Sri Lanka and the Maldives: from Ella to Maafushi Atoll

This trip starts in Colombo. On the first day, we’ll meet at 18:00.

The first hotel is located in Negombo, 30 minutes by taxi from Colombo, the capital: you will therefore need to purchase flights to this city. For the departure day, the first available time for the speedboat is 6 AM, so it is essential to purchase your return flight not before 9 AM and preferably later, anticipating possible delays due to bad weather). For further information, contact your coordinator.

This trip ends in Maafushi. The trip officially ends at 09:00 on the last day, so we recommend planning your return transfers accordingly. For example:

• if you need to book a flight, consider the time needed to reach the airport and complete check-in procedures;

• if you need to book a train or continue your journey independently, consider the time required to reach the station or your next destination.

 If you have any doubts, you can contact the coordinator assigned to your departure for advice.

The pace of the trip is to be considered sustained exclusively in the first part of the trip (Sri Lanka). The second part of the trip will be entirely for relaxation.

For this itinerary, you can choose the type of luggage you prefer – we always recommend a backpack, but you can also travel with a duffel bag, a holdall, or (it breaks our heart to say it) a cabin trolley case or a checked suitcase, as long as it’s moderate in size. Our Group Leader will suggest the ideal luggage before departure in the WhatsApp group!

Return international flights are not included on our trips because we want to give you full autonomy and flexibility. You can choose your preferred airline, fly from the airport that works best for you, and decide how many stopovers you want to make along the way.

As flights are not included, you also have more flexibility with your travel dates: you could arrive at your destination a few days early or return home a bit later – or even continue independently to a nearby destination!

It depends on when you cancel, the status of your departure, and how much you have already paid. Here are all the cases.

If you cancel more than 31 days before departure - Tour not confirmed
You can cancel via email at hello@weroad.com

If it was your first unconfirmed booking (if you have more than one), nothing has been charged: no refund is needed.

If you paid the €/£/$100 deposit, the deposit is not refunded if you choose to cancel: you can, however, change trip from your MyWeRoad Personal Area and use the amount towards another departure.

The deposit is fully refunded only if WeRoad does not confirm the tour.

Tour confirmed – you paid only the €/£/$100 deposit
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the deposit paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Account and use the amount for another departure.

Tour confirmed – you paid the full amount
In case of cancellation by the WeRoader, the amount paid is not refunded. However, you can change your trip from your MyWeRoad Area and use the amount for another departure.

If you cancel less than 31 days of departure
You can cancel your booking at any time. However, in case of cancellation of less than 31 days before departure, no refund of the amount paid is provided, nor is it possible to change your trip, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.
The private room fee, included in the price of your trip, is not refunded under any circumstances within this time frame, unless you have purchased Flexible Cancellation.

If you have Flexible Cancellation
With Flexible Cancellation, for all departures from May 14 to September 30, 2026, you may cancel your trip up to 24 hours before departure and receive a refund, whatever the reason. The only amount not refunded is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.

PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!

For any doubts about your specific situation, write to our team at hello@weroad.com - we’ll help you!

Yes, you can change your trip directly from your MyWeRoad personal area, up to 31 days before departure. If you purchased Flexible Cancellation, to give you maximum flexibility, for all departures from May 14 to September 30, 2026, you may cancel your trip up to 24 hours before departure and receive a refund, whatever the reason.

How to change your trip from MyWeRoad

• Enter your booking
• Scroll to the “Change your trip” section at the bottom right
• Select a different date for the same trip or a completely different trip

Things to know

You can change your trip up to 3 times from your MyWeRoad personal area. Further changes must be requested by contacting our team at hello@weroad.com.
The new trip must depart within 12 months from the original departure date.
If your original booking included a private room, Flexible Cancellation, discount codes, gift cards, or vouchers, we will notify you before confirmation if they cannot be applied to the new trip.

You cannot switch to sold-out trips. For “On request” departures, we will check availability. For “Last spots” departures, availability in rooms of your same gender may not be guaranteed.
If there is a price adjustment: if the new trip costs less, we will refund the difference; if it costs more, you will need to pay the difference.

PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!

In some cases – for example when a departure is not yet confirmed and it is your first unconfirmed booking – you can book without paying the €/£/$100 deposit upfront.

This means that you can secure your spot at zero cost: nothing will be charged until the departure is confirmed. Once the departure is confirmed, the €/£/$100 deposit will be automatically charged within 48 hours according to the terms agreed at the time of booking.

Yes, but fees are non-refundable. If your plans change, you can modify your trip free of charge up to 31 days before departure.

How cancellation works Fees paid are not refundable in cash, regardless of whether your trip is confirmed or not. You can move your booking to another trip free of charge, up to 31 days before departure. After this deadline, changes are no longer possible.
Please note: if it's your first unconfirmed booking, you will only be asked to provide a credit card, PayPal, or Revolut as a guarantee, but nothing will be charged. From the second unconfirmed booking onwards, a mandatory £/$100 deposit will be required.

Exception: trip not confirmed by WeRoad If you wish to cancel, the rules above always apply. However, if WeRoad is the one not confirming the trip, you are entitled to a full refund of any amount paid.

Flexible Cancellation If you purchased the Flexible Cancellation option (available in the first step of the booking process), for all departures from May 14 to September 30, 2026, you may cancel your trip up to 24 hours before departure and receive a refund, whatever the reason. The only non-refundable amount is the cost of the Flexible Cancellation option itself.

How to cancel your trip Write to hello@weroad.com indicating your booking code. We will reply as soon as possible applying the cancellation conditions for your booking.
PLEASE NOTE: before cancelling, keep in mind that you can move your booking to another trip or a different date. Find out how!

We offer several payment methods to fit every need:

1. Credit or debit card (Visa, Mastercard, American Express);
2. Instalment payment with Klarna (you’ll pay for the trip in three equal amounts);
3. PayPal (for selected destinations);
4. Revolut Pay to pay even faster straight from your Revolut account.

Yes! We might not know the flights for everyone else in the group, but there are ways to find out which flights your fellow WeRoaders will be taking. 

1. All travellers can share their flight details after booking on their My WeRoad account so that other travellers on the same trip can see these details anonymously. 

2. Alternatively you can join our Facebook group: Solo Travellers | WeRoad Community – (here is the extended link: https://www.facebook.com/groups/963298767843213 ) Look for a post about the trip you’re interested in or ask the group admin for help in getting in touch with your future travel companions!

3. If the Group Leader has already been assigned to the trip you’re keen for, you can easily find their Facebook post on the website. 

If a departure is “Open to book”, it means that the trip is not yet confirmed and we are waiting for a few more bookings… maybe yours!

The good news? If it’s your first booking on an unconfirmed departure, you can book without paying anything! Just. leave your credit card details as a guarantee: no immediate charge, €/£/$0 deposit.
In the meantime, wait for the departure to be confirmed before purchasing your round-trip flights!

Generally, our groups have an average of 11 people. Everyone on our trips speaks English, and travellers join us from across the UK, Europe and beyond. Our trips are open to travelers between 18 and 49 years old. The indicated age is meant to give you an idea of the type of group, but it's not a strict limit: it's possible to participate even with a few years more or less, as long as you can keep up with the pace and energy of the group you're traveling with.

Each group will be joined and led by one of our experienced Group Leaders, who’s there to ensure everything runs smoothly and the group feels well-supported. 

If you’d like to know more about our typical WeRoad groups do reach out to us on WhatsApp on +44 7716573700. 

Yes! If you're curious, you can take a sneak peek at the group before booking. 
You’ll find the info in the ‘Group’ section for each trip on the departures page, showing how many WeRoaders have already booked. 

Click the little arrow and you’ll even see their gender and ages – but hey, that’s exclusive info, so we’ll ask you to log in or sign up to see that!

For our trips we usually use locally owned accommodation instead of big hotel chains. It’s our favourite way to really experience the local culture and, whenever we can, support the local economy. Typically, you’ll stay in hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels with the same standard maintained across all trips in the same destination.

The list of accommodation for your trip will be shared with you by your Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful details for your adventure!

For some trips, in the itinerary section, you’ll find the number of nights and the location (not the hotel) where you’ll be spending the night(s). The location shown is the one we usually go for on most trips, but in some cases, you might stay in a nearby town. This will depend on logistics or availability of accommodation. 

The list of accommodation for your trip (and therefore also the exact locations) will be shared by your Travel Group Leader 2-5 days before departure, along with other useful information for your adventure!

The WeRoad Travel Group Leader is an experienced and skilled traveler who will be the perfect companion for your trip. They will manage all the logistical aspects of the itinerary like transport, timings, accommodation, restaurant bookings and meeting points, so that you can enjoy the trip without this hassle. They’re there to support the group, ensure everything runs smoothly and will no doubt make the trip a lot of fun along the way too! 

The Group Leader will set up a WhatsApp group approximately 2 weeks before departure. This will be the moment to ask any pre-departure questions and get to know the rest of the group! If the trip you are interested in already has a Travel Group Leader assigned, you can contact them before booking. Their details will be on the trip page, or you can search for their name here. After booking, you will find their contact details in your My WeRoad account, under ‘Bookings and Trips’ > ‘Your Upcoming Trips’ > ‘Trip Details’.

When you set off on a WeRoad trip, you’re officially a WeRoader – and as we often say, 'once a WeRoader, always a WeRoader'. This means that once you’re part of the community, a little piece of WeRoad will always stay with you.

But you’re not just a WeRoader during your trips, far from it! The community is alive and active all year round: you can stay in touch by following and interacting on our social media channels, like the Facebook group or the Instagram profile. You can also come along to one of our many events that we run in different cities worldwide. Check out and sign up to our events by downloading the WeMeet app here. 

Yes, on all our trips you will share a room with other WeRoaders in your group. The bathroom will either be private or shared only with other travelers on the trip. The rooms might be twins, triples, quadruples or multi-share (up to 8 people in exceptional cases), depending on the destination and availability.

You will never share with people from outside of the WeRoad group, except in certain cases for local experiences, which are specifically mentioned in the itinerary or communicated before booking. These typically involve specific nights in unique accommodation like tents, homestays, or camping, offering a more adventurous travel experience in exchange for some comfort.

During the booking process, you can also choose to stay in a mixed-gender room. If needed, only travelers who have opted in to this option may share a room with travel companions of a different gender.

On some of our trips we can offer a private room for an additional cost. Just tick the ‘Private Room’ option at checkout to get this added. For some of our trips if you book as two travelers together you can add this private room free of charge. Look out for this option at checkout. 

Please note that if you do book a private room with a friend/partner this could be either a double or a twin room so please email hello@weroad.com if you have a preference on this. 

Find out the entry requirements for Sri Lanka, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Sri Lanka – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

Sri Lanka is in the Sri Lanka Standard Time zone, which is 5 hours and 30 minutes ahead of Coordinated Universal Time (UTC+5:30). Sri Lanka does not observe daylight saving time. If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 5:30pm in Sri Lanka. If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 10:30pm in Sri Lanka. Keep this in mind when planning calls or activities involving multiple time zones.

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) as its currency. 
The daily exchange rates can fluctuate, but as a rough guide:

• 1 British Pound (GBP) is approximately 500 LKR
• 1 US Dollar (USD) is around 320 LKR
• 1 Euro (EUR) is about 350 LKR

You can exchange currency at banks, exchange bureaus, and sometimes hotels. It is advisable to exchange currency at official places to get a better rate and avoid counterfeit notes.

Credit cards, debit cards, and cash are widely accepted in Sri Lanka. Most hotels, restaurants, and shops in urban areas accept cards, but it's a good idea to carry cash for smaller businesses and rural areas. ATMs are available in cities and towns, allowing you to withdraw cash using international cards. It's always best to inform your bank about your travel plans to avoid any issues with card transactions.

In Sri Lanka, tipping is a common practice and a nice way to show appreciation for good service. While it's not mandatory, we suggest you tip in the following situations:

• At restaurants, around 10% of the bill if a service charge isn't included.
• For hotel staff, like porters, around 100-200 Sri Lankan Rupees.
• For taxi drivers, you can round up the fare.

These small gestures are appreciated by service workers.

In Sri Lanka, buying a local SIM card or an e-SIM data plan is a great idea for staying connected. Major providers like Dialog, Mobitel, and Airtel offer affordable options with good coverage across the country. Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, cafes, and restaurants, though the speed and reliability can vary. 

For more consistent internet access, a local SIM can be a lifesaver, especially if you plan to explore rural areas where Wi-Fi might be less available.

In Sri Lanka, the main languages spoken are Sinhala and Tamil. English is also widely used, especially in urban areas and for business purposes. Here are some useful Sinhala expressions you might hear or use:

• Hello: Ayubowan
• Thank you: Istuti
• How much is this?: Meeka keeyada?

And some Tamil expressions:

• Hello: Vanakkam
• Thank you: Nandri
• How much is this?: Idhu evvalavu?

In Sri Lanka, you'll find Type D, M, and G plugs. The voltage is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If you're coming from the UK, USA, or other European countries, you might need to bring a universal adapter since your plugs might not fit. Always check your devices are compatible with 230V to avoid any issues.

The main religion in Sri Lanka is Buddhism. The country is predominantly Buddhist, with around 70% of the population practicing Theravada Buddhism. Significant Buddhist religious holidays include Vesak, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha, usually observed in May. If you're visiting during a religious holiday, you might see vibrant celebrations and beautiful lanterns. Remember to be respectful when visiting temples, by removing your shoes and covering your shoulders and knees.

For a trip to Sri Lanka, pack smart to enjoy the diverse landscapes and cultural experiences. 
Here's a handy packing list for your backpack :

• Clothing:
  - Lightweight shirts and T-shirts
  - Long pants and shorts
  - A light jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
  - Swimwear for the beaches
• Shoes:
  - Comfortable walking shoes or sandals
  - Flip-flops for the beach
  - Hiking boots if you plan to trek
• Accessories and Technology:
  - A sun hat and sunglasses
  - A power bank and chargers
  - An adapter (Sri Lanka uses Type G plugs, 230V, 50Hz)
  - A camera or smartphone with a good camera
• Toiletries and Medication:
  - Sunscreen and insect repellent
  - Basic toiletries like toothbrush, toothpaste, and soap
  - Hand sanitizer
  - Common travel medication like pain relievers, anti-diarrheal, and antihistamines

Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. This packing list will help you stay comfortable while exploring Sri Lanka's beautiful landscapes and vibrant culture.

Sri Lanka's weather is tropical and varies by region. Here's a quick breakdown:

• Southwest Coast and Hill Country (Colombo, Galle, Kandy): Best time to visit is from December to March. The monsoon runs from May to September, bringing heavy rains.
• Northeast Coast (Trincomalee, Jaffna): Best time to visit is from May to September. The monsoon hits from October to January.

Overall, Sri Lanka is warm year-round, with average temperatures between 25-30°C. Keep in mind that the hill country is cooler, so pack a light jacket if you're heading there.

Find out the entry requirements for Maldives, and, if needed, apply for your visa through our partner Sherpa.

Before traveling, always remember to check the government website of your country of origin for updates on the entry requirements for Maldives – you wouldn’t want to stay home due to a bureaucratic detail!

• UK residents: review the FCDO Travel Advice.
• US residents: consult the US Department of State Travel Advice.
• Other residents: refer to your government or local consulate's travel advice.

The Maldives follows Maldives Time (MVT), which is UTC+5. They don't observe daylight saving time, so the time difference is consistent throughout the year.

• If it is 12pm in the UK, it will be 5pm in the Maldives.
• If it is 12pm in New York, USA, it will be 10pm in the Maldives.

The currency used in the Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). Here are the daily exchange rates:

• 1 GBP is approximately 20 MVR
• 1 USD is about 15 MVR
• 1 EUR is around 17 MVR

You can exchange currency at banks, airport exchange counters, and major hotels in the Maldives.

In the Maldives, you can pay using credit cards, debit cards, and cash. Credit cards like Visa, MasterCard, and American Express are widely accepted in resorts and larger establishments. It's a good idea to carry some cash for smaller shops or local markets, where USD is often accepted alongside the local currency, Maldivian Rufiyaa (MVR). ATMs are available in Malé and some larger islands, but they may be limited elsewhere, so plan accordingly.

In the Maldives, tipping is not mandatory but it's appreciated for good service. Many resorts and restaurants include a service charge in the bill, usually around 10 percent. If you're happy with the service and want to leave an additional tip, you can give a small amount to staff like porters, housekeepers, or waitstaff. A few dollars or the local currency equivalent is generally sufficient. Always check your bill first to see if a service charge has already been added.

In the Maldives, Wi-Fi is generally available in resorts, hotels, and some cafes, but the speed and reliability can vary. If you're staying on a local island or planning to explore more remote areas, buying a local SIM card for mobile data is a good idea. You can get a SIM card from providers like Dhiraagu or Ooredoo at the airport or in major towns. Check out their data plans to find one that fits your needs. Keep in mind that the Maldives is not part of the EU or Schengen area, so international roaming costs can be high.

In the Maldives, the official language is Dhivehi. While English is commonly spoken in tourist areas, it's useful to know a few Dhivehi phrases:

• Hello: "Assalaamu alaikum"
• Thank you: "Shukuriyaa"
• Yes: "Aan"
• No: "Noonu"

These simple phrases can enhance your interaction with locals and show appreciation for their culture.

In the Maldives, the plugs are Type G, which are the same as those used in the UK. The electrical voltage is 230 volts, with a frequency of 50 Hz. If your devices are not compatible with this plug type, we suggest you bring a universal adapter to ensure your electronics can be used without any issues.

The main religion in the Maldives is Islam, specifically Sunni Islam, and it plays a significant role in the daily life and culture of the country. As a visitor, it's important to respect local customs and traditions. When visiting mosques or religious sites:

• Women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
• Men should avoid shorts.

Important religious holidays include:

• Ramadan, a month of fasting.
• Eid al-Fitr, which marks the end of Ramadan.

Packing for the Maldives is all about keeping it light and comfortable, as the weather is typically warm and beach-friendly. Here's what you should consider putting in your backpack:

1. Clothing:

• Lightweight t-shirts and shorts
• Swimwear
• Light cover-ups or sarongs
• Eveningwear for resort dinners
• A light rain jacket in case of tropical showers

2. Shoes:

• Flip-flops or sandals
• Water shoes for coral reefs
• Light sneakers for excursions

3. Accessories and Technology:

• Sunglasses
• Sunhat or cap
• Waterproof phone case
• Camera or GoPro
• Chargers and power bank

4. Toiletries and Medication:

• Reef-safe sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Personal hygiene items
• Basic first-aid kit
• Common travel medication like pain relievers, antihistamines, and motion sickness tablets

Remember that you might spend a lot of time in the water, so prioritize comfort and sun protection.

The Maldives is known for its tropical climate with warm temperatures all year round. Here's a breakdown:

• Dry Season (November to April): Expect plenty of sunshine and little rainfall. It's the best time to visit for beach activities and diving.
• Wet Season (May to October): You might experience heavy rain, thunderstorms, and higher humidity. Still, you can enjoy sunny days in between showers.

Temperatures usually range from 77°F to 88°F (25°C to 31°C) throughout the year. The dry season is ideal for travel if you're looking for clear skies and calmer seas.