Women's Getaway to 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 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.

Negombo City Tour & Welcome Dinner

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. In the evening enjoy a welcome dinner at a local restaurant.

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.

Yoga practice in the morning & Cooking Demonstration

We wake up to the beautiful surroundings of the resort and then start the day with a relaxing yet amazing Yoga practice session by a professional. Feel the energy and the relaxation with the Yoga poses and the practices. Thereafter, engage yourself in a Cooking Demonstration where you will walk into a Local Paddy cultivation farm where the surrounding is all paddy fields and vegetable farms. Learn how to prepare a range of authentic dishes. This private cooking demo offers an immersive introduction to the country’s culinary traditions. The class will take you through the spices used in Sri Lankan food and general preparation techniques. The local chef will cook with you a delicious meal which you can then enjoy at leisure afterwards.

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)

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.

Arrive to Kandy and visit the Peradeniya Royal Botanical gardens

On arrival explore the 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.

Kandy City Tour (Gem Museum, Temple of Tooth Relic & 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, 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. 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

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.

Tea Plantation Tour & High Tea at Grand Hotel

On arrival, we enjoy a tour around the famous tea gardens of Nuwara Eliya! 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 Yala (En-route Ella City Tour)

Today we wake up early and travel to Yala. En-route enjoy a city tour of Ella. Ella is a famous mountain village and a paradise of hills with stunning views. Start your day from Ella rock, which is a great activity for those that are really interested in hiking and trekking, through tranquil woodland and tea plantations. It is wise to head up first thing in the morning for amazing panoramic views. Climb down from Ella rock and transfer by Tuk-tuk to visit nine arches bridge which is one of the iconic bridges in Sri Lanka. This massive bridge has been built entirely of solid rocks, bricks, and cement without using a single piece of steel. When one stands underneath it and looks up there is a beautiful sight of ‘nine skies’ through the nine arches, hence it’s called as Nine skies bridge. Continue your drive 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 Sri Lanka’s magnificent wildlife.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel.

Morning Safari at Yala National Park

Early morning immerse yourself in nature and 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.

Travel to Bentota (En-route visit Galle)

Travel to Bentota. En-route enjoy the Galle city tour. Explore the fort area on foot. You will be able to climb up to the ramparts of the fort, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and walk through the streets. We visit the Dutch Reformed Church located inside Galle Fort, which has high historic value. The Clock Tower built in the late 19th-century is a four-storied monument made up of stone. Meera Mosque situated near the Lighthouse reflects Dutch architectural style, was built around 300 years ago as per the locals. Galle Fort Lighthouse another UNESCO World Heritage Site was built in 1848 during the British colonial period and is a perfect spot to relax and feel the beauty of nature. Along the way, you can take a break with a cup of fine Ceylon Tea or a refreshing King Coconut. Continue your drive to Bentota. With palm-lined beaches, turquoise waters, and good local restaurants, Bentota is a very popular beach destination and the ultimate seaside paradise.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the Hotel.

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.

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 Tuk Tuk or in the safety of your vehicle.

Assistance on Arrival (Colombo Tuk Tuk Ride & Farewell Dinner)

Arrive in Colombo and Enjoy a Tuk Tuk City Tour. You will travel efficiently through the city, weaving through traffic to see the maximum number of sights in three hours. This overview is great for first-time visitors, and your guide can focus on sites and narratives that interest you. Stops can include the Pettah market filled with vendors selling fruits, vegetables & fashion accessories. The creepy antiquity of the Old Town Hall Museum, the Post-gothic beauty of Church, The Jail cell of the last king of Sri Lanka, The queer Coin Museum of Sri Lanka, Colombo Fort Clock Tower that tells the time- sometimes, Independence Memorial Building built during Sri Lanka’s 1948 independence from Britain. Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist temple, the Galle Face Green, and Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, a heritage building dating back to the Dutch colonial era. Enjoy a pause for a cold drink amid the incredibly thick columns of its arcades. Followed by a Farwell Dinner at a Local Restaurant. The late evening tour finishes with a direct transfer to Colombo airport.

Colombo Departure

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