dream. Here, you’ll have the chance to spot herds of wild elephants, buffalos, wild boars, and crocodiles in their natural habitat, making for a thrilling and memorable experience. For those who relish unique accommodations, two nights in a jungle lodge promise something special. You’ll be close to nature, enjoying sunset lake cruises, guided nature trails, and local cooking demonstrations, capped by a dinner under the stars. This setting provides an authentic taste of Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity and warm hospitality. After ten days of action-packed discovery, the tempo shifts as you head to the Maldives. The tour’s unique selling point is the relaxing multi-day cruise aboard a traditional Dhoni, a local wooden boat. Glide between idyllic islands, snorkel over vibrant coral reefs, and swim in crystal-clear waters. Sunbathing on deck and exploring hidden lagoons, you’ll truly unwind in paradise. The Dhoni cruise offers a rare opportunity to experience Maldivian island life from the water—an experience not found on typical tours. Throughout your journey, all accommodation, transport, and meals are thoughtfully arranged, ensuring a seamless and comfortable experience. This tour package is perfect for travelers who want to tick off bucket-list destinations while enjoying a balance of adventure and relaxation. Whether you’re intrigued by Sri Lanka’s ancient wonders or drawn to the Maldives’ turquoise seas, this trip guarantees memories to last a lifetime.

15 days

Sri Lanka in Depth + Maldive Dhoni Cruise

5.0(13 reviews)

Venture beyond the guidebook with the "Sri Lanka in Depth + Maldive Dhoni Cruise" tour package. This 22-day journey is tailored for experienced travelers seeking an easy-paced, comprehensive exploration of Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture and wildlife, paired with a tranquil sailing experience in the Maldives. Start your adventure in Sri Lanka, where ancient capitals like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the mystical Lion’s Rock at Sigiriya, and the gilded temples of Dambulla await. Savor the cool breezes in Kandy’s hill country, tour tea plantations, and taste authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, from spicy curries to fresh seafood. Safari lovers will thrill at jeep excursions in Wilpattu and Udawalawe National Parks, searching for leopards, elephants, and more. The journey’s unique selling point comes with its seamless extension into the Maldives. Spend seven days aboard a traditional Dhoni, gliding over turquoise waters, snorkeling vibrant reefs, and unwinding on pristine beaches—an idyllic contrast to your Sri Lankan adventures. With all accommodation, transport, and meals arranged, this trip offers a rare blend of deep cultural immersion and pure relaxation. Perfect for travelers who want to experience both the wonders of Sri Lanka and the serenity of the Maldives in a single, unforgettable tour.

22 days

Maldive Dhoni Cruise

5.0(18 reviews)

Sail away from the everyday on the Maldive Dhoni Cruise, a relaxed 8-day escape through the idyllic atolls of the Maldives. Perfect for experienced travelers seeking serenity, this small group tour invites you to board a traditional dhoni and journey through crystal-clear waters, visiting unspoiled islands and remote fishing communities. Each day unfolds with opportunities for swimming and snorkeling among vibrant reefs, where manta rays, turtles, and clownfish glide through the turquoise sea. Experience the authentic side of the Maldives as you learn about local life in traditional villages, far from the typical tourist routes. The unique allure of this tour package lies in its immersive island-hopping adventure, offering access to pristine beaches and untouched reefs. With accommodation, transport, meals, and expert guidance included, this journey delivers the Maldives’ hidden beauty in a truly memorable way.

8 days

Highlights of Sri Lanka

5.0(11 reviews)

Sri Lanka’s highlights come alive on this carefully crafted 7-day tour package, offering an easy-paced introduction for experienced travelers. From Negombo to Colombo, you’ll experience the island’s spiritual depth, ancient wonders, and sun-soaked beaches. Kick off your adventure with a thrilling jeep safari in Wilpattu National Park, searching for elusive leopards, elephants, and sambar deer. Scale the dramatic heights of Sigiriya’s Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and take in panoramic views of the plains below. In Dambulla, marvel at the painted cave temple filled with Buddha statues, and enjoy a memorable meal with a local family. This trip focuses on sightseeing and gentle exploration, with all accommodation, meals, and transport included. The unique selling point is its efficient yet immersive approach—packing Sri Lanka’s most iconic experiences into a single, stress-free week. Perfect for those wanting a rich taste of the island’s culture, history, and wildlife in a compact tour package.

7 days

Sri Lanka - 12 Day Adventure Tour

Sri Lanka’s breathtaking diversity awaits on the "Sri Lanka - 12 Day Adventure Tour," carefully crafted for spirited young adults seeking both excitement and connection. Journey from misty mountain hikes and lush tea plantations to golden beaches and wildlife-rich national parks. Chase wild elephants, play cricket with locals, visit ancient temples, and spot dolphins—every day brings a new adventure. Led by both an expert company guide and a knowledgeable Sri Lankan, you’ll enjoy seamless travel, comfortable accommodations, and the freedom to immerse in local flavors and traditions. The unique highlight? An optional Maldives extension for those craving even more tropical paradise. This tour’s USP is its perfect balance of action, culture, and relaxation—making it an unforgettable way to experience Sri Lanka.

12 days

Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure

5.0(8 reviews)

From the cultural pulse of Sri Lanka to the tranquil islands of the Maldives, the "Sri Lanka & Maldives Adventure" tour is a 14-day cruise that weaves together two unforgettable worlds. Starting in Negombo and concluding in Male, you’ll experience Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, spice gardens, and wildlife safaris before setting sail on a traditional dhoni boat across the Maldives’ atoll paradise. Ideal for travelers who crave both cultural immersion and idyllic relaxation, this tour is highlighted by a week-long cruise with endless opportunities for snorkeling and beachcombing. Accommodation, transport, and meals are all included, ensuring a seamless journey. The USP lies in the rare combination of land-based exploration and an exclusive Maldives sailing adventure, providing a diverse getaway few trips can match.

14 days

Sri Lanka & Maldives Discovery 12D/11N

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey with the "Sri Lanka & Maldives Discovery 12D/11N" tour package, designed for young adventurers and culture enthusiasts. Starting in Negombo and concluding in Male, this guided small group trip uncovers Sri Lanka’s ancient cities, tea plantations, UNESCO-listed sites, and wildlife-filled national parks. Scenic train rides and hands-on cultural activities add to the experience before the adventure transitions to the Maldives’ idyllic beaches for ultimate relaxation. The unique selling point: a seamless blend of heritage, nature, and tropical paradise in one extraordinary exploration.

12 days

Discover Sri Lanka

5.0(257 reviews)

Let the diverse wonders of Sri Lanka captivate you on this 15-day wildlife adventure, perfect for seniors seeking both relaxation and discovery. "Discover Sri Lanka" takes you from ancient Buddhist temples and the awe-inspiring Sigiriya fortress to the lush highlands of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, and the leopard-rich wilds of Yala National Park. Relax on the palm-fringed beaches of the south and savor the country’s renowned cuisine and welcoming spirit. With a moderate activity level, this trip balances cultural exploration and nature-based excitement, offering a unique selling point: an expertly guided tour through one of Asia’s most varied and hospitable destinations, all at a comfortable pace.

Europe Tours

Asia Tours

South America Tours

Africa Tours

North America Tours

Oceania Tours

Polar Tours

Sightseeing, attractions, culture and history Tours

Adventure and sport Tours

Wildlife, landscapes and nature Tours

Boat tours, water sports and marine wildlife Tours

Beach, romance, getaways and relaxation Tours

Food, wine, events and nightlife Tours

Air tours, road trips and transfers Tours

Special interests and hobbies Tours

Hi there

Highlights