Escape Magazine Winter 2023

SRI LANKA Nicknamed ‘India Lite’, Sri Lanka has all the culture and charm of its enormous neighbour, but the pace of life here is far more sedate. You can visit ancient Polonnaruwa – Sri Lanka’s second capital – and see temples and palaces as they once were, and find out about a bygone era that paved the way for Sri Lankan culture today. Sigiriya Rock is another must-see. Surrounded by rich jungle, this tall fortress has 1,200 steps up to the top, where sweeping views await. You can visit tea plantations in the cool hills, and explore Sri Lanka’s national parks in search of wildlife. You’ll be able to see elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles and an abundance of birds.

OUR ITINERARY

MALDIVES Find your own slice of paradise in the Maldives – the pinnacle of luxury and relaxation. This Indian Ocean country is made up of 1,200 islands, each with beautiful white sands and crystal-clear waters. With just one resort per island, this is the perfect place to unwind. You can expect top-notch restaurants, sunset-view bars and therapeutic spas. But there’s plenty to keep you busy, too, thanks to endless watersports, fantastic snorkelling and some of the best diving sites in the world. 10 nights including flights & hotel stays From £4,139 Call 0208 023 5529 to book your holiday today. OUR PICK OF THE BUNCH

Reclining Buddha statue of Gal Vihara in Polonnaruwa

11 DAY SRI LANKA & MALDIVES

A multi-centre holiday to Sri Lanka and the Maldives gives you the chance to discover two gems of the Indian Ocean, where you can combine culture and history with beaches and luxury. In Sri Lanka, you can take in the spectacular views from Sigiriya Rock Fortress, explore

ancient Polonnaruwa, and see the impressive wall paintings of Dambulla Rock Temple. Visit Sri Lanka’s national parks, where you’ll be able to spot all kinds of wildlife. You can witness one of the world’s largest elephant gatherings in Udawalawe National Park, and search for leopards and

crocodiles in Yala National Park. Next, you’ll take a short flight to the Maldives, where you can unwind in style. From luxury resorts and fine dining, to kayaking excursions and diving trips, a Maldives holiday can be as laidback as you want it to be.

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