Sri Lanka-Maldives Tour Packages

10 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka and Maldives Tour Package

Sri Lanka is a home to many places for sightseeing covered by these Sri Lanka Maldives travel packages. For religious tours in Sri Lanka, one can visit the various Hindu temples and the city of Anuradhapura which was once the centre of Theravada Buddhism. In Maldives, there are plenty of islands that one can stay at or visit. Some of the most famous are the COMO Cocoa Island, Baros Island, Mihiri Island, Male island where you can for sightseeing at places like the Tsunami Monument, Grand Friday Mosque, Male Fish Market, Sultan Mosque and Male National Museum covered under these Sri Lanka Maldives holiday packages.

1. Nuwara Eliya

What’s Special: Natural Hakgala Botanical Gardens and the ancient Hindu shrine, Seetha Amman Temple

Nearby Attractions: Laxapana, Victoria Randenigala Rantembe Sanctuary, Sri Pada Wilderness Sanctuary, Kandy, Pidurutalagala

Major Attractions: Victoria Park, Pedro Tea Estate, Gregory Lake, Bale Bazaar, Ambewela Farm, Moon Plains, Hakgala Botanical Garden

Distance from City: 171.2 km from Colombo City

Transportation Options: Flight

Sri Lanka is known for a lot of things - one of them is tea. And Nuwara Eliya is the most famous place in Sri Lanka for tea production. Nuwara Eliya, seated at an altitude of 1,900 metres, experiences a temperate climate, and remains Sri Lanka’s tea production capital. During a visit to Nuwara Eliya, tourists can enjoy a tour of the tea plantation and learn a thing or two about tea-making. Nuwara is as old as the 19th century and served as the hill country town retreat for British colonists. Interestingly, Nuwara Eliya had also earned the nickname Little England. Visit Nuwara Eliya during the blossoms time and take part in the celebrations of the Sri Lanka New Year.

2. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

What’s Special: An orphanage, a nursery and the captive breeding ground for wild Asian elephants

Nearby Attractions: Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery, Kegalle

Timings: 8.30 am to 5.30 pm

Distance from City: 93.7 km from Colombo

Transportation Options: Flight

A unique disposition in animal care, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a well-known tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has become so successful and popular over the years that it is now synonymous with the elephants of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is home to 93 elephants at present. The idea of building an orphanage for elephants was originally conceptualized by the late Hon. Minister Kalugalle in 1975. At that time, Pinnawala was not a very developed area, there were coconut plantations, and had the availability of mahouts for the elephants.

3. Polonnaruwa

What’s Special: Main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka

Nearby Attractions: Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park, Dagaba Kiri Vihara, Gal Vihara

Major Attractions: The Audience Hall, The Sacred Quadrangle, The Royal Palace, The Dagaba Kiri Vihara, The Pabalu Vehera

Distance from City: 224 km from Colombo

Transportation Options: Flight

Polonnaruwa is a beautiful city in ruins. If you want to see an incredible mix of architectural marvels and ruins of time, head to Polonnaruwa. The city was ruled by kings many years ago, as early as 800 years, and saw a huge growth in commerce and religious sectors. In ancient Sri Lanka, it was the second oldest kingdom which still remains as one of the important assets of the country. The ruins of the 12th century are preserved even in the present times and serve as an attraction for tourists coming here. Polonnaruwa was mainly popular for exotic goods mingled with worshippers in its temples. Explore the architectural treasures of Polonnaruwa during a tour of Sri Lanka.

4. Adams Peak

What’s Special: Conical mountain; famous for the Sri Pada, i.e., "sacred footprint" of Buddha

Nearby Attractions: Laxapana Falls, Kithulgala, Aberdeen WaterFalls

Timings: Hike starts from 2.30 am

Distance from City: 144 km from Colombo City

Transportation Options: Flight

Soaring up from the edge of the southwestern hill country, Adam’s Peak is one of the most striking natural landmarks in Sri Lanka. Also known as Sri Pada, Adam’s peak is also one of the most celebrated places of pilgrimage in Sri Lanka and its fifth highest peak. It is called Adam’s Peak because of the belief that this the place where Adam first set foot on earth after being banned from heaven; it is known as Sri Pada because of the “Sacred Footprint” of Buddha as he headed towards paradise; and Samanalakande, meaning the Butterfly Mountain.

5. Male

What’s Special: Mosques and colorful buildings

Nearby Attractions: Hulhumale, Hukuru Miskiiy, National Museum, Gulhi Falhu, Thilafushi

Major Attractions: Male Fish Market, Grand Friday Mosque, Artificial Beach, Sinamale Bridge, Sultan Park

Transportation Options: Flight

Male, the capital of Maldives, is the world’s smallest national capital. While Maldives is famous for its blue lagoons and paradisiacal islands, Male is known for its age-old mosques and brightly colored buildings. The beauty and progressiveness of Male is not unknown to the world, and in the present times, it has seen a rapid growth in tourism. Male is also one of the main cities in Maldives. Whether you want to take a walking tour or heritage tour, or just sightseeing, Male is the perfect place for that. There are infinity pool resorts and exquisite restaurants that offer the best of the entire archipelago. Enjoy the soothing views of expansive turquoise waters as the sun sets across the Indian Ocean.

6. Banana Reef

What’s Special: First dive site to be discovered in Maldives

Nearby Attractions: Secret Paradise, Ocean Junkies Dive Centre

Timings: 9 am to 1 pm

Distance from City: 10 km from Male

Transportation Options: Flight to Male then boat or seaplane to Banana Reef

Banana Reef was the premier diving site to be discovered in the North Male Atoll. Ever since its discovery, it has remained as one of the most popular tourist spots in Maldives. Banana reef takes its name from the shape which looks just like a banana. Banana reef is 5 to 30 meters deep , and features several interesting attributes like a pinnacle and a few overhangs. Banana reef is mostly known for its prolific and colorful range of coral formations, extensive varieties of fish, and oriental sweetlips. The area is protected and offers amazing diving opportunities. Get an opportunity to dive in the turquoise blue waters as you swim with groper, sharks, jackfish, blue-striped snapper, etc.You can also enjoy snorkeling along with diving or indulge in land activities such as cliff tour and caves visit.

7. Artificial Beach

What’s Special: Man-made beach

Nearby Attractions: National Museum, Hulhumale, Male Friday Mosque

Distance from City: 1.5 km from Male City Centre

Transportation Options: Flight

Constructed lately in Male, the Artificial beach is a man-made spectacle in the entire archipelago. If you are planning to extend your stay in Male, make sure to include the Artificial beach in your bucket-list. Male has long been known as the hub of commerce, culture and tradition, restaurants and shopping centres. But with the construction of Artificial Beach, Male has become a wholesome destination for tourists. It is ideal for enjoying a long stroll or a regular swim. Other than that, you can also enjoy a host of entertainment activities such as water sports, live music gigs, carnivals and parades.

8. Addu Atoll

What’s Special: Southernmost atoll of the Maldives

Nearby Attractions: Herathera, Thoondu Fuvahmulah, Veyraande Beach

Major Attractions: Addu Nature Park, Villingili, Hithadhoo, Feydhoo, Maradhoo

Distance from City: 535 km from Male

Transportation Options: Flight

The city of Addu is the primary destination of the heart shaped atoll. It is a fast-growing tourist destination which is becoming as famous as Malé in the north. Addu Atoll is a natural anchorage, and was used by the British during the second World War as a secret base against the Japanese. Addu is the hub of administration and economy in the southern atolls, and the second commercialized place in Maldives only after its rival Male. Enjoy diving and recreation at the resorts located here.

9. Fulidhoo

What’s Special: Most inhabited islands of Vaavu Atoll in the north

Nearby Attractions: Di Alberto, Alimatha, Kunavaashi

Major Attractions: Bikiny Beach, Masjid Al Ithar, Fulidhoo Thundi, Faru Kolhu, Fulidhoo Caves

Distance from City: 56 km from Male

Transportation Options: Speedboat, Ferry

Fulidhoo Island, located 55 kms from Male, is the ultimate getaway for a laid back and relaxed destination during the Maldives tour. It is a 3.5 hour ferry ride from Male, offering spectacular views of powdery sand, on the whiter end of the golden scale. Fulidhoo is a tiny island with dimensions 675 by 200 meters, and is inhabited by a small population of 400 people. The beach remains less crowded and you can have it all by yourself! Although Fulidhoo remains lowly populated, you will find a few general stores, souvenir shops, and a mosque here. There are no fancy restaurants or bars but the peaceful location is enough to keep you occupied. Explore the beaches as you slide past by stingrays while taking a walk along the deserted island.

10. Maafushi

What’s Special: Turquoise waters, toasted beaches, and a plethora of exciting water sports.

Nearby Attractions: Naanu Beach, Male, Mahibadhoo, Dhangethi, Maadhoo

Major Attractions: Bikini Beach

Distance from City: 26.2 km from Male

Transportation Options: Ferry

Boasting turquoise waters, exquisite coral reefs, and rich marine life, Maafushi Island is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the Maldives. With gorgeous sunset views and white-sandy beaches, the island is famous for its immense natural beauty. Tourists partake in the various activities and water sports that the island offers, including dolphin safari, snorkelling, shark diving, and scuba diving. There are also an array of eateries that add to the charm of this island and allow tourists to savour Maldivian cuisine. One of the best islands in the Maldives, make sure to explore this gem of a place on your upcoming Maldives vacation.

What is the Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka and the Maldives for a Holiday?

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is from the month of December to the month of April. With a hot and dry climate during this time of year, Sri Lanka blooms with lush greenery and clear blue skies. Tourists are able to enjoy sightseeing and explore the numerous attractions of the island country during this season. The season is also perfect for having some beach fun and simply relaxing at the beach. With an array of adventure sports and water activities open during this sun-kissed season, travellers are able to fully relish their vacation days in the country.

For the Maldives, the country experiences a warm temperature between the months of November and April. With sunny weather and a dry climate, tourists are able to experience the beach life in the island country. The numerous water sports are also open for business during the season and one can easily explore the different landmarks in this season.

How to Reach Sri Lanka and the Maldives?

To reach Sri Lanka, one can take a direct flight to Colombo International Airport, which is located in the capital city of the country - Colombo. Direct flights from Delhi and Chennai to Colombo can be taken to reach the island country. Currently, travelling via air is the only option to reach Sri Lanka.

To reach the Maldives, travellers can take a flight to Male Airport. The Male International Airport, officially known as the Velana International Airport is the main airport of the Maldives and is located in the capital city Male. Travellers can take a flight from Delhi or Mumbai airport to reach Male. For travelling within the Maldives, one can hire a speedboat or ride a seaplane.