INDIAN OCEAN TOURS
CAPITAL CITIES
SRI LANKA: Colombo
MALDIVES: Male
LANGUAGE
SRI LANKA: Sinhala, Tamil and English
MALDIVES: Dhivehi and English
CURRENCY
SRI LANKA: Sri Lankan Ruppee. Currency can be exchanged at large hotels or banks. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. Some currency restrictions apply.
MALDIVES: The local currency is the Maldivian Rufiya. US dollars and credit cards are widely accepted on the islands.
PASSPORT/VISA
SRI LANKA/MALDIVES: British passport holders do not require a visa
FLYING TIME
SRI LANKA: 10:45 hours (direct) to Colombo; MALDIVES: 10:30 hours (direct) to Male. NB: All timings are approximate from London and for indirect flights in include stopover time.
CLIMATE/SEASON
SRI LANKA: has a complex climate with the monsoon occurring at different times of the year, depending on location. The area surrounding Habarana has a very dry and hot climate with sporadic showers in October and December that help to cool the air. The south west coastal areas, including Beruwela and Negombo, are blessed with beautiful warm weather and gentle sea breezes. The monsoon occurs mid-May to October.
MALDIVES: The weather is near perfect for most of the year. January to April is hot and sunny with the occasional tropical shower. Rainfall can increase, between April and October but is generally tropical downpours followed by sunshine.
BEST TRAVELLING PERIOD
Both Sri Lanka and the Maldives are affected by monsoon rains. The driest months are January to April, although showers can occur at anytime.
With their tropical climate, rich wildlife and varied cultures the islands of the Indian Ocean are a delight to explore. They also offer plentiful beaches to relax and recover after a tour.
~ Sri Lanka tour visiting Kandy & Habarana ~ Visit an elephant orphanage & jeep safari in a national park ~ includes meals & drinks
~ All inclusive Maldives Cruise ~ Opportunities for snorkelling, diving and sightseeing ~ Optional Maldivian island extensions
~ Nature and wildlife tour of Sri Lanka ~ Visit Yala & Udawalawe National Parks ~ Optional whale & dolphin watching
~ Visit Sri Lanka's cultural triangle ~ Explore the hill country & tea plantations ~ relax on the beautiful west coast beaches