Christmas is the most wonderful time of the year and to celebrate the beginning of the festive season, we’re bringing you the “Mercury Holidays’ 12 Destinations Advent Calendar” – every day we’ll be taking a look at a top destination and what makes it the perfect place to visit with family, friends or enjoy a little you time.
So, let’s see what door number 7 has in store for us…
Indian Ocean Package Holidays Part 1
The Indian Ocean is an incredible part of the world, with destinations such as Sri Lanka and Mauritius there’s plenty for holidaymakers to discover and enjoy. Whether you want to relax on the velvet-like shores of perfect beaches and watch the stunning waves move back and forth in a mesmerising fashion or set off in search of cultural and historical sites – you won’t be disappointed during your trip to the Indian Ocean.
Advent Calendar Fact: The Indian Ocean covers approximately 20% of the Earth’s surface!
Sri Lanka is home to some of the most beautiful resorts in the world; from Kalutara and Galle to Trincomalee to Wadduwa, there’s a range of sights and activities to enjoy. Situated on the mouth of the Kalu River, Kalutara is a popular choice for holidaymakers when visiting Sri Lanka; with temperatures sitting between 22 – 33 degrees throughout the year and at least 6-8 hours of sunshine daily, this really is an incredible place to explore.
If you’re interested in religion, then the Kalutara Bodhiya is a must see; considered one of the most sacred places a Buddhist can visit in their lifetime, the Kalutara Bodhiya is an old Bodhi tree believed to exist since the 2nd Century BC. According to Buddhist beliefs, it is one of the thirty two Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi saplings and Buddhists from around the world flock to this location to immerse themselves in special prayers to offer thanks.
If you fancy taking a short trip, we recommend visiting Thudugala Village located within Kalutara district. Home to the stunning Thudugala Ella Waterfall, this major landmark is a popular tourist spot within Sri Lanka. The waterfall’s natural stream pool is an amazing sight to see and there are a host of Ketala plants and ferns surrounding the natural formation. If you look closely, you can also sneak a peek at some of the migratory and local birds that flock to water from the forest reserve located nearby.
Advent Calendar Fact: Sri Lanka is called the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ due to its incredible beauty and varied biodiversity. It is also one of the main exports of precious gemstones.
With an incredible tropical atmosphere and year-round sunshine, Mauritius is a magnificent place to spend your holiday. Where you want to relax on the perfect sandy beaches and gaze out to sea or explore the island’s mixed identity influenced by French, Creole, Indian and Chinese culture – this destination is a fascinating option for your travels.
Amongst the list of awesome resorts to visit is Trou d’Eau Douce, located on the east coast of Mauritius, this destination offers its visitors a range of things to see and do. With impeccable beaches, a plethora of historic buildings and sites, plus a variety of fantastic restaurant serving a range of cuisines, Trou d’Eau Douce is an ideal choice for your trip away.
For an unusual mix of food and history, head to Victoria 1840; originally and old sugar mill, this historic destination has been refurbished to house some of Yvette Maniglier’s artwork. This bewitching French painter was under the tutelage of Henri Matisse for a year and the results are apparent in the artwork. The juxtaposition of industrial brick and impressive modern art is a quirky sight to see and the gallery can only be viewed whilst dining at the in-house restaurant, Le Café des Arts.
Advent Calendar Fact: Mauritius was the former home to the Dodo. Owing much of its fame to Lewis Carroll’s Alice in Wonderland, this flightless bird is now unfortunately extinct.
Take a look at our range of hotel offerings across Sri Lanka and Mauritius by clicking the links below.
Sri Lanka Fact File:
Geographical size – 25,330 square miles
Population – 21.44 million
Number of waterfalls – 100 +
Average temperature – October to February 27 degrees, March to September 29 degrees
Mauritius Fact File:
Geographical size – 720 square miles
Population – 1,265 million
Number of beaches – 20 +
Average temperature – December to April 29 degrees, May to November 25 degrees
Hotel of The Day – Sri Lanka:
Royal Palms Beach Hotel
The Royal Palms Beach Hotel is an immensely popular choice for our customers, with five-star facilities including 3 restaurants, shopping arcade, swimming pool, health centre and more, it’s not difficult to understand why. With beautiful views from every room and a balcony to enjoy them from, the Royal Palms Beach Hotel is a sumptuous and stylish retreat. Sitting in a grove of trees at the very edge of the beach, it’s a picture-perfect location.
Hotel of The Day – Mauritius:
Jalsa Beach Hotel and Spa
Ideally situated, the Jalsa Beach Hotel and Spa provide exemplary accommodation. With its beautiful view over the crystal-clear ocean and breath-taking sunsets, this is Mauritius at its most stunning.
The Jalsa Beach Hotel and Spa boasts a traditional feel but with contemporary features and has a fantastic range of facilities including a Spa with health and fitness centre, a selection of FREE water-sports, a swimming pool with Jacuzzi and much more.