As far as we’re concerned, a tour of Sri Lanka and the Maldives is one of the most beautiful combinations you can put together. You start with the adventure of Sri Lanka – think train journeys, wildlife and temples – and finish off in the Maldives with white beaches and crystal-clear blue water. As these countries are only an hour and a half’s flight apart, this is not only a great but also a logical combination. And it’s worth noting that the Maldives are no longer just for luxury holidays. Even on a smaller budget, you can enjoy a few days there. In this blog, we’ll help you plan your trip step by step: from the best itinerary and time of year to costs and practical tips.
General information about Sri Lanka
Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Then be sure to check out our tips for the best travel period, the daily budget and applying for a visa. Find all information on Sri Lanka here.
1. Why Sri Lanka and the Maldives go so well together
If you ask us, Sri Lanka and the Maldives complement each other perfectly. In Sri Lanka, you’re constantly on the move: from temples and train journeys to wildlife and beaches. In the Maldives, the pace slows right down and it’s all about relaxing, snorkelling and simply having nothing to do. It’s precisely this contrast that makes this combination so ideal: you start with adventure and variety, and then round off your trip with tranquillity and tropical beaches.
2. What is the best itinerary for a tour of Sri Lanka and the Maldives?
We’ve actually already mentioned this, but if you ask us, this is the best order: First Sri Lanka, then the Maldives. Sri Lanka is lively and varied. You’ll be travelling a lot, seeing plenty, and the pace is often quite fast. That’s precisely why it’s wonderful to round off your trip in the Maldives. Would you like to see our full itinerary for Sri Lanka? Then do read our blog: Sri Lanka itinerary: a complete itinerary for 2, 3 or 4 weeks.
How many days do you need?
Our honest advice: allow at least 14 to 17 days for this trip. During that time, you can spend around 12 to 14 days travelling through Sri Lanka and round off the trip with 3 to 5 days in the Maldives. If you have a bit more time, the trip will be a lot more relaxed.
Personally, we’d recommend spending at least two weeks travelling around Sri Lanka, so you can really get a feel for the country. For the Maldives, 3 to 5 days are often enough, unless you want to visit several islands. Do you have less than two weeks? Then we’d recommend choosing either Sri Lanka or just the Maldives. Otherwise, your trip will soon feel too rushed.
Sample itinerary for a tour of Sri Lanka and the Maldives (3 weeks)
Fortunately, combining a trip to Sri Lanka with a visit to the Maldives is very straightforward. The flight from Colombo to Malé takes about 1½ hours. A logical itinerary would be:
- 2 to 3 weeks in Sri Lanka
- flight from Colombo to Malé
- 3 to 5 days in the Maldives
- return flight from Malé or back to Sri Lanka
View the day-to-day schedule
To give you a good idea of the pace of the trip, we’ve put together an example below of a three-week tour of Sri Lanka, combined with the Maldives. This will show you exactly how you can combine these two destinations effectively. Use this as inspiration and adapt it to suit your own preferences and pace.
Day 1: Arrival Colombo / Negombo
Day 2: Travel to Wilpattu National Park
Day 3: Wilpattu National Park + trips to Anuradhapura
Day 4: Anuradhapura
Day 5: Travel to Sigiriya
Day 6: Sigiriya
Day 7: Travelling to Kandy
Day 8: Travelling to Nuwara Eliya
Day 9: Nuwara Eliya
Day 10: Travel to Ella
Day 11: Travel to Hiriketiya
Day 12: Hiriketiya
Day 13: Hiriketiya
Day 14: Travelling to Weligama or Ahangama
Day 15: Weligama or Ahangama
Day 16: Weligama or Ahangama (day trip to Galle Fort)
Day 17: Flight from Colombo to Malé
Day 18: Maldives
Day 19: Maldives
Day 20: Maldives
Day 21: Return trip to the Netherlands
As you can see, the focus is mainly on Sri Lanka, and you’ll finish with a few days in the Maldives. Would you like a more relaxed break? Then add one or two extra days in the Maldives. Are you short on time? Then shorten your itinerary in Sri Lanka slightly, but always make sure you have at least 3 days left for the Maldives.
3. How do you travel from Sri Lanka to the Maldives?
There are direct flights between Colombo and Malé, and the flight time is around 1.5 hours. This means you don’t need to set aside a whole day for the journey and you’ll be in the Maldives in no time. We chose to fly back to Sri Lanka after our stay in the Maldives, but you could also look for a ticket where you fly to Colombo and return home from Malé. You can easily compare options via, for example, Skyscanner.
Just bear in mind that you’re not quite there yet once you’ve arrived in Malé. Depending on which island you’re staying on, you’ll need to travel on by speedboat, domestic flight or seaplane. Are you staying at a resort? If so, your transfer will almost always be arranged for you. If you’re heading to a local island, it’s important to sort this out properly in advance. In most cases, your accommodation will arrange this for you or they’ll be able to tell you exactly how to get there.
4. Do I need a visa for Sri Lanka and the Maldives?
You need a visa for both countries, but fortunately this is also very easy to arrange. For Sri Lanka, you apply for an ETA (visa) online in advance. This takes just a few minutes and grants you entry to the country for 30 days.
Important to note: the Sri Lankan visa is a double-entry visa, which means you are allowed to enter and leave Sri Lanka twice within those 30 days. Are you planning to return to Sri Lanka first after visiting the Maldives? If so, please make sure your visa is still valid. If it has expired, you will need to apply for a new visa.
You don’t need to make any arrangements in advance for the Maldives. On arrival, you’ll automatically be issued with a free 30-day visa, provided you can show a return ticket and proof of accommodation. Would you like to know exactly how to apply for a visa for Sri Lanka? Then take a look at our blog on applying for a visa for Sri Lanka (COMING SOON).
5. Where is the best place to stay in the Maldives?
This is perhaps the most important decision of your entire trip. Not because there aren’t any beautiful places, but precisely because the Maldives consists of a huge number of islands and your experience varies enormously depending on the type of accommodation you choose.
Local islands
Personally, this is our favourite option because it means the Maldives remain affordable. So if you want to keep your holiday in the Maldives affordable, a local island is usually the best choice. Think of islands such as Maafushi, Dhiffushi, Thulusdhoo, Fulidhoo or Dhigurah. On these islands, you’ll find guesthouses, smaller hotels and restaurants at a much more budget-friendly price than at private resorts. We’ve only stayed on Maafushi ourselves and would definitely recommend this island.
1TP79 Islands
If you’re looking for that iconic villa overlooking the water, a private beach, an all-inclusive package and ultimate tranquillity, then a resort is the place for you. That’s wonderful, of course, but it’s also the most expensive part of your trip. On the islands, you’ll generally pay between €60 and €120 per night, whereas resorts tend to start at around €200 to €500+ per night, with higher prices for water villas and more luxurious resorts. Please treat these figures as a rough guide only, as prices vary significantly depending on the season and the island.
The sensible middle ground
Another great option is a combination of both. Chances are the Maldives have been on your bucket list for a while, so why not have the best of both worlds? For example, spend a few nights on a local island and add a single night or a day pass at a resort. That way, you can travel on a budget whilst still experiencing that luxurious Maldives vibe.
6. Which island in the Maldives would you choose?
The Maldives consists of thousands of islands, and each island has its own atmosphere and price range. If you’re combining a trip to Sri Lanka with a visit to the Maldives, it’s a good idea to choose an island that’s easily accessible from Malé. Especially if you only have a few days, you won’t want to waste time on long transfers.
- Maafushi: a lively and affordable island with plenty of excursions and good transport links
- Thulusdhoo: known for its laid-back atmosphere and good surfingspots
- Ukulhas: a quieter island with beautiful beaches and a focus on sustainability
- Dhiffushi: small-scale and peaceful, perfect if you want to avoid the hustle and bustle
- Fulidhoo: a small, authentic island with a local atmosphere
We decided to go for Maafushi and thought this was the ideal base. The island is affordable, easily accessible and it’s easy to book excursions there.
The best places to stay on Maafushi (budget-friendly Maldives)
Maafushi is one of the best-known local islands, offering a mix of affordable hotels, guesthouses and restaurants, whilst still allowing you to enjoy white sandy beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. Here are a few great options for accommodation:
- Arena Beach Hotel: One of the most popular hotels on Maafushi, right on the beach. The rooms are modern and often offer sea views. Perfect if you’re looking for a little extra comfort, but still want to keep it affordable.
- Kaani Palm Beach: This hotel is situated right on Bikini Beach and has a rooftop swimming pool with views of the ocean. It’s ideal if you’re looking to combine comfort and location.
- Triton Beach Hotel & Spa: A modern hotel offering good value for money and a small swimming pool. It is situated close to the beach, and many excursions set off from here.
7. How much does it cost to combine a trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives?
This is, of course, the question almost everyone asks. And to be honest: the answer depends entirely on how you go about it. Sri Lanka is generally still an affordable destination. Accommodation, food and transport are therefore a fair bit cheaper than in the Maldives. But more expensive doesn’t necessarily mean unaffordable. To give you a good idea, you can roughly think of:
| Component | Price guide |
|---|---|
| Accommodation (on the island) | €60 – €120 per night |
| Resorts | €200 – €500+ per night |
| Resort day pass | €75 – €230+ per person |
| Speedboat transfer | €30 – €60 per person |
| Snorkelling trips | €30 – €60 per person |
| Diving | €60 – €100 per person |
8. When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka and the Maldives?
This is an important point, as Sri Lanka does not have just one simple rainy season. The country lies south-east of India and has two monsoon seasons:
- Southwest monsoon: May to September
- North-east monsoon: October to April
This makes it seem as though there’s never a perfect time to visit Sri Lanka, but in reality it’s not as bad as it seems. During a tour, you might experience the odd short rain shower, but these usually last only one or two hours, after which the sun comes out again.
Best time to visit (in our experience)
Would you like to minimise the chance of rain and combine this trip with a visit to the Maldives? If so, the best months are December to April the most suitable. We travelled there ourselves in February and hardly had any rain. So if you want to follow the classic itinerary through Sri Lanka, go during January, February, March or April.
Are you travelling during the Dutch summer?
You can still enjoy a visit to Sri Lanka, but it’s best to focus on the east coast. Bear in mind, however, that the Maldives are slightly more likely to experience rain during this period. That doesn’t have to spoil your trip, but it’s worth bearing this in mind beforehand.
9. 5 handy tips if you want to combine a trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives
- End your holiday in the Maldives: That might sound obvious, but it really does make a difference. Sri Lanka is more intense and lively. Finishing your trip in the Maldives makes it feel a lot more peaceful!
- Choose your Maldives island based on your travel style: Not every island is right for every traveller. Are you looking for something cheap, sociable and easy-going? Then Maafushi might be the one for you. Do you want more peace and quiet or better snorkelling? Then an island like Dhigurah might be more to your taste.
- Leave some room in your budget for excursions: The Maldives aren’t just a beach destination. In fact, snorkelling, diving, visiting a sandbank or going on a day trip are often the highlights. So make sure you set aside a budget for these in advance.
- Look beyond just resorts: Yes, the water villas are stunning. But there are now plenty of travellers who are showing that the Maldives are special even without a luxury resort. Local islands make this destination more accessible and often offer a more enjoyable mix of island life and excursions.
- Plan your route according to the season: Would you like to combine a visit to the south coast of Sri Lanka with a trip to the Maldives? If so, it’s best to travel between January and April. Would you prefer to go in the summer? In that case, take a closer look at your itinerary through Sri Lanka and accept that you won’t necessarily have absolutely perfect weather in both countries.
Conclusion: is it worth combining a trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives?
Yes, absolutely – but especially if you like a bit of variety. If you’re looking for one long beach holiday, then only the Maldives or the south coast of Sri Lanka make more sense. But if you want wildlife, culture, nature, train journeys, good food and then to round it all off with crystal-clear blue water and white beaches, then this really is a fantastic combination. Precisely because the flight between Colombo and Malé is so short, this combined trip feels much less complicated than it might seem on paper.
As far as we’re concerned, this isn’t just a lovely trip for honeymooners, but also for couples and travellers who want to plan their own trip and get that little bit more out of their holiday.
Frequently asked questions about combining a trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives
1. Where’s the best place to stay in the Maldives?
The Maldives consist of thousands of islands, and your choice depends mainly on your budget and travel style. You can opt for luxury resort islands, or for local islands where accommodation is much more affordable.
Good to know: The Maldives is a Muslim country. On local islands, you are not allowed to walk around in swimwear everywhere. Special “bikini beaches” have been designated for this purpose. These rules do not apply on resort islands.
2. Which islands are best to choose?
If you’re combining Sri Lanka and the Maldives, it’s a good idea to choose an island that’s easily accessible from Malé. Islands with a direct speedboat service are ideal, especially if you only have a few days.
Take, for example, islands such as Maafushi, Thulusdhoo or Ukulhas.
Our advice: Choose an island you can reach without having to take a domestic flight or go through a complicated transfer. That saves time and stress.
3. Can you go island-hopping in the Maldives?
Yes, that’s possible, but it’s not always very practical. Many speedboats only operate within their own region. This means that you sometimes have to return to Malé first in order to travel to another island. Are you short on time? Then it’s best to choose just one island. Do you want to visit several islands? Then make sure they’re all in the same region.
4. What are the best things to do in the Maldives?
The Maldives isn’t just about relaxing. It’s the activities that make your stay truly special. Think of snorkelling amongst sharks and stingrays, a day trip to a luxury resort island, or visiting a sandbank in the middle of the ocean. We booked our trips through ShadowPalm.
Is it within your budget? If so, why not consider spending a night in a water bungalow. That really is the ultimate Maldives experience.
5. Is there internet access in the Maldives and Sri Lanka?
In Sri Lanka, you can easily buy a local SIM card, for example from Dialog. This will give you good coverage in most places. You can often use this SIM card in the Maldives as well, via a roaming package.
Would you like to make it even easier? Then an eSIM from Airalo or Saily a good option. This gives you instant internet access without having to buy or swap a physical SIM card. Read our blog; SIM cards in Sri Lanka: everything you need to know + the best eSIM options For all the information!
Want to know more about Sri Lanka or the Maldives? See here all our blogs on these impressive countries. Prefer an organised trip? Then check out the website of Srilankatravel or Riksjatravel. They have been specialists in organising trips to Sri Lanka for years and offer various combinations with the Maldives.
We try to keep this blog about our ‘tour of Sri Lanka and the Maldives’ as up to date as possible, but we can’t do it without your help. If anything has changed, please let us know via info@thousandtravelmiles.nl.
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