- Sri Lanka Multi-Centres
- Sri Lanka's Cultural Highlights with 5* Sri Lanka Beach Stay
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Sri Lanka's Cultural Highlights with 5* Sri Lanka Beach Stay
12 Day Multi-Centre
Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean
14 Meals Included
Sri Lanka is a historic and cultural storehouse set against a backdrop of stunning beauty. No visit to the island is complete unless you venture into the interior and sample these wonders at first hand.
Our tour gives a fascinating insight into the wonders that exist in Sri Lanka today - the ancient cities and temples of past civilisations, the fascinating highlands where world famous Ceylon tea is grown on the steep hillsides, the lakeside city of Kandy, the last stronghold of the Sri Lankan Kings, an orphanage where elephants are looked after; there is much to see.
Highlights
- Explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa
- Pay a visit to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Rock Temple, both World Heritage Sites
- Experience the rich Sri Lankan Spice Gardens
- City tour of Kandy, a World Heritage Site
- Visit the famous Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
- Stopover at a tea factory & see the production of Ceylon tea
- City tour of Colombo
Itinerary
Day 1
UK to Colombo
Depart on your scheduled, overnight flight to Colombo International Airport.
Day 2
Colombo
Dinner
You will be met at the airport on arrival and transferred to your hotel or similar. In the afternoon, embark on a captivating city tour of Colombo, the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. It 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. Your introductory half-day city tour will visit the vibrant temples and bazaars of Pettah, where you can find everything from traditional jewellery to Ayurvedic medicines. A trip to the Old Dutch hospital is a highlight of the restored Fort complex, home to some of Colombo’s chicest restaurants, cafes, and shops. You will also visit a Buddhist temple and a Hindu kovil, experiencing the diverse culture of this lively island. A stroll along the Galle Face Green whilst enjoying the magnificent sunset would be a perfect memory of the city to carry along. If your flight arrives in the evening, the city tour will be conducted the next morning. Afterward, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 3
Sigiriya
Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, proceed to Sigiriya and check in at your hotel. In the afternoon, visit the Dambulla Rock Temple, which served as the second capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th century. Climb up to the temple, donated by King Walagambahu in the 1st century BC to Buddhist monks. Dambulla, a World Heritage site, is the most impressive of Sri Lanka’s cave temples. This complex of five caves, with over 2,000 square meters of painted walls and ceilings, is the largest area of cave paintings found anywhere in the world. The caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha, including a colossal figure carved out of rock spanning 14 meters. Once you are done exploring, you will be transferred back to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 4
Sigiriya
Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, proceed to Anuradhapura, the first capital of Sri Lanka established in 380 BC. Begin your exploration with a visit to the sacred Bodhi Tree, which is over 2,200 years old and holds great historical and religious significance. Next, marvel at the remains of the Brazen Palace, dating back to the 2nd century BC, and the impressive Ruwanweliseya Dagaba. Admire the Samadhi Buddha, renowned worldwide for its serene meditative pose and considered a masterpiece of sculpture. Continue to the Isurumuniya Vihare, famous for its exquisite rock carvings, including the iconic 'lovers' sculpture.
After your enriching tour, return to Sigiriya Village. Spend the afternoon at leisure, with optional activities such as bird watching or a nature ramble to further immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Enjoy dinner at the hotel and settle in for an overnight stay.
Day 5
Sigiriya
Breakfast & Dinner
Start your day early with a refreshing cup of tea or coffee before embarking on an exploration of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, built by King Kashyapa. As you ascend the spiral stairway, marvel at the remains of the ancient palace and the famous frescoes nestled in a sheltered pocket of the rock. After this invigorating climb, return to your hotel for a late breakfast.
In the afternoon, set off to visit Polonnaruwa, the second capital of Sri Lanka during the 11th and 12th centuries AD. Here, you will explore the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Council Hall, the Lotus Bath, and the impressive Polonnaruwa statue. Don't miss the Gal Vihare, a remarkable site featuring four large Buddha statues carved out of granite.
After thoroughly exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, enjoy a leisurely drive back to Sigiriya. Conclude your day with a dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay.
Day 6
Sigiriya to Kandy
Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, proceed to Matale to visit a Spice Garden and a Batik factory. Here, you can immerse yourself in the rich variety of Sri Lanka's spices. Upon arrival in Kandy, check in to your hotel and take some time to unpack and refresh.
In the afternoon, embark on a city tour of Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit a gem museum and lapidary to learn about Sri Lanka's renowned gemstones, and explore a bustling bazaar and an arts and crafts centre. Enjoy a scenic drive around Kandy Lake, taking in the beautiful surroundings. Conclude your day with dinner at the hotel and an overnight stay.
Day 7
Kandy
Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast, visit the stunning Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Here, you can explore a small portion of the 147 acres filled with an incredible variety of plants, trees, and flowers, offering a feast for the senses. Next, continue to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, where you will witness elephants being fed, bathed, and trained by the wildlife authorities, providing a heartwarming and educational experience.
In the evening, return to Kandy and visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, arriving in time for the 'Pooja' (religious worship) ceremony. This sacred temple is a significant cultural and spiritual site, and the evening ceremony is a truly memorable experience. Afterward, enjoy a cultural show that showcases traditional Sri Lankan music and dance.
Conclude your day with a delightful dinner and an overnight stay.
Day 8
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
Breakfast & Dinner
After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka's premier hilltop resort. Along the way, visit a plantation and factory to learn about the tea manufacturing process. On arrival in Nuwara Eliya you will be taken on a short city tour where you will see cultured gardens and Buddhist temples intertwine. There'll also be an opportunity to walk around the Nuwara Eliya market area to experience the day-to-day life in a typical Sri Lankan market. On completion continue to your hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 9
Nuwara Eliya to Sri Lanka
Breakfast
After an early breakfast, embark on a journey to Kitulgala. Along the way, marvel at the breathtaking Devon's and St. Clare's waterfalls, which offer stunning views and photo opportunities. You'll also pass the iconic site where the film 'The Bridge On The River Kwai' was filmed, adding a touch of cinematic history to your travels. Continue to your respective extension hotel, where you can relax and unwind after a day filled with natural beauty and historical landmarks.
Day 10-11
Sri Lanka
Enjoy a relaxing stay at your chosen hotel, where you can unwind and embrace the serene atmosphere. Whether you prefer lounging by the pool, taking a leisurely stroll, or indulging in a rejuvenating treatment, the choice is yours.
For those seeking adventure, the hotel and representatives can help arrange excursions (at a fee). Explore the local surroundings with guided tours or embark on a nature hike to discover the beauty of Sri Lanka's landscapes.
Day 12
Sri Lanka to UK
Return back to Colombo airport for your return flight to the UK.
Accommodation
The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before you travel
Amari Colombo
1 nights
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Amaya Lake
3 nights
Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Hotel Information
Heritance Ahungalla
Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean
Ahungalla
Quite simply, the Heritance Ahungalla is in one of the most beautiful five star hotels in one of the world's most beautiful holiday destinations. 'Perfection' is the word that comes to mind when describing the Heritance Ahungalla Hotel; everything about it is perfect. It's location, its views, its facilities, its ambience. Set in stunning grounds, on the very edge of the beach and a vast expanse of dazzling blue sea, it is utterly beguiling.
The exquisite setting and facilities of the Heritance Ahungalla make it Sri Lanka's dream destination:
This is a five star facility in every single respect. Everything about it is special. Even the view from the lobby is spectacular – looking out over the vast pool, its lights twinkling as the sun dims and crimson fills the sky.
Guests' rooms are superbly appointed. Luxurious fabrics and rich timber fittings give them a stamp of impeccable quality. Furnishings are rich and tasteful.
Comfort is given equal priority – so you'll enjoy a wonderfully well-equipped en suite bathroom (with a rain shower). All rooms benefit from a balcony or terrace and you can upgrade to a Deluxe Ocean view room for a small daily supplement. Additional facilities include satellite TV, telephone, minibar and drinks making facilities.
Half and full board options are available to you. In fact, you can upgrade to full board for just a little extra per person per day.
As you might expect of a hotel of this quality, facilities are top notch throughout. There are two wonderfully large swimming pools as well as a gym and Jacuzzi and then when it's time to start some serious relaxation, take a trip to the fantastic Spa for a treatment or two. You can also enjoy a little gentle sporting activity on the tennis courts, or a civilised game of billiards in the hotel games room. There are three restaurants for you to choose from (and the hotel coffee shop) as well as four bars.
The Heritance Ahungalla Hotel even has its own nightclub. In other words, everything you'll need is right here. You can unpack, unwind, relax and revel in the Sri Lankan lifestyle without ever going further than the beach. There isn't another hotel quite like the Heritance Ahungalla. Looking out over the beach where clear blue sky meets clear blue sea, you'll know that this hotel and this destination are truly special; this could just be your own little slice of heaven on earth.
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Facilities
- 3 bars
- Restaurant
- Two large swimming pools
- Gym
- Jacuzzi
- Tennis
- Billiards
- Spa*
- *Some facilities may incur an additional fee
The Local Area
The Heritance Ahungalla (formally the Triton Hotel) was Sri Lanka's first 5-star beach hotel and in 2005 it was completely refurbished and extended. As a result this famous hotel has been restored to its former days of glory with tasteful furnishings, luxurious fabrics and rich timber fittings. Guest rooms now assume a new standard of elegance and comfort with lavish en suite bathrooms.
What's Included
Hand-picked Accommodation
14 Meals
International Return Flights
Overseas Transfers and Transport (as per itinerary)
Hold Luggage for all flights
ABTA & ATOL Protection
Your multi-centre holiday to Sri Lanka is just a phone call away
Call our Travel Specialists today on 1800 804 006
Opening Times
Mon - Fri: 9.00am - 8.00pm, Saturday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Sunday: 9.00am - 7.30pm, Bank Holidays: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Your Next Adventure Awaits! We've been arranging award-winning, expertly crafted hoildays and tours since 1980. We're also ABTA protected and ATOL bonded for your total peace of mind. Call us today to book your next unforgettable holiday!
Important Information
If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of €342.20pp 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.
British passport holders are required to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) prior to travel to Sri Lanka. To apply, please visit the official website: https://eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ where ETA applications are currently free of charge.
Alternatively, if you would prefer assistance with the application process, we recommend The Travel Visa Company, who can apply for the ETA on your behalf for a service fee. Please call 01270 250 590 and quote “Mercury Holidays”.
Passports must be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of arrival into Sri Lanka.
Visa and entry requirements are subject to change. Obtaining the correct documentation for travel is the responsibility of the traveller and not Mercury Holidays. We recommend checking with the Sri Lankan Tourist Board, Embassy, or the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office prior to departure for the latest visa and passport validity requirements.
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, including up to a 20% discount, which is given to all Mercury Holidays customers. To arrange your insurance with Holiday Extras, please visit https://www.mercuryholidays.co.uk/info/insurance for more details. 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). 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.
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.
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, Kushani - 0094 760 530644
- Insect repellent and sun cream
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Thick socks for when visiting temples
- Waterproof, lightweight jacket
- Sunglasses and hat
- Ruck sack
- Binoculars
- Loo paper for public WCs
- Camera and charger
- Swimwear
- Anti-bacterial hand sanitiser
- Personal first aid kit containing travel pills, rehydration powder, plasters, stomach settlers, antiseptic creams, aspirin etc
- An electric plug converter - the electricity in Sri Lanka is 230 volts and is a 3 round pin plug or a UK plug
- Long sleeve shirt and long trousers (required when entering any religious sites)
