From Sri Lanka to Maldives: how to get there, where to stay

This trip to the paradise islands is a great idea, because the cost of the flight is lower than from other parts of the world. Find out how to combine a trip from Sri Lanka with a visit to the Maldives.

If you are on holiday in Sri Lanka, you might want to visit the Maldives. Compared to European countries, the flight from here takes very little time and is cheaper.

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Visa issues

When planning such a trip, please consider whether you need to obtain visas in advance.

For citizens of most countries, a visa to the Maldives is issued upon arrival free of charge for up to 30 days. It is enough to present a passport, a return ticket, and confirmation of hotel reservation. Visa rules for visiting Sri Lanka depend on your passport.

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When is it worth going on such a trip?

The Maldives has a tropical climate and two main seasons. The best time to visit is from November to April. This is the dry season, with little rainfall, sunny weather, and low humidity. Sri Lanka also has two main monsoon seasons. But the ideal time for a trip depends on which regions you plan to visit. So the best time for a two-in-one trip is December to March. This way you can see the western and southern coasts of Sri Lanka and explore the Maldives.

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Flight from Sri Lanka to Maldives: two main airports

International flights from Sri Lanka depart from the island nation's capital, Colombo, at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). From here, you can reach two Maldivian airports:

• Male (Maldives) - Velana International Airport (MLE) in Male. The distance to the capital of the Maldivian archipelago is approximately 700-800 km. The flight takes an hour and a half.
• Gan Airport (GAN) on Addu Atoll. Travel time is about 2 hours.

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Flight to Male

There are several airlines operating flights between Sri Lanka and the main airport at Velana in Male:

• Maldivian (Q2) (national airline of the Maldives)
• SriLankan Airlines
• China Eastern Airlines
• FitsAir
• Flexflight

Flights may also be operated by Emirates, Qatar Airways, or Etihad Airways.

The flight will cost approximately $150-400 one way. The price depends on the airline, time of year, and other factors. Tickets are cheaper when booking early. Prices are higher during the peak tourist season.

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Flight to Gan Airport

Gan Airport (GAN) is the second international airport in the Maldives after Velana Airport (MLE). It is located in Addu Atoll, the southernmost in the archipelago. If you are planning a trip to the south of the Maldives, this is the best option.

There are direct flights between Colombo (CMB) and Gan (GAN). The flight time is about two hours. The main carrier is SriLankan Airlines. This is the fastest way to get to the southern atolls from Sri Lanka. But the flights may not be daily, so it is important to check the schedule. The cost may be more expensive than to Male - $200-300.

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When to choose Gan?

Gan Island is a convenient starting point for those who want to visit the resorts and guesthouses in the southern atolls without a long boat ride or a domestic flight from Male. This saves time and simplifies logistics, as the resorts here are close to the airport. Literally 10-15 minutes - and you are there. In addition, resorts in Addu Atoll often offer transfers from Gan for free or for a nominal fee.

You can also get to the various resorts and guesthouses on Addu Atoll not only by boat, but also by car. Transfers are usually arranged in advance through your hotel. The downside is that the choice of resorts is not that big.

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Where to Stay in the Maldives: Arrival in Male

Have you chosen Male airport for your trip from Sri Lanka? You have a wide choice of hotels!

• Resorts are classic Maldives: individual islands, usually with a one-island-one-hotel concept. On average, several hundred dollars a night and up.
• Local islands for recreation. These are inhabited by locals, and in recent years guesthouses have been actively developing there. This means that prices are much lower than at resorts (from $30 per night).

Upon arrival in Male, you will need to arrange a transfer to your hotel. There are several options: choose a speedboat ride to nearby resorts, fly to your chosen resort by seaplane, or take a domestic flight.

• Speedboat is the fastest option on the water, but also the most expensive. From $30-$50 per person one way.
• The ferry is the most budget option, but also the longest. About $2-5 per person one way to the popular local island of Maafushi. Ferries do not run every day, so you need to check the schedule in advance.
• Seaplane - from $200, only if you are flying to a resort.

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Maldives Hotels Near Male

Are you looking for a beautiful hotel in the Maldives, but closer to the airport? Here is an example of resorts where you can go:

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives - a luxury resort just 20 minutes by speedboat from Male. It offers beautiful overwater villas with private pools and amazing service. It is the perfect place for a romantic getaway and privacy. There are high-class restaurants, a spa, and many water sports.

Bandos Maldives - a popular resort located just 15 minutes by speedboat from Male. Ideal for families, it offers free accommodation for children under 12. It offers a variety of restaurants, a diving center, a spa, and many activities.

Embudu Village Resort - one of the most affordable and popular resorts just 20 minutes by boat from Male. Its main advantage is a magnificent house reef, where you can snorkel right from the shore, without spending money on excursions. The atmosphere is quiet and pleasant, the island is surrounded by greenery, and the beaches delight with soft sand and clear water. There is a spa, restaurant, bar, water sports, and a diving center.

Biyadhoo Island Resort - especially popular with snorkelers. The coral reef here is considered one of the best near Male. The beaches are shady, cozy, with an atmosphere of privacy. The island is about 40 minutes by boat from the capital. The rooms are simple but comfortable. The island has a restaurant, bar, equipment rental, diving, and a variety of excursions - from picnics on the islands to fishing.

Fihalhohi Island Resort - a combination of tranquility, beautiful nature, and comfortable service. The island is surrounded by a turquoise lagoon and sandy beaches, and the reef is ideal for snorkeling. There are not many tourists here, and the sunsets over the lagoon are especially picturesque. The transfer takes 45 minutes. The island has a restaurant, bar, spa, animation, and dolphin excursions. A great option for couples or a relaxing holiday.

Gili Lankanfushi Maldives

Local islands for relaxation near Male

• Maafushi. The most popular residential island among tourists, just 30 minutes by boat from Male. This is an ideal option for those who want to enjoy the atmosphere of the Maldives, but are not ready to pay for expensive resorts. There are many guesthouses with prices starting from $40 per night, as well as cafes and shops. For lovers of active recreation - diving, snorkeling, and excursions to the islands. This is a place with a developing infrastructure, where you can immerse yourself in the local culture and try traditional cuisine.
• Guraidhoo. A quieter island, great for diving and snorkeling, just 35 minutes by boat from Male. There are several guesthouses on the island, where an overnight stay costs from $30 to $60. Here you can enjoy the silence, stroll along the green streets, and try local dishes in small cafes. For snorkeling and diving enthusiasts, there are excellent dive sites, as well as excursions to neighboring uninhabited islands.
• Thulusdhoo. The island is 28 km from Male, just 30 minutes by boat. It is perfect for a beach holiday. The cost of living per night in guesthouses starts from $45, and there are several local cafes and shops on the island. A popular place for snorkeling.
• Dhigurah. A small island 35 km from Male, reachable by boat in 30-40 minutes. It is a popular beach destination, but less touristy than Maafushi. The island has guesthouses starting at $40 and a few cafes with local cuisine. Dhigurah is known for its long beaches and lagoons, snorkeling, and swimming with manta rays.
• Thoddoo. It is located 67 km from Male, which can be reached in 1.5 hours by boat ($40). The island is known for its fertile lands. Here you can fully enjoy tropical fruits, such as papaya. The island has guesthouses from $50, many green gardens, and small shops. Here you can also go snorkeling and fishing. The island is ideal for those who want to not only relax on the beach, but also get to know the rural life of the Maldives.

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Where to stay near Gan Airport

The advantage of Gan Island is that you can move around it by car. It is connected by bridges to neighboring islands. Gan can be called the industrial and commercial "heart" of the Maldives. Previously, there was a British military base here. There is not a large selection of hotels on the atoll, but there are enough guest houses. Most resorts can be reached by boat in 10-20 minutes, the maximum journey will take about 40 minutes.

• Equator Village. A cozy 3-star resort on Gan Island, which is suitable for a budget holiday in the shade of dense tropics on a beautiful beach. The resort is located 10 minutes from Gan Airport, which is a big advantage. There is an outdoor pool, spa, restaurant, and bar. Guests can enjoy a diving center and island excursions, water sports, and fishing.
• The Barefoot Eco Hotel - an eco-resort on Gan Island, 20 minutes from the airport. Ideal for those who want to relax in privacy, enjoy nature, and not spend money on luxury. The resort is focused on sustainable development and minimal impact on nature. There is a spa, a seafood restaurant, water sports, kayaking, and snorkeling.
• Canareef Resort Maldives - a larger 4-star resort, 40 minutes by boat from Gan. It offers a wide range of restaurants, bars, spas, diving, snorkeling, and fishing.

Canareef Resort Maldives

Local islands near Gan Island

The nearest local islands are connected by bridges and are perceived as a single whole with Gan. They are perfect for those who want to explore the culture and life in the Maldives without extra costs. You can get there in 15-20 minutes by car.

• Maradhoo - for a quiet holiday on the local beaches. There are several guesthouses on the island with prices starting from $40 per night.
• Hitadhoo - one of the largest islands in Addu Atoll, 20 minutes by car from Gan Island. Here you can get acquainted with the life of locals, stroll along quiet streets, and enjoy comfortable beaches. The island is more focused on locals, but there are several guesthouses for tourists.
• Feydhoo - known for its quiet atmosphere, where you can relax away from the tourist traffic, but still close to the main island. The island has guest houses, local cafes, and shops, quiet beaches.

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Sri Lanka and Maldives in one trip: pros and cons

What should you consider before such a trip? What are its advantages, and what can spoil the trip?

Pros

Diversity. Sri Lanka and the Maldives are completely different countries and types of vacation. In Sri Lanka you can enjoy exotic nature, mountains, visit tea plantations, ancient cities, national parks, and temples. The Maldives are the land of the most fashionable hotels in the world, more of an underwater kingdom and a relaxed vacation on the beach.

Saving on flights. If you are flying from far away, then combining two countries allows you to save on the cost of tickets, since you do not need to buy tickets to this region twice. Many airlines offer direct flights that take only 1.5-2 hours.

Cons

• It takes quite a lot of time to visit both countries - at least two weeks.
• Miscellaneous expenses: Prepare to be shocked when you arrive in the Maldives after Sri Lanka. Everything is much more expensive. You need to plan your budget carefully so as not to go over it.
• Traveling can be tiring. If you don't plan your vacation properly, you can get tired of constant flights and transfers.
• You need to choose the time of year when there are optimal weather conditions for visiting both countries.
• More luggage: you will have to take clothes and things for different types of recreation: for excursions, for the beach, for active recreation.

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Where is the best place to fly from Sri Lanka

If you are planning a holiday in the central or northern part of the Maldives, it is better to fly via Male (MLE).

• Many flight options and cheap tickets.
• Good choice of resorts nearby.
• Ferries, boats, and seaplanes - transfers for every budget.

But if you want to go for a more secluded holiday in the southern part, to Addu Atoll, buy a ticket to Gan Island:

• Quieter, fewer tourists, but the flight is more expensive.
• Suitable if you are looking for privacy and diving in the southern part of the archipelago.
• Proximity to resorts, transfer from Gan usually included in the price.

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Tips for Traveling to Maldives from Sri Lanka

• Plan your route carefully: decide what you want to see in Sri Lanka and the Maldives and make a detailed plan.
• Book accommodation and travel in advance, especially during peak season.
• Take into account travel and flight time: don’t plan too many things to do in one day.
• Prepare for different expenses: Set a budget for each country in advance and don't forget to set aside some funds for unexpected expenses.
• Give yourself time to rest: don’t overload the program, leave time for relaxation and recuperation.
• Think about your luggage: you need quite a lot of things for all occasions.

A combined trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives is a great way to get a variety of experiences. The main thing is to carefully plan the trip, take into account all the pros and cons, and then your vacation will be perfect!

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