Classic Lanka

Arrive Colombo & Travel to Negombo

Welcome to Sri Lanka!!! Upon arrival at Colombo airport, Total Holiday Options Executive will meet you at the arrival lounge holding a placard. Followed by transfer to Negombo. Negombo or Meegamuwa in Sinhalese is a major city in Sri Lanka, situated on the west coast and at the mouth of the Negombo Lagoon in Western Province. Situated six kilometers from the International airport of Sri Lanka, is a characteristic predominantly Christian fishing town with narrow streets and small boutiques, and many historic churches to visit and see, with its routes running back to the arrival of the Portuguese. A resort town dotted with many hotels and restaurants and the famous lagoon, where one could take a ride in an outrigger sailing canoe and experience the authentic fisherman’s life or explore the town to witness the locals day to day activity.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel.

Travel to Dambulla (En-route Dambulla Cave temple)

Travel to Dambulla. En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temples, Towering above the plains of Dambulla is this awe-inspiring UNESCO World Heritage site, the Dambulla Cave Temple Complex. This ancient Buddhist pilgrimage is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The five major caves are dotted with 150 plus stunning Buddha statues (and a few depicting Sri Lankan kings, gods and goddesses) as well as huge cave paintings & murals making this is one of the must-visit Dambulla tourist places. The intricate cave paintings, serene statues of Buddha and the sacred vibes make these caves a beautiful spiritual sanctuary and one of the best temples in Sri Lanka.

Assistance on Arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Excursion to Anuradhapura

Today, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the north-central part of the Island which was the first capital (5th century BC - 9th century AD), the centre of the island's Buddhist civilization and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka Travel by air-conditioned vehicle with your personal driver-guide, and visit the ruined city of Anuradhapura. Here you will see the remains of the Brazen Palace (which was once 9 stories high) and the Sri Maha Bodhi a Bo Tree, which is over 2000 years old and grew from the branch of the very tree beneath which the Buddha attained enlightenment.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Hiriwadunna Village Excursion

Rise early for your journey to the magnificent rock-top fortress of Sigiriya, a 5th century UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wander through picturesque water and boulder gardens, past the pools and fountains, and climb past the ancient and colossal Lion’s Paws to a steep winding 200-meter high staircase. Upon reaching the summit you will admire 360-degree breath-taking views of the surrounding jungle and hills. Later, pay a visit to a farmer's house in Sigiriya and immerse yourself in the day to day lifestyle and farming traditions, including an exploration of his organic garden. The guided walk goes alongside Hiriwadunna lake giving chance to spot birds and land monitors and cross a little jungle rivulet by Catamaran. The bullock cart ride through the paddy fields would be of another very interesting experience and feel the traveling back in time where the early Sri Lankans used the bullock cart rides as a main mode of transportation here in Sri Lanka. Mix and mingle with locals over a cup of Ceylon Tea before a home-cooked lunch is served by the local family.

Excursion to Polonnaruwa and Minneriya National Park

Today, proceed for a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, which was the second capital of Sri Lanka in the 11th and 12th centuries. Travel by air-conditioned vehicle with your personal driver-guide, and visit the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Vihare, three splendid statues of the Buddha in upright, sedan and recumbent postures carved out of a large rock. Other interesting sights are the Lotus Bath, Tivanke Image House with the best known Buddhist frescoes of Sri Lanka Afternoon, proceed for a jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. The Park is based largely around a huge tank (reservoir) and serves as the largest assembling of Asian Elephants at any given time. Besides elephants, Minneriya is also home to many species of mammals like the deer, sambur sloth bear and a variety of birds. During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze at the reservoir.

Travel to Kandy (En-route visit Matale Spice Garden)

Travel to Kandy. En-route, visit Matale spice plantation, and try different spices and herbs, helping you gain an insight into the long spice history of the island. Step into the unpolluted, green garden, where you can see how herbs are grown in their natural environment, then learn how you can use them to enhance the taste of specialty meals. Find various products made from the garden's herbs and spices at the onsite shop.

Assistance on Arrival (Evening enjoy a Cultural Dance Show)

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel. In the evening enjoy a spectacular Kandy Cultural Show, which will give you the opportunity to watch various traditional Kandyan dances and acts. Believed to be originally performed by Indian shamans who came to the island many centuries ago, Kandyan dancing is a celebration of the rich traditions of Sri Lankan culture. The dance which traces its origin from the ancient ritual known as the Kohomba Kapkariya focuses on dynamism, powerful footwork, leaps, and whirls that imitate several movements from birds and animals. The whole performance is graced by colorful costumes, masked dances, and thrilling fire acts! To make the show more exciting, some men perform a series of acrobats and stunts such as plate-spinning.

Peradeniya Botanical Garden & Temple of the Tooth Relic

After breakfast, visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden. 147 acres in extent; Started in 1374 as a pleasure garden of the Kings of Gampola and Kandy. There are more than 5,000 species of trees, plants and creepers. Some rare and endemic as well as flora from the tropical world are found in the gardens. Spice Garden and Orchid House are popular with tourists. There are 5 Palm Avenues beautifying the gardens, the earliest and tallest Palm Avenue (Royal Palm Avenue) was planted in 1905 and the Double Coconuts from the Seashells Island, with the largest seed of all plants in the world is one such avenue. Evening visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which houses the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, is an important landmark in Kandy.

Travel to Nuwara Eliya

Travel to Nuwara Eliya also nicknamed Little England, rest & recuperate center of the colonial British tea planters and dignitaries. The smoking steeples, British Tudor style architecture, misty mountains covered in tea plantations, and a lake to stroll along with feeling like a perfect holiday. Listed are some top things to see and do if you wish to explore the town. Enjoy a 20 minutes speedboat ride on Gregory Lake for a few hundred rupees. Enjoy a stroll in Victoria Park, spreads out on 27 acres of land and is full of trees and flowers. Roam the Winter Market The Bale Bazaar because they sell winter clothes for the cold Nuwara Eliya weather. Visit Ambewela Farm, Just a little bit out of town and you reach the rolling hills of Ambewela where the cows roam free to graze in turns. Hike along the Horton Plains to World's End a drop-off at the edge of a huge cliff at the end of the Horton Plains plateau.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Tea Plantation Tour

Today, enjoy a tour around the famous tea gardens of Nuwara Eliya, a land of tea estates and waterfalls! Residing in the hill country in eternal winter temperate, covered with blankets of mist, and charmingly called “Little England of Sri Lanka”. Arrive early and take a stroll through the vibrant green tea fields where you will see the tea pickers at work, carefully picking the 'two leaves and a bud' that go into making the Pure Ceylon Tea. They will let you have a go at picking some for yourself and will show you how it is done correctly! Later, you can take a guided tour of the factory and learn about the next stage in the production of tea making. The full process involves Tea Plucking, Withering, Rolling, Fermentation, Firing, and Sorting/Grading before it is bulk packed to be sent to the tea auctions in Colombo. After the tour, enjoy a cup of tea that is made here, sitting on the café balcony that overlooks the stunning tea plantations.

Travel to Yala

Travel to Yala and discover the spectacular wilderness of Yala National Park, the core of a contiguous system of nine connected protected areas, and home to much of Sri Lanka’s magnificent wildlife. With Block 1 dating back to 1900, this wildlife sanctuary has grown over the years. Nestled in the south-east corner of Sri Lanka, the park is home to a high concentration of leopards. Yala also shelters an abundance of the Asian elephant, wild buffalo, sloth bear, jackal, sambar deer, and magnificent bird species. Other activities which you can try around the area are nature walks, kayaking in one of the lakes, and visiting archaeological ruins.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel.

Morning Jeep Safari & Travel to Bentota

Early morning embark on a unique safari experience in Sri Lanka's most popular wildlife sanctuary Yala National Park. It is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. Hop into one of the Jeeps commanded by a knowledgeable ranger, for a guided tour tracking the impressive number of elephants, crocodiles, buffaloes and hopefully, a leopard along the way. Despite the elusive nature of the leopard species, Yala boasts one of the densest leopard populations on the globe, increasing the likelihood of an encounter. Yala National Park plays a very significant role in the conservation of a large number of flora and fauna species in Sri Lanka, many of which are endemic to the island. Later travel to Bentota, nestled along secluded shores which is 65kms from the south of Colombo. Rich culture, exotic adventures, thrilling water sports and palm-fringed golden beaches are all part of the many discoveries that lie in this shore.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel.

Excursion to Galle, Turtle Hatchery and Mask Factory

On our excursion to Bentota, we visit The Turtle Care Centre at Kosgoda beach, one of 18 turtle hatcheries along the southern coast of Sri Lanka. It is also very popular as all five species of turtles that visit Sri Lanka nest in Kosgoda. Thereafter visit Mask Factory in the town of Ambalangoda south of Sri Lanka, famous for traditional masks making, mask dancing & puppetry in the country. The clients could witness a variety of masks and how they are turned out of “Kaduru wood” (Balsac) which the wood is soaked to soften before carving. Later engage in a tour of Galle Fort which allows you to explore the fort area on Foot. We will take you to all the places that have so many stories in-store for you to be heard. You will be able to climb up to the ramparts of the fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along the way, you will take a break with a cup of fine Ceylon Tea or a refreshing drink of King Coconut milk.

Day free at leisure

The day is at leisure to relax on the beach or enjoy resort facilities. Optionally explore on your own some amazing locations on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Visit the beautiful Lunuganga estate, once the home of lawyer-turned-architect Sir Geoffrey Bawa. Kosgoda turtle hatchery, popular for all five species of turtles that visit Sri Lanka nest in Kosgoda. Enjoy an hour boat ride on the scenic Madu River.

Travel to Colombo

Today travel to Colombo. on the western coast of the island, Colombo is a sprawling city home to over five million people. It is traditionally centered around Fort, a business district with its roots as a fortified Portuguese trading post, and the green waters of Beira Lake, all facing out to sea. Hot and busy, recent years have seen Colombo gradually transform from a place visitor could not avoid to a fascinating destination well worth exploring. Its historic quarters and grand 19th-century architecture have been restored, the seafront spruced up and cosmopolitan vibe revived with numerous museums, galleries, and characterful eateries opening that celebrates its unique and diverse heritage. The city is dotted with temples, shrines, cafes, markets and is best explored by in the safety of your vehicle.

Colombo Departure

Assisted transfer to Colombo Airport to board the flight for onward journey.