SRI LANKA

Day 01 Colombo (Morning arrival)  (-)

Upon arrival, meet and greet by our representative, transfer to hotel. Check in and proceed for Colombo city tour, Sri Lanka’s Capital, a port city with a rich colonial heritage. The city is a contrast itself, with mansions, lush gardens, fine dining options, shopping malls packed with expensive designer brands standing next to urban slums; diesel fumed congested roads and street markets.

Drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas. Visit the Fort, the former British administrative center and military garrison, Sea Street, the Goldsmith’s quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, near a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749.

Also visit the BMICH, and followed by the replica of Avukana Buddha.

Visit Independence Square, the Town Hall, headquarters of the Colombo Municipal Council and the office of the Mayor of Colombo, built in front of the Viharamahadevi Park, it is the meeting place for the elected municipal council.

Arcade Independence Square, a shopping complex housed in a group of renovated buildings including the former Jawatta Lunatic Asylum and the former Western Provincial Council Building. 

The Lighthouse and Clock tower, Old Colombo Lighthouse or Colombo Fort Clock Tower is a clock tower and was a lighthouse in Colombo. The lighthouse is no longer operational, but the tower remains and functions as a clock tower.

Old Parliament of Sri Lanka building, is the building that houses the Presidential Secretariat of Sri Lanka. Situated in the Colombo fort facing the sea, it is in close proximity to the President's House.

Khan Clock tower was built in Colombo, by the Khan Family of Bombay. The Tower is a popular landmark and marks the entrance to Pettah Market.

New Parliament Complex from a distance, is the highest law making authority in the country and its members are elected by the people of Sri Lanka.

The Nelum Pokuna, Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre is a performing arts centre in Colombo, opened on 15 December 2011. Transfer to hotel. Enjoy the beach in the evening and dine at the hotel. Overnight in Colombo.

Day 02  Colombo/Bentota/Galle/Hikkaduwa (B)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Bentota a resort town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. The long Bentota Beach stretches north, where it becomes a sandy strip known as Paradise Island, parallel to Bentota Lagoon. Coral-rich dive sites include Canoe Rock. On Bentota River, centuries-old Galapota Temple has a large Buddha statue.

Spend some time at Bentota and 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.]

The magnificent Dutch Fort is 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.

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 pay the divers some tips, they will thrill your day.

Have lunch and take a coastal drive to Hikkaduwa, located apprx 117km south of Colombo, one of the most popular beach resorts and only marine sanctuary of Sri Lanka. It is an ideal place for nature lovers with its abundant corals and tropical fishes, snorkeling, waves for surfers and white pristine beaches for those who want to relax and enjoy Sun and sand.

The coastline of Sri Lanka stretches over 1000kms.  The western cost of Sri Lanka, where the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean lustfully kiss the golden sands of one of the best beach stretches in the world. Driving along the 80km on this magical avenue of pleasure, commonly called ‘The Galle Road’.

A leisurely stroll along the beach and get a feel of Hikkaduwa nightlife to see local fishermen hauling in their catch or later on at night, a turtle coming ashore to lay her eggs! Transfer to hotel,check in. Evening stroll at the beach. Overnight in Hikkaduwa.

Day 03  Hikkaduwa/Kitulgala/Nuwara Eliya   (B)

After breakfast, check out and store your luggage at hotel storage, proceed 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, you can 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.

Return to hotel, pick up your luggage and drive off to Kitulgala, famous for its River Rafting adventures. The Kelani River flowing through Kitulgala was the main location where the Oscar winning Blockbuster Movie “Bridge on the River Kwai” was filmed.  Experience walking across the bridge for  photo shot.

The river is wide, but it is shallow apart from a deep channel near the opposite bank, so in the drier months it provides a safe and attractive place to swim, wash, play and also can be crossed by walking out across the shallows and crossing the deep channel in a dugout canoe, which is stabilized with an outrigger. 

In Kitulgala experience the nature’s gift. This is also a popular spot for white water rafting, boating, jungle trekking, outdoor camping, mountain biking, bird watching, a tour of the water falls or a dinner-a-deluxe in the gardens - Kitulgala Rest House can be that perfect location for a family retreat, adventure holiday or a romantic get-away.

[If you are planning to enter the forest, let us know earlier to include it in the package and be prepared with the anti-leech socks and insect repellent, otherwise enjoy the panoramic view and activities from the Rest House Balcony.]

Kitulgala Rest House, is a former colonial riverside stopover now managed by the Ceylon Hotels Corporation, overlooking the wide Kelani River, a tributary carving its way through a southern strip of low rolling hills covered with lush vegetation. It is a convenient stopover for a sumptuous lunch or dinner, can still admire the original location for David Lean’s award winning classic “Bridge on the River Kwai”.

There are lounge bar and restaurant to accommodate both Eastern & Western culinary delights with a special emphasis on authentic Sri Lankan dishes during weekend buffet lunches. The rice and curries here are delicious. 

Have lunch at the rest house and proceed to Nuwara Eliya, a small town in the west of Sri Lanka in the wet zone rain forest, which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in the country.

On the way, visit Seetha Eliya Kovil, 7kms on the Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela Road, bordering the Hakkgala Strict Nature Reserve is the area called Seetha Eliya, where a quaint little Devala or temple is found by the side of the 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. Transfer to hotel, check in, refresh. Evening, free to explore the scenic surroundings and dinner. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 04  Nuwara Eliya/Matale/Kandy   (B)

After breakfast, check out and proceed to 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.  

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 afternoon in Nuwara Eliya. Later, drive to Kandy to overnight, enroute Matale Spice gardens.

Matale Spice Gardens is famous for the different spices in Sri Lanka. You will be introduce to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed. Spice Gardens are open to visitors to stroll in fragrant greenery and learn about nutmeg, pepper vines, clove trees and curry, cinnamon and the precious cardamom, a relative of ginger. It grows in the shade of high jungle trees and can only be harvested by hand.

Visitors may buy spices, traditional remedies and cosmetics, taste a herbal brew and in some venues, enjoy the full flavors of Sri Lankan spices over lunch or an Ayurveda massage based on natural products from the garden.  Complimentary tea will be served.

After  the demonstration and review of the many health products and spices sold there, and a quick lesson in Ayurvedic medicine and the plants used, continue your journey to Kandy, 25km from Matale, through golden paddy fields and lush green to the last royal capital of Sri Lanka. Transfer to hotel, check in. Overnight in Kandy.

Day 05 Kandy/Dambulla/Sigiriya   (B)

After breakfast, proceed for Kandy city tour and the Tooth Relic temple. If you are not interested to walk in, just view the temple from outside.

Kandy is the last capital of the Sinhala kings of Sri Lanka located 448 meters above sea level and surrounded by the beautiful mountains and valleys. This ceded to the British throne in 1815 closing the uninterrupted Sri Lankan history of native kings for 2500 years. Recently, Kandy has been named as a “Heritage City”.

Proceed for Sightseeing & shopping in Kandy and other places of interest including  the Handicrafts, Gem Museum etc.

When King Wimaladharmasuriya I (1592-1604 A.D.) became King in Kandy; he searched for the Tooth Relic and the bowl Relic of the Buddha and found that it was kept at the Delgomuwa Buddhist Temple at Kuruwita, for more than 44 years, hidden in a grinding stone.

The King had gone there personally and brought the Sacred Tooth Relic to Kandy in a procession accompanied by the King. Kandy is an example of the Buddhism's influence in Sri Lanka today.

Next, visit any of the nearest Tea Factory in Kandy. Tea production is one of the main sources of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka, and accounts for 2% of GDP, contributing to the economy of Sri Lanka.

After the tea factory visit, continue a relaxing drive heading to Dambulla and the town. Have lunch and proceed to the Damba-Rock and Ulla – fountain, the Golden Rock, Cave temple. The incessant drip of water from the fountain within the main image house is noticeable.

King Vattagamini Abhaya (Valagamba) took refuge in the 1st century BCE and turned the caves into a rock temple, later made further improvements, including  King Nissanka Malla who had the temple interior gilded, earning it the name of Ran Giri - Golden Rock.

The temple has 153 Buddha images, 3 images of kings and 4 images of gods and goddesses. There are also 4 main monasteries and it was within this complex that the monks began the militant nationalist movement against the British in 1848.

You can avoid going for the temple tour if you feel tired as you may need some energy to climb the Rock Fortress. You can just take a drive around Dambulla town have lunch at the nearest vicinity.

After lunch, drive to Sigiriya, the Rock Fortress a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

[Prepare yourself with comfortable shoes and attire to climb to the top of the rock fortress]

Sigiriya is one of the most dramatic, inspiring and beautiful historical locations in the world. A mythical past of feuding dynasties suits Sigiriya’s striking setting, it was built in the 5th century AD by king, Kasyapa, as a fortress-palace. Legend says that King Kasyapa murdered his father, Dhatusena, and claimed the thrown for himself.

However, Kasyapa was not the direct heir; his mother was one of Dhatusena’s concubines, and he was fearful that his half-brother, Prince Moggallana, would return from exile in India and rightfully claim his crown. 

Upon return from the Rock Fortress, you may notice a river crossing nearby the Rock Fortress. After a short admiration of the river, drive back to Dambulla, transfer to hotel, refresh and have Dinner. Overnight in Dambulla.

Day 06  Dambulla/Habarana/Negombo  (B)

After breakfast, check out and drive to Habarana, a small city in the Anuradhapura District of Sri Lanka. The location has some mid-range and high rank hotels aimed at package tourists, and is a departure point for other nearby locations of greater interest. It is a popular tourist destination for safari lovers as it is the starting point for safaris in the nearby Habarana jungle and the Minneriya sanctuary which is heavily populated by elephants. 

It is not very far from the ancient rock fortress and castle/palace ruin of Sigiriya. You will pass by the main road from Colombo to Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa.

This Safari takes you on an exclusive 3-hour tour of Kaudulla National Park. The safari starts from the entrance gate of Kaudulla National Park. You will receive a complimentary pickup from your hotel if you stay within a 5km radius of the entrance gate. You will start at 5:30am if you opt for the morning safari, or 2:30pm. If you opt for the evening safari and will finish it at 5.30pm.

Kaudulla was identified as an Important Bird and Biodiversity area (IBA) by Birdlife International recently. (Elephant back riding is also an attraction in this small city.)

After visiting Kaudulla National park, drive to Negombo, 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.

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.

Refresh and 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 07        Negombo/Negombo Lagoon/Departure (B)

After breakfast, check out store your luggage inthe hoel storage and proceed for some activities and sightseeing in Negombo till evening 5.30pm.

Sailing is 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. Transfer to hotel. 

Try to be back at the hotel in time to refresh (You can use the hotel launch toilet to refresh) and leave to the airport in time.

You have to leave the hotel 3 hours before the flight-(1 hour journey and 2 hours boarding). Transfer to airport to your onward destination.

 ************* End of Tour ************* 

Package includes:-

• Return airport transfers.

• A/C Vehicle throughout the tour/sightseeing.

• 1 night in Colombo with breakfast

• 1 night in Hikkaduwa with breakfast

• 1 nights in Nuwara Eliya with breakfast

• 1 night in Dambulla with breakfast

• 1 night in Kandy with breakfast

• 1 night in Negombo with buffet 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 other entrance not 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.

• 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).