Maldives Multi-Centre Holidays

Known as the ‘Teardrop of India’, Sri Lanka has a more laidback lifestyle than its closest neighbour. You can expect all the cultural delights of India, with far less hustle and bustle – the perfect start to your multi-centre holiday.

Home to beaches, cities, forests and more, Sri Lanka has plenty of things to see and do. You can climb to the top of the famous Sigiriya Rock, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple, and explore the country’s ancient second capital, Polonnaruwa. Stroll around urban jungles like Colombo and Kandy, and venture into the misty hills to see Sri Lanka’s famous tea plantations. You can even go on safari. Search for leopards and sloth bears in Yala National Park, or see gentle elephants gather in Udawalawe National Park.

After your Sri Lankan adventure, you’ll travel in style to the Maldives, either by seaplane or speedboat.

If you fancy a city break before you reach the Maldives, why not enjoy a few days in the United Arab Emirates? A seven-hour flight from the UK, this place is more than half way to the Maldives, so it’s the ideal spot to break up your journey.

You could start your multi-centre trip in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE. Seamlessly blending old and new, this place is home to cultural attractions, gigantic shopping malls and record-breaking theme parks. You can get your culture fix at Sheikh Zayed Mosque and Louvre Abu Dhabi, while Yas Island offers white-knuckle thrills and family-friendly fun.

Or you could kick off your holiday in Dubai. This iconic city has plenty of attractions for both couples and families. You can gaze over the metropolis from the top of the Burj Khalifa, and shop ‘til you drop at the vast Dubai Mall. For something more up-tempo, go on an exciting desert safari or spend a day riding rollercoasters and waterslides at Dubai Parks and Resorts. 

There’s a lot more to the Middle East than the UAE. If you want to explore somewhere different, why not head to the Kingdom of Bahrain? Made up of 33 islands, this archipelago has lots of lovely white-sand beaches – the perfect warm-up act, before you jet off to the Maldives.

Alternatively, if you want to go further off the beaten track, start your holiday in authentic Oman. Sleepy Muscat has several interesting museums and beautiful mosques, all set against the backdrop of the stunning Al-Hajar Mountains. In the evenings, you can relax on blonde sands and tuck into delicious seafood dishes. 

Another option is Qatar. Spend a few days in the capital, Doha, where you’ll be able to soak up the traditional charm and modern sights. From art museums and scented souks, to luxury resorts and yacht-filled marinas, this city of contrasts offers the best of both worlds.

When planning your Maldives multi-centre holiday, you want to be able to experience both destinations at their best, so it’s important to think about the climate. There’s never a bad time to visit the Maldives, but the dry season – December to April – sees less rain, lower humidity and temperatures between 27-31°C. The islands also stay warm through the wet season, from May to November, although you can also expect short, heavy downpours.

Luckily – like the Maldives – December to April is the best time to visit the Middle East, as you’ll manage to avoid the scorching summer heat. So, if you want to see this part of the world on your way to the Indian Ocean, this is the time to go.

But if you’re planning to visit Sri Lanka, your trip will require a bit more planning. It’s generally dry and warm in Sri Lanka between January and March, so this would be the best time for your multi-centre holiday. Alternatively, if you want slightly cooler weather in both countries, you could book your getaway between June and September.