Sri Lanka and the Maldives are neighbours in the Indian Ocean, about an hour and a half apart by plane, yet a holiday in each is completely different.
Sri Lanka: a holiday with plenty to see
- Tea plantations and waterfalls in the hills around Nuwara Eliya
- Ancient cities and temples: Sigiriya, Kandy, Dambulla
- Safaris in Yala or Udawalawe national parks, with elephants and leopards
- Long beaches on the south and west coasts for the end of the trip
Sri Lanka suits travellers who get bored spending the whole holiday on a sunbed, and it costs noticeably less than the Maldives.
The Maldives: a holiday of complete rest
- One island, one hotel: most resorts take up a whole island
- Overwater villas, white sand and very clear water
- Some of the best snorkelling and diving in the world, right from the beach
The Maldives are ideal for a honeymoon or a quiet week for two. Plan for a bigger budget: you will eat at the resort, and the transfer by speedboat or seaplane adds to the cost too.
When to go
For both, the best months are November to April. The east coast of Sri Lanka is the exception: its season runs from May to September.
Or both at once
Many travellers combine them: a week touring Sri Lanka, then four or five days of rest in the Maldives. A ProTravel manager can put the whole route together for you.
