Escorted Tours 2023 - 2025

Colombo Ella Negombo Mahiyangana Jaffna         Habarana Nilaveli < < 1 1 1 3 2 2 1 Hatton Coach Air Rail Nights 2 Day 1: UK to Colombo Depart the UK on your overnight flight to Colombo. Day 2: Colombo to Negombo D On arrival, you’ll be met and transferred to your hotel in Negombo. Spend the rest of the day at leisure, later embarking on an evening stroll along the idyllic beaches before dinner at the hotel. Day 3: Negombo and Lellama to Habarana B/L/D Head to Lellama and visit the local fish auction, where the day’s catch is traded. Experience the bustling atmosphere and fishermen calling out prices and auctioning their fish. Return to the hotel for a late breakfast, and get ready to continue your tour to the city of Habarana. After checking into your hotel, spend the evening at leisure relaxing or exploring the town, returning to the hotel for dinner. Day 4: Habarana to Jaffna B/L/D Following breakfast, embark on an exciting train ride to Jaffna, taking in the spectacular views ranging from busy communities to sleepy countryside fields and jungle thickets. From the station, you will be transferred to your hotel for lunch and have time to refresh yourself before a visit to the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. Witness the ‘cradle worship of Lord Shiva’ ceremony, at this remarkable golden- ochre-coloured temple, one of the most significant Hindu temples in Sri Lanka. Day 5: Jaffna B/L/D Start your day by exploring Jaffna, a great place of Hindu tradition, art and attractions. Beginning from Point Pedro, the Northernmost town of the island, witness the Point Pedro lighthouse, a 31-metre conical masonry tower displaying a white flash visible up to 10 nautical miles every five seconds, guiding the ships and fishermen at sea. Tour the historic gateways, moats and barracks of the Jaffna Fort, named Fortress of Our Lady of Miracles of Jafanapatão after the magical statue of Virgin Mary inside the fort. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant and later return to the hotel for dinner. Day 6: Jaffna B/L/D After breakfast, set out for a trip to Kandarodai Temple, one the last Buddhist Temples in Jaffna. Afterwards, enjoy lunch at a resort overlooking the Hammonheil Fort, then head out to explore the local life of Jaffna. Visit the colourful Jaffna Town marketplace, browsing the locally produced fresh fruits and vegetables special to the region in addition to a number of popular palm tree products. Continue with a relaxing visit to the powder-soft sands of Casuarina Beach. Sri Lanka’s Northeast and Railways Immerse yourself in local culture, explore bustling markets, engage with friendly residents in Nilaveli and Mahiyangana, hike through stunning natural landscapes, visit breathtaking temples, and relax on palm-lined beaches. Koneswaram Temple What you’ll see ⚫ Embark on one of the most scenic train rides in the world as you journey from Ella to Hatton ⚫ Marvel at the beauty of Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, a remarkable golden-ochre coloured temple ⚫ Explore the bustling cities of Jaffna and Trincomalee ⚫ Discover Kandarodai Temple, one the last Buddhist Temples in Jaffna ⚫ Wander the hallways and buildings of Jaffna Fort ⚫ Relax upon the soft sands of Nilaveli Beach on Sri Lanka’s beautiful east coast ⚫ Witness the classical-medieval Hindu temple ‘Koneswaram’ ⚫ Gaze-in-awe as the sun rises over the beautiful Sorabora Lake ⚫ Visit the towering Demodara Nine Arches Bridge, also called the ‘Bridge in the sky’ All departures guaranteed Rail Tour P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £199 36 Southern Asia Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk