Family Sri Lanka and Maldives Adventure

This two-week holiday begins on Sri Lanka’s Indian Ocean coast, where time allowing, a welcome meeting over dinner sets the tone. The itinerary threads north to Sigiriya and the adjoining Back of Beyond jungle lodge, where the day ends under the stars with a night walk hoping to spot the elusive Grey Slender Loris. From here, it moves inland for a jeep safari through Udawalawe National Park searching for wild elephants and to the hill town of Nuwara Eliya – known locally as 'Little England' – travelling through tea plantations by train or private vehicle.

After a few days exploring both cultural sights like Polonnaruwa’s colossal Buddhas and the Dutch Fort at Galle, the trip shifts dramatically to four nights on a Dhoni, a traditional Maldivian boat. Cabins are small but comfortable, and days are for snorkelling reefs, swimming, fishing or relaxing on sandbanks. Local entertainment aboard includes Boduberu drumming by island performers. Meals reflect fresh catches and simple curries, served on deck or in the modest dining room.

Organised by Explore Worldwide as a small-group holiday, this trip balances active travel with stretches of free time, and the pace varies greatly—from early starts and jeep rides to laid-back afternoons on tropical shores.

These are the places the trip visits, in order. Explore Worldwide publishes the day-by-day itinerary on its own site.