TEMPLE TOUR PACKAGE - SRILANKA
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04Nights / 5Days – 1N Dambulla / 2N
Kandy / 1N Colombo.
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Tour Itinerary
Day 01 AIRPORT / CHILAW / DAMBULLA
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Arrival in SriLanka. You will be
met by our representative and transferred to Dambulla. Enroute visit Muneeshwaram Temple, Chilaw. (Approximately 130 minutes Drive).
Muneswaram Temple, Chilaw.
After his victorious battle, Lord
Rama left for Ayodhya, in one of King Ravana”s vimana (carriages).He felt he
was being followed by bramhaasthi dosham as he had killed King Ravana who was a
Brahmin. Legend has it that when he came to this place he felt bramhaasthi
dosham was not following him and he stopped the vimana and asked God Shiva for
remedy. Lord Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised him to install four lingams
there and pray to get rid of the dosham. Since then many Hindu devotees flock
to the Temple .
Thereafter proceed
to Mannavari Temple. (Approximately 20 Minutes Drive)
Manavari is the first lingam
installed and prayed to by Lord Rama and this lingam is also called Ramalinga
Shivan.
Thereafter proceed to Dambulla (Approximately 136 Km 4Hrs Drive).
OVER NIGHT STAY AT PELHWERA HOTEL
3*or Similar–Dambulla / Sigriya / Polonaruwa.
Day 02 DAMBULLA / TRINCOMALEE / KANDY
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After breakfast at Hotel proceed at
07AM to Trincomalee and visit Thiru
Koneshwaram Temple & Hot Water Spring. (Approximately 90 Km 3 Hrs Drive)
Thiru Koneshwaram (Shankari Devi Temple)
Thiru Koneshwaram was built by sage Agasthyar as per the
instructions of Lord Shiva who was impressed by the devotion of King Ravana.
This place has the uniqueness of the lord building a temple for his devotee as
a reward for his devotion. Lord Rama also offered his prayers on his return to
get himself rid of the Brahmaasthi Dosham.
Transfer to Kandy .
Evening visit Temple
tooth relic.
OVER NIGHT STAY AT HOTEL HILLTOP 3*
or Similar - KANDY.
Day 03 KANDY / NUWARA ELIYA / KANDY
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After breakfast transfer to Nuwara Eliya tour, (Approximately 77 Km 3 Hrs Drive one way)
En route visit the Sri Baktha Hanuman Temple ,
Ramboda.
On these hills of Ramboda where Hanuman was searching for
Sitadevi, the 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. The Hakgala Botanical
Garden was one of the pleasure gardens of King Ravana of the well-known
epic Ramayana. This garden was expanded
during the British period and has a wide variety of flowers including an
excellent collection of orchids.
This is the exotic pleasure garden where king Ravana kept
the depressed Sita, insisting that she marry him. It was here where the heart-warming meeting
took place between her and Hanuman, who brought her Rama’s ring with the news
that Rama was looking for her. He
offered to carry her back but she refused saying it would be an insult to
Rama’s honour if he did so.
Seetha Amman Temple, Seetha Eliya The stream that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of
Sitadevi during her stay at Ashoka Vatika. She is said to have bathed in this
stream. Now there is a temple erected for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana and
Hanuman by the side of this stream. It is interesting to note that footprints
akin to Lord Hamunams are found by this river -some small and some large.
Thereafter proceed to
Kandy.
OVER NIGHT STAY AT HOTEL HILLTOP
3* or Similar - KANDY.
Day 04 KANDY / COLOMBO
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After breakfast
transfer to Colombo. (Approximately 150
Km 4 Hrs Drive)
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 center and military garrison, Sea Street - the Goldsmith's quarters in
the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, where there is a Hindu
Temple with elaborate stone carvings,
and the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to
1749. The historic Dawatagaha Mosque and the former Eye
Hospital are two buildings in Cinnamon Gardens worth looking at. Also visit the
BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square .
OVER NIGHT STAY AT
HOTEL GLOBAL TOWERS 3* or Similar, COLOMBO.
Day 05 COLOMBO to AIRPORT
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After breakfast
transfer to the airport for the departure flight.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ End of Tour
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Cost of the package:
MIN 2 - 3 PAX
INR – 27,999 Per Person on Twin
/ Triple sharing basis with Breakfast.
INR - 31,999 Per Person on Twin / triple sharing
bais with Breakfast And Dinners.
VISA CHARGES EXTRA – INR 1000
per person.
The above cost includes:
* Airfare ex Chennai / taxes.
* Airfare ex Chennai / taxes.
* Accommodation at the above mentioned hotels or similar on
B/B basis in 3* Hotels.
* Transport in a Given Vehicle with the service of an English-speaking Chauffer / National
* Transport in a Given Vehicle with the service of an English-speaking Chauffer / National
Guide. Sight
seeing in En route Muneeshwaram and Mannavari
Temple .
* Day trip to Trincomalee for temple visit / Half a day Colombo city tour with
Shopping.
* Kandy city tour / Day trip to Nuwara Eliya / Assistance
at the airport
The above price does not include:
* All entrance fees where ever applicable.
* SRILANKA VISA charges.
* Camera & Video permits.
* Camera & Video permits.
* Dinners and Lunches for tour
* Any expenses of personal nature.
* Any other expenses not mentioned above.
* Tips & Portages & Extras direct by the clients.
* Any compulsory Peak period supplement during the tour.
* Any expenses of personal nature.
* Any other expenses not mentioned above.
* Tips & Portages & Extras direct by the clients.
* Any compulsory Peak period supplement during the tour.
Conditions and Procedure for
booking the tour.
Above
rates are valid for INDIAN NATIONALS only holding a valid passport.
All
the above flights and hotels are subject to availability / Cost is subject to
change.
Package
once booked will be 100% Non refundable on any circumstances / Date change not
permitted.
Passport
should be valid for MIN 6 MONTHS from date of return from SRILANKA.
The
above packages are valid for travel till
31Jul 2013 only
Important
SRILANKA VISA Procedure:
Please
note the new Visa procedure implemented by the Department of Immigration/
Emigration for all Tourists arriving to Sri Lanka is effective from the 1st
January 2012. It has been made mandatory that all tourists fill in the ETA form
on-line via and apply for your visa prior to Arrival.
For more information login to: www.eta.gov.lk."
For more information login to: www.eta.gov.lk."
for more details contact K V GOUD Cell +91 9700644644 |
Travel Tips
VISA
Nationals from 80 countries who visit Sri Lanka for tourist purposes are exempt from visa requirements and automatically receive a free 30-day visa on arrival. Those from these countries who visit for purposes other than tourism should obtain prior visas from a Sri Lankan Consular Office. For nationals of other countries there is a varying fee for the 30-day visa.
The 30-day visa can be extended up to 90 days on the payment of a fee. You’ll need to show a return or onward airline ticket out of Sri Lanka, along with proof of funds, such as traveler’s cheques or credit card, and provide a copy of the bio-data page of your passport and 02 photographs.
Department of Immigration and Emigration,
Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha,
Maradana,
Colombo 10.
Tel: +94-11-5329000, +94-11-5329316/20/21/25
www.immigration.gov.lk
Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha,
Maradana,
Colombo 10.
Tel: +94-11-5329000, +94-11-5329316/20/21/25
www.immigration.gov.lk
When to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a year round destination with an abundance of sunshine all year round. The average temperature is around 27°C - 30°C in most parts of Island. The temperature gradually drops as the land rises towards the hill country, with some parts of the highland as low as below 10°C.
The island has two wet monsoon seasons; briefly between May and July in the south-west region and between December and January in the north-east. However, Sri Lanka has no off season per se as clear blue skied bright sunny days are the general rule even during the wet season.
Sri Lanka is 5 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Median Time), 2½ hours behind Singapore and 4½ hours behind Australia EST (Eastern Standard Time).
What to pack?
Sri Lanka has a tropical country and cotton clothes are the most ideal to wear and of course your bathing suits are a must if you are visiting the beaches. Sun tan lotion could be very handy as it can be very hot sometimes.
If you are visiting the cultural and religious sites, it is a must that you wear appropriate clothing. Gents are required to wear trousers to cover their knees or a “sarong” with a shirt or T-shirt. Ladies should ideally wear decent attire such as a trouser or a skirt to cover the knees and a blouse or tshirt. It may not be advisable for ladies to wear deep necked or a sleeveless top.
Organizing your trip
If you are interested in booking a Round Trip programme, the flight times is an important component when making the maximum use of your stay. Most travellers prefer to stay near airport in the first night (if they arrive in evenings). However most European and Middle East carriers arrive early morning to Sri Lanka which is ideal for most travellers to start the tour in the same day.
Currency/ Money Exchange
Foreign currency and Traveller’s Cheques may be changed at any hotel, although commercial banks offer better rates. Converting Sri Lankan rupees back to a selected foreign denomination could be done at the airport bank which is open 24 hours of the day. Please retain your money changing receipts.
Currency notes are in 10s, 20s, 50s, 100s, 200s, 500s, 1000s,2000s ,5000s.
Credit Cards
Hotels and shops accept most international credit cards. No surcharge is required for their use. Cash advances may be acquired against credit cards at certain bank ATMs. Most widely accepted cards are American Express, Visa and MasterCard.
It is advisable to enquire if your card type is accepted by the establishment before the use of any services.
Banks are generally open from 9.00am to 1.00pm from Monday to Friday. Some city banks close at 3.00pm, while others offer night banking facilities. Banks are closed on Saturdays, Sundays, all public holidays and special bank holidays on June 30th and December 31st. ATMs are most found adjoining bank branches island-wide.
Shops
Most shops open at 10.00am and close at 6.00pm. Shops are usually closed on Sundays and Full moon (Poya) days. The full moon poya day has religious significance for Buddhists and alcohol is not served in hotels, bars and public recreational areas on this day.
Customs
You may be required to open your baggage for inspection. Refrain from carrying prohibited or restricted goods. Certain types of animal products, antiques and gold are not allowed to be taken out of the country.
Important Retain your shopping receipts, especially for gems.
Immigration
Embarkation forms are available at the airport check-in counter and need to be filled and handed over to the immigration desk prior to departure.
Water
Filtered, mineral and bottled drinking water is available at most retail shops. Avoid drinking water from the tap.
Electricity
220 Volts/50 Hz Ac. Two and three pin plugs are used mostly.
Embassies/ Consulates
A list of embassies is given in the local telephone directory which is provided in most hotel rooms. If not, one may be obtained at the hotel concierge’s desk. Please contact us if further assistance is required.
Medical Facilities
If you need a doctor, please contact the hotel reception. The hotel will have a doctor within the hotel premises or nearby. Pharmacies can generally be found at the commercial centre of most towns.
Communication
International Direct Dialling (IDD) facilities are available at all city hotels, resorts, post offices and telecommunication centres. Postal services are provided at most hotels and at the local post office or authorised sub-post offices. Telegrams and faxes can be handed over to the hotel reception for transmission.
Tipping
It is customary to tip drivers, guides and hotel housekeeping/restaurant staff if the service is satisfactory. This is solely at your discretion. The average tip is 100 rupees for Housekeeping and 10% of your meal bill for restaurant staff.
Food & Drink Tips
Your hotel provides safe and high quality food and we, as a policy do not recommend restaurants outside the hotel. Always wash and peel fruit before consumption. Drink plenty of water during the day to avoid dehydration.
Custom Exports
On leaving the country you are allowed to export up to 10kg of tea duty free.
Purchase and export without license of any wild animal, bird or reptile, dead or alive . also the export of parts of animals, birds or reptiles, such as skins, horns, scales and feathers is prohibited. Occasional exports are, however, permitted exclusively for bona fide scientific purposes. It is prohibited to export of 450 plant species without special permits. The export of coral, shells or other protected marine products is also strictly prohibited.
Applications for special permission to export fauna should be made to the Director, Department of Wildlife Conservation.
Foreign currency regulations
Visitors to Sri Lanka bringing in more than US$10,000 should declare the amount to the Customs on arrival. All unspent rupees converted from foreign currencies can be re-converted to the original currency on departure as long as encashment receipts can be produced.
Banks
Banks are open from 0900 hrs to 1300 hours Monday to Friday. Some city banks close at 1500 hrs, while some are open on Saturday mornings. It’s easy to withdraw money across the island at ATMs using international credit cards or debit cards.
Time difference
Sri Lanka Standard Time is five and a half hours ahead of GMT. (Allowance should be made for summer-time changes in Europe.)
Language
Sri Lanka has two official languages . Sinhala and Tamil - with English as a link language. Most people have some knowledge of English, and signboards are often in English.
Photography: Restrictions & Permits
Sri Lanka is a tremendously photogenic island, so it’s hardly surprising that most tourists bring a camera of some kind when they visit the country. The stunning landscapes, the captivating fauna and lush flora, and the stupendous archaeological remains provide great opportunities: a bonus is that Sri Lankans love to be captured on film. So it’s easy to capture the traditional rural lifestyle. You’ll find villagers, farmers, fishermen and tea pluckers will readily stand in front of your viewfinder. Your subjects will often ask to have a copy of picture sent to them. This may be laborious, but it is a reasonable courtesy as many may never have seen a picture of themselves. It is also understandable that many will also expect a token recompense for allowing themselves to be photographed.
Restrictions
There are some important restrictions that apply to photography regarding Buddhist imagery. When you visit a temple or other religious site, remember that photography should not be carried out in a manner causing disrespect. For instance, it is strictly forbidden to be photographed in front of or beside any statues and murals. Note that flash photography can damage old murals.
Getting there
Usually all visitors to Sri Lanka travel by air; flights arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport, 35 km north of Colombo, and 6 km of Negombo.
Mobile phones have been made so affordable in Sri Lanka that almost everybody has one, and coverage has extended beyond the major cities. There are four main network operators on the island; Dialog GSM , Mobitel, Etisalat, Airtel and Hutch. If you'd rather not use your own mobile phone on roaming but still want to be contactable, the cheapest alternative is to get a mobile phone connection with one of these major companies. All these phone companies have a pay-as-you-go plan where you can buy a local SIM card for around Rs.300 (that will work in GSM phones from Europe, the Middle East and Australasia) and keep adding money to the connection as you require it. You will find recharge cards at any corner store throughout the island.
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