or call us on 0800 781 4893
Journey to the heart of this captivating island, boasting an incredible variety of highlights from undiscovered pristine beaches in the East, to ancient civilisations and sacred pilgrimage sites in the Cultural Triangle. Journey high up into the tea plantations of Sri Lanka's hill country and then down to Udawalawe and Yala to experience Sri Lanka's stunning wildlife, and discover the country's rich history in Colonial Galle and the capital, Colombo.
Depart London on your scheduled, overnight flight to Colombo.
On arrival you will be transferred to your hotel in Colombo for a welcome dinner.
Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is a bustling, cosmopolitan city whose colonial history is still very much evident along wide, shaded boulevards and among its Victorian churches and tumbledown cafes. An introductory half-day city tour visits the vibrant temples and bazaars of Pettah, selling seemingly everything from traditional jewellery to Ayurvedic medicines. A trip to the Old Dutch hospital is a highlight of the newly restored Fort complex, home to some of Colombo's chicest restaurants, cafes and shops. After lunch rest of day at leisure.
Today you will leave the capital and head north to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the spiritual heart of the Cultural Triangle. On route, visit the somnolent village of Mihintale and its nearby sacred mountain peak and temple complex. Ancient monastic dwellings and meditations spots are connected by beautiful old stone steps amongst rocky hills.
Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura's city ruins are one of South Asia's most evocative sites and contain a rich collection of crumbling temples, vast monasteries and elaborate palaces. Marvel at the sacred Bodhi tree, the oldest authenticated tree in the world. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before travelling east to Passikudah.
Today has been left at leisure for you to relax and enjoy Passikudah's powder-white sands and emerald-blue waters on Sri Lanka's laid-back, less-visited east coast.
This morning, journey to Sri Lanka's second ancient city. Scattered over gently undulating woodland, explore the monumental ruins of the ancient garden city of Polonnaruwa. Afterwards, continue on to the scenic town of Dambulla where you will spend the next two nights.
Undoubtedly a highlight of the tour is today's excursion to the awe inspiring Sigiriya rock fortress. The ancient city of Sigiriya is a World Heritage Site and the city ruins lie on the slopes and summit of the imposing granite peak, towering above the jungle below. Climb up steps carved into the rock face to see the fortified palace and brilliant frescoes or enjoy the spectacular views of ancient citadel and jungle from the lily-pad-covered moats that surround the rock. Return to your hotel for lunch and to enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Please note: photography is prohibited in parts of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress. Prohibited areas will be clearly signposted.
After breakfast, visit the Dambulla Rock Temple, where the impressive caves contain over 2000 square metres of painted walls and ceilings which were once gilded by the ancient King to mark his place of worship. After some time to explore here, a stop will be made at a typical Sri Lankan spice garden to observe how a variety of spices are grown. You will arrive into Kandy this afternoon and head to the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth. The golden-roofed temple houses Sri Lanka's most important Buddhist relic - a tooth of Buddha; you will arrive in time for 'pooja' when the heavily guarded room housing the relic is open to both pilgrims and travellers alike.
Cradled amongst misty hills, the small city of Kandy exudes history, culture and beauty with its calm centrepiece lake surrounded by rolling forested landscapes and colourful houses. Explore the famous botanical gardens of Peradeniya, full of exotic palms, colourful orchids and home to over four thousand species of trees and plants. Then enjoy a tour of the city followed by a day at leisure.
This morning you will journey to Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England' due to its plethora of colonial bungalows, well-tended hedgerows and pretty rose gardens. The picturesque mountain town is blessed with a salubrious climate and breathtaking views over the surrounding valleys, meadows and peaks. Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest exporters of tea and Nuwara Eliya has been the capital of this industry since the 19th century. En route to your hotel, you will make a stop at a tea plantation to observe the rich traditional process and inhale the heavenly scent of the prestigious Ceylon tea brand.
A morning tour of Nuwara Eliya begins today, driving through the lush green tea plantations dotted with the colourful saris of the women working in them. Lunch will be served in a local village, Ella, with far reaching views over the misty landscapes beyond before continuing to Udawalawe.
Udawalawe national park is renowned for its elephant viewing opportunities against the stunning backdrop of the surrounding hills. Rising early this morning, embark on a jeep safari to witness these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. As well as being home to over 250 elephants, deer, water buffalo, monkeys and a variety of bird species can also be found in the park. Just outside the park is the Elephant Transit Home, an inspirational project started to rehabilitate orphaned elephants. After this visit, depart for Tissamaharama to enjoy lunch and the rest of day at leisure.
After some free time this morning, a jeep safari in the nearby Yala national park awaits. Covering a vast 1200 square kilometres, Yala is Sri Lanka's largest national park boasting a uniquely stunning ocean front setting. Journey through the heartland of wildlife, home to elephants, sloths, deer and, with the highest density of leopards in the world, you may even be lucky enough to spot one of these beautifully elusive animals.
Departing Tissamaharama, you will travel to the sleepy coastal resort of Mirissa. The idyllic crescent of beach, fringed with coconut palms is the perfect place to crack open a coconut and relax on the soft golden sands by the calm turquoise waters.
This morning will be at leisure for you to further relax or choose an optional whale watching excursion. The south coast of Sri Lanka is arguably the best place in the world to see planet earth's largest ever creatures, the Blue Whale. Alternatively, visit the nearby Hikkaduwa preschool to see a charity project funded and supported by Mercury Holidays. Late this morning you will travel to Galle, a fort area and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This national treasure has been inhabited by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, all of whom left their distinctive marks visible in the walled Galle Fort and through the sleepy streets strewn with colonial buildings, restaurants and small boutique shops.
After breakfast transfer to Colombo airport for your flight back to the UK.
British passport holders are currently required to obtain a visa in order to travel to Sri Lanka. Further to visa advice should be sought from the applicable tourist authority for other nationalities and for general queries. We strongly advise you to check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding required passport validity.
We strongly recommend that you and all members of your party are suitably insured as soon as you book your holiday. It is a condition of booking that you must have suitable travel insurance. It is important that you purchase travel insurance that suitably covers your participation in whatever activities you may undertake at the time that you make your booking. To assist you with this, we have arranged travel insurance in partnership with Holiday Extras. To arrange your travel insurance with Holiday Extras, please call 0800 781 4237 and quote 'WK830' for preferential rates. Please ensure you provide us with the name of your insurer, policy number and their 24-hour emergency contact number as soon as possible. Mercury Holidays will not be liable for any costs incurred by you due to your failure to take out suitable travel insurance from the date of booking.
If booking more than 10 weeks before departure a deposit of £250pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 10 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 10 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Your flight is to Colombo Airport is with Sri Lankan Airlines (UL), departing from London Heathrow Terminal 3. Each passenger is entitled to 30kg of hold luggage and hand luggage that you are permitted to carry one item of hand baggage (max 5kg - 56x36x23cm) in addition to one small personal item on-board the aircraft. Weight restrictions will be finalized on E-ticket receipt. Should you wish to take additional luggage you will need to pay extra at check-in. Check-in should be at least 3 hours before departure.
Airport Extras
If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras - Tel. 0871 360 2000, quoting HX313.
It is your responsibility to check any health and vaccination requirements applicable to your booked arrangements. We can only provide general information about this. Health and hygiene facilities and disease risks vary from country to country. You should take health advice about your own needs as early as possible and in good time before your departure. Sources of information include; www.fco.gov.uk, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
This tour is accessible to most people with an average level of fitness and normal mobility. It involves full days of sightseeing, often on foot, and includes some climbing of stairs and getting on and off coaches. Please note there are approximately 1,300 steps to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 30. If in the unlikely event there are less than 10 people booked on your tour date, we will endeavour to reduce any disruption to your holiday and try to operate your tour with lower passenger numbers. If we are not able to operate your departure date then you may be asked to change to a different date and a full refund will be made available to you should this alternative not be suitable.
This is a fully escorted tour with local guides throughout ensuring that you have first-hand knowledge at all times.
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee, LKR. The Rupee is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of Sri Lanka. US Dollars and GBP are also widely accepted in Sri Lanka should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you.
You will need to take money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £200 will be sufficient for the durations of the tour, depending on how much of a bargain-hunter you are! Tipping is customary in Sri Lanka. Should you wish to tip, this will be collected by your guide at the end of your tour for your convenience. We would recommend approximately £3-5 per person, per day for the driver and guide and £4 per person, per day for the national guides. It is asked that if you do not tip in the local currency, please do not give coins as these are difficult to exchange.
| Depart UK | Arrive UK | Price | Book Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 Dates | |||
| 10 Oct 2018 | 26 Oct 2018 | £2129 | SOLD OUT |
| 24 Oct 2018 | 09 Nov 2018 | £1969pp | Save £150 - Quote TOUR150Please call to book 0800 781 4893 |
| 07 Nov 2018 | 23 Nov 2018 | £2049pp | Save £150 - Quote TOUR150Please call to book 0800 781 4893 |
| 21 Nov 2018 | 07 Dec 2018 | £2049pp | Save £150 - Quote TOUR150Please call to book 0800 781 4893 |
| 2019 Dates | |||
| 09 Jan 2019 | 25 Jan 2019 | £2219 | SOLD OUT |
| 16 Jan 2019 | 01 Feb 2019 | £2249 | Book Now |
| 23 Jan 2019 | 08 Feb 2019 | £2449 | Book Now |
| 30 Jan 2019 | 15 Feb 2019 | £2449 | Book Now |
| 06 Feb 2019 | 22 Feb 2019 | £2429 | Book Now |
| 13 Feb 2019 | 01 Mar 2019 | £2549 | Book Now |
| 20 Feb 2019 | 08 Mar 2019 | £2489 | Book Now |
| 24 Feb 2019 | 12 Mar 2019 | £2499 | Book Now |
| 27 Feb 2019 | 15 Mar 2019 | £2489 | Book Now |
| 06 Mar 2019 | 22 Mar 2019 | £2129 | Book Now |
| 10 Mar 2019 | 26 Mar 2019 | £2149 | Book Now |
| 13 Mar 2019 | 29 Mar 2019 | £2099 | Book Now |
| 20 Mar 2019 | 05 Apr 2019 | £2099 | Book Now |
| 28 Mar 2019 | 13 Apr 2019 | £2099 | Book Now |
| 03 Apr 2019 | 19 Apr 2019 | £2029 | Book Now |
| 17 Apr 2019 | 03 May 2019 | £1999 | Book Now |
| 24 Apr 2019 | 10 May 2019 | £1949 | Book Now |
| 01 May 2019 | 17 May 2019 | £1729 | Book Now |
| 15 May 2019 | 31 May 2019 | £1929 | Book Now |
| 29 May 2019 | 14 Jun 2019 | £1919 | Book Now |
| 12 Jun 2019 | 28 Jun 2019 | £2019 | Book Now |
| 19 Jun 2019 | 05 Jul 2019 | £2019 | Book Now |
| 26 Jun 2019 | 12 Jul 2019 | £2019 | Book Now |
| 28 Aug 2019 | 13 Sep 2019 | £2119 | Book Now |
| 11 Sep 2019 | 27 Sep 2019 | £2119 | Book Now |
| 18 Sep 2019 | 04 Oct 2019 | £2119 | Book Now |
| 25 Sep 2019 | 11 Oct 2019 | £2119 | Book Now |
| 09 Oct 2019 | 25 Oct 2019 | £2129 | Book Now |
| 16 Oct 2019 | 01 Nov 2019 | £2129 | Book Now |
| 23 Oct 2019 | 08 Nov 2019 | £2129 | Book Now |
| 06 Nov 2019 | 22 Nov 2019 | £2219 | Book Now |
| 13 Nov 2019 | 29 Nov 2019 | £2219 | Book Now |
| 20 Nov 2019 | 06 Dec 2019 | £2219 | Book Now |
A limited number of rooms on selected dates are available with no single supplement. Once all single rooms are sold, a single supplement starts from just £629pp.
If the group departure dates are not suitable for you and you would prefer a more personal and flexible experience then you can choose to book a private guide for your tour at a reasonable supplement.
Please note that Yala National Park may close during September and October. If this does occur, you will visit the nearby Lunugamwehera National Park instead.
Sri Lankan Rupee
10-14 hours
18 °C / 34 °C
Sinhala, Tamil, English
Weather can vary quite considerably throughout the year, so please familiarise yourself with the climate charts below.
Hotels were of a high standard and represented good value for money.
All hotels were excellent. Rooms and food brilliant! All staff very good and helpful.
All hotels were excellent
Some hotels a bit dated but generally all good
Excellent accommodation and food. Far exceeded our expectations.
The hotels were of exceptional high standard. All in fantastic locations, rooms excellent and food and service extremely good.
Have no negatives at all, very good value.
Generally very good
The standard of the hotels we visited was good . We have no complaints about any hotel .
A good tour.
Excellent tour with great guide and hotels.
Newton the guide was very patient and informative and a wonderful host. The driver was fabulous and made us feel safe even when others were testing him with their bad driving. Chmi was a very pleasant young man and very helpful on the coach getting water with a smile.
Absolutely first class!! The guide was knowledgeable and a great travel companion. Excellent value given the quality of hotels and the small size of the group.
Absolutely first class!! Knowledgeable guides and fantastic tour companions. Exceptional value given the quality of hotels and small size of groups.
All Hotels were excellent with a good range of facilities. Buffet meals were also good with a wide selection.
0800 781 4893 (free)
0333 321 3144 (mobile friendly)
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