Are you planning your next long-haul getaway to the tropics? Perhaps you’re searching for a multi-country holiday that will satisfy all of your exploration desires.
Trip-combining has become a popular and intelligent way to travel, saving time and money on airfare and also seeing as much as possible in a limited time frame. The Maldives can be combined with many stunning locations that will provide a different experiences and unique scenery.
Why not pair your next trip to The Maldives with one of the following destinations?
Dubai
The dazzling skyscrapers, city lights and impressive luxury of Dubai makes a perfect match with the barefoot life in The Maldives. The chances are high that you will have a stop-over in Dubai anyway on your way to Malé, so why not enjoy a few nights here to explore a new city? Dubai is an unparalleled city which oozes glamour - even the Dubai Metro is fancy! Here are some things we recommend doing in Dubai:
Why not visit the only seven-star hotel in the world Burj-al-Arab? You don’t have to stay there for a visit, you can grab an unforgettable bite to eat at one of their internationally-renowned restaurants or stroll along Jumeirah public beach for a glimpse of its majestic architecture.
The Dubai Mall will set your bar high for shopping centres all around the world. With over 1300 shops, this shopping centre is one of the largest and most luxurious in the world. Even if you don’t want to buy anything, a visit to the Dubai Mall is still worth it for the sheer luxury exposed.
The tallest building in the world, also known as Burj Khalifa, is a must-visit. This emblematic landmark rises 2722 feet above the city with phenomenal views of the desert, beaches, ocean, the palm, other skyscrapers, and at its foot lies the Dubai Fountain, with jets and lights choreographed to music - why not head up there for an unforgettable view of the sunset?
For a cultural and educational experience of Islam, definitely visit the Jumeirah Mosque. This mosque invites non-muslims to have a look inside and admire the ornate and wonderful decor and architecture. Visitors must dress conservatively, covering their legs and arms fully - women are also required to wear a scarf around their head.
Explore the Dubai Desert - which is the UAE's first national park sitting on the outer edges of the city, occupying approximately 87 square miles of the Arabian Desert. Thrill-seekers can go sand boarding or dune driving - those looking for a more romantic and relaxed experience can lay on low cushions in tents for a desert dinner.
Sri Lanka
Due to its proximity, Sri Lanka is a fantastic choice for pairing with The Maldives. You will be ready to lounge on the pristine beaches of The Maldives after spending some time in the Sri Lankan capital of Colombo, or exploring the ancient ruins and discovering the rolling tea plantations… Here are some things we recommend doing in Sri Lanka:
Climb the rock fortress of Sigiriya, a spiritual and naturally phenomenal hike. This is one of Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Sites, boasting incredible panoramic views, dating back to the fifth century AD.
It is common to see elephants in Sri Lanka, whether it be on a tea plantation, in national parks, or during the Esala Perahera parade in Kandy in all their bejewelled and sequined glory. However, the best place is Udawalawe National Park where you will see wild elephants roaming freely. It is also one of the best places to go birdwatching in Sri Lanka too.
Are you a tea lover? Tour neatly-terraced tea estates, watch pickers at work and sample tea at the Hill Country’s Haputale Mountains, where Sir Thomas Lipton launched his tea empire.
Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s number one leopard sanctuary. The big cats are thriving here in territories of little more than a kilometre each, making seeing one almost a certainty.
Kandy is a pretty town tucked beside a lake in the country’s central highlands. Make sure you visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. If you’re visiting in June or July, don’t miss the spectacular Esala Perahera Festival, a celebration paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic - make sure you get a good seat and dive into Sri Lankan culture!
India
Only an hour or two away from The Maldives, India provides an immensely contrasting experience and combining these two destinations will make for a truly interesting holiday. From stargazing in the Thar desert and snow leopard spotting, to mountain trekking in the Himalayas – India is truly full of adventure. Here are some things we recommend doing in India:
The incredible Rajasthan borders Pakistan and is home to the Thar Desert. Jaipur, or the Pink City, is the capital of Rajasthan and is home to an array of incredible architecture, including three forts, many temples and the extraordinary City Palace. Jodhpur, the so-called Blue City that is the gateway to the Thar Desert as well as the home to the spectacular Mehrangarh Fort.
With a history of more than 3,000 years, Varanasi is one of the world’s oldest living cities. Located on the banks of the River Ganges, Varanasi is a pilgrimage destination for many Hindus and is regarded as a sacred city because it is believed that dying here releases a person’s soul from the cycle of reincarnation, and that bathing in the River Ganges cleanses one’s sins.
Agra, home to the Taj Mahal, is one of the most-visited cities in all of India. The white marble Taj Mahal mausoleum was built in the 17th century, and it is regarded as a monument of love. Also worth seeing in Agra is the 16th century Agra Fort, which is very similar to the Red Fort of Delhi.
For tropical vibes in India, head to the region of Kerala, with palm trees, white sand beaches and eco-tourism. Kerala is also home to Thekkady, a tiger preserve which allows you to admire without crowds.
The mountainous destination of Ladakh provides breathtaking and pristine scenery and the town of Leh is home to the 17th century Palace of the King of Ladakh. Buddhist culture is prominent in Leh, and you can explore some of the many Buddhist monasteries and temples in the Old Town.
Oman
Often overlooked by travellers, sitting on the edge of the Arabian Peninsula, is the exotic country of Oman. The capital city, Muscat, is the most popular destination, but there is so much more to explore. If you’re thrilled by deserts, mountains, forts and beaches, then make Oman the next destination on your travel bucket list. An overview of the best places to visit in Oman:
Muscat is home to unique and impressive forts, palaces, museums and markets and provides an exhilarating visit. Admire the Qasr Al Alam Royal Palace at the harbour as well as the twin forts of Al Jalali and Al Mirani, which have been converted to museums. Non-Muslim travellers can also visit the breathtaking Sultan Qaboos Grand Mosque, home to the second largest Persian carpet in the world.
Wahiba Sands is located in the centre of Oman, with desert dunes stretching for miles. This is where the Bedu people live, and is a popular destination for those in search of authentic and traditional Oman. Ride on the back of a camel and camp in the desert under the stars.
The Musandam Fjords stretch north and offer spectacular views. If you visit the Musandam Fjords, the highlights can include things like boat trips to explore the coasts and peaks rising up from the water, spotting dolphins from a Dhow, or traditional Omani boat, and scuba diving out at sea. Population is sparse and wildlife in abundant, making this region one of the best places to visit in Oman for nature lovers.
Ras al Jinz, is a turtle reserve that helps protect the sea turtles of the Indian Ocean. If you visit during the summer, or between May and October, you can see turtle nests along the peaceful beach and even watch the baby turtles hatch and make their way to the ocean.
Known as the second city to Muscat, Salalah, is the ancestral home to the Sultan Qaboos, the reigning sultan in Oman since 1970. Here you can admire the incredible Qaboos Palace, and you can appreciate older architecture in the Old Town, known as the Haffa. From June to August, monsoon clouds from India bring a constant rain to the area and, as a result, the coastal region around Salalah is transformed into a green oasis with waterfalls and streams - truly magical.
We hope you enjoyed this blog post, alongside discovering more about potential destinations to combine with your trip to The Maldives. Let us know if you have any questions!
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