- Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka Wondrous Highlights with Seychelles Beach Stay
Experience the unique blend of ancient cultural marvels and stunning natural wonders that Sri Lanka offers. Discover sacred bodhi trees, golden beaches, and impressive architectural feats, all while enjoying the warm hospitality of the locals. The island's diverse landscapes and historic treasures promise a journey that will leave you both invigorated and uplifted. Complete your adventure with a relaxing stay in the Seychelles, where you can unwind in a luxurious oceanic paradise.
Dinner
Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Colombo.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
On arrival, you’ll be met by your local guide and transferred to Sigiriya where you’ll spend the rest of the day at leisure – relaxing and unwinding after your overnight flight. You’ll be staying in the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle which is an area abound with wildlife, well-tended gardens and ancient stone sculptures.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an awakening cup of coffee, you’ll be taken to see the sunrise meet the mighty Sigiriya rock fortress which was built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century AD. This vast, impressive site of historical and archaeological significance is dominated by a massive column of granite almost 200m high where the ancient ruins of a forgotten fortress sit atop this mighty stone monolith. As you approach through the irrigated gardens you’ll be met by a vast, sprawling banyan tree which is thought to be well over 1,000 years old – although nobody really knows its age as these trees, similar to the British Yew tree, are said to be immortal. Once you reach Sigiriya rock you can climb the spiral staircase to the summit and enjoy unrivalled vistas of the surrounding region from this elevated perspective. You’ll also have the chance to see the exquisite frescoes of elegant women which adorn the walls of a sheltered section of rock. These magnificent paintings have been drawn in earth pigments upon plaster and have truly stood the test of time, giving you the opportunity to witness this magnificent artistic marvel. On completion of your sunrise Sigiriya tour you’ll be taken back to the hotel for a hearty breakfast. For the rest of the morning, you’ll be at leisure to relax by the pool side and enjoy the local wildlife. In the afternoon you’ll be taken to visit Polonnaruwa – the second capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th and 12th centuries AD. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit the ruins of the Royal Palace and enjoy many architectural marvels such as the stone-carved ‘Lotus Bath’ which descends into the earth, and the magnificent rock-relief statues of various saints, sages and buddhas, that have stood in this region for the past millennium. After exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa you’ll be driven back to Sigiriya to enjoy classic Sri Lankan cuisine for dinner and your overnight stay.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast you’ll be taken with your local guide to spend the day exploring Anuradhapura - the 1st capital of Sri Lanka established in 380 BC. During this tour you’ll visit a sacred Bodhi Tree which is known to be at least 2,000 years old. You’ll also be taken to see the remains of the Brazen palace constructed by King Dutugemunu in the 2nd century B.C; visit Ruwanweli Maha Seya – an immense Buddhist stupa of vast antiquity; see the Samadhi sculpture which is acknowledged worldwide as an artistic masterpiece and presents the Buddha in a meditative pose; and finally you’ll visit the Isurumuniya Vihare which is famous for its rock carvings of “the lovers.” After your tour of Anuradhapura you’ll return to Sigiriya Village where you’ll spend the afternoon at leisure with the option to embark on a bird-watching trip, or a nature ramble.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today you’ll have the chance to explore the magnificent Dambulla Rock Temple which was donated by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC to the Buddhist monks of the region. Dambulla is a World Heritage site and is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s canvases of cave temples. This complex contains over 2000 sq. meters of beautifully painted walls; its mesmerising mosaic ceiling is the largest area of cave painting to be found anywhere in the world. Within this temple you’ll see over 150 images of the Buddha, the largest of which is a colossal carving of rock which spans over 14 metres. Once you’ve finished exploring the caverns, you’ll proceed on to Matale and visit a Spice Garden where you’ll become familiar with the plethora of intoxicating herbs and spices that originate from the Sri Lankan Island, and visit a batik factory to see how these stunning hand-crafted creations are made. You’ll be checking into your hotel in Kandy before heading out for an afternoon city tour. This culturally significant area is known as ‘the last capital of the Sri Lankan Kings’ and carries the designation of a World Heritage Site. Kandy is an extraordinary place that conjures visions of splendour and magnificence from the time since past. Many of the legends, traditions and folklore from here are still lovingly kept alive. On your tour, you’ll be driven around the vast Kandy Lake which was built by the last Sinhalese King: Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. You’ll also visit the old town bazaar, a local arts & crafts centre, and see locally mined gemstones being carved and polished at one of the city’s lapidaries. Once you’ve experienced all that Kandy has to offer you’ll be taken for dinner and an overnight stay at your hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast you’ll be taken to visit the Botanical Garden in Peradeniya which was first built as a personal garden for a local Sinhala King, and was subsequently expanded by the British into a beauteous public park which is almost 150 acres in size. The garden provides an amazing variety of flora and fauna to enjoy. Once you’ve had a chance to take a stroll across this stunning sanctuary of nature, you’ll continue on to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage where you’ll be able to get up close and personal with these magnificent animals. You will head back to the hotel to refresh before heading out in the evening to the globally recognised spiritual site known as the ‘Temple of the Tooth Relic’ where the sanctum sanctorum houses a tooth of Guatama Buddha. Here you’ll witness a traditional ‘pooja’ ceremony performed by the resident monks – this is an offering of sound, chants and incense made to the Buddha and is a great way to become receptive to the energies of the space. Following this ceremony, you’ll be transferred back to your hotel for a sample of local delicacies and your overnight stay.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Upon leaving Kandy your guide will be taking you to Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka's premier hilltop resort and tea plantation, affectionately referred to as “Little England” on account of its architectural, climatic, and aesthetic similarity to the mountainous regions of England. On the way to Nuwara Eliya you’ll be visiting one of the plantations to learn about the tea manufacturing process and, once arrived, you’ll be taken on a short tour of this lush, green market town where – amidst towering cedar trees and cultured gardens – the Sri Lankan people conduct their daily business and worship in the Buddhist temples there. After spending some time relaxing in this quiet, picturesque hilltop town you’ll be taken to your hotel for dinner and a relaxing evening before beginning your transfer back to Colombo in the morning.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After a full breakfast, you’ll then be travelling on to Colombo with a brief stop at the beautiful Kitulgala where “The Bridge on the River Kwai” was filmed. On arrival at Colombo you’ll embark on a half-day city tour of the island’s present capital; a bustling, cosmopolitan city whose colonial history is still very much evident with its wide, shaded boulevards and grand, imposing Victorian churches. You’ll have a chance to visit the vibrant bazaars of Pettah which seem to sell everything imaginable – from traditional jewellery, to ancient artefacts, to Ayurvedic medicines. There’ll also be a chance to stop for refreshments and souvenirs at the old restored Dutch Fort complex, home to some of Colombo’s most chic and highly-rated restaurants, cafes and shops. Then, stepping back from modernity into a more ancient frame, you’ll be able to visit the Gangaramaya Buddhist temple as well as the Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil dedicated to Lord Shiva and Ganesha – a symbol of the diverse and vibrant culture of this lively place. Finally, taking a stroll along the Galle Face Green to witness the magnificent sunset will be a great way to create the perfect lasting memory to carry home with you from this extraordinary trip.
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your flight to Mahe, Seychelles. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of your time here is at leisure to spend how you wish.
Breakfast
Unwind in this tropical haven, where you can indulge in the hotel's amenities, take optional excursions to explore the local beauty, or simply relax on the stunning sandy beach. Embrace the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, making the most of every moment in this idyllic setting.
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
The DoubleTree by Hilton Seychelles Allamanda Resort and Spa is a charming four star resort located in the south of Mahé the main Island of the Seychelles. It is a twenty minute scenic ride along the costal beach road from the Pointe Larue International airport to Anse Forbans. The resort provides a superb beach, large granite boulders and is complimented by the surrounding mountains lush tropical foliage.
Our tastefully appointed hotel features modern convenienecs suited to the savvy leisure guests, along with a great location and board room facility to please business guests. Spacious guestrooms boast a long list of guest amenities, work surfaces, luxiourious Sweet Dreams top of bed experience and complimentary high-speed internet access. For your convenience wireless HSIA is available in public areas throughout the hotel.
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If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of £295.00pp will need to be paid at the time of booking with the full amount payable at 12 weeks prior to departure. The deposit applies to adults and children. If you are within 12 weeks of travel then the full balance of the holiday will be payable.
Sri Lanka visa requirements
A visa is required for entry into Sri Lanka. You can apply and pay for your visa online. Please visit https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/ to obtain your visa. You should get your approval notice within 24 hours, and you can use this to enter Sri Lanka. A visa can still be obtained when arriving at Colombo airport but visas will cost more on arrival. Alternatively, we work closely with The Travel Visa Company who will be able to arrange your visa for you on your behalf. Please call them on 01270 250 590 and quote "Mercury Holidays". Passports must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of arrival in Sri Lanka. Visa requirements are subject to change and obtaining a visa is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding visas and passport validity.
Seychelles visa requirements
For the Seychelles, your passport must be valid for the duration of your stay. You do not need a visa to visit Seychelles, but you must get a travel authorisation before you travel. You can get the travel authorisation by completing a Travel Authorization and Digital Passenger Declaration before departure. This is available here: https://seychelles.govtas.com/ and should be completed up to 5 days prior to travel. We recommend you check with your destinations' Tourist Board or Embassy prior to departure for the most up to date guidelines regarding this.
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.
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, www.travelhealthpro.org.uk, www. hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
A good level of fitness is required as you may be on your feet for approximately four hours in a day, though this will be interspersed with regular breaks and will vary from day to day. You will be walking around the sights, and you will be getting on and off coaches, and climbing steps which may be irregular. At sights such as Dambulla Rock Temple and Sigiriya Rock Fortress, there are a lot of steps to climb (up to 1300), while on the Safari you will be having early mornings, having to get in and out of safari vehicles and drive along bumpy reserve roads. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater for customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary.
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee (LKR) and it is a closed currency. This means it is not possible to buy Sri Lankan money in the UK before you travel. It is important to budget carefully as you should not take any Rupee (LKR) out of Sri Lanka when you depart. There are foreign exchange offices and cash machines available in most places during your tour. Your tour guide will assist you at the start of your tour with currency exchange. Credit and debit cards are accepted in most hotels and some shops and restaurants; a charge is sometimes added for using them.
The currency in the Seychelles is the Seychelles Rupee, but Euros (€) are also widely accepted in the major cities. Cash machines will also be available in the city in order to withdraw money in the local currency.
As normal practice you may be asked for your credit card details on check-in at the hotel in order to cover any extras incurred during your stay. If you do not have a credit card, you may be asked for a cash deposit. MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted in hotels as well as American Express.
You will need to take some extra money with you to cover any personal purchases, such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks.
We have no minimum number of passengers to run this holiday. If we are not able to operate your departure date for any other reason, 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.
For your tour portion, you will have a guide/driver with you during your excursions.
For the beach portion of your holiday, you will not be escorted by a tour guide. Your time here will be free to do as you wish. Details of your departure transfer will be confirmed by your guide at the end of your safari or by a representative in the hotel.
Your accommodation is selected for convenience, location, comfort or character, and can range from business hotels to leisure hotels. Hotel accommodation is generally rated as local three to four-star standard, but please note there is no international classification system for hotels, and differences in facilities and quality do exist compared to what you might expect in the UK. All group tours hotels have private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning, where needed. Rest assured that all accommodation used by Mercury Holidays is regularly inspected by our staff and partners to ensure that standards meet your needs.
Western and international food will be served however some establishments will serve traditional meals giving you a chance to experience local flavours. Vegetarian and Vegan options available, please request prior to departure. Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information.
It is not recommended to drink the tap water, even in developed countries water may contain unfamiliar elements that can cause upset stomachs. In less developed countries water is not filtered in the same way. Bottled water will be available at shops and hotels/lodges.
During a full moon and religious holidays alcohol shops are closed and it is prohibited by law to serve liquor in any establishment on that day. However, it is not prohibited to drink alcohol purchased prior to full moon, but you need to do so in a private space.
In Sri Lanka they celebrate various festivals throughout the year, Vesak Poya is considered one of the most important Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka and is celebrated on the full moon poya day falling in May. The celebrations begin on the full moon day and continue for a week, where every corner has magical and colourful lanterns. Thai Pongal is the equivalent to a thanksgiving festival usually celebrated in January, followed by the Sinhala and Tamil New Year which is usually celebrated in April, it is a festival were people ensure their houses are clean, purchase new clothes, and prepare many traditional sweets.
It is seen as respectful to cover your shoulders and not to expose too much skin in Sri Lanka, so it would be advisable to pack a shawl or similar for women to cover up, including wearing up to/covering your knees when entering religious buildings etc.
On your arrival in Colombo you will be met by a representative from our local agent, Aitken Spence, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Aitken Spence representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries.
On your arrival in Mahé you will be met by a representative from our local agent in the Seychelles, Mason’s Travel, holding a sign displaying: “Mercury Holidays”. The Mercury Holidays/Mason’s Travel representative will show you to your transfer vehicle. Your guide will be able to answer any queries.
Sri Lanka - If you need to contact Aitken Spence during your stay the details are:
Aitken Spence Travel (Colombo) 4th Floor Aitken Spence Towers 02 315, Vauxhall Street Colombo 02 Sri Lanka
Contact number: 0094 112 499623
Emergency contact information: Rizmika 0094 772 916461, Anu 0094 774593182
Seychelles Beach Stay -
Emergency contact information:
Mason’s Travel After Hours Duty Officer Contact number: 00248 252 4665