13 Day Sri Lanka and Maldives Wildlife, Culture and Beach Break

Group Size
Minimum: 4
Maximum: 20

Single Supplement
Single supplement is $1999 per person in addition to the twin share price.

Paired Solo Traveler
Not available

Triple Share
Not available

Children
Children must be 12 years old or over and share a room with parents at all times. Children are the same price as adults.

Tour Length
The total length of the tour in days includes time spent in flight and is subject to change depending on the flight schedule, please refer to the day-by-day itinerary for the time spent on land.

Accommodation
The accommodation listed in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is subject to change. Any changes will be of an equal or higher standard. Bedding configurations (double or twin) are requests only. All efforts will be made to meet your preferences however any changes are beyond our control.

Accommodation – Maldives Green Tax
The government has introduced a Green Tax to support environmental conservation efforts. The fee per night of stay, helps fund sustainable tourism initiatives and protects the Maldives’ fragile ecosystems. The tax is collected directly by each resort  during your stay. The rate is USD 6 per person per day (increasing to USD 12 per person per day from 1 January 2025).

Maldives All-Inclusive Resort: Offers a luxurious escape with everything included in one seamless package. Guests enjoy stunning ocean views, with accommodation which may include private pools, overwater villas and direct beach access. The resort provides unlimited gourmet dining at multiple restaurants, premium beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), and a selection of complimentary diverse activities like snorkeling, water sports and wellness treatments. Diving, motorized water sports, spa treatments and top shelf alcohol may be offered by the resort at an additional charge.

Guides in Sri Lanka
National Guides are well versed in the overall history, geography and major attractions across multiple regions of Sri Lanka. They can share detailed explanations of the cultural elements of the country. Often holding professional certifications or license recognized by tourism authorities, they work closely with local guides to provide a seamless experience. Groups with 8 or more travelers will be accompanied by a National Guide.

Local Guides specialize in a specific region or city. They offer in-depth knowledge about local attractions, cultural nuances, history, and daily life. Fluent in the local language and with a deep understanding of local landmarks, traditions, and cuisine they offer insights into the area that a broader national guide might not cover.

Chauffeur Guide combines driving and guiding into one role. In addition to driving, the chauffeur guide can provide general information about the sights, history, culture, and local customs of the areas visited. They are typically well-versed in local customs, etiquette and norms to ensure interactions with locals are respectful and meaningful.

Arrival and Departure Transfers
Arrival and departure transfers are available on the first and last day of your tour only. If you booked additional pre- and post-tour accommodation with AVG Travels, transfers may be included on selected tours. Transfers may be shared with other travelers who will be on the same tour if arriving on the same flight or another flight arriving within a 60-minute window. If the holiday you book is LAND ONLY, arrival and departure transfers are NOT included in your tour price. You will need to make your own way to the joining hotel.

Physical Requirements
Fitness Level
A reasonable level of fitness is required but it’s more about spending time on your feet rather than covering large distances. You’ll be getting on and off coaches and boats, exploring the sights, climbing stairs and walking over a variety of terrains from cobblestones streets, hiking trails and moderate hills. There may be 1 or 2 days on tour when walking can cover 4- 6 kms over uneven terrain. Regular walking and light exercise before your trip can help ensure a more enjoyable and hassle-free travel experience.

Pace of Travel
The itinerary is moderately paced with a mix of sightseeing, travel between destinations and some time at leisure. Travel times between locations can vary, and road conditions may affect the schedule. Be prepared for some early starts and active days, but also enjoy some downtime to rest and explore independently. Flexibility will enhance your overall experience.

Tipping, Gratuities and Porterage
A friendly reminder that tipping, gratuities and porterage is not included in your package. Tipping is customary in many countries as it makes up the wage component for these services. Many countries don’t have a minimum wage like we do in Australia. Please be advised that USD $6 per person/day (or equivalent in local currency) will be collected in country by your tour escort on Day 1. This will cover all services throughout your Sri Lanka journey ONLY but does not cover tipping or gratuities for room service, optional tours or any activities you do without the tour group and for any time in the Maldives. The tipping collection is not compulsory, however we have found that many travelers appreciate this as it relives the stress and worry of having to carry small amounts of money to tip for services throughout your tour.

Tour Documentation
Final documentation, including e-tickets and hotel details, will be provided approximately 30 days prior to travel.

Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is recommended to protect yourself against the unexpected. In addition to the support that a policy may provide, you may be asked to present a copy of your travel insurance documentation while traveling.

We have partnered with Nib Travel Insurance to offer our customers competitive rates for their travel insurance. You can book Comprehensive or Essentials cover for your domestic, international or multi-trip journeys simply with us.

Visa & Passport information
It is the traveler’s responsibility to ensure they have a valid passport. The passport must be valid for a minimum of six months from the intended date of return and must have more than 2 blank pages.

Sri Lanka
An e-visa is required for entry into Sri Lanka. The Department of Immigration and Emigration launched a system called “Electronic Travel Authorization – ETA” in order to grant prior approval for a visa online for foreign nationals who visit Sri Lanka. You can visit http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/to purchase your visa online.

E-Visa’s are only valid for 30 days, so you can only apply closer to your travel dates. Please do not apply for your visa until you have your travel documentation. It will take 3 business days to be approved. The cost is US$50 per person.

Update 1 October 2024
DELAYED. The proposed implementation of visa-free travel, as previously announced in August 2024, has been put on hold with the recent elections in Sri Lanka. As such all guest will need to apply for a e-visa/eta using the following http://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ 

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up-to-date information in terms of entry requirements.

Maldives
A tourist visa is available on arrival for stays of 30 days or less.

Please note that these details are subject to change without notice. We recommend visiting https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/ for up to date information in terms of entry requirements.

Weather
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, characterized by two distinct monsoon seasons. The southwest monsoon brings rain from May to September, while the northeast monsoon affects the eastern part of the island from December to February. Be prepared for sudden rain showers, especially during monsoon periods. Temperatures are generally warm year-round, ranging from 25°C to 32°C (77°F to 90°F). Humidity is high in coastal areas while the central highlands are cooler. Pack light breathable clothing for coastal regions and warmer layers for cooler highlands.

The Maldives enjoys a tropical climate with year-round warmth and humidity. Temperatures typically range from 26°C to 32°C (79°F to 90°F). There are two main seasons: the dry northeast monsoon (from December to April) brings sunny, calm weather ideal for beach activities, while the wet southwest monsoon (from May to November) introduces more frequent rain showers and occasional storms. Despite the rain, temperatures remain consistently warm, making it a popular year-round destination.

Currency
Sri Lanka’s currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), symbolized as Rs. Banknotes ranging from 10 to 5,000 and coins from 1 to 10 rupees are commonly used. ATMs are widely available in urban areas, and credit / debit cards are accepted in many hotels, restaurants and shops. It’s advisable to carry some cash for smaller transactions and rural areas where card facilities may be limited. Currency exchange services are available at airports, hotels, and local exchange bureaus.

The currency of the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Banknotes come in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, and 1,000 rufiyaa, while coins are available in 1, 2, 5, and 10 rufiyaa. Major credit cards are widely accepted in hotels, resorts, and larger establishments. ATMs are available in the capital Malé, but it’s advisable to carry cash for transactions on smaller islands and local businesses.

Electricity
Generally hotels and accommodations will provide adapters upon request or have multi-purpose sockets, but it is wise to carry one for convenience.

Sri Lanka and the Maldives operate on a 230V supply voltage with a frequency of 50Hz. In Sri Lanka, the common plug types are D (three round pins in a triangular pattern) and G (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern).  In the Maldives, the standard plug types are G (three rectangular pins in a triangular pattern) and C (two round pins).