For as long as I can remember, the Maldives has been my ultimate dream destination — those overwater bungalows, endless turquoise seas, and postcard-perfect sunsets. But every time I looked into it, the price tag for a week of doing, well, not much, always made me hesitate. It felt indulgent. Unjustifiable. Until I discovered the perfect combo: Sri Lanka and the Maldives in one trip. 

Let me just say — game changer. 

The Journey 

Here’s how it worked: I flew direct from Melbourne to Colombo, Sri Lanka. It’s a super manageable 11-hour flight — no lengthy stopovers or confusing transfers. A win right from the start. 

✈️ Tip: Book your international flights as early as possible to lock in better prices. Try mixing airlines too — I flew in with SriLankan Airlines and returned with Singapore Airlines to get the best schedule and price combo. 

The Adventure: Sri Lanka 

Sri Lanka was pure magic — a perfect mix of nature, history, and culture. I joined a small group tour for the first leg of the trip (which I highly recommend). It took all the stress out of navigating and let me just soak up the experience. 

🛕 I visited ancient temples in Sigiriya, wandered through tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, took a scenic train ride through the highlands, and even spotted elephants in the wild at Minneriya National Park. 

🍛 Tip: Try local food wherever you go — you haven’t lived until you’ve had a proper Sri Lankan curry with fresh roti and sambal. And always say yes to roadside coconut stalls! 

🚗 Tip: If you’re not doing a tour, hire a private driver — it’s surprisingly affordable and makes getting around a lot easier than relying on public transport. 

The Chill: Maldives 

After a week of exploring, I took a 90-minute flight from Colombo to Malé, the capital of the Maldives. From there, a quick speedboat transfer whisked me to my resort — and just like that, I was in paradise. 

🌴 This part of the trip was all about relaxing: swimming in warm, crystal-clear water, sipping cocktails with my toes in the sand, and enjoying sunsets that honestly looked Photoshopped. 

🏝️ Tip: You don’t have to splurge on an overwater bungalow. Many resorts offer beachfront villas that are just as dreamy and significantly cheaper. 

💸 Money-Saving Tip: Consider booking an all-inclusive package. Meals, drinks, and activities can add up quickly in the Maldives, and all-inclusive takes away the stress of watching your spending while you’re supposed to be relaxing.

Why This Combo Works 

The flight to get there is the most expensive part — so why not make the most of it? Seeing two incredible countries in one trip gives you serious bang for your buck. Sri Lanka fills your days with adventure, culture, and new experiences, while the Maldives is your chance to completely unwind. It’s the best of both worlds — without having to pick one over the other. 

✅ Tip: You can do this trip in 10–14 days comfortably. One week in Sri Lanka and 3–5 nights in the Maldives is the sweet spot. 

So, if you’ve ever dreamed of the Maldives but couldn’t quite justify the price, or if you’re craving a holiday that balances exploration and relaxation — this combo is your answer. Trust me, it’s one of those trips you’ll be talking about for years to come. 

👉Click Here To read my travel Inspiration story – Wildlife Rich Jungles, Rolling Tea Plantations & Mist Shrouded Mountains. 

👉Click Here To Be Inspired by my Story – Maldives Is It All It’s Cracked Up To Be? 

👉Click Here To Read my Bucket List Adventures Story – Indulge in an Over Water Bungalow Stay! 

Question – “Would you rather spend a week exploring culture and nature, or lying on a beach with a cocktail? Or are you like me and want both?” or

Question – “What would be your prefect place to combine Adventure & Relaxation.”