Sri Lanka

Capital island

Colombo

Population

22.16 Million

Total islands

30+

Time

GMT +5:30 hrs

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupees

Sunshine Lanka Travels

Sri Lanka is a magical island nestled in the vast Indian Ocean. Its beauty and charm have earned it the rightful title of the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Despite its small size, this gem of a country offers a wealth of attractions and activities that are sure to captivate even the most discerning traveler. In simple terms, there is no other place in the world quite like Sri Lanka.

What sets Sri Lanka apart from other destinations is its diverse and breathtaking array of natural and cultural wonders. From pristine beaches and lush mountains to ancient cities and wildlife-rich national parks, Sri Lanka has it all. Start your journey by indulging in the sun-kissed shores that surround the island. Unwind on golden sands, take a refreshing dip in the turquoise waters, and soak up the serene atmosphere.

Venturing inland, you’ll be greeted by verdant tea plantations that stretch as far as the eye can see. Enjoy a cup of world-renowned Ceylon tea amidst the rolling hills, as you take in the breathtaking vistas. For those seeking a cultural experience, Sri Lanka boasts a rich heritage dating back thousands of years. Explore ancient cities such as Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya, where towering rock fortresses and intricate temple ruins transport you to a bygone era.

Wildlife enthusiasts will be delighted by Sri Lanka’s abundant biodiversity. Embark on an exhilarating safari in one of the many national parks, where you can spot majestic elephants, elusive leopards, and a wide variety of bird species. Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park, and Udawalawe National Park are just a few of the top destinations for wildlife encounters.

Friendly locals and their warm hospitality add to the allure of Sri Lanka. The island’s cultural melting pot is reflected in its mouthwatering cuisine, which combines flavors from various ethnic groups. Don’t miss the chance to sample delicacies such as hoppers, kottu roti, and an assortment of spicy curries. The vibrant markets, colorful festivals, and traditional dance performances provide further insight into Sri Lanka’s rich cultural tapestry.

Where to go

Galle Sri LankaNestled within imposing 17th-century Dutch fortifications, Galle Fort is the heart of the town and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you enter this well-preserved fortress, you'll be transported back in time.

Horton Plains National ParkHorton Plains National Park is a national park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka that was designated in 1988. It is located at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m and encompasses montane grassland and cloud forest.

Udawalawe National ParkUdawalawe National Park is famous for the animals that are preserved in here. The most famous among them is sightseeing of elephants.

Temple of the Tooth in KandyThe Temple of the Tooth Relic or Sri Dalada Maligawa is a Buddhist temple in Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.

Dambulla Cave TempleDambulla cave temple also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country.

PolonnaruwaThe Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site.The second oldest of all Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first established as a military post by the Sinhalese kingdom.

Visa Information

Irrespective of nationality, all tourists will receive a 30 day visa free of charge on arrival in the Maldives. A tourist visa will be issued at Malé International Airport provided that the visitor satisfies all of the following conditions:

To enter the Maldives no pre-arrival visa is required.

A thirty day free visa is issued on arrival for all Nationalities, provided:

Should possess a valid passport with Machine Readable Zone (MRZ) -(standard ICAO Annex 9, chapter 3.10.1) and should have at least 6 months validity
Have a valid ticket to continue the journey out of Maldives
Have enough funds to cover the expenses for duration of the stay in Maldives. (US$100 + $50 dollars per day) or a confirmation of reservation in a Tourist Resort or a Hotel

Flights

The Maldives is a very popular destination therefore there are many direct and indirect flights from all over the world. Whether you live in Europe, the Americas, Asia or Australasia, flying to the Maldives is possible either in one single flight or with a simple connection.

International flights arrive at Malé’s International airport (MLE) also known as Velana International Airport, which is on an island of its own called Hulhule.

Transfers from the Malé International airport to your resort island are either by boat, seaplane or domestic flight, depending on the distance. If your resort requires a seaplane transfer, there are a few things to be aware of: the seaplanes only operate in daylight hours, so if you arrive after sunset you will have to stay in Malé overnight before being able to transfer to your resort.

Likewise if your flight home is early in the morning – you will leave your resort in the afternoon. The seaplane journey in itself is an experience, as you get stunning views of the atolls – make sure you get a window seat and that you get your camera out before boarding (your hand luggage will probably be put at the back of the plane as there is no space under or over the seats). The seaplane will usually land next to a floating platform, from which you will be picked up by boat to be taken the remaining few metres in shore to your resort.

Health Information

No specific vaccinations are required to enter the Maldives. However, if you are arriving from a Central African of South American country where yellow fever is endemic you will require an international certificate of inoculation against yellow fever to enter Maldives.

What health facilities are available in the Maldives?

Visit your health professional at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to check whether you need any vaccinations or other preventive measures.

Medical facilities are limited. There are only 2 hospitals and these are on the capital island, Malé. Neither has a trauma unit. Although most resort islands are within easy reach of a doctor, many are several hours’ travel away from the hospital facilities on Malé. Many resort islands are more than an hour away from the nearest decompression chamber.

Make sure you have adequate travel health insurance and accessible funds to cover the cost of any medical treatment abroad and repatriation.

If you need emergency medical assistance during your trip, dial 102 and ask for an ambulance. You should contact your insurance/medical assistance company promptly if you are referred to a medical facility for treatment.

Weather & When To Go

The weather in the Maldives is usually picture perfect: sunlit days, breezy nights, balmy mornings, and iridescent sunsets. The temperature hardly ever changes – which makes packing for your holiday an easy task. With the average temperature at about 30 degrees Celsius throughout the year. The sun is a constant most days, shining through treetops, creating lacy patterns on your feet, healing cold-bones with its warmth. Throughout the day, the sun will make itself known, ensuring that it will be remembered and missed, like an old friend, as you pack up your suitcases to leave.

January to April

Pleasant hot temperatures, clear blue skies, minimal rain fall, make this one of the best times to visit the Maldives. The Indian Ocean will be calm and the underwater visibility will be very good, so it is ideal for sun-seekers and snorkellers alike.

May – September

Despite wetter months, the weather is still good. You may experience few showers and increased humidity. Saying this, keep in mind that the rain will usually clear very fast. Considered as low season, the prices are lower, temperatures are high and rains are not constant, meaning it is an excellent time to visit. As most islands have an in-house reef, you will be able to snorkel there.

During the rainy season it tends to rain a bit more at night, which means that the actual daytime rain that visitors see is even more consistent than it first appears. Even during the rainy season it’s rare to have more than a few cloudy days per week, so it would be very bad luck to see much grey during an average holiday.

October – December

Mid of October is the end of the wet season in the Maldives. Hot, dry weather returns to the islands. Expect long days of sunshine and temperatures in the range of 30 degrees. This is a very popular time to travel.