Luxe The Culture & Wildlife 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.

Travel to Anuradhapura

Today travel to Anuradhapura. It is a notable and highly explored ancient city of Sri Lanka, which is known for its ruins which represent the early civilization of Sri Lanka. This destination is visited in large numbers by the people of Buddhist religion and is the major Buddhist pilgrimage’ spot of the nation. Anuradhapura used to be the capital of this Island (in the ancient period) and almost all major rulers of Sri Lanka resided here during their ruling time. It is one of the sacred world heritage sites because of some breathtaking attractions like Jetavanaramaya, Ruwanwelisaya, Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Kuttam Pokuna and many more are there on the list.

Nachchaduwa Excursion

This unique drive takes you well off the beaten track, weaving along earthen tracks through rural countryside dominated by rice paddies. Birds and buffalo are often sighted alongside other wildlife, including elephants, particularly when you reach scenic Nachchaduwa Lake, a vast reservoir framed by dense pockets of forest and the distant hills. *Elephant sightings are however seasonal, July - August being the peak.

Anuradhapura Sightseeing

Later we enjoy a guided tour with your chauffeur/guide of Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the north-central part of the Island was the first capital (5th century BC - 9th century AD), the center of the island's Buddhist civilization, and undoubtedly the grandest city of ancient Sri Lanka. In antiquity and the interest, it is the equal of any ancient 'buried city' in the world. Specific places to visit are - the Brazen Palace (2nd century B.C.), with 1600 significant stone columns are the remains of a magnificent multi-storied residence for monks an engineering marvel at the time, Ruwanweli Seya (2nd century B.C) the most famous of all the dagabas, originally depicted the perfect water-bubble shape that modern restoration has not been able to accurately reproduce, Samadhi Buddha (3rd century B.C.) regarded as the finest rock sculpture in the island - depicting the Buddha in a state of deep meditation.

Sigiriya and Minneriya 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. 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 Dambulla Cave temple and Matale Spice Garden)

Today travel to Kandy en-route visit Dambulla Cave Temples a 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 of 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. Later, visit the 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

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Kandy City Tour (Visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Kandy Lake ,Temple of the Tooth Relic & Cultural dance 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. 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 Hatton

Travel to Hatton, one of the busiest cities in the hill country of Sri Lanka and is colloquially known as the tea capital of the country, as it is the central point for most upcountry tea growing regions, such as Maskeliya, Talawakelle, Bogawantalawa and Dickoya. Hatton was founded during the British colonial times in order to serve the coffee plantations and latter tea estates. Hatton serves as a gateway to Adam's Peak and Sinharaja Forest Reserve but is better known for its Ceylon tea plantations.

Assistance on Arrival

Assistance on arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Tea Experience (Hatton Tea Trails)

After breakfast you enjoy a morning “Tea Experience” provided by Tea Bungalow, working tea factories are akin to live museums -- the smells, sounds and energy is unlike anything else The guided tour of the Dunkeld Tea Factory is the quintessential tea experience in Sri Lanka. Our resident Tea Planter passionately delves into all aspects of tea in just the right amount of detail – from a look back to the early days of “planting” and the lifestyles of the early colonial settlers, to the manufacturing process, to how flavours are created to suit various palates – he’s got it covered. What went into creating the perfect cup of refreshing Ceylon tea in 1867 were equal parts science, art, sleight of hand, and a spot of luck. And not much has changed since! As some of the methodology and machinery are over a century old we strongly believe that Ceylon Tea itself is part of the world’s living heritage. And this is your invitation to partake in it.

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 hotel.

Morning & Evening Wildlife Safari

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. Evening, enjoy another round of wildlife safari.

Travel to Tangalle

Today travel to Tangalle, the gateway to the wide-open spaces and wide-open beaches of southeast Sri Lanka. Tangalle is located 195 km south of Colombo, on the southern coast of Sri Lanka studded with most beaches of Sri Lanka. Tangalle beach is an unimaginably massive expanse of white sand, sparkling turquoise waters and tall palm trees with tinges of mangrove trees. The beach is an undisturbed one, far away from the hustle-bustle of city life. A tranquil and silent beach, Tangalle is a haven for peace seekers. Enjoy a leisurely walk on the soft sand, watching the sunset and sipping on Ceylon Tea or King Coconut.

Assistance on arrival

Assistance on arrival & transfer to the hotel.

Day at leisure

Day free at leisure to relax by the beach or enjoy hotel amenities.

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.

Colombo Departure

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