- Sri Lanka Multi-Centres
- Treasures of Sri Lanka with Seychelles Beach Stay
Experience Sri Lanka's beloved highlights and picturesque interior on this captivating mini tour. Displaying rolling hills blanketed by tea bushes, vibrant cities that unfurl before the senses, and a dynamic spectacle of wildlife, the distinct qualities of this magnificent island make for a truly spectacular adventure. Complete your adventure with a relaxing stay in the Seychelles, where you can unwind in a luxurious oceanic paradise.
Depart the UK on your overnight flight to 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 tour will visit the vibrant temples and bazaars, 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. Afterward, return to the hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Breakfast & Dinner
This morning, take a scenic drive through the verdant landscapes of Sri Lanka's countryside before arriving in the city of Kandy. Known as the capital of the hill country, this cultural hub is surrounded by lush greenery and hosts some of the country's most important historical sites.
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.
Breakfast & Dinner
Journey to the nearby Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a stunning display of native flora once reserved for royalty. This area of outstanding natural beauty features a vivid collection of orchids, towering coconut palms, and an aromatic spice garden.
En route, stop at a tea plantation to learn how prestigious Ceylon Tea is grown and processed. Enjoy a guided tour that takes you through the intricate steps of tea production, from plucking the leaves to the final product.
Continue to the city of Nuwara Eliya, known for its picturesque landscapes. As you enter this charming location, observe endless waterfalls and rolling hills blanketed by luscious tea bushes. Drive past striking colonial houses, rose gardens, and well-kept hedges, reminiscent of the English countryside, on your way to the hotel for the evening.
Breakfast & Dinner
This morning, travel through the scenic hill country to your next hotel, situated near one of Sri Lanka's most beloved parks, Udawalawe National Park.
Embark on an exhilarating jeep safari through this expansive reservation, where you'll have the chance to spot herds of majestic elephants roaming the plains with their adorable baby calves. Surrounded by a breathtaking mountainous backdrop, your safari adventure will take you past the reservoir, where you can observe playful macaques, sunbathing crocodiles, and, if you're fortunate, the elusive leopards, sloth bears, or porcupines that call the dense jungles of the park home.
After your thrilling wildlife experience, return to your hotel for dinner and an overnight stay.
Breakfast
Start your final day with a visit to the nearby Elephant Transit Home, where you can witness over twenty of these majestic creatures being cared for. Delight in watching the baby elephants, who can drink an impressive forty pints of milk a day, and learn about the inspiring conservation efforts to protect and rehabilitate these gentle giants.
Later that morning, travel back to Colombo for your final night, cherishing the wonderful experiences and memories you've made during your journey.
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, allowing you to relax and explore at your own pace.
Breakfast
Relax on the stunning sandy beaches, soaking up the sun and enjoying the crystal-clear waters. Embrace the perfect balance of adventure and relaxation, making the most of every moment in this idyllic setting. Whether you're exploring the vibrant marine life or simply lounging by the beach, Mahe offers a paradise experience that you'll cherish forever.
Why not take optional excursions to explore the local beauty, including guided nature walks, snorkelling adventures, or boat trips to nearby islands? Your hotel can help arrange this.
Breakfast
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK.
Nestled in the heart of Mahé Island, Laïla, a Tribute Portfolio Resort, offers an intimate and stylish escape near the stunning shores of Anse Royale. This boutique retreat blends authentic Seychellois charm with contemporary comfort, making it an ideal destination for those seeking a relaxing holiday.
Guests can relax by the outdoor pool, indulge in rejuvenating spa treatments such as manicures, pedicures, facials, and massages, or stay active at the fitness center. For those seeking adventure, Laïla offers a variety of activities, including guided hikes, fishing excursions, Creole cooking classes, and traditional weaving workshops. Water sports enthusiasts can enjoy paddleboarding and kayaking, making it the perfect destination for both relaxation and exploration.
Dining at Laïla offers a range of culinary experiences, from international dishes with a local twist to fresh Creole and Italian flavors, all served in relaxed, beachfront settings. Guests can enjoy casual drinks and light bites by the pool or unwind with cocktails in a stylish lounge bar. Whether you’re in the mood for a gourmet meal or a refreshing drink, there’s something for every taste at this island retreat.
Every room includes air conditioning, a ceiling fan, and a private balcony or veranda, allowing guests to enjoy the island’s tranquil atmosphere. Thoughtfully appointed amenities include a TV, free Wi-Fi, a minibar, a room safe, and tea and coffee-making facilities. Room upgrades are available for an additional supplement.
Due to the surrounding area and the number of steps around the hotel, it may not be suitable for those with mobility difficulties.
Located just 20 minutes from Seychelles International Airport, Laïla provides easy access to Mahé’s pristine beaches, local markets, and vibrant coastal villages. Whether you’re looking for a tranquil retreat or an adventure-filled island escape, Laïla, Seychelles, promises an unforgettable stay in paradise.
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!
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.
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. 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, Kushani - 0094 760 530644
Email - mercury@aitkenspence.lk, rizmika@aitkenspence.lk Seychelles Beach Stay -
Emergency contact information:
Mason’s Travel After Hours Duty Officer Contact number: 00248 252 4665
