The Golden Tour Of Sri 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 kilometres 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.

Negombo City Tour

Enjoy a sightseeing tour of Negombo. The town of Negombo in specific is a great place to spend a relaxed vacation soaking in some sun while being showered by warm hospitality. For the city tour we start with Negombo Fish Market, City was founded originally as a fishing village which has remained a backbone amongst the local community. Walk down the small fishing villages on the outskirts of Negombo to witness the large open-air fish market. It gives you an unpretentious insight into the local fisher community. The market is loud, vibrant and smells like fish! You will be able to witness the fishermen in hundreds of boats bringing in their days catch. See how the wholesalers and restaurateurs trade and watch the packing & loading of fish for distribution across the country as well as for export – worldwide. Later continue the city tour to visit the Dutch church & port, Angurukaramulla Temple, St. Mary’s Church and Hindu Temple.

Travel to Dambulla

Today travel to Dambulla. Tucked in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, the humble town of Dambulla is a treasure trove of historical monuments that are worth a visit. Of all the places to visit in Dambulla, the amazing Dambulla cave temple complex must be first on your list. It is the largest and most beautiful one in the country, with spectacular sculpture & painting strewn all over. Dambulla is also home to the largest rose quartz mountain in South Asia and the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium. Equally worthy of time and attention are the majestic Sigiriya fort and the Minneriya national park located close by.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Wildlife Safari at Minneriya National Park

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. Pause during your ascent to admire the mirror wall and the famous Sigiriya frescoes. Upon reaching the summit you will admire 360-degree breath-taking views of the surrounding jungle and hills. 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)

Today we travel to Kandy nestled in the plateau in central Sri Lanka, Kandy Highland is a paradise getaway surrounded by mountains, tea plantations, and a rainforest known for its biodiversity. The city reveals imposing colonial era and Kandyan architecture, none more impressive than the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism's most sacred shrines. 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 and spices are grown in their natural environment, then learn about its medicinal values and use in Sri Lankan cuisine 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

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Kandy City Tour (Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Temple of Tooth Relic, Gem Museum & Cultural Show)

This morning we enjoy a guided sightseeing tour of Kandy and visit multiple highlights of the UNESCO listed city. Start your day with hotel pickup at 9:00 am and head to your first stop, the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, these gardens have a long history dating back to the British Era. Now the garden houses thousands of beautiful plant species brought from around the world. Later visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Temple of the Tooth. This temple has a burgeoning history spanning several centuries and is the home of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. Then walk around the Kandy Lake and to the Upper Lake area where you can get a beautiful view of Kandy. Next to the Gem Museum and enjoy a short film on how gemstones are mined in Sri Lanka then explore the shop attached showcasing the finished jewelry. In the evening enjoy a spectacular Kandy Cultural Show, which will give you the opportunity to watch various traditional Kandyan dances and acts.

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. 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 check-in at the hotel.

Arrive Nuwara Eliya (Tea Tour)

We have an early start this morning to visit a tea plantation and factory. On arrival, we enjoy a tour around the famous tea gardens of Nuwara Eliya! If you arrive in the morning you may witness the tea pickers at work, carefully picking the “two leaves and bud” that go into making the Pure Ceylon Tea. Later take a guided tour of the tea factory and learn about the full process from Tea Plucking, Withering, Rolling, Fermentation, Firing and Sorting/Grading before it is bulk packed for auctions in Colombo. After the tour, enjoy a cup of tea that is made here. Enjoy a pleasant afternoon ‘High Tea’ Sri Lankan style either in the open-sided Grand Tea Lounge or on the beautifully manicured lawn of the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya. Presented on the typical tiered stands, you will be served anything from sushi, spring rolls, and burger sliders, to the more traditional triangular sandwiches, scones, and dainty cakes, all washed down with some delicious single estate and blended Ceylon tea.

Travel to Galle

Travel to Galle, a stunning town at the southern edge of Sri Lanka with fascinating colonial history evident at every turn through its eclectic assemblage of architecture. Its walls and everything inside them is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, with beautiful Dutch fusion architecture, a commanding Victorian lighthouse, grand churches, and mosques, all in a sultry tropical setting.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Day at Leisure

Day free at leisure to relax by the beach or to enjoy the hotel/resort facilities.

Travel to Colombo

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 port. Hot and busy, recent years have seen Colombo gradually transform from a place visitors 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 celebrate its unique and diverse heritage. The city is dotted with temples, shrines, cafes, markets and is best explored by Tuk-Tuk or with your vehicle.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel.

Colombo Departure

In time assisted transfer to Colombo International Airport to board your onward flight home.