- Sri Lanka Escorted Tours
- Grand Tour of Sri Lanka
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 on your scheduled, overnight flight to Colombo.
Dinner
On arrival, you will be transferred to your hotel in Colombo. Enjoy the afternoon at leisure before a welcome cocktail and dinner.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, embark on a city tour of Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka. This cosmopolitan city showcases its colonial history along wide, shaded boulevards and among Victorian churches and tumbledown cafes. The introductory half-day city tour includes visits to the vibrant temples and bazaars of Pettah, where you can find everything from traditional jewellery to Ayurvedic medicines. A highlight of the tour is a trip to the Old Dutch Hospital, part of the newly restored Fort complex, which is home to some of Colombo’s chicest restaurants, cafes, and shops. After lunch, the rest of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, enjoy breakfast before your leisurely journey to Dambulla. After lunch, continue to Dambulla Rock Temple a UNESCO World Heritage site. This collection of impressive caves contains over 2000 square metres of painted walls and ceilings, which were once gilded by the ancient King to mark his place of worship.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today starts with an early morning journey north to the ancient city of Anuradhapura, the spiritual heart of the Cultural Triangle. On route, visit the sleepy village of Mihintale and its nearby sacred mountain peak and temple complex. After lunch, embark on a city tour. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anuradhapura is the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. The city ruins are one of South Asia's most evocative sites and contains a rich collection of crumbling temples, vast monasteries and elaborate palaces. Learn about its fascinating history and marvel at the sacred Bodhi tree.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Undoubtedly a highlight of the tour, today's excursion is to the awe-inspiring Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The ancient city of Sigiriya is a UNESCO 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 enjoy the spectacular views over this ancient citadel. Return to your hotel for lunch and enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After an early breakfast, proceed to visit the UNESCO registered city of Polonnaruwa. Polonnaruwa became the seat of the Sinhalese kings and Sri Lanka’s second ancient capital after the demise of Anuradhapura. Scattered over gently undulating woodland, explore the monumental ruins of the ancient garden-city built by the ambitious Sinhalese king. Marvel at the well-preserved structures, including the Royal Palace, the Gal Vihara with its impressive rock sculptures, and the ancient reservoirs that showcase advanced engineering skills of the time. Continue to Passikudah, where you can unwind and enjoy the serene coastal surroundings.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Today has been left at leisure for you to relax and enjoy Passikudah's powder-white sands and emerald waters on Sri Lanka's laid-back, less-visited east coast.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After breakfast, travel toward Kandy, visiting a spice garden in Matale on route. After lunch, continue to the UNESCO Listed sacred city of Kandy. Head to the famous Temple of the Tooth which 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 opens to both pilgrims and travellers.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Cradled amongst misty hills, the small city of Kandy exudes history, culture and beauty. Explore the famous botanical gardens of Peradeniya, full of exotic palms, colourful orchids and home to over 4,000 species of trees and plants. After you have enjoyed your tour the rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest exporters of tea and today you will travel to Nuwara Eliya, which has been the capital of this industry since the 19th century. En route to your hotel, stop at a tea plantation and inhale the heavenly scent of the Ceylon tea brand.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
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 within Udawalawe National Park, home to elephants, deer, water buffalo, monkeys and a variety of bird species. Just outside the park is the Elephant Transit Home, an inspirational project started to rehabilitate injured elephants. On your way back to the hotel visit Katharagama Temple. A shrine for all four religions in Sri Lanka to exist in harmony. The rest of the day is at leisure.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
After some free time this morning, enjoy a Jeep safari in the nearby Yala national park awaits. Seek elephants, sloths, deer and, with the highest density of leopards in the world, you may even be lucky enough to spot one of these elusive animals.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
Departing Tissamaharama, you will travel to the Mirissa. The idyllic crescent of beach, fringed with coconut palms and soft golden sands, is the perfect place to crack open a coconut and relax.
Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
This morning, you will travel to Galle, an ancient fort 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 through the sleepy streets strewn with colonial buildings, restaurants and small boutique shops.
Breakfast
After breakfast, transfer to Colombo for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension.
Use discount code TOUR200 at the checkout to save £200 per person on selected tours departing in September 2026, October 2026 and December 2026
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We had a great trip, which was very well organised and presented by the guide, driver, and assistant. The team was incredibly caring and dedicated, and nothing was ever too much trouble for them. We were with a very nice group of people, all on time for our travels around a beautiful country.
Helen Sinclair
13 MayWhat a beautiful country, with very friendly and happy locals. Fabulous food, and we always felt safe. Sam, our guide, was excellent, so knowledgeable and always keen to help.
Nicholas Field
04 AprilThis holiday exceeded every expectation we had. The process and timings were carefully planned to make it easy for us to just enjoy the ride. No hauling luggage, no tipping everybody. All we had to do was turn up on time.
Gary Richards
03 AprilApart from being able to see so much in Sri Lanka - history, culture, nature, and beaches, what really made our holiday great was our tour guide, Pamal Nalaka, who was always helpful, knowledgeable, checked whether we had questions, and made certain we always knew travel arrangements and were happy with rooms and service.
Nigel Boyce
02 FebruaryWe felt that we experienced a good range of culture and sights of Sri Lanka, delivered by our guide who obviously loved his country, and was especially fond of its natural habitats. The group size (24) was comfortable, and very good company.
Anthony Glen Merton
06 AprilThis is possibly the best tour we have ever done. The island is beautiful, the tour was well structured and varied, and the hotels were all of a good standard. We had two free days to relax at beach resorts, which was really enjoyable. The tour guide was excellent, and the holiday was pretty much perfect. Thank you.
Tracy Walker
25 MarchHad a fantastic holiday. The guide, driver, and assistant were extremely helpful. The guide ensured we covered the full itinerary and gave us loads of information regarding Sri Lanka. The tour covered so much from tea plantations in the hills to palm-lined beaches, temples, safaris, and cities - we were lucky to be there at festival time. Highlights of the trip: Visit to the Temple of Tooth, Lions Rock, and safari days - the elephant was so close to our jeep could have touched him.
Margaret Foley
24 SeptemberI can’t praise Ernest, our tour guide, too highly. He was amazing and took care of the group from start to finish. His knowledge and communication skills were outstanding, as was his enthusiasm. His pride in his country, its history, and heritage was obvious; and this was shared with, and appreciated by the group. He took care of all our individual and group needs and became more of a friend than a guide. He made the holiday the success it was. Also, special thanks to Sunil our driver, and Kitsiri our coach assistant, who were both excellent.
Jeffrey Hodge
01 SeptemberPrashan did an amazing job and was very safety conscious. He is very very organised. All hotels are of a high standard and very welcoming.
Jane Phillips
08 JuneNothing to say except all good, and great value for money. Always greeted very courteously and with a smile, and staff were always very willing to assist whenever requested. The whole trip was delightful. We saw so much in a relatively short time.
Anne Warren
25 MarchOur guide Dhan from the local agent Aitken Spence was an absolute superstar. He has an enormous knowledge of every place we visited and his infectious approach to imparting it to us made the experience enjoyable. Dhan could not have done more for us and made the trip extra special for everyone. We even got to visit his family home near Kandy and met his wife, children, and parents. This was an added treat.
I had never heard of Mercury Holidays before I booked this trip. What a find! I would like to thank everyone involved in delivering a quality product, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Paul Walkeden
10 DecemberPrash Barnes, our tour guide is probably the best tour guide we have had the pleasure to have in our last 17 years of adventure holidays. His attention to detail was excellent and certainly made our trip much more enjoyable due to his attention to detail of even the minor items in the tour.
Martin Whelan
29 MarchI would like to thank Mercury Holidays and Aitken Spence for an exceptional and memorable holiday, one of the best we've ever been on. I would especially like to thank our tour guide, Prash Barnes, for his fountain of knowledge and minute attention to detail. Nothing was too much trouble for him. An exceptional tour guide who made the holiday memorable for us all, a holiday of a lifetime.
Stephen Wood
27 MarchThe order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions or for operational purposes. For this reason, we have indicated approximate times only. Your local guide will inform you of any schedule changes as they are informed of them. The driving times listed are point to point and do not include the duration of excursions or stops en route. Some road construction and/or weather conditions may lengthen the driving times. Our intention is to adhere to the day-today itinerary as printed; however order of events and sightseeing may vary according to local conditions.
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.
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.
Please note your final documentation will be sent to you approximately 21 days before departure. Check in baggage is included with your flight. Weight restrictions will be finalised on your final documentation. 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. If you wish to arrange Airport car parking or accommodation at preferential rates, we recommend you book this in advance with Holiday Extras on 0333 188 0407, quoting HX313.
IMPORTANT: A printed E-ticket is no longer required at check-in, all you need to do is present your passport to the staff at the desk and your boarding pass will be given to you. Please note that you should carry your invoice with flight details on it as you will need to show this at the airport
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, http://travelhealthpro.org.uk/, www.hpa.org.uk, your General Practitioner or a specialist clinic.
All our tours feature a “Tour Pace” to help find the right holiday for you. To travel on any of our tours requires unaided mobility and the ability to stroll around the sights, climb stairs and get on and off coaches and boats. The tour pace of Grand Tour of Sri Lanka is rated Intermediate. 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. You will stay in a variety of hotels throughout the tour. Our guides will always endeavour to provide the highest level of service and assistance; however, they cannot be expected to cater to customers who are unfit to complete the itinerary. Early morning flights depending upon the schedule and some early morning sightseeing’s are also in this tour. Please note there are approximately 1,300 steps to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. This tour is not suitable for anyone with walking difficulties.
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. You can take cash or travellers' cheques (in pounds sterling or another foreign currency) and/or a bank card with you and exchange or withdraw rupees once in Sri Lanka. Cash machines will also be available throughout the tour in order to withdraw money in your local currency. It is important that you budget carefully and ensure you have the right form of currency before you arrive in the country.
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 money with you to cover any personal purchases such as souvenirs, laundry and extra drinks and snacks. Approximately £400 will be sufficient for the duration of the tour.
It is customary to tip your guide and driver. This is at your discretion, but we recommend you allow this will be collected by your guide at the end of your tour for your convenience. We would recommend approximately £5 per person, per day for the driver and assistant 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. Most guides collect a kitty tip, approximately GBP 25pp for the whole tour. Guides usually collect this at the beginning of the tour to tip bell boys, porters, trackers, and other assistants who will service you throughout the tour.
The minimum number of travellers in your group will be 10, and the maximum will be 25. 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, meaning that you will be met on arrival by your national guide who will remain with you for the duration of your trip. For groups of 5 people or less you will have an English speaking Driver Guide .
Private Tour: If you have booked a private tour then you will be accompanied by a Driver Guide. These will be available to you during all scheduled sightseeing. Private Tours can depart on any day of the week depending on flight schedules and the opening days of the attractions. They will follow the itinerary as described in the brochure unless you have been advised otherwise and you will still have all of the same meals, sightseeing and local excursions included.
Safari Vehicles
Your safari will be taken in a jeep which seats up to 6 people. Safari drivers take you to areas of the park where wildlife are more likely to be seen but as with all wildlife experiences nothing can be guaranteed. Please note that many paths inside the park are bumpy and dusty.
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.
Breakfast is always western style and served in the hotel each morning. Dinner (when included) will be taken in local restaurants or at the hotel. A variety of restaurants are visited giving you the chance to experience a range of dishes and flavours. Please note: Please take cash for drinks in the hotels as cards are not always accepted.
There are some dry hotels in Sri Lanka, and some hotels where alcohol can be consumed on the premise but must be brought in from outside. Your guide will pre-warn you of this and if anyone in the group would like to purchase drinks before getting then he will arrange for you to visit a local shop and get what you need wherever possible.
Please contact Customer Experience for questions about other dietary requirements or allergy information. Vegan, vegetarian and non-spicy meal options are available, all meal requests need to be sent over to our suppliers before travel.
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, so to ensure your comfort and well-being, two bottles of drinking water will be provided on touring days.
In Sri Lanka, the sale of alcohol is prohibited by law on specific days throughout the year. These include Poya Days (full moon days), Independence Day in February, World Temperance Day in October, the day before and after Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April, the day following Vesak Poya Day in May, and Christmas Day. This ban applies to all shops and hotels, ensuring that alcohol is not available for purchase on these designated days.
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 during the full moon 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 Guide or Airport 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
