Country Hopping Between Maldives And Scenic Srilanka

In this busy world we all have to make time for the things we love, especially travel. Unending deadlines, high energy lifestyle coupled with limited time, calls for an intelligent solution that helps fulfill our vacation goals. The simple solution - Country Hopping! Now, what does that mean? Simply put it is about combining couple or more destinations to make a more wholesome itinerary. Just like I did by combining the luxury of Maldives with scenic Srilanka. The proximity of both the countries offered a great chance to blend relaxation with exultation, save costs and all I needed was an adventurous spirit and a reliable Forex Card. Want to know more about crafting the ultimate country hopping itenary between Sri Lanka and Maldives? It’s all right here :D

The 6 Night/7 Days Sri Lanka Trip

We arrived at Colombo Airport and chose to stay two nights at Purple Coot Resort- an ayurveda retreat in Wadduwa (1.5 hour drive from airport). Between indulging in holistic ayurveda treatments, we hopped over to Bentota to enjoy Madu river boat ride, water sports like boating, water skiing, snorkeling and visited the turtle hatchery in Kosgoda.

Canoe Ride at Purple Coot Resort in Wadduwa

Madu River Boat Ride - Mangrove tunnel

On Day 3, we started for Hikkaduwa and visited the Hikkaduwa beach, Moonstone mine at Meetiyagoda and enjoyed some local cuisine in the evening.

Moonstone Mines

Hikkaduwa Beach

Day 4 was spent exploring Galle- a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a major city in Sri Lanka. We spent a day exploring the historical Dutch (Galle) Fort, The Lighthouse- one of Sri Lanka's oldest light station, Old Dutch government house, the great warehouse that was used to store spices in the past and now houses the National Maritime museum, Old Dutch Hospital and the Dutch Reformed church.

Galle Fort

On Day 5 we started for Kandy- a lovely exotic city, the hill capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings. Enroute we had fun white water rafting at Kitulgala. In afternoon, we visited Temple of the Tooth Relic- the most important temple for Sri Lankan Buddhists built in the 16th Century A.D. Royal Botanical gardens – home to one of the world’s best collections of Orchids is another must visit spot. Do try and pick up handicrafts at Kandy made with silver and brass.

Temple of the Tooth Relic

On Day 6 we started for Colombo and en route we visited Pinnawala elephant orphanage.  Evening was reserved for a city tour and shopping. After an overnight stay at a hotel in Colombo, we checked out early to catch our flight to Maldives.

Pinnawala elephant orphanage

Colombo

The 4 Night/5 Day Maldives Trip

A getaway to Maldives holds a promise of crystal-clear waters flanked with white sandy beaches and fun with sea, sand and sun. But do not forget to experience local life from close quarters at Male, the capital of Maldives. We spend a day here and soaked in some true Maldivian culture. Walk around on foot and visit historical and cultural places of interest like Friday Mosque, Sultan’s Park, National Museum, Tsunami Monument and much more. Explore the local fish & vegetable market, relish local cuisine or take a small ferry ride to Vilingili Island with an amazing house reef. One night is ideal to explore all these delights.

Local Fish Market - Male

Ice Tea at Vilingili Island

For the next three days, we chose Bandos, an idyllic resort located in North Malé Atoll and just 7 km from Malé International Airport for our luxurious Maldivian stay. A Jacuzzi beach villa ensured complete privacy and made for a memorable beach holiday. During our stay we indulged in fun activities like snorkeling, swimming in the house reef, dining and enjoying picnic lunches under the sun. Indulgence was easy as my Credit Card ensured smooth transactions at every point.

Bandos Maldives

 Jacuzzi Beach Villa

Open Air Jacuzzi

Airlines:

Sri Lankan Airlines operates multiple flights from major cities across the world to Colombo. One can book a private vehicle to explore the sights in Sri Lanka. Maldives is only 1.5 hours from Colombo. Check with your airline agent to craft an ultimate country hopping itenary between Sri Lanka and Maldives.