Sri Lanka and the Maldives are next-door neighbours, which makes them one of the world's great twin-centre holidays: temples, tea country and safaris first, then pure relaxation over the water. Here's how to put them together.
Why combine them?
The Maldives is all about beaches, reefs and quiet; Sri Lanka adds culture, mountains, wildlife and food. Flights between Colombo and Malé are short, roughly an hour and a half, so you lose very little time moving between them.
Which order works best?
Most travellers do Sri Lanka first and finish in the Maldives. You do the active touring while you have energy, and end the holiday relaxing. It also means any delays on Sri Lanka's roads don't affect a fixed island transfer at the end.
How many days?
Ten days in Sri Lanka and four or five nights in the Maldives makes a balanced two-week trip. With only ten days in total, spend six or seven in Sri Lanka, focusing on the Cultural Triangle, Kandy and the hills, and skip the Sri Lankan beaches.
A sample 14-day itinerary
- Day 1: Arrive in Colombo; drive to the Cultural Triangle.
- Days 2–3: Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and an elephant safari.
- Days 4–5: Kandy and the Temple of the Tooth.
- Days 6–7: Tea country and the scenic train to Ella.
- Day 8: Udawalawe or Yala safari, then the south coast.
- Day 9: Galle Fort, then a night near the airport.
- Day 10: Fly Colombo to Malé.
- Days 10–14: Relax in the Maldives.
Best time to go
From roughly December to April, both destinations are at their best for most travellers, with the south and west coasts of Sri Lanka in season. From May to September, plan Sri Lanka's beach time on the east coast, and check Maldives weather for your resort.
Honeymooners
This combination is especially popular for honeymoons. Add a tea-estate bungalow in the hills and a private sunset safari in Sri Lanka before the overwater villa.
Frequently asked questions
How long is the flight from Sri Lanka to the Maldives?
Roughly an hour and a half between Colombo and Malé.
Should I visit Sri Lanka or the Maldives first?
Most travellers do Sri Lanka first for touring, then relax in the Maldives at the end.
Can you arrange the Sri Lanka part of my trip?
Yes. We plan and drive the Sri Lanka section and can time your airport transfer for the Maldives flight.
