Mercury Holidays 2021-2023 Brochure

square metres of painted walls and ceilings. After time to explore, a stop will be made at a typical Sri Lankan spice garden. Arrive in Kandy and 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. Day 10: Kandy B/L/D 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. Then, enjoy a tour of the city followed by an afternoon and evening at leisure. Day 11: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya B/L/D 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. Day 12: Nuwara Eliya to Udawalawe B/L/D 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. Day 13: Udawalawe to Tissamaharama B/L/D 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. The rest of the day is at leisure. Day 14: Tissamaharama and Yala National Park B/L/D After some free time this morning, 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 beautiful, elusive animals. Day 15: Tissamaharama to Mirissa B/L/D 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. Day 16: Mirissa and Galle B/L/D 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. Day 17: Mirissa to the UK B After breakfast, transfer to Colombo for your return flight, or continue on to your chosen extension. Tour includes • All meals included • 3 and 4 H accommodation: Colombo-Ramada Colombo, Anuradhapura-Hotel Palm Garden Village, Passikudah-The Calm Resort, Dambulla- Amaya Lake, Kandy-Amaya Hills, Nuwara Eliya-Araliya Green Hills, Udawalawe- Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort, Tissamaharama-Mandara Rosen, Mirissa- Mandara Resort • Flights from London Heathrow with Sri Lankan Airlines. Regional departures available from Glasgow Sigiriya Rock Fortress Traditional Sri Lankan Fishermen Leopard No Single Supplement Rooms available with no single supplement. Once sold, single supplement starts from £649 Private Tour Upgrade From £99 . Includes a private guide, transport and choice of departure date. Tour pace: Challenging Ready to find out more? For further details, check prices and availability, and explore all of our holidays visit our website www.mercuryholidays.co.uk or call our experienced team free on 0800 298 9865 Kerala Backwaters Extend your tour Colombo city stay 2 nights, 4 H from £179 Highlights of Kerala, 5 nights, B&B from £399 Sri Lanka beach stay 4 nights, All-Inclusive 4 H from £299 or 5 H from £399 Maldives beach stay, 4 nights, 4 H All-Inclusive from £789 Please note that Yala National Park may be closed for 30 days each year commencing around the month of September. The tour will visit Udawalawe National Park instead. www.mercuryholidays.co.uk • 0800 298 9865 151 Southern Asia