How to Differentiate the 2 Island Jewels of the Indian Ocean

The nations of the Maldives and Sri Lanka can be rightly called the two jewels of the Indian Ocean. Both these destinations happen to be popular tourist destinations and possess stunning natural beauty. Although these two countries offer many entrancing attractions you will find that the experiences provided to visitors would be different as well. Below are some ways in which these nations could be differentiated.

Consider the natural features

Although the Maldives and Sri Lanka are neighbouring tropical island nations, you will see that these two countries differ in their natural features. The Maldives will offer lovely picturesque beaches and shimmering clear ocean waters; in this destination, you can expect to encounter pristine shores lined by exotic coconut palms and breadfruit palm trees.

While the coastal areas of Sri Lanka feature natural scenery like those mentioned above, this nation also offers many other landscapes that the Maldives does not have. For instance, in the central mountainous region of Sri Lanka, you will encounter picturesque peaks and plateaus that will capture the interest of the visitor.

Another striking difference is that while Sri Lanka is primarily one single island, the Maldives is made up of over 1,000 islands; most are uninhabited while the rest are either inhabited by locals or resorts. Interestingly, each private resort in Maldives is on a separate island providing sublime seclusion.

Think of the best times to visit

You will find that these two nations experience somewhat different climatic conditions. For optimal weather in the Maldives, you may visit it during the dry season which extends from November through April. This period will also be the high season for tourism with accommodation and activities costing more. On the other hand, during the low season, prices will be lower and the rains should only be sporadic making this an ideal year-round destination too.

Meanwhile, in Sri Lanka, the high season would be from December through mid-April. However, you will encounter different climatic conditions in different regions of the country at the same time; for instance, from May to September, the northern and eastern regions will be dry and sunny whereas the southwest and west of the country would experience rainy weather.

Take note of the currencies and visa requirements

The currency used in the Maldives would be the Maldivian Rufiyaa. During your stay, you are likely to need this currency if you plan to visit local shops or avail yourself of local services. Meanwhile, the currency used in Sri Lanka happens to be the Sri Lanka Rupee. You will need Sri Lanka Rupees for your expenses when travelling around the island.

To travel to the Maldives, visitors will require a valid passport, a return air ticket, pre-paid accommodation arrangements, various medical requirements and so on; you will be awarded a tourist visa upon arrival in the islands. Meanwhile, to enter Sri Lanka you will need an ETA / visa along with several other requirements. Keep in mind each nation has separate and additional entry requirements following the pandemic and one should check for the latest updates before travelling.

Compare the places to visit

In addition to its natural wonders, you will find several engrossing sightseeing attractions in the Maldives that will draw your interest. The capital, Male, offers an array of sites of interest including the historical Old Friday Mosque as well as the captivating National Museum, art galleries and markets. When seeking the best family resort in the Maldives, an accommodation choice to consider which is within easy reach of Male would be OBLU SELECT Sangeli.

Sri Lanka also features a myriad of interesting cultural attractions such as Kandy’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress. It is also home to a variety of interesting museums, colonial buildings, national parks, botanic gardens and more.

Assess the shopping options

In the Maldives, you will encounter some attractive shopping options, particularly in Male where you could purchase goods like jewellery, craft items, handmade t-shirts, souvenirs and so on. The places to check out include Chaandhanee Magu and Majeedhee Magu, while one can also visit the Male Local Market, Centro Mall, LeCute and Island Bazaar for more shopping.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka also offers interesting local goods such as tea, gems, handicrafts and batik products in addition to international brand names at its modern malls in cities like Colombo. Another interesting shopping attraction here would be the locale known as Pettah (also in Colombo), a vibrant area with markets and shops offering all manner of products.