General
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DAY 1:– Depart London for Colombo (Sri Lanka)
Depart on your International flight from London Heathrow Airport on scheduled flight to Colombo (Srl Lanka).
Your flight includes complimentary meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment provide at the discretion of the airline for your journey.
DAY 2:– Arrival Colombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka.
Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport Colombo, follow sign for arrival & Passport control, clear immigration, collect your luggage and follow exit sign.
You will be met by our representative who will be holding a placard with “WELCOME COBRA HOLIDAYS” on it. You will be welcomed & greeted at the airport, and direct to your coach, and transfer you to your hotel in Colombo.
After check-in at the hotel, free time at leisure. In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant in the hotel.
Meals: Dinner Overnight – Colombo
DAY 3:– Colombo – Dambulla
After breakfast, we depart for Dambulla where we will visit the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple complex, dating back to the 1st century BC. The five caves contain some 150 stunning Lord Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan Kings and 4 statues of Gods & goddesses found here and exquisite wall paintings. The latter include those of Hindu Gods Vishnu and Ganesh.
Gilded and embellished by former Kings of Sri Lanka, the murals of the ‘Golden Rock’ cover an impressive 2100 square meters, centered around a fifteen-meter-high reclining Buddha hewn straight out of the cave wall.
Continue on to your hotel in Dambulla for a relaxing evening.
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant in the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Dambulla
DAY 4:– Dambulla – Sigiriya – Polonnaruwa
Today after breakfast we visit the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Frescoes, Asia’s best preserved city of the first millennium. Soaring 200 metres above a forested plain, this ancient fortress dates back to the 5th century and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its incredible feat of constructive engineering.
Those passengers who make it to the top are rewarded with astounding views. Make sure you are wearing sturdy footwear, as this is a very steep climb with some uneven slopes.
Those passengers who are unable to climb to the top can explore the gardens at the base of the rock and still get some fantastic shots of the fortress from below.
In the afternoon, visit the Walled City of Polonnaruwa, the second most ancient kingdom in Sri Lanka and another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Explore the Ruins Monasteries, Temples, Bathing Pools, Royal Palace, Audience Hall, Sacred Quadrangle, Dagaba Kiri Vihara, Shiva Devale No. 2, the Daboga Pabalu Vehera, Buddha figures at Gal Vihara, Buddha statue at Lankatilaka & Buddhist statues all set in a forested Park surrounded by moats.
Later return to our hotel.
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant in the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Dambulla
DAY 5:– Dambulla – Spice Garden – Kandy – Buddha The Sacred Tooth – Culture Dance
This morning after breakfast, we drive to Kandy. En-route we visit a Spice Garden at Matale.
Sri Lanka is famous for many different types of Spices and you will be shown how some of these
spices like the luscious Cinnamons, Cardamons, Pepper, Ginger plants etc. which are grown and processed. Here you can also purchase your spices. At the spice garden also enjoy a 10 minute free foot massage. We continue with our journey to Kandy.
On arrival in Kandy, enjoy a sightseeing tour of Kandy city (the last kingdom of the Sinhalese), taking in the sights of Upper Lake Drive, and the Market Square.
A walk around the town will let you indulge in some souvenir hunting with intricate treasures in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony, bronze, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, and reed-ware to choose from.
In the evening watch the Kanryan dance and cultural show, where the vibrant costumes and pulsating rhythms of traditional dance, drumming, music and fire walking from centuries old rituals will entertain you.
Then we pay homage to one of the most sacred religious sites in Sri Lanka – The Temple of the Tooth or Dalada Maligawa which is believed to house the ‘tooth relic’ of the Lord Buddha. This is a major shrine where pilgrims have revered Buddha’s tooth since the 16th century. Later we proceed to our hotel for check-in.
Note: Dress modestly and respectfully when visiting temples. Shoulders to knees should be covered, especially when entering places of worship. No shorts are allowed.
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant in the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight – Kandy
DAY 6:– Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Sita temple
After breakfast we depart for Nuwara Eliya. En-route we visit a tea estate and plantation.
Later proceed for a sightseeing tour of Nuwara Eliya visiting the famous Sita Amman temple*. Thereafter we proceed to visit Ramboda Falls a 109 m high waterfalls one the highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka.
*Sita Temple: The stream that runs from the hill, catered to the needs of Sitadevi during her stay at AshokaVatika. She is said to have bathed in this stream. Now there is temple for Lord Rama, Sitadevi, Luxshmana, and Hanuman by the side of this stream. It is interesting to note that footprints akin to Lord Hanumans are found by this river and some are small in size and some are of large size. On every full moon day special prayers and Poojas are conducted and witnessed by thousands of devotees. The image of Lord Hanuman here is 16 feet.
Later check-in to your hotel.
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant in the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Nuwara Eliya
DAY 7:– Nuwara Eliya – Colombo – City tour
Today after breakfast check out hotel and we depart for Colombo.
Upon arrival we proceed for sightseeing tour of Colombo city. We drive through the city to the Fort and Pettah. We visit the Fort from outside, the former British administrative centre and military garrison, Sea Street – the Goldsmith quarters in the heart of Pettah, the Bazaar area, a Gangarama 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.
Also visit the BMICH, see the replica of Avukana Buddha and the Independence Square.
After lunch, we proceed for shopping at the House of Fashions and ODEL the famous shopping store. Later check-in to your hotel.
In the evening dinner at an Indian Restaurant in the hotel.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Colombo
DAY 8: – Colombo – Depart for Tokyo (Japan)
After breakfast, board our coach and drive toward Chilaw to visit Manavari Temple for Pooja and Darshan. Thereafter we proceed to visit Munneshwaram temple (Approximately 20 Minutes Drive) situated in Munneswaram village, the center of the spiritual and religious life of the people dwelling in a medieval administrative division called Munneswaram Pattuva.
Manavari Temple is the first place where Lord Rama installed the holy Shiva Lingam and prayed after the end of the war with King Ravana and till date this lingam is called as Ramalinga Shivan. Rameshwaram is the only other lingam in world named after Lord Rama.
Munneswaram Temple Is a temple complex of three shrines. The 1500-year-old inner sanctum of the main Siva temple has Tamil inscriptions and is an important pilgrimage centre.
It is believed that Munneswaram predates the Ramayana and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva was located here. Munneswaram means the first temple for Shiva (Munnu + Easwaran). A Shiva
Lingam was already here when lord Rama visited the place. Lord Rama after his victorious battle left for Ayodhya with Sita in one of King Ravana’s vimanas. He felt he was being followed by Bramhaasthi dosham (a malevolent black shadow) as he had killed King Ravana who was a Brahmin. When the Vimana was passing over Munneswaram, he felt the vimana vibrating, and realized the “Brahmaasthi Dosham” was not following him at this particular point. He stops the vimana at this juncture and asks God Shiva for a remedy. God Shiva blessed Lord Rama and advised installing and praying for four lingams at Manavari, Thiru Koneshwaram, Thiru Ketheshwaram and Rameshwaram in India, as the only remedy to get rid of the dosham.
We have lunch (included) at an Indian restaurant and later we proceed to Bandaranaike International Airport Colombo to board our overnight scheduled flight for NARITA International Airport Tokyo.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Depart for Japan.
Your flight includes complimentary meals, drinks, and in-flight entertainment provide at the discretion of the airline for your journey.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 9:- Arrive in Tokyo (Japan)
Welcome to Japan. Upon arrival at Narita International Airport Tokyo, Japan’s bustling capital of “the Land of the Rising Sun”, follow sign for arrival & Passport control, clear immigration, collect your luggage and follow exit sign.
You will be met by our representative who will be holding a placard with “WELCOME COBRA HOLIDAYS” on it. You will be welcomed & greeted at the airport, and direct to your coach.
We board our coach and transfer to our hotel in the in Colombo.
After check-in at the hotel, free time at leisure.
In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Meals: Dinner Overnight: Tokyo
DAY 10:– Tokyo – City Tour
Today after breakfast, we proceed for sightseeing of Tokyo visiting a number of the main highlights of this magnificent City. The tour includes a visit to the Tokyo Tower where you can enjoy panoramic views across the city from the observation tower. We proceed to the peaceful picturesque setting of the Meiji Shrine, set in thick woodland and considered to be one of the finest examples of Shinto Architecture.
Next we drive by the ‘Akasaka Guest House’ for a photo opportunity. The Guest House is a magnificent ‘Western Style Palace’ built in the Baroque Architectural style. We then drive alongside the imposing National Diet Building, which is home to the Japanese House of Parliament.
Then we visit Tokyo Skytree (photo shot) a broadcasting and observation tower in Sumida,
Our tour will continue with a drive and stroll along Ginza high street, the famous shopping area of Tokyo. The tour disbands in Ginza, giving you a great opportunity for shopping.
Later we board our Sumida River Cruise boat and visit the Asakusa Kannon Temple & Nakamise shopping street.
In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Tokyo
DAY 11:– Tokyo / Kamakura / Tokyo
This morning after breakfast drive across Tokyo to the Imperial Palace East Gardens. Enjoy a pleasant walk in the East Garden of the Imperial Palace, which is filled with scenic and historic beauty. (Alternatively for tours on Monday & Friday & when the garden is closed, we will visit the Imperial Palace plaza and famous Double Bridge instead).
Then we depart for Kamakura. Upon arrival we proceed for a sightseeing tour of Kamakura. Get a taste for the beautiful landscapes and serene religious monuments outside Tokyo as you visit the city of Kamakura and Enoshima on this guided day trip. Visit Kotoku-in Temple featuring the Great Buddha and Hokoku-ji Temple.
Enjoy green tea at Jomyo-ji Temple overlooking a rock garden.
You’ll learn about Japan’s long history before returning to Tokyo.
In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Tokyo
DAY 12:– Tokyo – Mt. Fuji – Hakone
This morning after breakfast, we board our coach and drive to the 5th station on Mount Fuji (if conditions permit). Mount Fuji located on Honshu Island, is the highest mountain in Japan at 3,776.24 m (12,389 ft). Along the way you will enjoy the scenery of rural Japan, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean and mountainous peaks. From our vantage point on the 5th station on MT Fuji, we will enjoy the spectacular views and Scenic Beauty (weather permitting).
In the afternoon we proceed to Hakone for a cruise on Lake Ashi, which is set in serene natural beauty.
Weather permitting, spectacular views of Mount Fuji can be seen silhouetted in the lake.
Following the cruise we take the Komagatake cable car which provides the opportunity to see the magnificent volcanic Hakone mountain range below. We will then travel to the Owakudani Boiling Valley where you will see ancient volcanic craters with sulfurous fumes and clouds of steam spiraling from crevasses across the mountain side giving a truly mystical image. Later we check in to our hotel.
Accommodation at the Oiso Prince Hotel. Experience hot springs indoor & outdoor baths for ultimate relaxation.
In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Hakone
Note:
- To make your train journey to Hiroshima more comfortable we have arranged to transfer your large luggage (1 piece per person) directly to Kyoto.
- Please pack an overnight bag to take with you on the bullet train to Hiroshima, whilst your main luggage is transferred to Kyoto.
DAY 13:– Hakone – Hiroshima (Bullet Train) – Miyajima
After breakfast, check out hotel and transfer to Odawara Station to board the Shinkansen (Bullet train) to bullet train for Hiroshima via Nagoya. Upon arrival we proceed for a sightseeing tour of Hiroshima.
Take a short ferry ride to Miyajima Island, not far from the coast. Enjoy views of the striking Itsukushima Shrine best known for its “floating” Red Torii Gate, dating back to the 6th century. The stunning Shinto shrine and Torii gate are unique as they are constructed over the sea with each building in the complex connected by a series of walkways.
Then visit the Peace Memorial, a historical site near where the atomic bomb exploded, dedicated to the many lives lost in Hiroshima. The burning flame that marks these graves “will only be extinguished when all nuclear weapons in the world are destroyed!” This park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1996.
Later check-in to your hotel.
In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Hiroshima
DAY 14:– Hiroshima – Nara – Kyoto – City Tour
Today after breakfast, we board our coach and proceed for Kyoto via Nara.
On arrival In Nara we proceed for sightseeing tour of Nara to include visiting home of the impressive Todaiji temple Daibutsu (Great Buddha) bronze statue in the world’s largest wooden building, rising over 50 feet high.
Next we visit the famous and beautiful Kasuga Taisha Shinto Shrine which features hanging 3,000 bronze and stone lanterns.
Continue to Nara Park to see over 1,000 tame deer roaming freely in the peaceful park. Encounter wild deer up close while walking through Nara Park, a rarity in Japan and worldwide.
Finally enjoy Nara Nagomikan.
Then continue our journey to historic Kyoto, founded in the 7th century, one of the early capitals of Japan and home of the country’s most treasured remnants of Japanese imperial life. Here,
In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Kyoto
DAY 15:– Kyoto – City tour – Kyoto
Today after breakfast, we proceed for full day sightseeing tour of Kyoto city.
We visit the Bamboo Forest, or Arashiyama Bamboo Grove or Sagano Bamboo Forest, a natural forest of bamboo in Arashiyama, Kyoto.
Then visit wonderful Ryoanji Temple: a Zen temple with a famous rock garden, and also the beautiful famous Kinkakuji Temple, or the ‘Golden Pavilion’, whose top two floors are completely bedecked in gold leaf and surrounded by trees and nestled on a reflective pond.
We then have a great opportunity to experience a Japanese Tea Ceremony, where we learn about the traditions associated with this ancient ritual.
In the afternoon we explore Sanjusangen do Hall: a renowned long wooden hall housing all of 1:001 statues of Kannon, the goddess of mercy that date back to the 13th century.
We stop at the hillside Kiyomizu Temple for astonishing views over the city of Kyoto.
End the day with a walk in Gion, Kyoto’s most famous Geisha district; visit the shops, restaurants and tea houses where Geisha entertain. Later return to our hotel.
In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Kyoto
DAY 16:– Kyoto – Osaka – City Tour – Kyoto
After breakfast, we board our coach and drive to Osaka city.
Upon arrival, proceed for the sightseeing tour of Osaka to include visit to the Umeda Sky Building to enjoy the stunning view of Osaka City from the 170m-high observation deck. This ultra-modern structure consists of two skyscrapers connected at the top by a garden walkway. The ascent to it is via a hair-raising glass lift and then a glass-encased escalator up to the top.
Visit Osaka Castle noted for its magnificence and immense stones used in its construction. Enjoy a 60-minute boat ride with passing views of Osaka Castle, Twin Towers, City Hall on Nakanoshima Isle, before continuing to the Kuromon Market, an Osaka landmark, with vendors selling fresh food and fast-food Japanese-style. Stop for lunch, or just try the tasty snacks.
Then, free time to wander along the Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori shopping streets with an array of fabulous selection of fashionable boutiques.
Later transfer to our hotel in Kyoto. Rest of the day free time at leisure.
In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Kyoto
DAY 17:– Kyoto – Tokyo
After breakfast we depart for Tokyo. Upon arrival check-in to our hotel. Rest of the day free time at leisure.
In the evening transfer for dinner at an Indian restaurant.
Meals: Breakfast, Dinner Overnight: Tokyo
DAY 18:– Tokyo – Colombo
This morning after breakfast we say Sa-yo-na-ra and depart for Narita International Airport to board your flight for Colombo in Sri Lanka.
Note:
- Please pack one set of your clothes for overnight stay in Colombo for one night.
- Complimentary hotel provided by Sri Lanka Airways.
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport Colombo, follow sigh for Arrival, Passport control. After clearing immigration formalities the Sri Lankan immigration staff will arrange transfer to our hotel for overnight stay.
Meals: Breakfast: Dinner Overnight: Colombo
DAY 19:– Colombo – London
Today after breakfast we depart for Colombo International Airport to board your flight for London.
Meals: Breakfast
Upon arrival at London Heathrow Airport, follow signs for arrival/baggage claim, clear immigration, collect baggage and follow sign for EXIT.
Note:
- Return flight – If your flight departs in the morning, you will arrive in U.K. on the same day.
- Return flight – If your flight departs in the afternoon / evening, you will arrive in U.K. on the next day..
** Your tour ends, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful holiday. **
