Maldives to Sri Lanka: A Quick Guide for Travelers

Maldives to Sri Lanka is an excellent and common choice for travelers who want to have two very opposite but equally amazing experiences. The Maldives is an ultimate destination of relaxation and exclusive luxury on its pristine beaches, whereas Sri Lanka offers a lively alternative with its rich history, variety of landscapes, and exciting challenges.

Distance from the Maldives to Sri Lanka on the map

Why Travel from the Maldives to Sri Lanka?

In case you find yourself in the Maldives and you need a new, magnificent place to visit right next to it, Sri Lanka will be a great option. The country is an island located right below India and provides an alternative atmosphere: ancient temples, green tea plantations, huge cities, and wild animals. Sri Lanka to the  Maldives is a hot destination and with good reason; it is the ultimate tropical island, but with a history and culture to complement your beach holiday.

What is the Distance between the Maldives and Sri Lanka?

The Maldives to Sri Lanka is approximately 700 kilometers (approximately 435 miles). It is a comparatively short journey, with a major part of it being by flight. Although the Maldives and Sri Lanka are neighbors in the Indian Ocean, it is easy and quick to travel between the Maldives and Sri Lanka.

What is the Way to Travel from the Maldives to Sri Lanka?

In case you are travelling between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, there are several means at your disposal, although the most popular and convenient one is to fly. The distance between the Maldives and Sri Lanka is not that distant because only hundreds of kilometers separate the two states. This renders getting around them convenient and fast.

Air: Popular Choice

The easiest route of travelling between Sri Lanka and the Maldives is by air. It has an average flight time of 1.5 to 2 hours, thus becoming an effective option to fly within a short time.

Major Airlines: There are a number of airlines that fly direct between Malé (MLE) and Colombo (CMB). The most popular direct airlines are SriLankan Airlines and Maldivian Airlines. Other carriers, such as FlyDubai, may offer connecting flights via their hubs but not direct services.

Flight Frequency: There are multiple flights to and from Mal and Colombo, and so it is easy to get a flight that suits your schedule.

Flight Cost: The cost of the flight may vary with the time of booking and season, but average prices are in the range of 100 to 250 dollars one-way ticket. Advance booking can be cheaper most of the time.

Here is what to expect on your flight to Sri Lanka via the Maldives

The flight between Mal and Colombo is a short, comfortable flight. That is what you are likely to find:

Flight Time: The flight duration, as discussed, is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours. To facilitate easy boarding, be sure to arrive early.

In-Flight Amenities: The duration of most flights between the Maldives and Sri Lanka is quite short, thus you might not get to enjoy many amenities. But on some airlines, snacks and beverages are provided.

Customs and Immigration: You will also pass immigration and customs at Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka. Ensure that you carry your Sri Lankan visa or eVisa in case you must.

A scenic view of the Maldives, with crystal-clear waters, before embarking on the journey to Sri Lanka

Alternative: Sea (Cruise or Ferry)

Travelling by sea is possible, even though the fastest and convenient means of travelling is by air to travel between the Maldives to Sri Lanka. Nevertheless, this is less frequent and requires much more time.

The Maldives to Sri Lanka cruises

• Pace: There are no regular ferries or scheduled cruise services between the Maldives and Sri Lanka. Occasionally, private yachts or special cruise itineraries may connect the two, but these are rare and not practical for most travelers. The cruise may last either 2 to 3 days, depending on the routes and the kind of vessel. The option is less about speed, efficiency, and more about the experience on board or the journey.
• Time: Cruises usually travel 2 to 3 days between the Maldives and Sri Lanka, depending on the route that the ship takes.
• Cruise Options: You can take some luxury cruises or charter a yacht to go between these islands, but make your reservations early and understand that your transit will take longer.

Ferry Services Between the Two Islands

Another alternative is the ferries, but this is not a very popular or widely available way. Also, regular ferry services between the Maldives and Sri Lanka do not exist, primarily due to the distance and sea conditions that make this an impractical solution for most travelers. This is not the recommended path unless you want to get a particular experience.

Sri Lanka Visa Requirements

Traveling to Sri Lanka, you will have to take care of the visa requirements when flying from the Maldives. Fortunately, there exists a convenient and easy system for tourists in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka eVisa:

Most international travelers need to apply for a Sri Lanka e-Visa (ETA) online before traveling, which usually takes 24–72 hours to process. However, Maldivian citizens are visa-exempt for short stays of up to 30 days.

eVisa Maldives Citizens: The citizens of Maldives are exempt from getting a visa in case they stay in Sri Lanka for a short period (up to 30 days). Nevertheless, one can always check twice to see whether there are any changes in the visa policy.

Requirements: Passport: should have at least 6 months' validity starting on the date of arrival in Sri Lanka.

A tropical landscape in Sri Lanka, offering lush greenery just a short distance from the Maldives

What to Do Upon Arrival in Sri Lanka?

When you reach Sri Lanka, you will be arriving at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. This is what will happen:

Immigration and Customs: You will have to go through immigration and customs as an international arrival. Make sure that you carry all the relevant documents, such as a valid passport and a visa where necessary.

Colombo transportation: There are taxis, an airport shuttle, and a personal transfer available at the airport to get you to your Colombo or any other city in Sri Lanka accommodation.

Exchange of currencies: The Maldives currency is the Maldivian Rufiyaa, and the Sri Lankan currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). It is advisable to change some money in the airport or use the ATMs.

Best Time to Travel from the Maldives to Sri Lanka

The most appropriate time of travelling between the Maldives and Sri Lanka is based on the weather. The climate of both islands is tropical, with Sri Lanka being a little more varied due to the mountainous center of the island.

Best Time to Visit: Dry Season

Sri Lanka is at its best during its dry season between the months of December and March, when it can be visited best out of the Maldives. It is during this time that you can get perfect weather to tour Colombo, beaches, and other cultural attractions throughout Sri Lanka.

Monsoon Season

There is also a monsoon season from April to October, especially in the west and south of the island of Sri Lanka. Provided you intend to go at this time, the east coast of Sri Lanka, such as Trincomalee and Batticaloa, is still a good place to visit.

Sri Lanka’s traditional culture awaits visitors

Cultural Differences: Maldives to Sri Lanka

Although Sri Lanka and the Maldives have common ground in tropical weather and island atmosphere, there exist cultural differences. Sri Lanka possesses a rich history and multiplicity of cultures; Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians live together. This is in its architecture, festivals, and language (Sinhala and Tamil).

Moving on to Sri Lanka, the differences you will find between the Maldives and Sri Lanka are in:

• Food: The food of Sri Lanka is spicier as compared to Maldivian dishes and includes rice and curry, hoppers, and string hoppers.
• Festivals: Sri Lanka has several cultural festivals such as the Kandy Perahera, Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and Deepavali.
• Dress Code: In the Maldives, resort islands are quite liberal regarding dress, but on local islands and in Malé, modest clothing is expected due to Islamic traditions. In Sri Lanka, visitors should also dress respectfully, especially at religious sites such as temples.

Tips for a Smooth Maldives to Sri Lanka Trip

• Book your tickets and hotels in advance.
• Bring tropical weather gear, but also layers in case it is colder in the hill country.
• Drink lots of water and be sun-safe.
• Do not disrespect local customs and places of worship.

FAQs About Traveling from the Maldives to Sri Lanka

How long is the flight from the Maldives to Sri Lanka?
The flight is approximately 1.5 to 2 hours.

Do I need a visa to enter Sri Lanka from the Maldives?
Citizens of the Maldives typically don’t need a visa for stays of up to 30 days in Sri Lanka.

Can I travel from the Maldives to Sri Lanka by ferry?
Ferries are not a common or reliable option. Flights are the preferred method.

What’s the best way to get from Bandaranaike Airport to Colombo?
You can take a taxi, an airport shuttle, or a private transfer.

What’s the weather like when traveling from the Maldives to Sri Lanka?
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is during the dry season, from December to March.

Can I use my Maldivian currency in Sri Lanka?
No, Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Currency exchange is available at the airport.

Are there direct flights from Malé to Colombo?
Yes, multiple airlines operate direct flights between Malé and Colombo.

What cultural differences should I be aware of when traveling from the Maldives to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has a more diverse population with influences from Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity. Dress codes are stricter in religious sites.

How do I apply for an eVisa to Sri Lanka?
You can apply for a Sri Lanka eVisa online via the official Sri Lankan government website.

Conclusion

The distance between the Maldives and Sri Lanka is short and convenient, and flights are the most common means of transport. No matter what you are coming to Sri Lanka to see, beautiful beaches, exotic culture, or ancient monuments, the journey is stress-free. Make sure to check on the visa requirements, plan for the weather, and have a smooth transit between one tropical paradise to another.