Indian Ocean History & Culture Holidays

There's a wealth of history and culture associated with the Indian Ocean Islands.

Sri Lanka in particular has a vast and rich cultural diversity that includes a large number of customs, rituals and festivals, many of which have been maintained and are still practiced today. there are also a number of World Heritage Sites to discover here, including the citadel of Sigiriya, city of Polonnaruwa and the rock temples of Dambulla.

These are just a handful of the options available though. You can also tailor-make your history and culture holiday in the Indian Ocean by adding an activity or excursion to your itinerary; talk to a destination specialist to see what we can do for you.

Our top itineraries for Indian Ocean History and culture

Local fishermen at Unawatuna, near Galle

Sri Lanka’s Cities & Beaches

10-day tailor-made journey from £2,055 pp incl. flights

In the company of your own driver/guide, you’ll explore the Dutch-colonial gems and stunning Indian Ocean beaches of Sri Lanka’s southwest corner, taking in Colombo, Galle and Bentota.

Sri Lanka & The Maldives

16-day tailor-made journey from £4,245 pp incl. flights

Offering idyllic islands, scenic splendour and cultural encounters, this best-of-both tour shows off both Sri Lanka and the Maldives at their absolute finest. Enjoy the sparkle of the Indian Ocean and stroll past giant-sized recumbent Buddhas in this tailor-made journey.

Sri Lanka's Ancient Kingdoms & East Coast Beaches

13-day tailor-made journey from £2,710 pp incl. flights

Visiting Sri Lanka's most impressive ancient monuments and beautiful beaches in utter luxury, enjoying the services of a private driver throughout and staying in only the finest hotels. Think beach villas and palatial country manors.

Asian Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone Paradisi), Minneriya National Park

Sri Lankan Wildlife and Whales

9-day tailor-made journey from £2,100 pp incl. flights

A week-long trip to Sri Lanka, including the Sinharaja Rainforest, Yala National Park, and whale and dolphin watching on the south coast

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Top offers for Indian Ocean History and culture

Golden Triangle and Asian Discovery on Crystal Symphony

24-day private tour & cruise from £6,495 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Tailor-made tour and cruise offer

After a private multi-day tour of Delhi, the Taj Mahal and Jaipur, set off on an all-inclusive luxury cruise across Asia, linking India and Sri Lanka with Myanmar, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore.

Golden Temples, Ancient Shrines on Seven Seas Voyager

22-day cruise from £9,795 pp incl. flights

Special
cruise offer

Receive $500 credit per suite and free 3-night land tour
Book by: 31 December 2019

Take advantage of special fares and on board credit. Guests in all suite categories can enjoy a FREE 3-Night Essence of Bangkok pre-cruise land program or a FREE 3-Night Abu Dhabi, Dubai Dunes and Sharjah post-cruise land program on this voyage.

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