Itinerary Sri Lanka and the Maldives: an amazing trip

Putting together an itinerary for Sri Lanka and the Maldives is not so easy. Even though these two countries are close to each other, you need to take a few things into account. Don’t panic! Below we tell you everything you need to know about Sri Lanka and Maldives travel itinerary with tips for the destinations.

In this itinerary Sri Lanka and Maldives we link to comprehensive blogs of the destinations. Click on the link to instantly see the best activities and attractions for each destination.

The best travel time for the Maldives

It is always wise to consider the best travel time. In Sri Lanka there are two monsoons (rainy seasons) so the best travel time is divided between the northeast coast and the southwest coast. Read all about the best travel time for Sri Lanka here.

The best travel time for the Maldives is from November through April. During this period, there is the least chance of rain, making it the best time to travel to the Maldives. Have you planned your vacation outside this period? Then you can still travel to the Maldives, but there is a chance of (heavy) rain.

Where does the Sri Lanka and Maldives itinerary start?

We start our Sri Lanka and Maldives itinerary in the Sri Lankan capital Colombo at the airport. From the airport, you can catch a cab to the small fishing village of Negombo, where you spend the night so that you can start your Sri Lanka and Maldives travel itinerary fresh and fruity the next day.

Accommodation in Negombo: Sujeewani Villa is a lovely accommodation in Negombo with a swimming pool where you can recover from your long journey. The next day, you will also be served a delicious breakfast right away, allowing you to leave for your next destination with lots of energy. In addition, Kingz Kottage is also a fantastic option, where you can also use the pool all day and where you can sleep from as little as €25 per night!

Route in Sri Lanka

Below we will start with the Sri Lanka and Maldives itinerary, but there is one thing only you can answer. Since you will also be visiting the Maldives, you need to ask yourself if you want to spend time on the beach in Sri Lanka as well.

We would recommend including maybe one beach destination in your itinerary so you can relax for a while. But, if you don’t have much time, you may want to skip the beach in Sri Lanka altogether. After all, there is an awful lot to see and do in the interior of Sri Lanka, and you are going to enjoy the beach in the Maldives anyway. So it is entirely up to you and your own preferences whether you want to travel to the coast in Sri Lanka as well.

Start your itinerary Sri Lanka and Maldives in Anuradhapura and Wilpattu National Park: 2 days

Once the capital of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is known for its impressive number of Buddhist temples, scattered throughout both the old and new parts of the city. Head out in the morning with a guide to learn about the rich history of this special place – incredibly interesting. We went out with guide Siri, who told us a lot about Buddhism and the culture of Sri Lanka. You can reach him at +94 76 606 6976. Check out more tips on what to do in Anuradhapura here.

The very next day it is time for your (first) safari in Sri Lanka. In Wilpattu National Park there is a great chance to see leopards – a unique experience. With some luck you’ll even spot the rare sloth bear, among all sorts of other animals. As far as we are concerned, Sineth is the perfect guide for Wilpattu: even if you don’t encounter many animals, he makes for a great day. Send him a message at +94 78 396 6538. Do do so well in advance because he is hugely popular and thus quickly booked up.

Staying overnight in Anuradhapura: the Hotel Heladiv is a wonderful place to stay, especially since it is one of the few accommodations with a pool – ideal for cooling off after a hot morning of visiting temples. For those looking for a cheap option, the Lake Wave Hotel comes highly recommended. In fact, the host’s mother cooks delectable local dishes here, so don’t skip dinner!

Sigiriya: 2 days

Sigiriya is a charming village located just a two-hour drive from Anuradhapura. It is best known for the famous Lion Rock and the now popular Pidurangala Rock, from where you have a great view of the Lion Rock itself. We found Sigiriya to be one of the nicest spots on this Sri Lanka and Maldives itinerary.

Besides climbing these impressive rock formations, you can also go on an elephant safari in the Minneriya National Park in the area – a great experience! The safari lasts only half a day, so you can easily combine it with other activities in Sigiriya. For example, you can participate in a cooking workshop, where you will learn how to make your own delicious rice & curry. Or let your creative side speak for itself during a workshop where you make your own wooden figurine. For more inspiration and tips on what to do in Sigiriya, continue reading here.

Staying overnight in Sigiriya: Isanka Lion Lodge is a fine place with a swimming pool – great after an active day of climbing. Rooms are comfortable and available from as little as €40 per night. Should this accommodation be full, Sigiri Shen Residence is an excellent alternative. This place gets very good reviews and also serves a delicious breakfast.

Kandy: 1 day

Often considered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is the second largest city in the country after Colombo. Although the range of tourist activities here is somewhat more limited than in other places, a visit to Kandy is definitely worthwhile. One of the highlights is the famous Temple of the Tooth, where, according to tradition, a tooth of Buddha is kept, a sacred place that really should not be missed.

In the evening, immerse yourself in the culture of Sri Lanka at the Kandy Lake Club. Here traditional Sri Lankan dance performances are performed, complete with colorful costumes, rhythmic drums and impressive fire acts. A special experience that gives you an insight into the country’s ancient customs. Wondering what else you can do in this city? Check out all of our 12 tips for Kandy here!

Staying in Kandy: Serene Home in Kandy you choose mainly because of the fantastic host Sri. He is so incredibly kind, prepares a delicious breakfast and wants to take you everywhere. Is Serene Home fully booked? Then choose Kingsman House where you stay in a beautiful old colonial house.

Optional from Kandy: multi-day hike in Knuckles Forest Reserve

From Kandy, you can take a beautiful (multi-day) hike through the Knuckles Forest Reserve. Knuckles is still surprisingly unknown to many travelers and we don’t understand why. The nature here is breathtaking. Instead of the familiar tea fields Sri Lanka is known for, here you hike past green rice terraces, dense forests and misty mountain peaks. It truly felt like a hidden gem to us.

Knuckles surprised us tremendously and if you have room in your travel itinerary Sri Lanka and the Maldives, we definitely recommend this experience. It is the perfect place to immerse yourself in the pristine nature of Sri Lanka. Wondering how to arrange such a hike, which guide to book and what not to forget? Read all the practical tips for an unforgettable adventure in Knuckles Forest Reserve here.

Train journey from Kandy to Ella (or Nuwara Eliya)

From Kandy, travel further south on Sri Lanka’s most famous train: the route from Kandy to Ella. This train journey is often cited as one of the most beautiful in the world. You ride through the central highlands of Sri Lanka as the train slowly winds through the hilly landscape.

To get the most out of this special ride, we’ve listed all our tips for you. From where and when to best book your tickets to which side of the train you absolutely must sit on for the best views. You can read it all in our article about the train journey from Kandy to Ella.

Optional: Nuwara Eliya: 1 day or 2 days

If you have a little more time in your Sri Lanka and Maldives itinerary, a stop in Nuwara Eliya is definitely worth it. This charming place is located at an altitude of 1,800 meters, which makes for a pleasantly cool climate. It is the starting point for a hike through Horton Plains National Park, a beautiful nature reserve culminating in World’s End. Leave early in the morning for your hike and then travel directly to perhaps the nicest village in Sri Lanka: Ella.

Staying overnight in Nuwara Eliya: Zion is a super nice hotel with a friendly owner. You’ll immediately enjoy a beautiful view of Nuwara Eliya here. You can also choose the Siril Guesthouse Hotel, which is a kind of hostel and hotel in one. It’s nice and social and you immediately meet nice fellow travelers.

Ella: 3 days

Ella is without a doubt the nicest village in Sri Lanka as far as we are concerned. Especially for lovers of hiking, it is a true paradise. The area is filled with beautiful hikes – including several stages of the Pekoe Trail – and the relaxed atmosphere in the village makes it easy to linger here a little longer.

One of the most popular hikes is the one to Ella Rock, where you will be rewarded with breathtaking views. Prefer a slightly shorter hike? Then combine Little Adam’s Peak with a visit to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge. In addition, you can also take a fun cooking workshop in Ella and work on Sri Lankan curries yourself, or just relax at the beach clubs in the hills. In summary: there is always something to do in Ella. Check out our 15 best tips for Ella here to make the most of your visit!

Staying overnight in Ella: Charming View Homestay offers one of the most beautiful views in Ella. You look all over the green valley and you can even see the Ella Rock. It’s great to sit here in front of your room and enjoy nature. Third Eye Ella is also a good option, right in the center of Ella, yet you feel like you are in a quiet area. The good accommodations in Ella fill up quickly so book your hotel soon.

Optional: Arugam Bay on the east coast

If you travel to Sri Lanka between April and September and want to go to the beach, Arugam Bay is a great place to stay. You can surf incredibly well here, there is a lot of fun and the beaches around Arugam Bay are beautiful. You can also go to the Kumana National park here to go on safari, which is really cool.

Lodging in Arugam Bay: Forcus Cabanas sits in a prime location on the main street of Arugam Bay. If you are looking for a hostel in Arugam Bay we can definitely recommend the social Little Lagoon Hostel. Finally, you can also opt for Maccan’s Village where you can get a room from as little as €17 per night with a pool! The good accommodations are booked up quickly in Arugam Bay so don’t wait too long to book.

Kingdom Ecolodge: 3 days

Just below Ella, near Yala National Park, lies the unique Kingdom Ecolodge. This special place offers one set program that everyone follows, so you always book a package of 3 days and 2 nights. During your stay you will go on safari to spot wild elephants, learn more about the impressive nature of Sri Lanka and sleep in the middle of the wilderness in cozy tree houses. An experience never to be forgotten.

Book directly via WhatsApp with Dim, the owner: +94 77948 0480. Want to know exactly what to expect? Read all the details about the Kingdom Ecolodge here.

Optional: the south coast of Sri Lanka

Now you can still visit the south coast of Sri Lanka, with the quaint village of Hiriketiya or lively Weligama. You can surf well at both destinations and of course relax at the beach. However, we can imagine that you would prefer to spend more time inland (e.g. do the hike in Knuckles and/or visit Nuwara Eliya), so that you can travel on to the Maldives afterwards.

Continue the Sri Lanka and Maldives itinerary: on to the most beautiful beaches!

We have arrived at the final part of the Sri Lanka and Maldives itinerary. From Colombo you will fly in 1.5 hours to the capital of the Maldives: Malé. We recommend flying early in the morning so you can still get the most out of your first day in the Maldives.

Which island to visit in the Maldives in this itinerary?

Which island you want to visit in the Maldives you can only decide for yourself. We visited Maafushi, Fulidhoo and Dhigurah and each island is really different.

You visit Maafushi mainly if you want to do a lot of activities, such as snorkeling, diving, whale sharks, nurse sharks, and island tours. From Maafushi you can do almost anything and that’s what makes it so much fun. At the same time, Maafushi is definitely not the most beautiful island in the Maldives. There is a lot of high-rise buildings, little paradise and also the water is not as beautifully clear blue as on the other islands.

Fulidhoo and Dhigurah, on the other hand, are true paradises where you don’t do much other than chill and relax. From these islands there is one snorkeling tour and that’s it. Very peaceful and idyllic, but not ideal for those who want to do some more activities.

So you really have to decide for yourself what is important to you during your stay in the Maldives. We really liked the variety. We first spent a few days on Maafushi, where we did a lot of activities and enjoyed all the fun the island has to offer. Then we spent a few days doing absolutely nothing on the beautiful beaches of Fulidhoo and Dhigurah.

So decide for yourself how much time you have in the Maldives and make a choice if you choose one island, or maybe combine 2 islands as well. We have written an awful lot of tips for the Maldives, you can find them here.

Staying overnight in the Maldives

You may also want to go for a resort island, which of course is a truly unforgettable experience. You easily pay more than €1,000 per night, but to make things a little easier, we’ve listed the top 8 best budget resorts in the Maldives, where you can sleep for much less than €1,000 per night.

The best hotels on Maafushi are Kaani Palm Beach and Arena Beach. Both hotels have infinity rooftop pools, from which you look directly out over the beautiful blue sea. Located on bikini beach, it is the best value for money you are going to find on Maafushi.

Travel itinerary Sri Lanka and the Maldives summarized