Best of Sri Lanka

Arrive Colombo Airport

Arrive at Colombo International Airport. Please clear immigration and visa formalities collect your baggage and proceed to the arrival lounge through the green channel if you do not have goods to be declared to customs. TOTAL HOLIDAY OPTIONS Executive will page you by your name at the arrival lounge. Thereafter you will be assisted with a transfer to the assigned hotel.

Travel to Dambulla (En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temple)

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 definitely worth a visit. Of all the places to visit in Dambulla, the amazing Dambulla cave temple complex must be first on your list. The Dambulla Cave Temples an UNESCO World Heritage Site, dating back to the first century BC and considered to hold the most breath-taking masterpieces of Buddhist Art in Sri Lanka. The complex spans five caves and contains over 150 Buddha images, some which date as far back as the 1st century BC. The most elaborate and spectacular of the caves is the massive reclining Buddha statue rests in the background. After exploring the cave complex, step outside and witness a beautiful view of the nearby countryside.

Excursion to Anuradhapura & Catamaran ride on Lake Habarana

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. Later, enjoy a Catamaran ride on Lake Habarana you will cruise admiring the amazing views besides the lake which is also overlooking few famous Sri Lankan monuments.

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 Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Matale Spice Garden)

Today travel to Kandy. Prior to that, 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. Later leave for 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.

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.

Horton Plains Excursion

Today we wake up early and travel to Horton Plains for an excursion with your chauffeur guide. Everything is so picture-perfect here your photography skills will certainly be put to the test. Walk through the grasslands, patches of evergreen forests and cloud forests interspersed with freshwater streams and mist-covered swamps. The only sound to be heard is that of water gushing, birds and the wind blowing wildly through the trees. This UNESCO designated Natural World Heritage site, being a biodiversity hotspot is one of the best places to observe various species of plants, mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. However the key attraction at Horton Plains is a sheer precipice with an 870m (2,854 ft) drop called “World’s End” – from where one can see the world stretch out to all eternity and the Baker’s fall, known as one Sri Lanka’s most beautiful waterfalls with its water pounding down a 20m (66ft) high stone slab.

Galle Excursion

This tour of Galle Fort allows you to explore the fort 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, and walk through the streets. We visit the Dutch Reformed Church located inside Galle Fort, the church has high historic value with a lot of tombs inside. Galle Fort Clock Tower built in the late 19th-century and is a four-storied monument made up of stone. Meera Mosque Situated near the Galle Fort Lighthouse, reflecting Dutch architectural style, it was built around 300 years ago as per the locals. Galle Fort Lighthouse another UNESCO World Heritage Site and 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 will take a break with a cup of fine Ceylon Tea or a refreshing drink of King Coconut.