9D8N ALL-IN SRI LANKA

Special welcome with flower garlands at Bandaranaike International Airport. Porters upon request with on-the-spot direct payment. → Transfer to hotel at either Negombo or Katunayake.

Dambulla cave temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is a World Heritage Site situated in the central part of the country. A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave monastery with its five sanctuaries is the largest, best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. Its rock ceiling is one large sweep of colourful frescoes, some of which date back to over 2,000 years, depicting Buddhist mythology. This cave temple has the largest number of Buddha statues in one place, including a 14-meter long recumbent Buddha carved out of the rock. → Sigiriya Rock Fortress with optional entrance fee of RM160/pax. The 5th Century “Fortress in the Sky” is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that used to stand at the entrance to the fortress. Within its triple-moated defence, the huge rock rises almost 500ft. On its summit are the foundations of a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool.

Hiriwadunna Village Track. Enjoy an easy walk for 2.5 hours around the small villages to see the daily life of farmers. The guided walk goes along side Hiriwadunna Lake - spot birds and land monitors and cross a little jungle rivulet by catamaran; reach a farmers “wattle and daub” house to enjoy lunch cooked by the villagers. Enjoy a bullock cart ride through the paddy fields. → Jeep Safari at Minneriya National Park. This National Park of 8889 hectares is famous for its large population of elephants in herds of 100 to 150 roaming in the jungle.

Depart to Kandy for lunch → Visit a Spice Garden in Matale. Be introduced to Sri Lanka’s famous spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed. → Sightseeing in Kandy, including Upper Lake Drive, Market Crafts Centre, and Gem Museum. The hill capital of Kandy is another “World Heritage Site”. It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy is one of the most sacred Buddhist, sites as it is the home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. → “Dalada Maligawa” Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The Buddha's Tooth was brought to Sri Lanka hidden in an Orissan princess' hair during the 4th Century A.D. It is considered Sri Lanka's most prized possession. → At night, experience a Sri Lankan cultural show with extravaganza, heavy drumbeats and acrobatic acts.

Ceylon Tea experience after lunch. Visit a plantation to observe the tea-making process, starting with the picking of “two leaves and a bud” in the fields, then to the factory for processing. Introduced around 1850 by the British, Ceylon Tea is world famous for its high quality and is a major contributor to the island’s economy. Sri Lanka is one of largest tea exporter worldwide. → Nuwara Eliya, ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka. It is set against beautiful backdrops of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations. One of the coolest places on the Island, like an English spring day. All around Nuwara Eliya you will see evidence of the British influence, houses like country cottages or Queen Anne style mansions. Victoria Park is a lovely place for a stroll or a picnic and is also good for bird watching. Hire a boat for a ride on Lake Gregory.

Yala, home to Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Its habitats consist of scrub plains, jungles, rocky outcrops, fresh-water lakes, rivers and beaches, providing home to many animals. These include the sloth bear, elephants, buffalo, monkeys, sambar, deer, crocodiles, and the endangered leopard subspecies, Panthera Pardus Kotiya, found only in Sri Lanka. → Late afternoon Jeep Safari at Yala National Park. See the ‘big three’: elephant, leopard and water buffalo.

Proceed to the beautiful beaches of the south. En-route, visit one of the most iconic scenes in Sri Lanka – stilt fishing. → Marine Turtle Conservation in Kosgoda. Of the seven species of endangered turtles, five come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka. The Kosgoda Conservation Project is an ideal way to learn and observe this endangered species. → Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, originally built by the Portuguese and then further developed by the Dutch and the British, covers nearly four sq kms. During the early 18th century, the Old Dutch Gate was the entrance point to the Fort. Subsequently the British built the Main Gate which is still used today. Buildings of interest include the Dutch Reformed Church, All Saints Church, Amangalla Hotel (formerly the New Oriental Hotel), and the lighthouse and bell tower. The Dutch also developed what was then an innovative tide-based sewage-system within the Fort. A maze of narrow roads lined with small houses and shops with Dutch names still remain.

River safari on Madu Ganga in Balapitiya. Madu Ganga is considered Sri Lanka's second largest wetland of 28 islands. including two main islands providing shelter to 215 families. Madu Ganga has played an important role in providing food, shelter, and easy access to the main land via small wooden boats. → City tour of Colombo after lunch. Drive through the city to the busy commercial areas and the tree-lined residentials, Cinnamon Gardens. → Visit Fort, the former British administrative centre and military garrison. → Pettah. Visit the goldsmiths’ quarters in Sea Street; the bazaar; the Hindu Temple with elaborate stone carvings; and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1749. → See the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.

Shopping in Colombo. Visit ODEL, House of Fashion, Arcade Independence Square, Race Course, and Beverly Street, visit bargain market in Colombo Pettah → Departure transfer to airport after lunch.