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Sri Lanka Wondrous Highlights with 5* Maldives Beach Stay

12 Day Multi-Centre

Sri Lanka, Indian Ocean
24 Meals Included

Combining ancient cultural marvels with awe-inspiring natural wonders, Sri Lanka really is a destination like no other. On this trip you’ll experience the best this tropical island has to offer: from the sacred bodhi trees, to the golden sands; from masterful and mighty architectural structures, to sympathetic stone sculptures of saints and sages from a bygone era of a long since forgotten age. The overwhelming beauty of the expansive, varied landscapes, and the warming hospitality of the local, native people will make sure that when you leave this tour, you’ll feel both physically exhilarated, and spiritually uplifted. And what better way to complement this incredible cultural experience than with a calming stay in the stunning Maldives; a luxurious escape into pure, oceanic paradise. Spend your last few days reveling in the awe-inspiring views of the azure seas, relaxing and absorbing the natural beauty of this stunning island haven.

Highlights

  • Led by your local guide, explore the mighty hilltop fortress of Sigiriya and see the sunrise meet this impressive granite outcrop
  • Revel in the beauty of the vast, sprawling cave-temple complexes at Dambulla
  • Admire the artistic flair of the ancient Dravidians who adorned the lawns of
  • Polonnaruwa with rock-relief statues to commemorate their revered saints and sages from time gone by
  • Imbibe the spiritual vibe created by the resident monks of Kandy’s Buddhist temple by taking part in their evening puja ceremony
  • Experience the beauteous hilltop town of Nuwara Eliya, home to the island’s largest tea plantations and manicured gardens
  • Following your tour of Sri Lanka – spend some time relaxing and soaking up the vast vistas across the Indian Ocean with your stay in the Maldives

Itinerary

Day 1
UK to Colombo

Dinner

Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Colombo.

Day 2
Colombo to Sigiriya

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.

Day 3
Sigiriya

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.

Day 4
Sigiriya to Anuradhapura

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.

Day 5
Anuradhapura to Kandy

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.

Day 6
Kandy

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.

Day 7
Kandy to Nuwara Eliya

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.

Day 8
Nuwara Eliya to Colombo

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.

Day 9
Colombo to Maldives

Breakfast & Dinner

After breakfast proceed to airport in time for the flight to Male. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. The rest of your time here is at leisure.

Day 10-11
Maldives

Soak in the beauty of the stunning Maldives with an all-inclusive stay at your chosen resort. You could opt for a sunset cruise, a dolphin watching tour, drop into the azure seas with a day’s scuba diving, or simply sit back and relax as you reflect on your extraordinary tour as you gaze across the Indian Ocean, watching the sun glisten over the dancing waters on the horizon.

Day 12
Maldives to UK

After a hearty breakfast at the hotel, we’ll take you to your return transfer bound for Male airport, ready to catch your return flight back to the UK.

View Full Itinerary

Accommodation

The hotels listed below are provided for guidance only and final confirmation of your accommodation will be sent to you approximately 10 days before you travel
Sigiriya Village
3 nights
Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
More details
Tourmaline
2 nights
Kandy, Sri Lanka
More details
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Hotel Information

Villa Park, Sun Island

TripAdvisor Review
Maldives, Indian Ocean
Maldives Islands

Life under the palms at the Villa Park, Sun Island moves at a different pace. Here, the important things are the sea and the sand, the food, the company and the relaxation. With such a spectacular location, wonderful restaurants and great service, it is supremely easy to relax here.

Superb location, wonderful restaurants and five star amenities at Villa Park, Sun Island:

This is the largest of the Maldives holiday islands and it stretches for nearly two perfect kilometres. The island is dotted with lagoons and surrounded by white sandy beaches. You can spend your days island-hopping, deep-sea fishing or relaxing in that special kind of Maldives way.

The Villa Park, Sun Island gives you everything you need to make the most of your holiday. With its very own water sports centre and its diving centre, watery pursuits are inevitably popular. There's even a chance to feed the sting rays!

The spa is like something out of a dream. Take the winding track through the trees to the glade and step into the leafy treatment room. This is an Araamu spa, complete with Jacuzzi, sauna, steam bath and a wealth of invigorating and relaxing treatments.

One of the largest kids' clubs in the Maldives, Park Players Kids' Club is the perfect place for young explorers to engage in an array of activities and games while you sit back and relax, or partake in some island activities.

The restaurants are an attraction in their own right. The speciality Thai Sun Star restaurant stands on stilts at the end of an ocean jetty. It's the perfect spot for a romantic evening meal as the sun sinks slowly over the water. Or try the innovative Zero Restaurant which promises a gastronomic adventure - wonderfully nutritious healthy food in the heart of the hotel gardens.

During your stay you'll enjoy your very own air conditioned beach bungalow, complete with private sun deck, as well as satellite TV, mini bar, and drinks making facilities. Or you might like to upgrade to a water bungalow.

The Villa Park, Sun Island is reached by a 30 minute flight followed by a 5 minute speedboat ride.

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Facilities

  • 4 Bars- including a Beach Bar
  • Multiple restaurants and authentic cuisines #
  • Swimming pool
  • PADI accredited diving centre*
  • Watersports*
  • Araamu Spa with Jacuzzi*
  • Sauna
  • Steam bath and treatments*
  • Tennis
  • Badminton
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  • * at a fee
  • Some facilities may incur an additional fee
  • # Please note some restaurants/bars may incur an additional fee. Some restaurants/bars may require a reservation in advance and a dress code may apply
  • The Kids club is open from 10am-6pm
Due to the surrounding area and the number of steps around the hotel, it may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties.

The Local Area

Located at the Southern tip of South Ari Atoll, this breathtaking island offers something for everyone. Explore the spectacular local lagoons, visit a neighboring island, discover deep sea fishing or simply unwind on the pristine beaches.

This tour can be booked by calling 1800 804 006

Sorry we cannot book this tour online at the moment.

Important Information

If booking more than 12 weeks before departure a deposit of €324.50pp 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.

Maldives visa requirements

You will not need to obtain a visa for the Maldives prior to your beach stay extension. We strongly advise you to check your destinations’ Tourist Board or Embassy for the most up-to-date guidelines regarding 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.

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 Maldives is the Maldivian Rufiya. The Maldivian Rufiya is a closed currency and officially you are not allowed to take any cash out of the Maldives. US Dollars are also widely accepted in these destinations, should you wish to keep an alternative currency on you. Therefore, it is very important that you budget carefully.

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.

Alcohol is not allowed on entry to The Maldives. If you have bought liquor, beer or related items containing alcohol from a duty free shop while on route to the Maldives, these products must be bonded in the airport’s customs department upon arrival. These goods will be returned before depart.

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.

Please note that plastic bottles are banned in the national parks so keep a reusable water bottle for your tour.

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 arrival in the Maldives, after collecting any hold luggage and passing through Customs, please look for one of our friendly representatives in arrivals holding a Mercury Holidays sign, who will show you to your transfer vehicle. If you have a seaplane booked, the luggage allowance is 20kg. Please refer to your confirmation invoice to check whether you have a seaplane transfer included.

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

Maldives Beach Stay -

Emergency number: Nuwan Dissanayaka (Ace Travels Maldives): 00960 7782396

Airport contacts (local agent): Airport hotline number – 009607920058 Sujeewa – 009607920053 Maadhin – 009609809990