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SRI LANKA
SRI LANKA
Negombo / Dambulla / Sigiriya / Jaffna / Trincomalee Polonnaruwa / Matale / Kandy / Kataragama (Kathirkamam) Nuwara Eliya / Galle / Hikkaduwa / Colombo
10D 9N
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Day 01 Colombo/Negombo (40.6km- Apprx 1 hr) (-)
Upon morning arrival in Colombo airport, meet our representative, drive to Negombo, transfer to hotel, check in, refresh and proceed for Negombo Lagoon tour.
Negombo is a city on the west coast of Sri Lanka, north of the capital. It is a modest beach town located just 10km from Bandaranaike International Airport. With a stash of decent hotels and restaurants to suit all pockets, a friendly local community, an interesting old quarter and a reasonable beach.
Later continue, go for sailing, one of the big catamarans will be a good trip that operate from the beach, just for a motor launch ride on the sea, around the Negombo Lagoon or along the river/canal route.
For the lagoon, go into Negombo town and find the lagoon bridge near the Browns beach hotel for the boat. It's a nice area to wander around as hundreds of colourful fishing boats moor up there and it makes for great photo opportunities. Ask any of the fishermen there and they should point you to someone.
This boating will travel a couple of miles further up the coast, enters through a river estuary, scraping over the sand banks, then spent a couple of hours on the river and a canal. Watch bird life and a few big monitors as well. Along the way you can also go ashore to see a toddy tapper at work and to visit an illegal arrack stalls, in the bush. Have lunch
After having lunch at the Lagoon vicinity, take a boat ride through the nearby Muthurajawela wetlands and canals.
The Muthurajawela Visitor Centre is at the southern end of the road along Pamunugama, next to the Hamilton Canal. It has some moth-eaten displays and a 25-minute video on the wetland’s fauna; but much more interestingly, it also runs boat trips. A two-hour guided boat ride (per person approx Rs 900) through the wetland is highly recommended.
Muthurajawela Marsh, which evocatively translates as ‘Supreme Field of Pearls’, is a little-known gem of a wetland at the southern end of Negombo’s lagoon. The area had been a rich rice-growing basin before the Portuguese constructed a canal that ruined the fields with sea water. Over the centuries, Mother Nature turned Muthurajawela into Sri Lanka’s biggest saline wetland, home to purple herons, cormorants and kingfishers. However, the marsh is under pressure from encroaching industrial development.
The wetlands provide a home to some 75 bird species, as well as crocodiles, monkeys and even some very rarely seen otters. A percentage of the profits go towards local conservation initiatives.
Walk along the beach or shop along the street side sovenier shops or window shopping, have dinner and walk back to the hotel within your walking distance. Overnight in Negombo.
Day 02 Negombo/Jaffna/Nallur (362km Apprx 6hr 50min) (B)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Jaffna. After 168km Apprx 3hr 30min, stop in Anuradhapura for a break and have lunch. It is a sacred city and the first planned city and the first historical capital of Sri Lanka founded in 5th Century BC, which was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. It is named as a UNESCO world heritage site in 1982 under the name of Sacred City of Anuradhapura.
After 2 hours break, continue the journey to Kilinochi (136km Apprx 2hr 30min) for a tea break and use the toilet before continuing the journey to Nalur. The Kilinochchi town was established in 1936 as part of a colonization project that sought to ease over population and unemployment in Jaffna. Kilinochchi is still part of the Jaffna electoral division and it was separated from the Jaffna District in the 1980s as a new district. Upon arriving Nallur, transfer to hotel. Have dinner at nearby vicinity in Nallur town. Overnight in Jaffna.
Day 03 Jaffna (B)
After breakfast, drive pass the Jaffna University and the Library, was first established in 1974, first batch of 104 students were admitted in October 1974.
Next, drive pass the Jaffna Archaeological Museum located in Nallur. The land was given to museum by Arumuga Navalar Foundation, and front portion has Navalar Cultural Hall. Jaffna Public Library is one of Jaffna's most notable landmarks, run by the Jaffna Municipal Council built in 1933 and burnt in 1981. It is one of Asia's library, containing over 97,000 books and manuscripts.
Evening, visit the Nallur Kandasamy Temple or Nallur Murugan Kovil, the deity Lord Muruga in the form of the holy Vel. It was founded in 948 AD, according to the Yalpana Vaipava Malai. The temple was developed at the site in the 13th century by Puvenaya Vaku, a minister to the Jaffna King Kalinga Magha. Sapumal Kumaraya (also known as Chempaha Perumal in Tamil), who ruled the Jaffna kingdom on behalf of the Kotte kingdom.
This is one of the few temples that conduct the stipulated nithya akkini and nithya utsawam daily. The kovil’s current structure dates from 1734.
After the Nallur temple, enjoy the Rio Ice Cream Parlour, a very famous parlour very close to the temple and not to be missed. It is well known among tourist around the globe. They have wide range of ice creams with cream, Jelly, Cake & nuts and etc., but comes with only Chocolate Vanilla, Fruit & nut and Strawberry.
Transfer to hotel, have dinner along the hotel area. There are a few restaurants on both sides of the street in the Nallur township. Overnight in Jaffna.
Day 04 Jaffna/Nainativu (B)
After breakfast, proceed to Nagadeepa Temple (Nainativu) situated in one of the small islands in the north. It is believed Buddha had visited this place to settle two Naga Kings Chulodara and Mahodara over a gem studded throne. It takes 1 hour journey to the end of the road to (Kurikadduwan Jetty) from Jaffna town. It is worth the ride to enjoy crossing to the Island from the mainland though it is a Buddhist Temple.
Most of the other islands are joined by land but to get to Nagadeepa, you need to resort a boat ride. Nainativu Nagapoosani Amman Kovil & Nagadeepa Vigaraya, famous for this place, one of the cultural places in Jaffna.
Nainativu Nagapoosani Amman Temple, an ancient and historic Hindu temple, dedicated to Parvati who is known as Nagapooshani or Bhuvaneswari and her consort, Shiva who is named here as Rakshaseshwa.
It is believed to be the place where the Silambu (anklets) of Gauri had fallen. Anklets have been given immense importance in the worship of Shakti since time and memorial. This ornament is also referred to in the famous Tamil epic Silapathikaram – where the story begins and ends with an anklet. There is a history behind this temple, you need to read before going there.
https://www.templepurohit.com/featured_item/nainativu-nagapoosani-amman-temple-sri-lanka/
Take the boat ride back to the mainland, spend the rest of the evening walking around the Jaffna township. Have dinner and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Jaffna.
Day 05 Jaffna/Trincomalee (232km Approx 4 hr) (B)
After breakfast. check out and proceed to Trincomalee, the beautiful white sandy beaches, located on the east coast of the island, right next to a natural harbour that was once an epicentre of strategic naval placings in the days of old, the town of Trincomalee is shrouded in many a tale that is both mythological and documented. The town possesses a multitude of experiences for any and all traveller journeying across the east coast of the island.
After approximately 2 hours journey, stop over at Vavuniya, Kandy Road for a break. Have some snacks at a small restaurant and stretch out your body before continuing to Trincomalee.
Enjoy the Nilaveli Beach, regarded as one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka.This is a stretch of beach which is situated approximately 16 kilometres North of Trincomalee. It’s the starting point for Pigeon island but it's also the perfect spot for watersports, relaxing and just enjoying the sun. There are a lot of big hotel resorts located in this area so it's a great place to be if you’re relaxing on holiday.
Next, have Cocktails at Fernandos, an awesome and a fantastic bar situated right on the beach front and they offer delicious food, snacks and drinks. They even have a happy hour. There are lots of areas to chill and lounge and even swings to sit on for dinner.
It’s the perfect place to catch the sunset and a great place to meet other travellers. It is a pretty good romantic spot in Sri Lanka.
Trincomalee is famous for its whale watching and it’s got the opposite season for whale watching in the South Coast of Mirissa which means if you missed it there, you can find it here.
Again there are whale watching tours advertised all over the beach and for varying prices. (March until August is the whale watching season in Trincomalee) Alongside whales, you will probably see other marine life such as dolphins.
Other beaches in Trincomalee for relaxing include Uppuveli Beach. Lots of these beaches will offer water sports opportunities such as parasailing, or kayaking, maybe even bodyboarding. They also all have beach shacks and food places nearby for opportunities for pure relaxation.
Visit the the thousand columns temple, also called Koneswaram Temple,in early times, a major settlement of Indo-Aryan immigrants, located at the extremity of the peninsula, came into use as a Hindu temple sometime in the 7th century or earlier. The first Europeans to occupy the town were the Portuguese in the 17th century; they razed the temple, using its stone to construct a fort.
Enjoy the Bay View At The Koneswaram Temple, located in a beautiful setting, you’re greeted with stunning bay views of the ocean.
Enjoy the Bay View At The Koneswaram Temple, located in a beautiful setting, you’re greeted with stunning bay views of the ocean.
This also makes for a romantic sunset spot. Grab a picnic, and create a wonderful memory!
Naturally since Trincomalee is a coastal town, they’re pretty famous for their delicious seafood cuisine, for some amazing food! There are lots of restaurants to choose from if you simply walk down the main strip of town and see what’s on offer. Choose a crowded restaurant to avoid food poisoning. Have dinner, and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Trincomalee.
Day 06 Sigiriya (98.8 km Apprx 1 hr 52 min) Dambulla (16.7 km Approx 24 min) (B)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Sigiriya, the World famous Heritage “Fortress in the Sky”, the 5th century perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the island. It is also known as lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the palace on the summit of the 600-foot high rock. On its summit are the foundations of the Royal Palace, Water Tanks to supply water and all other buildings and at the edges the guardhouses. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survived in the form of Frescoes of 21 lives sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour. The water gardens, Fountain garden, summerhouse, Boulder Gardens and the caves are not be missed.
After spending 4 hours in to Sigiriya, proceed to Dambulla, spend around for 2 hours visiting the Cave Temple, the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, The rock towers 160m over the surrounding plains. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lanka kings and 4 statues of god and goddess. The latter 4 include two statues of Hindu gods, Vishnu and Ganesh. The murals cover an area of 2,100m. Depictions in the walls of the caves include Buddha’s temptation by demon Mara and Buddha’s first sermon. Have dinner in Dambulla, transfer to hotel. Overnight in Dambulla.
Day 07 Dambulla/Matale (37.4 km Approx 54 min)/Kandy (33.7 km Approx 1 hr 10 min) (B)
After breakfast at hotel, check out and proceed to Kandy. En route visit Spice Garden in Matale to see the different spices, which Sri Lanka is famous for. Get to know different spices and how these spices are grown and processed. Have lunch in Matale and proceed to Kandy.
Upon arrival in Kandy, the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera. The last stronghold of the Sinhala King was ceded to the British in 1815 and is an example of the Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today with Temple’s shrines and monasteries keeping alive Buddhist traditions are everywhere. Visit the Market Square, Arts & Crafts Centre, and Gem Museum & Royal Botanical Gardens. transfer to hotel, check in and refresh and relax.
Evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha’s Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess' heir, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession.
If there is a chance to enjoy the cultural drum beats of Sri Lanka in the temple, enjoy the drum beat and have dinner in Kandy town. Transfer to hotel. Overnight in Kandy.
Day 08 Kandy/Nuwara Eliya 76.1 km Approx 2 hr 27 min (B)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Nuwara Eliya, the ’Little England’ of Sri Lanka, set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coldest places on the island, but is really just like an England spring day although the temperature does drop at night. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence. Houses are like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions.
It is a city, in the hill country of the Central Province, the name means “city on the plain (table land)” or “city of light” and the administrative capital of Nuwara Eliya District, with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate, considered to be the most important location for Tea production overlooking Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya is the highest mountain terrain in Sri Lanka, located at an altitude of 2510 meters above sea level a city name by the British as “Little England” in the hills of Sri Lanka.
Upon arrival in Nuwara Eliya, stop over at the Tea Factory, to see the processing of tea. Enjoy the panoramic view of the tea plantation. Proceed to have lunch and transfer to hotel. Check in, refresh and relax a short while before visiting the Gregory Lake.
Later, visit the Gregory Lake, located about 1km away from Nuwara Eliya town, built during 1874 by the governor Gregory, by diverting the “Thalagala” stream which starts from the “Piduruthalagala” mountain in the intention to generate Electricity to the town.
The water was taken away up to a place called “black pool” using a tunnel and has generated Electricity there. Spend the whole day till dinner time, visiting the nearby picturesque spots and the British influence Bungalows in Nuwara Eliya. Later, have dinner, transfer to hotel. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.
Day 09 Nuwara Eliya/Seeta Eliya (3.6km Apprx 7min)/Kataragama (Kathirkamam) (139km Apprx 3hr 36 min) (B)
Afternoon visit Seetha Eliya Kovil, bordering the Haggala Strict Nature Reserve area called Seetha Eliya, where a quaint little devala is found by the side of the main road at a slightly lower elevation by a stream.
The Ramayana is an ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to the poet Valmiki and an important part of the Hindu canon, begins with Ayodhya in India and climaxes at Lankapura, narrates the story of Rama’s wife Sita being abducted by Rāvana, the demon (Rākshasa) king of Lanka with 10 heads and had ten crowns, one each for his ten kingdoms. According to the Ramayana, king Rāvana brought Sita Devi from India in a “Pushpaka Vimana” which is widely known in Sri Lanka as the “Dandu Monara Yanthranaya”, or Large Peacock Machine in Sinhala.
Divurumpola, is the place where Seetha Devi underwent “Agni Pariksha” (test). It is a popular place of worship among locals in this area. Divurumpola means place of oath in Sinhala. The legal system permits and accepts the swearing done at this temple while settling disputes between parties.
Sita Pokuna is a barren area atop the Hakgala Rock Jungle where Sita was kept captive and set to have bathed in a stream at Sita Eliya. The Seeta Amman Temple is located at this spot.
She was kept in hiding in the 13 palaces of Ravana, until Rama comes here with an army of monkeys and rescues her. In the Devala are the Statues of Seetha, Rama, Hanuman-the Monkey God, and Lakshmana, represented as gods. Seetha Eliya is the area where she used to go for bathing. A cave on the summit of Hakgala is believed to be one of the hiding places, and the Strict Nature Reserve is believed to be the "Ashok Vanaya" of the Ramayanaya. Devala "Seetha Amman Kovil" is the only one in Sri Lanka (or may be in the whole world) dedicated to Seetha.
After visiting Seetha Eliya, proceed to Kataragama or Kathirkamam in Tamil. Before checking in, have lunch and transfer to hotel. Check in and refresh. Later visit the Yala Adams peak (it is advice to view from the foothill to witness the scenario and the nature. You will find it easy to start with on the gentle slope then it will get harder if you really want to reach the peak. There are 5,200 steps and it becomes steeper as you go higher and it gets colder than you image.
Evening, attend the ‘Pooja Ceremony’ in Kataragama a place of worship not only for Hindus, but for Buddhists, Muslims and some Christians as well. Kataragama Devala is situated by the Menik Ganga (river). Still, the major parts of devotees who actively participate in the Kataragama Festival are Hindus, as the proceeding honour Skanda (also known as Murugan), the deity of Kataragama. Have dinner at nearby vicinity and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Kataragama.
Day 10 Kataragama/Galle (147km Apprx 2 hr 8 min) (B)
After breakfast, drive to Galle the capital of the southern province city with a colorful history. UNESCO declared World Heritage Site.
It is worth exploring this Dutch fort city conquered and ruled by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. [Spend half the day till afternoon at Galle and drive to Hikkaduwa for overnight.]
Upon arrival, visit the magnificent Dutch Fort, the most popular attraction of the town built by the Portuguese, the first fort to withstand attack from the Sri Lankan kingdoms to the north and improved the defense system of the fort, widened the moat on the landside, improved the ramparts and the bastions still bring to life the old world. The 300 year old Dutch atmosphere is still very much alive around the fort and amidst its many historical buildings not invaded by the skyscrapers.
The Dutch Fort was built by a Dutch Army officer in 1754 a significant building with no pillars inside the building and the weight of the roof is supported by the walls. There are records of marriages since 1748 and baptism from 1678.
The southern coastal belt is the most popular among the tourists had been the European administrative Centre over 4 centuries.
It comes to life mainly from October through April when the monsoon moves northeast and the sea becomes calm with blue skies. This was the earliest European administrative Centre of Sri Lanka, the major port and the largest city until the British shifted the port to Colombo.
Later, the British captured the city but did not make many changes as they shifted the port to the northern town of Colombo and therefore the atmosphere of Dutch days are preserved to date.
The Dutch entrance to the fort VOC with 1669 carved in the inner archway is still in use. Still there are many Old Dutch buildings intact and, but unfortunately except for those in the private hands.
Next, visit the Meeran Jumma Masjid stands at the end of Church Street in the old Arab Quarter of the Galle Fort. At first glance the two-storied structure looks more like a church than a mosque, but, a closer look reveals the Islamic symbols, the crescents atop the domes.
There are a bunch of guys who jumps off from the cliffs in the fort for extra earnings. The dive down is easily about a 100+feet. It's amazing to watch them do it. The gamble is, if he misses his landing into the water, he will fall right over some rocks. But they are excellent divers! Just give the divers some tips, they will thrill your day.
After having fun at Galle and the coastal belt, drive to Hikkaduwa (20km Apprx 33 min) for beach Hikkaduwa activities. This is an ideal place for multifarious options to gaze all the water sport activities from a distance without indulging in it, watching the sun dip down into the Indian Ocean from Hikkaduwa beach mesmerizes you to explore the place further.
In Hikkaduwa, explore either by snorkeling or taking a ride in a glass bottom boat to view the fantastic variety of beautiful shoals of tropical fishes and exotic and colourful corals of the underwater world.
Even off the beaches Hikkaduwa also has a lot to offer, the picturesque temples, a scenic fresh-water lake where you still can see outrigger fishermen, tranquilled village life just a few meters down the road and much, much more.... Have dinner at one of the beach restaurant, walk back to the hotel. Overnight in Hikkaduwa.
Day 11 Hikkaduwa/Colombo (100km Apprx 3hr 15min) (B)
After breakfast, check out and proceed to Colombo, a commence city via the Galle scenic coastal route The scenic coastal route is recommended for those who can spare three hours. The temptation to stop at every vantage point to take pictures when driving down is strong, but it could add another half hour to your journey. Upon arriving Colombo, transfer to hotel, check in and refresh.
After refresh, proceed for Colombo city tour, starting off from Pettah street would be a good choice.
Tour Colombo by driving through the city and visit the Fort of the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street, the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal, dating back to 1749, the Bazaar area, where there is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, the replica of Avukana Buddha, the BMICH, the Independence Square, and end the tour at the Navy Headquarters.
Have lunch and continueshopping at the Mlesna exquisite tea boutique, cashew nut shop, ready made garments and all sorts at the Majestic City. Visit the Lanka Ceramics Centre, a place where you can buy “NORITAKE SET” or other ceramic items, visit the ’ODEL SHOP’. Visit ’BAREFOOT’ ’HOUSE OF FASHION’ and BEVERLY HILLS’. Have dinner and transfer to hotel. Overnight in Colombo.
Day 12 Colombo/Departure (B)
After breakfast , check out and transfer to Colombo Airport for your onward destination.
************ END OF TOUR************
Package includes:-
Return airport transfers.
A/C Vehicle throughout the tour/sightseeing.
1 night at 3* hotel in Negombo with buffet breakfast.
3 nights at 3* hotel in Jaffna with breakfast.
1 night at 3* hotel in Trincomalee with breakfast.
1 night at 3* hotel in Dambulla with breakfast.
1 night at 3* hotel in Kandy with breakfast.
1 nights at 3* hotel in Nuwara Eliya with breakfast.
1 night at 3* hotel in Kataragama with breakfast.
1 night at 3* hotel in Hikkaduwa with breakfast.
1 night at 3* hotel in Colombo with breakfast.
All highlighted sightseeing as mentioned in the itinerary.
English speaking driver cum guide throughout the tour.
All service charges, Parking Fees & Toll
Package excludes:-
International/Domestic Airfare and Visa application.
Insurance and Medical claims
Meals (Lunch/Dinner)
All entrance highlighted in the package
Tipping for Driver cum Guide.
All Calls, Laundry, alcoholic or Non Alcoholic beverages or bottled water used in hotel, items ordered on room service, mini bar etc.
Any departure tax.
All others specifically not mentioned in the includes.
Remarks:
Package rate will be calculated according to your group size upon request.
Reservation and bookings of hotel/flight has not been made till confirmation and payment received.
Rates will be revised if any less or more guest upon confirmation.
Itinerary mentioned above is subject to changes according to your flight timings.
All hotels check in / checkout time is 1400 Hrs / 1200 Noon.
Full payment shall be made at least 2 months in advance before travelling date, particularly festive and pilgrimage seasons.
(Insurance and Medical claim only for Malaysian citizens from departure till arrival date end of tour implies).
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