Malaysian – Sri Lankan Tour

NEGOMBO – CHILLAW - JAFFNA                     (B/L/D) Breakfast at Hotel. Thereafter proceed to Jaffna, proceed to the city of Jaffna En-route visit *Mannawari Temple Rama 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. Leave for Jaffna. En-route lunch at a local Heritage Hotel Anuradhapura. Tour of *Jaffna District, the northernmost region of the Island of Sri Lanka, 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. St. Mary's Cathedral in Jaffna is a beautiful blend of Gothic and Dravidian architecture, with a striking spire and colorful stained-glass windows. It's a peaceful sanctuary amidst the city, perfect for contemplation and cultural exploration. 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 Fortin 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 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. Dinner and Overnight stay in Jaffna. Option 01 - Valampuri Hotel Jaffna Option 02 – Jetwing Jaffna

JAFFNA                               (B/L/D) Breakfast at the hotel Breakfast at a Hotel. Early morning visit *Nagapoosani Temple (Nainatheevu), Jaffna: 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 Tilko Jaffna restaurant *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. St. James Church near Jaffna Fort is a historic Anglican church dating back to the colonial era. Its traditional Anglican architecture and tranquil setting make it a notable site for visitors interested in Jaffna's cultural and religious heritage. Dinner and Overnight stay in Jaffna. Option 01 - Valampuri Hotel Jaffna Option 02 – Jetwing Jaffna

JAFFNA – SIGIRIYA              (B/L/D) Breakfast at Hotel. Leave for Sigiriya. Lunch at Tropical Village restaurant Enroute make a visit to Sigiriya Rock Fortress for a Photo Opportunity (Optional: Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock – USD 36 pp). Sigiriya – is a “World Heritage Site” and the 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” which is 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 life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original colour. The Water Gardens, Fountain Garden, summerhouse, Boulder Gardens and the Caves with the enclosed area should not be missed Dinner and Overnight Stay at Option 01 – Fresco Water Villa (Deluxe Rooms) Option 02 -Tropical Life Resort (Deluxe Rooms)

SIGIRIYA – DAMBULLA – KANDY              (B/L/D) Breakfast at Hotel En-route visit Dambulla Cave Temple Sightseeing in *Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Crafts Centre, Gem Museum. Kandy the hill capital, venue of the annual Perahera The last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Lunch at Spice Garden in Matale Visit *Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic - ever since 4th Century A.D, when the Buddha's Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissa princess' hair, 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. By the Evening experience a colorful show where you will be taken to mind blowing Sri Lankan culture extravaganza… Get ready for Heavy drumbeat and acrobat T Check in to the hotel Dinner and Overnight Stay at Option 01 – Royal Kandyan (Deluxe Rooms) Option 02 - Radisson Kandy (Deluxe Rooms)

KANDY – NUWARA ELIYA                      (B/L/D) Breakfast at the hotel. Thereafter proceed to Nuwara Eliya En-route visit *Sri Baktha Hanuman temple at Ramboda. On these hills of Ramboda where Hanuman was searching for Sitadevi, Chinmaya mission of Sri Lanka built a temple with Hanuman as the presiding deity. On every full moon day special pooja’s are conducted and witnessed by thousands of devotees. This temple is called Sri Baktha Hanuman temple. The image of Lord Hanuman here is 16 feet. Visit *Seetha Amman temple, the stream that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of Sitadevi during her stay at Ashok Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream. About a century ago three idols were discovered in the stream, one of which was that of Sita. It is believed that the idols have been worshipped at this spot for centuries. Now there is a temple for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana, and Hanuman by the side of this stream. It is interesting to note that footprints akin to Lord Hanuman's are found by this river and some are of small size and some are of large size, which tells us of the immense powers of Hanuman transforming himself into any size. Lunch at a local Restaurant in Ramboda Stop at a *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. Nuwara Eliya - The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka, is set against beautiful backdrops of Mountains, Valleys, Waterfalls and Tea Plantations. It is supposed to be one of the coolest places in the Island, 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. Seasons may be absent elsewhere in Sri Lanka, but here you can read them by the flowers, which bloom in the spring (march to May) and fall (August and September). These are the “seasons” when low-country folk flock to Nuwara Eliya to escape the sea level heat and humidity. Check in to the hotel Dinner and Overnight stay at, Option 01 - Single Tree Mount Hotel (Deluxe Room) Option 02 – Ripon Grand Nuwara Eliya (Deluxe Room)

NUWARA ELIYA – COLOMBO                                                                                                                                      (B/L/X) After breakfast leave for Colombo. Enroute lunch at a local restaurant. Visit to Panchamuga Anjaneyar Temple in Dehiwala the only Temple in the world to have a chariot for Anjaneyar. Hanuman’s mother is Anjan. Hanuman is known as Anjan + Aiyar = Anjaneyar in South India (Hanuman in North India). Continue to Colombo, city tour of *Colombo a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree lined residential, Cinnamon Gardens, Visit Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmiths quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where is also a Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings, and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha & the Independence Square. Start *Shopping in Colombo, Visit ODEL, House of Fashion, Arcade Independence square, Race Course, and Beverly Street, visit bargain market in Colombo Pettah. St. Anthony's Shrine in Kochchikade, Colombo, is a historic Catholic church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. It features a beautiful white facade and has been a center of spiritual devotion for over a century, drawing visitors seeking solace and reflection in the heart of the city. Thereafter check into the hotel for the overnight stay. CRAB DINNER AT CHINESE RESTAURANT  Overnight stay: Option 01 – The Ocean Colombo (Deluxe Rooms) Option 02 - Fairway Colombo      (Deluxe Rooms)

COLOMBO – AIRPORT          (B/X/X) Breakfast at the Hotel. Free and Leisure Proceed to Airport.