Escorted Tours 2024 - 2025

Colombo Ella Negombo Mahiyangana Jaffna         Habarana Nilaveli < < 1 1 1 3 2 2 1 Hatton Coach Air Rail Nights 2 Demodara Nine Arches Bridge 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 before dinner at the hotel. Day 3: Negombo and Lellama to Habarana B/L/D Head to Lellama and visit the local fish auction. Return to the hotel for a late breakfast, then begin your journey to Habarana. After checking into your hotel, spend the evening at leisure. Day 4: Habarana to Jaffna B/L/D Following breakfast, embark on an exciting train ride to Jaffna, taking in the spectacular views. From the station, you will be transferred to your hotel for lunch before a visit to the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil. Day 5: Jaffna B/L/D Today, explore Jaffna, beginning at Point Pedro to witness the Point Pedro lighthouse. Next, tour the historic gateways, moats and barracks of the Jaffna Fort before enjoying lunch at a local restaurant. Day 6: Jaffna B/L/D After breakfast, set out for a trip to Kandarodai Temple. Afterwards, enjoy lunch overlooking the Hammonheil Fort, then head out to explore the local life of Jaffna. Finally, enjoy a relaxing visit to the powder-soft sands of Casuarina Beach. Day 7: Jaffna to Nilaveli B/L/D Continue onwards to the idyllic coastal town of Nilavel. Visit a school in a local village en route and participate in a community program, planting trees. After checking into your hotel in Nilaveli, spend the rest of the day at leisure. Day 8: Nilaveli B/L/D This morning has been left at leisure for you to relax and enjoy Nilaveli’s powder-white sands. Later, embark on a city tour of Trincomalee, visiting the granite-built Fort Fredrick. Witness the classical- medieval Hindu temple ‘Koneswaram’ and take a stroll towards the spectacular Bhadrakali Amman Temple. Return to the hotel for dinner and enjoy the evening at leisure. Day 9: Nilaveli to Mahiyangana B/L/D Today, embark on a coastal journey towards Mahiyangana via Pasikudah. Arrive at your hotel, have dinner, then enjoy the evening at leisure. Day 10: Mahiyangana to Ella, via Badulla B/L/D This morning, wake up early to witness the sun rise over the beautiful Sorabora Wewa. Return for breakfast, then visit a nearby village and witness the making of either pottery or pan paduru (reed mats). Continue towards Ella, experiencing the stunning Demodara Nine Arches Bridge along the way. Day 11: Ella B/L/D Embark on a short hike to enjoy a packed breakfast and a breathtaking view at the Little Adam’s Peak. Afterwards, visit to the Dhowa Temple, famous for its huge 39-foot-tall unfinished Buddha statue. Enjoy dinner and the rest of the evening at leisure. Day 12: Ella to Colombo, via Hatton B/L/D After breakfast, proceed to the Ella Railway Station. This spectacular rail journey will take you through breathtaking views all the way to Hatton, where you will continue the journey onboard a coach to your hotel in Colombo via Kitulgala. Day 13: Colombo to the UK B After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Sri Lanka’s Northeast and Railways What you’ll see ⚫ Embark on a scenic train ride from Ella to Hatton ⚫ Explore Jaffna and Trincomalee ⚫ Gaze-in-awe as the sun rises over the beautiful Sorabora Lake ⚫ Visit the towering Demodara Nine Arches Bridge 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. What’s included ✔ Return flights Heathrow to Sri Lanka with Sri Lankan Airlines. See p132-133 for regional flights ✔ Where you’ll stay Negombo, 4 H Goldi Sands Hotel Habarana, 4 H Sungreen Resort & Spa Jaffna, 4 H Fox Resorts Jaffna Nilaveli, 4 H Nilaveli Beach Resort Mahiyangana, 3 H Kevans Casa Ella, 3 H Oak Ray Ella Gap Hotel Colombo, 5 H Cinnamon Lakeside Hotel ✔ 32 meals ✔ 10 excursions ✔ Expert local tour guide Tour pace: Intermediate Includes two rail journeys Departures & from prices Mar 24 £2,299 Mar 25 £2,399 Apr 24 £2,229 Apr 25 £2,399 May 24 £1,899 May 25 £1,999 Jun 24 £2,299 Jun 25 £2,349 Sep 24 £1,999 Sep 25 £2,149 Oct 24 £2,149 Oct 25 £2,199 Nov 24 £2,499 Nov 25 £2,549 Feb 25 £2,499 • Lead-in price based on 9 May 24 • A single supplement starts from just £499 • Tipping paid locally $60 pp per tour Save £100 on selected departures with code TOUR100 P R I V A T E T O U R U P G R A D E S F R O M £199 Extend your tour Sri Lanka beach stay, 4 nights, All-Inclusive, 4 H from £299 or 5 H from £369 Maldives beach stay, 4 nights, 4 H All-Inclusive from £829 Highlights of Kerala, 5 nights, B&B from £389 Colombo city stay, 2 nights, 4 H from £199 14 Southern Asia Hundreds of escorted tours are available on our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk