SEE DOUBLE - IT'S TWICE AS MUCH FUN

Two-centre holidays are booming...and Kuoni have hit on the perfect combination by teaming Sri Lanka and The Maldives.

Sri Lanka, a bustling country the size of Ireland, is an island full of beautiful beaches and friendly welcomes while the Maldives is a complex of tiny islets, each a mini-paradise in itself.

First to Sri Lanka, where we stayed at The Ceysands Hotel, situated on a strip of land with a river on one side and the Indian Ocean on the other. You even have to take a ferry to get to the reception!

But we hardly had time to get used to the lazy river trips and deserted beaches before we were off up country to one of the most unique hotels in the world. No prizes for guessing what The Tea Factory Hotel used to be, but it is the ultimate place to relax, with its clear cool air and acre after acre of rolling tea plantations.

The bustling city of Kandy was a complete change of pace. The market was a revelation of spicy smells, unusual fruits and more than a few bargains!

The magnificent Temple of the Tooth is one of the most sacred shrines to Buddha and is not to be missed. We stayed at the Citadel Hotel, just outside Kandy...which has a swimming pool that overlooks the jungle! Then it was up country again to Habarana Lodge, a magnificent hotel complex in a jungle setting.

It's a perfect location for visits to the historic sites of Dumballa, an ancient Buddhist temple with magnificent Buddhas carved into sheer rock, and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

On our way back to Colombo we visited the elephant orphanage at Pinnewala. If you go nowhere else, go here. It is simply wonderful.

The recent Sunday Mirror appeal raised a magnificent pounds 9,500 for the elephants being cared for there.

A night spent at 'Colombo"s plush Mount Lavinia Hotel recharged the batteries, then it was off for week two and the Maldives. After such a hectic time in Sri Lanka, our stay on Kurumba was a tranquil delight.

Everything written about the Maldives is true. It's a desert island paradise. There is little to do but relax and watch the waves lapping ashore or investigate the sea life around the islands.

Kurumba mixes the desert island feel with a small number of restaurants and a bar, for the most perfect getaway you can imagine.

PAUL BENNETT

HOW TO

GET THERE

KUONI (01306 740500) have an 8nt Sri Lanka tour with 7nts in the Maldives from pounds 943pp, including accommodation, meals and flights. Sri Lanka Tourist Board:

0171 262 5009.

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