Maldives & Sri Lanka Cultural Journey

Located just an hour away from the airport, this elegant, tea plantation bungalow, set within 50 acres of lush grounds, presents a comfortable and stylish way to begin your journey.

The garden is full of wildlife and the farm is home to livestock (including ponies and buffalo), whilst the kitchen serves up a variety of delicious, traditional Sri Lankan dishes. Take a dip in the saltwater pool, explore the extensive grounds, or venture a little further with visits to nearby villages by bike for a deeper taste of the area’s beautiful countryside.

Luckily, Sri Lanka has 26 National Parks where creatures large and small can be glimpsed with help from expert guides. Wilpattu is the largest, offering sightings of elephants, crocodiles and deer, as well as a plethora of exotic birdlife, between its lakes known as ‘villus’. The park is also home to the elusive leopard, with dusk and dawn being the best times to head out in the hope of a sighting.

Located on the edge of the National Park, Wilpattu Safari Camp’s intimate set-up is easy to reach by road and offers a really special glamping experience. Managed by a team of wildlife photographers and active conservationists, it offers valuable insight into the conservation issues in the park and the measures being taken to mitigate them, as well as experts to guide you to the most considerate observation spots.

Learn about the impact of development on the archipelago’s coral reefs and the initiatives fighting for their conservation, such as Save the Beach. This inspiring NGO works to maintain the Maldives’ aquatic ecosystems by monitoring the reef, organising beach cleans and boosting local engagement through education programs.

Hop across to Hulhumale, nestled in the North Malé Atoll, to discover an island which offers a down-to-earth alternative to the flagship Maldives opulence. While it may not boast a 5-star resort, Hulhumale is the perfect hidden gateway to the Maldives. There is a selection of cafes, restaurants and shops where you can rub shoulders with the locals, and a stretch of sandy beach that’s perfect for a leisurely swim.

Back in the capital, discover the delights of Malé city as you listen to the stories of Hukuru Miskiy (the Friday Mosque), take in the sights, sounds and smells at the markets, and learn the deeper  history of this unusual cluster of islands.

The island is deeply connected to the fishing industry, providing an ideal opportunity to learn about the Maldives’ fishing heritage and its cultural significance. Gain insights into the pioneering sustainable practices employed by local fishermen, highlighting their dedication to maintaining a delicate ecological balance, and learn about the valuable work of the Manta Trust who focus on environmental monitoring and manta ray studies.

Snorkel over Ukulhas’s house reef, which is accessible straight from the beach, in seas teeming with marine life including turtles, stingrays, eagle rays and reef sharks. Embark on a sunset kayaking or SUP tour, paddling through the serene lagoon as the setting sun turns the sky pink, or relax with a picnic lunch on a nearby sandbank or uninhabited desert island.