Marco Polo considered Sri Lanka “the finest island of its size in the world”. We invite you to explore this superb destination, visiting the ancient cities and UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla. Relive the days of the British Raj in the evocative hill station of Nuwara Eliya, set in wonderful mountain scenery amidst tea plantations. Also be one of the first to visit the eastern coast at Trincomalee. This splendid itinerary includes some easy trekking, nature safaris and excellent all-round introduction to Sri Lanka.
About TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS
The company with over 28 yrs old experienced team is committed to bringing the best in both quality and value to small group journeys, private car guided tours and tailor-made tours to India, Nepal and Sri Lanka.
Being a leading travel wholesaler we introduce travellers to the amazing culture and offer tours at unbeatable prices and with unparalleled comfort. For your protections TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS is approved Destination Management Company by Ministry of tourism Govt of India and member of IATA, AFTA, TAANZ, IATO and PATA to name few. We are proud to say that our team is very experienced with in-depth knowledge of destination. Our reputation is built on providing world class service with real personal touches that make a difference to your holiday. We understand the importance of giving attention to even the smallest of details and care about the countries to which we take you and make sure that we have a positive effect on the environment. Respect for locals and their way of life is an essential part of travelling with TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS.
“You Rely on us and we rely on experience”
Panoramic Lanka - 13 Days/12 Nights
Day 01: Arrive Colombo
Day 02: Yala
Day 03: Wildlife Safari
Day 04: Ceylon Tea Gardens
Day 05: Nuwara Eliya - Kandy
Day 06: Kandy
Day 07: Spice & Cave
Day 08: Trincomalee
Day 09: Sigiriya & Village
Day 10: Polonnaruwa & Wildlife
Day 11: Anuradhapura Excursion
Day 12: Dambulla - Colombo
Day 13: Colombo Departure
Tour Ends
Meals included
Being a seasoned traveller ourselves we have discovered the travelling time is unpredictable sometime you reach a destination so late that you are tired to go out for dinner or search for a proper dinning place around the vicinity of your hotel which may become a chore during your holiday, hence we have removed the hassle by including most of breakfast and dinners in all our brochure tour packages.
Pre & Post Tour Accommodation
Do some exploring before the trip begins or add couple of nights after the tour to relax before boarding your flight. We offer competitive rates in all destinations- book in conjunction with your main tour - ask TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS or your travel agent.
Add-On (Short Tour packages)
Make the most of your time away - after all, you have travelled all that way. Our Add-On can be used as short breaks in their own right or as pre/post tour additions. With all arrangements made for you they are the perfect way to discover more of your destinations - ask TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS or your travel agent.
Private Car Tours
Our private car tour is not about leaving you alone to explore destinations or country; it’s all about giving you to opportunity to choose your own dates and travelling on leisurely paced by your own privet car and driver. Your itinerary will be private, personalised and flexible which can be chosen from our selections or customised according to your request. Your private local English speaking guide will escort you in each destination during sightseeing tour; and when you want to explore town own your own; you are perfectly free to do so.
Tailor-made Tours
Our Group and Private Car tours have been designed to feature a selection of the destination’s highlights, but they may not meet all of your requirements. At TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS we are proud to offer expert tailor-made services that enable us to construct your perfect holiday. Perhaps you would like to vary the standard of accommodation or modes of transport. On the other hand, you may want to create an entirely individual itinerary that includes destinations and experiences not covered in the featured itineraries. Whatever your needs, we are happy to design a personalised itinerary and quote without obligation.
“The Holidays you dream are the holidays we pack”
Family Holiday
What better way to spend quality time with your loved ones than to get away from the daily hectic schedule and escape to a place of sheer relaxation and comfort.
A perfect family holiday is like a Pandora’s Box of excitement, relaxation, fun, good times and wonderful memories that will be cherished for a life time. Let us tailor your every wish for that ideal family time together a dream come true and an experience that will be passed on to generations.
This itinerary can be customised to create your family holiday.
What Makes Us Different?
Being your Local Travel wholesaler and one of the True Destination Specialists our team in Australia, New Zealand, India, Sri Lanka, Nepal and Bhutan ensures that every itinerary is well balanced and filled with amazing cultural experiences, breathtaking scenery and historical sites. Most must see and must do’s are included giving you opportunity to witness sights, taste delicious cuisine, visit bazaar for souvenirs, meet and experience life of locals at the same time have some free time to explore town the way you like.
Whichever itinerary you select all are included complete travel and transfer by charted air-conditioned vehicles, local English speaking guide, sightseeing, entrance fee to the monuments and parks, safaris, boat ride, cultural shows at the theatre or hotel, domestic airfare in economy class, train fare in best available air-conditions class and not to mentioned the current govt taxes of the county. For more details of inclusions please refer to the inclusions column of the itinerary.
Prices Guarantees
All prices shown are on per person basis on twin/double and apply when you share room with travel companion. For single traveller we do offer single room and price is available on request.
You don’t need to worry about currency fluctuations. Once we receive your full payment, your land tour price is guaranteed and protected against any increases.
100% Protected Holiday
We are a member of IATA, TAANZ and AFTA which ensure that your holiday is 100% protected.
No Hidden Cost
We love transparency so the prices quoted by THO are almost all inclusive and help the traveller to budget their holidays accurately. All we ask you to do is relax and enjoy your holiday, knowing that all prepaid expenses have been included in your initial tour cost. Please refer to the tour inclusions for more details.
Value for Money
Being a local Travel Wholesaler, our huge buying power help us pass the discounted rates to our clients. We also do FREE hotel upgrade at some destination as a gesture of appreciation to our valuable travellers. Apart from this our local team of experts adds incredible value for your dollar.
Loyalty Rewarded 5% Off
Many of our clients choose to travel with us time and time again. As a valued client, we offer you a 5% discount off your second and onwards tour package. This offer applies only to the tour cost of your trip and conditions do apply. Speak to us for details when making your booking.
Multi Trip Discount 5% Off
If you have the time why not combine two or more of our tour and save? In any one holiday, we will discount your second and onwards trip by 5%. Tour package must be minimum 10 days or more from our brochure and discount applies on lowest price tour package. Discount does not apply to add-on pre & post accommodation, train journeys, flights and/or any small packages or services.
BIG SAVINGS when travelling with your friends and family
The advantage of a true specialist is their knowledge and confidence in assisting anyone who is keen to visit a destination but like to do things differently. Is a special occasion? Do you want to experience a festival, lead a culinary adventure, organise a yoga and wellness group or cycle the off beaten tracks of India or Sri Lanka with people close to you? Or do you find parts of one of our tours appealing but want to alter dates or itineraries to better suit your groups’ needs?
Please contact us with your wish list and our team will be glad to tailor-make your special tour ensuring all possible activities and ideas are incorporated, making a unique group tour.
(Best suited discount will be offered and any discount can not be combined with any other discount or promotions)
24/7 Helpline and assistance by THO Local Offices
We have a 24/7 Helpline number available in Sri Lanka and New Zealand at all times. We strongly advise you to contact us immediately if there is an issue regarding your tour, in order for us to resolve it as soon as possible so that you can enjoy the tour. Your co operation on this issue would be highly appreciated.
International Flights
The tour packages are usually “Land Only” and do not include international flights. We therefore recommend that you contact us or your travel agent to book your flights well in advance of travel, when you can generally gain access to specials and discounted airfares. This will ensure you can travel on the days that suit you and your tour.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our journeys. Speak to us or your travel agent about comprehensive insurance to cover your travel arrangements. This must critically cover medical expenses in case of an emergency. Note that travel insurance automatically provided with credit cards generally does not provide adequate cover. Its your responsibility to ensure that you have appropriate and comprehensive travel insurance.
Medical Information
Our elderly travellers who are aged 70 years or more, or with a per-existing condition that affects their fitness to travel or any medical dietary requirement, must be advised at the time of booking. We recommend all travellers should visit their Doctor for these aforementioned purposes and/or to confirm that they are physically able to undertake the day-to-day requirements of the tour.
Type of Accommodation
As there is so much to see and do in Sri Lanka during the day therefore everyone deserves a good night sleep. We choose quality accommodation according to the category you are travelling in, based on providing a place of rest that offers not only comfort but also an authentic experience rather than staying in a hotel that could by anywhere in the world. Every hotel might be different according to location, amenities and services. While selecting hotel we consider great location, private bathroom facilities and air-conditioning to name few.
Hotel Grading
Comfort: 3 star hotels offering basic and clean private facilities.
Deluxe: 4 Star hotel, Palaces and Heritage properties offering above average to very good facilities.
Luxury: 5 star hotel, Palace and Heritage properties offering full range of facilities and exceptional services with unique feature.
Note:
The cities which do not have more choice of hotels, the best suitable category of hotel is provided.
It is also possible to take a combination of comfort, deluxe and luxury accommodation in one itinerary.
Nepal being adventure destination, choices of accommodation are limited hence basic 3* or best available hotel in the itinerary except at some location where 4* and 5* hotel options are offered.
In Bhutan itinerary basis 3* hotel accommodation is used unless requested.
Selecting Your Holiday Type
Most of our journeys are suited to those with normal fitness and mobility levels. To assist you in choosing a journey best for you we have graded our tours;
Easy Paced: These programs are set at a comfortable pace. Walking and climbing of stairs involved is generally in and around major tourist attractions though you may require walking from road till boat jetty while embarking or disembarking boats.
Moderate: These tours are not strenuous but you will require good amount of fitness as they may include days with long periods of walking or soft trekking, climbing of stairs, embarking and disembarking boats and where longer distances may be travelled by uneven roads.
Adventurous: These refer to programs where your physical fitness needs to be on highest level. Trekking, cycling, climbing, walking and more adventurous activities may be included.
Travelling In Sri Lanka:
The key to travelling is patience! Distances can sometimes be vast, roads are often congested and rustic and time is not necessarily of the essence. With many different options of travel, each will bring with it a different perspective of this fascination country.
We recommend that you carry a roll of toilet paper from your hotel before you start your sightseeing tour or train journey as in emergency stop some of the public toilets may not have sufficient toilet rolls and also to avoid any inconvenience to yourself.
Passport & Visas
India: Visa is required for all foreign nationals and you must obtain an Indian visa prior to leaving home as visa processing varies country to country. Passport must be valid for at least six months before you commence travel in India. Travel to Sikkim requires a special permit; application may be made when applying for a standard Indian visa at the local Indian High Commission.
As of 25 Sep 2013 nationals and passport holder of New Zealand, Singapore, Japan, Finland, Luxem Bourg, Philippines, Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos, Indonesia and Myanmar can avail visa-on-arrival (VoA) facility upon disembarking at international airports Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Kochi and Trivandrum only. You will require to pay fee along with require documentation and is subject to verification and satisfaction of the Immigration. Please contact high commission of India for updated information.
Sri Lanka: Every tourist visiting Sri Lanka required visa prior to departure. Visa must be obtained atleast 01 months prior to arrival in Sri Lanka by visiting www.eta.gov.lk The Tourist visa is valid for stay within 30 days. Passport must be valid for at least six months before you commence travel to Sri Lanka. Fee will apply.
Nepal: Visa is required for all foreign nationalities and the best way to apply for visa is from the Royal Nepalese diplomatic missions in your home country. Tourist Visa also can be obtained on arrival. Passport must be valid for at least six months before you commence travel in Nepal. Fee will apply.
Bhutan: All foreign nationals require visa for Bhutan.
Visa can be arranged by TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS. To process this we require clear readable colour copy of passport (page containing passport no and face picture in JPEG or PDF format) and current colour passport photograph and at least 30 days prior to date of entry into Bhutan. Remaining validity of passport should be at least 6 months from the date of exit from Bhutan.
Tourism Council of Bhutan issues visa clearance letter closer to travelling date which we email or fax you or your local travel agent. Travellers are required to produce aforesaid visa clearance copy at the time of check-in for their flights while those entering Bhutan by surface via Phuentsholing or Samdrup Jonkhar, they are required to produce this Visa Clearance letter at the Immigration counter. Actual visa is stamped at passport on arrival in Bhutan.
Visa only service is not offered in Bhutan, you would have to book a service tour package from TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS that includes accommodation, guided tours, transfers etc
HOW TO BOOK
You can contact our associate travel agent, call our local office, email us or book online. Booking forms must be completed to ensure TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS has on file all the necessary information such as passport details, travel insurance policy details and emergency contacts etc. Travellers over the age of 65 and those with pre existing medical conditions will also be required to provide a medical certificate to certify they are fit to travel. By booking through travel agent or online means you have read and agreed to the TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS booking conditions. For more detail please click here.
Team at TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS wishes you a wonderful holiday!!!
Day 01: Arrive Colombo
Meet and assistance on arrival at the airport by tour executive and transfer to hotel for overnight stay.
Day 2: Yala
Travel through the beautiful coastal route to Yala and en-route visit UNESCO Galle Fort. Stay two nights in Yala. (B, D)
Day 3: Wildlife Safari
Wake up early collect your packed breakfast and travel towards the Yala National Park. We can spot many wild animals, including leopards, reptiles, elephants, and birds. The afternoon is free to relax at the hotel or enjoy a long walk. (B, D)
Day 4: Ceylon Tea Gardens
Leave for Nuwara Eliya, known as ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, set against beautiful backdrops of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island, but it is really just like an English spring day. Afternoon visit Tea Plantation and factory to observe the complete process of turning the raw green leaf into the finished product. Stay overnight in hotel. (B, D)
Day 05: Nuwara Eliya – Kandy
Travel to Kandy and evening free to relax or go walking. Stay two nights in Kandy. (B, D)
Day 6: Kandy
Today, your guide will take you on a tour to explore Kandy at your own leisure. Kandy was the last capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site. You will visit the Temple of the Tooth relic, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Gem Museum and in the evening, witness a traditional Kandyan dance accompanied by live music. (B, D)
Day 07: Spices & Cave
Travel to Trincomalee stopping en-route at Spice Plantation and Dambulla Cave temple. Stay two nights at Trincomalee. (B, D)
Day 08: Trincomalee
A day at leisure at the beach resort. (B, D)
Day 09: Sigiriya & Village
Morning visit Sigiriya rock fortress and afternoon rural village of Hiriwadunna. Enjoy guided walk alongside Lake giving chance to spot birds and land monitors. Cross a little jungle rivulet by catamaran and reach a farmer house to enjoy local tea. Experience a bullock cart ride through paddy field and village before you end this fantastic village experience. Stay three nights in Dambulla. (B, D)
Day 10: Polonnaruwa & Wildlife
In the morning visit Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital of Sri Lanka and afternoon take a jeep safari through the spectacular Minneriya National Park. (B, D)
Day 11: Anuradhapura Excursion
Enjoy an excursion to Anuradhapura an ancient mighty Sinhalese Kingdom and explore the ruins which are a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Afternoon free to relax. (B, D)
Day 12: Dambulla – Colombo
Travel to Colombo and evening free to relax or go for shopping. Stay overnight in Colombo. (B, D)
Day 13: Colombo Departure
After a leisurely breakfast, the tour finishes with a direct transfer to the international airport to board your return flight. (B)
***Tour End***
Price available on request
Contact: mail@totalholidayoptions.co.nz
Sri Lankan cuisine is bound with their history of traders, immigrants and colonisers thus offering a rich, distinctive mix. Aside from Arab and Indian influenced breads and the ubiquitous street food, the Sri Lankan staple is simply “rice and curry”. More interesting than it sounds, as the curry part is at least 3 and anything up to 8 dishes in a meal, along with condiments and makes full use of the island’s range of vegetables, herbs and spices. The class takes the form of a trip to the local market to walk through and buy the ingredients. Back to base to cook a meal (2-3 dishes) in pairs. Enjoy the effort of your endeavors by eating the rice and curry...Read More»
Start around 7am with your packed breakfast and transfer to a place where you begin this tour of a classic Sri Lankan village. This walk mainly goes through a lake where you could see fishermen...Read More»
Wake up early and enjoy a freshly brewed Ceylon tea and leave for the tea garden to join the early crowd of tea pluckers. The plucking time...Read More»
Discover the commercial hub of Sri Lanka....Read More»
Starts: Colombo
Ends: Colombo
Grade: Easy to Adventurous
Departs: Daily
12 Nights accommodation at the hotel with private facility
Service of an English speaking chauffer guide
Meals as motioned above
Entrance fees to the sites namely
- Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Dambulla Cave Temple
- Polonnaruwa Ancient City
- Minneriya National Park
- Yala National Park
- Sigiriya Rock fortress
- Anuradhapura Ancient City
- Nature Walks at Habarana
- Train Ride from kandy To nanu oya
- Ritigala
01 jeep Hire at Minneriya National park
01 jeep or Van hire at Horton Plains national park
Garlands on arrival
Meet and greet at the airport
Return Airport Transfers
Colombo city and shopping tour
s
Personal Travel and Insurance
Personal expenses
Extras on tour
Meals which are not specified above
Services which are not specified above
Entrance to the site visits which are not specified above
Camera Fees where applicable
Tips and Poter-age
Entry Visa Fees, please visit www.eta.gov.lk for more details / submit your individual visa application
Overland travel by private air-conditioned car with driver
Itinerary can be customised to suit your requirements
Order sightseeing may vary according to local conditions
Normal Hotel check-in/out 1200 hours
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Electricity: Current is 220V, 50Hz -Type C (European 2-pin), Type D (Old British 3-pin),
Time Zone: GMT +5.5 hours
Ask for pre and post accommodation

