9Days Sri Lanka + JAFFNA Ancient City

PACKAGE INCLUDES

Hotel

Meal

Tour Guide

Entrance Pass

Private Arrangements

Return Airport Transfer
TRIP OVERVIEW
This tour takes you to the northern part of the country, which is a world away from the rest of Sri Lanka. Closer to southern India than to Colombo, the region was settled early on by Tamil migrants from southern India and has retained a unique character and culture, one which owes as much to Hindu India as to Buddhist Sri Lanka.
HIGHTLIGHTS
Explore to the Ancient City of JAFFNA
Visit Sri Lanka's most famous Hill Resort
Breathtaking Mountain & Waterfall views
Visit the Ravana Ella Cave & Witness Stilt Fishing
Discover Kandy, A World Heritage Laketown City
Witness the Traditional Sri Lankan Cultural Show
SKETCH ITINERARY
Day 01: Arrive Colombo
Day 02: Proceed And Tour Jaffna (B,L,D)
Day 03: Tour Jaffna (B,L,D)
Day 04: Proceed And Tour Trincomale (B,L,D)
Day 05: Proceed And Tour Kandy (B,L,D)
Day 06: Proceed And Tour Nuwara Eliya (B,L,D)
Day 07: Proceed to Kataragama via Ravana Ella Cave (B,L,D)
Day 08: Proceed And Tour Galle + Weligama (B,L,D)
Day 09: Return To Colombo. Tour & Depart (B,L,D)
DETAILED ITINERARY
DAY 01: ARRIVE COLOMBO
Upon arrival you will be welcomed by our representative and transferred to your hotel.
Sri Lanka known for its world-famous tea plantations to national parks made for safaris, has plenty to tempt you away from the amazing beaches.
Overnight stay in hotel.
DAY 02: PROCEED AND TOUR JAFFNA (B, L, D)
After breakfast at hotel proceed to the Jaffna, which is a world away from the rest of Sri Lanka. Closer to southern India than to Colombo, the region was settled early on by Tamil migrants from southern India and has retained a unique character and culture.
En-route visit the Mannawari Temple which Lord Ram is believed to have installed a shiva lingam, an icon of Lord Shiva, at Manawari Kovil in Chillaw, which is about 60km from capital Negombo. It was a remedy to get rid of & lsquo Brahmahathi Dosham & rsquo; for having killed Ravana who was a Brahmin. Visit the Munneswaram Kovil which is one of the three celebrated ancient Isvarams of Lord Siva the other two being Thirukethiswaram near Mannar and Konneswaram in Trincomalee. It is situated about half a mile east of Chilaw. We first hear of this kovil in the Ramayana or the story of Rama and Sita, when Sri Rama Bhagavan is said to have found solace there of his heavily weighted conscience in respect of the many deaths that had been caused in the Ramayana episode.
Lunch at a Restaurant
Proceed on the tour of Jaffna District, the northernmost region of the country. This is one of the oldest habitation sites in Lower South Asia, populated by Tamil speaking people. Jaffna is situated within ten degrees of latitude to the north of the equator. It is in close proximity to the sub-continent of India and separated from it by the Palk Strait and the Bay of Bengal. The peninsula is actually almost an island; only the narrow causeway known as Elephant Pass - for once elephants did wade across the shallow lagoon here connects Jaffna with the rest of Sri Lanka.
Visit Jaffna Fort, situated on the south side of the Jaffna peninsula at the water’s edge of the lagoon, the ancient fort in Jaffna is the second largest existing fort in the Island. Originally built by the Portuguese in 1619 and re-built and expanded by the Dutch during the second half of the 17th and the 18th centuries to facilitate trading activities of Sri Lanka’s northern region indicate not only of Jaffna’s strategic importance to Europeans but its significance throughout Sri Lanka’s history. The five sided inner defense works consist of thick and high ramparts and bastions with a wide and deep moat around it.
Transfer to Hotel
Dinner & Overnight Stay at A HOTEL
DAY 03: TOUR JAFFNA (B, L, D)
After breakfast visit Nagapoosani Temple. The Nagapoosani Temple (Nainatheevu) is a must visit while Sightseeing in Jaffna. Yearly festivals take place here and Hindu worshipers from the nearby areas flock to this place to pray. This ancient temple is resided by a 5 headed cobra. This shrine was constructed by the Nagas. The Nagapoosani Temple (Nainatheevu) in Jaffna was built to worship the Serpent God.
Lunch at a Restaurant
Proceed to visit Nallur Temple. In 948 A.D. Bhuvanekabhahu, the chief minister to Chola Kulangai Arya, built the Nallur Temple in Kurukkal Valavu in the town of Nallur for the first time to worship Lord Kumaran. However, in 1450, the General of Parakramabahu, Senbaha Perumal conquered Jaffna and demolished the temple. To make amends for his action he rebuilt the temple in 1457 in Muthirai Chanthai. When Jaffna was invaded by the Portuguese the temple underwent demolition. Later it was built for the third time in Muthirai Chanthai. When Jaffna was under the rule of the Dutch, the Nallur Temple, and Jaffna was built in the original site that is in Kurukkal Valavu by Krishna Subbiah and Ragunatha Mapana Muthaliyar.
Visit the Keerimalai Naguleswaram Temple which is also known as Keerimalai Naguleswaram Kovil is dedicated to main deity in Shaivism namely Lord Siva. This temple is one of the five ancient Sivan temples in Sri Lanka and is situated close to the well known mineral water spring called Keerimalai springs which believed to have healing power. This temple has a bitter history of Portuguese occupation in Sri Lanka.
Dinner & Overnight Stay at A HOTEL
DAY 04: PROCEED TO TRINCOMALEE (B, L, D)
After breakfast at hotel proceed to Trincomalee, sitting on one the world’s finest natural harbor’s.
Visit The Koneswaram Kovil which is found on Swami Rock, just above Fort Frederick. This rebuilt temple is dedicated to Lord Siva. The unbelievably intricate designs of Hindu temples, with their ornately carved figurines, are an incredible sight and this one is no exception. It's very colourful and you can walk around the grounds. The temple is built on top of the cliff, tottering right on the edge of the Indian Ocean, and there are fantastic views of the narrow strip of land that is Trinco town.
Lunch at a Restaurant
Among the sights of the place are the seven hot springs of Kanniya, on the road to Trincomalee. About a mile on a side road branching from the main route, the springs are worth a visit. A high wall assembles all the seven springs in a rectangular enclosure. Each enclosed in a dwarf wall forms a well of its own. The water is mildly hot; the temperature varies but slightly in each.
Upon arrival transferred to Hotel.
Dinner & Overnight Stay at A HOTEL.
DAY 05: PROCEED AND TOUR KANDY (B, L, D)
After breakfast proceed to Kandy, The Last Royal Capital of The Sri Lankan Kings.
En route visit Spice Garden in Mawanella. Mawanella is renowned for a handsome contribution towards the spice industry. Stop by a spice grow for a quick glance at the process bundled with growing & processing of spices while inhaling the fresh scent entrapped within the shady grows that cater towards the bloodline of the national growth.
Thereafter proceed on A Discovery Tour of Kandy.
Kandy A World Heritage Site, was last ruled by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe and was brought under the British rule in 1815. Kandy crafts an array of culture, history and heritage in the minds of visitors across the globe.
Experience an ancient Kandyan legacy engraved around its crown jewel, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
Take a stroll across this small Lakeside Town which is cradled among the misty hills. Proceed on to The Kandy City Centre which is bundled with bazaars, an arts & crafts centre, as well as a gem museum & lapidary. Walk in color as you glide through fresh fruits and vegetables in the Kandy market.
In the evening witness the famous Sri Lankan Cultural Show. The stepping to the beat of traditional music & drumming amplified by a cultural show enhancing the rich and vibrant culture of the Wonder of Asia, Sri Lanka.
Lunch at a Restaurant.
Dinner and Overnight Stay at a Hotel.
DAY 06: PROCEED AND TOUR NUWARA ELIYA (B, L, D)
After breakfast proceed to Nuwara Eliya, The Little England of Sri Lanka, which is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations.
It is supposed to be one of the coolest place in Sri Lanka, but it is really just like an English spring day, although the temperature does drop at night.
All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. The Victoria Park, in the middle of the town, is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also good for Birding as you get some rare birds in this Park.
Enjoy the Ceylon Tea Experience which involves a visit to A plantation to observe firsthand the process. Starting from the plucking field where it all begins with the picking of "two leaves and a bud" to the factory where the processing begins. Originally introduced to the island around 1850 by the British, Ceylon Tea is world famous for its high quality and has remained a major contributor to the island's economy for generations. Currently, Sri Lanka is one of largest exporter of tea worldwide.
After Lunch at Restaurant, proceed on a City Tour of Nuwara Eliya. Misty steep roads, twisting through lush green blankets of tea bushes in a cool climate, remind visitors that they are within the range of the renowned British colonial retreat. Augmented by an English countryside atmosphere, this city was once governed by the English & Scottish planters and is still studded with colonial bungalows, hedgerows & one of the finest 18-hole golf courses in the world.
A hike through the green grass and red-brick walls should present breathtaking views of a buzzing countryside hamlet.
Drive through green valleys of the hill country pierced by endless waterfalls & dotted by tea pluckers draped in bright-colored saris.
You can also go on a boat ride or just rent a bike for a gentle ride along the banks splashed by the waters of Lake Gregory.
You can also visit the epic Seetha Amman Temple. She is said to have bathed in this stream and it is believed that Lord Hanuman the monkey God had visited Seethadevi here. Now there is temple for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana, and Hanuman by the side of this stream. It is interesting to note that foot prints akin to Lord Hanuman's are found by this river.
Dinner & Overnight stay at hotel.
DAY 07: PROCEED TO KATARAGAMA VIA RAWANA ELLA CAVE (B, L, D)
After breakfast proceed to Kataragama, visit the Rawana Ella Cave. This cave is in the huge Ella Rock. Hanuman the monkey god, is said to have climbed up Ella Rock, in order to find Seetha in the cave. Seetha lived in this Cave for some time.
Lunch at a Restaurant.
Proceed to the south west of Sri Lanka, to the City of Kataragama, a popular pilgrimage destination frequented by adherents of all religions in Sri Lanka. This is also the place close to the YALA National Park.
Dinner and Overnight Stay at a Hotel.
DAY 08: PROCEED AND TOUR GALLE (B, L, D)
After Breakfast leave for Weligama, known for its stilt-fishermen, whose unique style of fishing involves casting their lines from a perch on a sturdy pole 20-50 meters out to sea. This unique method of fishing is highly photogenic.
Lunch at a Restaurant
Afternoon proceed on a discovery tour of Galle, Once Chief Port of Ceylon. This is town rich in history and was the center of the Dutch regime in the 17th century and the majestic Galle Fort ( spanning 90 acres ) bears testimony to this fact. The city of Galle is one of the well preserved colonial-era cities in Southeast Asia and has been declared a 'World Heritage Site'. The Dutch museum & the Dutch church are two famous tourist attractions in Galle.
The city is also known for its delicate handmade lace and ebony carvings.
Dinner and Overnight Stay at a Hotel.
DAY 09: RETURN TO COLOMBO. TOUR & DEPART (B, L, D)
After breakfast at leisure or leave for Colombo.
Upon arrival, proceed on A Discovery Tour of Colombo, Drive along the clean streets edging the Crystal White Race Course, A horse racing hub in 1893 & World War II airstrip furnished today with lavish clothing, food & tea boutiques.
Visit Pettah for the Sri Lankan Bazaar Shopping experience.
Head along towards 'Arcade' facing the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top-notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka. Have a chilled beer at the Dutch Hospital while gazing through fancy windows showcasing the best fashion, jewelry & handicraft brands. Or, jazz up to Colombo's night life spiced by night clubs & casinos. If you're lucky, head into an exhibition at the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall (BMICH) before swaying your head to an opera or play at Nelum Pokuna that should just drive your day into perfection!
Lunch at a Restaurant.
Dinner at a Restaurant
Thereafter proceed to Airport for your onward flight.
TRIP GALLERY
Jaffna Ancient City...
Sri Lanka, an island nation that is best savored s...
Colombo: The Heart of Sri Lanka...
Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings' era ...
Learn along about the herbal and spice plant at Sp...
A visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is...
Shopping? Eat? Unwind? Kandy City Center is what y...
Sri Lankan Cultural Show, the amazing and much-ant...
Jaffna, Sri Lanka is the country's forgotten gem t...
Visit Manavari Temple, one of the most important H...
Munneswaram temple is an important regional Hindu ...
Jaffna Fort: An Impregnable Soul....
Visit the legendary temple of Jaffna, the Nagapoos...
Nallur Kovil: Spiritual beacon of the North....
Glimpse on the divine aura of Keerimalai Naguleswa...
Book yourself to Tricomalee and get a chance to se...
Enroute to Koneswaram Kovil, surrounded by the jaw...
Kanniya hot water springs- mythical miracle in Tri...
Nuwara Eliya the little England of Sri Lanka- Star...
Explore Ceylon Tea Plantation, a blend of tea and ...
Lake Greggory a reservoir in heart of the tea coun...
Seetha Eliya: The Land blessed by Sita's divinity ...
Kataragama- a model of religious diversity....
Ravana Ella Cave is believed to be a place where R...
Yala National Park: The Home of Different Species ...
A perky fishing village with a sandy stretch of be...
Modern Wonder of the World: Galle ...
Pettah Market: Walk Through Colombo's Most Hectic ...
Side trip for an exhibition at Bandaranaike Memori...
Head on to Nelum Pokuna and be entertained from a ...
WHY BOOK NOW?
- 20% Savings for Online Products
INCLUSION
- All meals inclusive as specified
- All entrances inclusive as specified
- Hotel accommodation as specified
- All transfers inclusive as specified
- English speaking chauffeur guide
EXCLUSION
- Flight Ticket & Taxes
- Optional MSIG Travel Insurance (RM 67)
- Optional Sri Lanka E-Visa (RM 265)
- Optional Tour Tips
- Personal Expenses
- Any item not stated under 'Inclusions'