BEIJING M.I.C.E INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL SERVICE Co.,LTD

Day 1: Shanghai – (Flight) – Colombo

Itinerary: Meet at the designated time at Terminal 1, Shanghai Pudong International Airport, and fly to Sri Lanka on China Eastern Airlines. Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for rest. Sri Lanka (Sri Lanka), formerly known as Ceylon, is like a teardrop in the Indian Ocean, set against the vast expanse of the sea. Let’s melt into this fairy-tale country with the tropical breeze!

Transportation: Reference flight: Shanghai Pudong T1 – Colombo MU231 (13:55 – 19:00), specific times are subject to the airline’s ticket issuance!

Meals: Meals are not included.

Hotel：Courtyard Colombo/The Kingsbury/Cinnamon Lakeside/Cinnamon Grand/Marino Beach/Jetwing Colombo Seven/Hilton/Heritance Negombo/Jetwing Blue/Jetwing Lagoon/Movenpick Hotel Colombo

Day 2: Colombo – (by car) Pinnawela – (by car) Dambulla (approximately 3 hours drive)

Itinerary:

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage (visiting time approximately 1 hour): The elephant orphanage is located in Pinnawela, about a 3-hour drive from Colombo. This facility specifically cares for elephants that have been orphaned, fallen into pits or traps, separated from their herds, or are injured or sick, especially young elephants. Since its establishment over 30 years ago, the orphanage has cared for nearly 100 elephants. Here you can have an intimate encounter with these gentle giants and see one of the highlights – the elephants running to the river for their bath.
• Lunch: Have lunch locally.
• Drive to Dambulla: After lunch, drive to Dambulla.
• Sigiriya (Lion Rock) (visiting time approximately 2 hours): Known as one of the wonders of the world, Sigiriya was built over 18 years and is a real palace constructed on a reddish-brown rock. The rock stands 200 meters high, and the palace city is built into the rock, ingeniously designed. It is known as the “Rock Fortress Kingdom.” From the top, the view opens up to a vast jungle, green and lush, and the entire ancient city can be seen at a glance.
• Notes:
  1. The elephants bathe twice a day, at around 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
  2. If the water flow in the Maha Oya River is too strong, the elephant bathing may be temporarily canceled. Please understand.
  3. There are often wasps in the Sigiriya area, so please be cautious!
• Transportation: Local air-conditioned tourist bus.
• Meals: Breakfast: Hotel buffet; Lunch: Local lunch; Dinner: Hotel dinner.

Hotel：Heritance Kandalama/Jetwing Lake/Aliya Resort & Spa/Cinnamon Lodge

Day 3: Dambulla – (by car) Sigiriya – (by car) Kandy (total driving time approximately 5 hours)

Itinerary:

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• Dambulla Cave Temple (World Heritage Site) (visiting time approximately 1 hour) (shoes must be removed upon entry, shoe storage fee is approximately 50-100 rupees). Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the largest and best-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka, carved out of solid rock. The temple houses various stone-carved Buddha statues and other sculptures, along with colorful murals dating back about 2,000 years. Inside the caves, there are 2,100 square meters of murals and 157 statues, each with unique features. The Dambulla Caves have been a place of worship since the 1st century BCE when King Valagamba took refuge here. There are five separate caves, containing about 150 paintings and statues. Most of the artwork dates back to the 19th century.
  • First Cave: The Temple of the Great Gods, which contains a 15-meter-long reclining Buddha statue carved from a single block of rock.
  • Second Cave: The Great King’s Cave, considered the most impressive cave, is 52 meters long, 23 meters deep, and 7 meters high, named after two statues of kings inside.
  • Third Cave: The New Great Cave, converted from a storeroom by the last king of Kandy in the 18th century, is filled with statues, including a beautiful reclining Buddha.
  • Fourth and Fifth Caves: Smaller in size. The caves offer panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Locals walk barefoot from the open space in front of Dambulla as a sign of respect.
• Lunch: Proceed to Matale Spice Garden for lunch and an opportunity to see various spices native to Sri Lanka.
• Kandy (World Heritage Site): Kandy is the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, filled with historical and cultural landmarks. The city has a more relaxed and refreshing atmosphere. Even in the rain, Kandy retains its charm, and after the rain, the cobalt blue sky ignites the city’s passion. The feel of the city is similar yet different from Colombo.
• Kandy Lake & Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (visiting time approximately 1 hour) (long pants and non-revealing tops required, shoes must be removed, shoe storage available for a fee of about 50 rupees). The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is located on the shores of picturesque Kandy Lake in the heart of the sacred city. It houses one of the two surviving relics of the Buddha’s tooth, a national treasure of Sri Lanka. Walking through the temple, you will see devout men and women dressed in white sitting on the ground reciting scriptures, while orange-robed monks pass by, their dark skin contrasting with the white walls. Incense smoke, solemn bell and drum sounds, and serene expressions create a tranquil and reverent atmosphere.
• Special Gift: Traditional Kandyan dance performance. Kandyan dance originated from ancient rituals to dispel evil spirits and has evolved into a graceful and skillful dance representing Sri Lankan culture. Among the dances, those mimicking elephants and peacocks are the most typical. (If the performance cannot be viewed due to various reasons, no refund will be given, please understand.)

Transportation:

• Local air-conditioned tourist vehicle.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Hotel buffet
• Lunch: Local lunch
• Dinner: Hotel dinner

Hotel：Amaya Hills/Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts/Hotel Tree of Life/Earl’s Regency/Hanthana Boutique Villa/The Grand Kandyan/Thilanka/The Golden Crown/Mahaweli Reach

Day 4: Kandy – (by car) Nuwara Eliya (Approximately 3.5 hours drive)

Itinerary:

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• Royal Botanic Gardens (visiting time approximately 1 hour): The Royal Botanic Gardens were established in 1371 and were once the royal gardens of the Kandy kings. The gardens contain over 4,000 species of plants native to Sri Lanka and imported from abroad, including some very rare and precious tropical plants. The equatorial tropical sunshine and the Mediterranean-like climate of the Kandy region ensure that the gardens are lush and in full bloom all year round.
• Tea Plantation Visit: Along the way, you will visit a famous tea plantation, stretching for miles in both directions as you approach Nuwara Eliya. Here, you can learn about the production process of black and green tea and taste fresh, authentic “Ceylon Tea.”
• Gregory Lake and Pink Post Office (drive-by exterior visit): Gregory Lake and the Pink Post Office are gift attractions. The Pink Post Office, built in 1894, is named for its pink exterior and has become a popular destination for tourists visiting Sri Lanka. From afar, the pink building stands out against the blue sky, white clouds, and green vegetation, exuding a cute and fresh vibe. The Pink Post Office is located in a quiet and elegant setting surrounded by mountains near the station. The area receives abundant rainfall, and the air is exceptionally fresh and cool. It was once a favorite summer retreat for British immigrants and still retains many British-style buildings. In the town of Nuwara Eliya, this post office with its British charm is a remarkable sight. Each visitor will receive two complimentary postcards.
• Note: If Horton Plains National Park is not visited on Day 5, the afternoon can be replaced with a leisurely Afternoon Tea experience. Arriving in Nuwara Eliya, head to The Grand Hotel for a quintessential High Tea experience. Even Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom enjoyed tea here on a sunny Easter Sunday in 1954!
• Additional Notes:
  1. The tea plantation is located in a high-altitude area with significant temperature differences between day and night. Almost all hotels do not provide air conditioning, only heating.
  2. If the Pink Post Office is closed due to local holidays or public holidays, the visit will be replaced with an exterior view, and no refunds will be provided.

Transportation:

• Local air-conditioned tourist vehicle.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Hotel buffet
• Lunch: Local lunch
• Dinner: Hotel dinner

Hotel：Araliya Green City/Langdale Boutique Hotel by Amaya/Jetwing St.Andrew’s/Heritance Tea Factory/The CheRiz Boutique Hotel/Araliya Green Hills Hotel/Grand Hotel/The Golden Ridge Hotel

Day 5: Nuwara Eliya – (by car) Horton Plains – (by train) Yala (Approximately 4.5 hours drive)

Itinerary:

• Packed Breakfast: Depart early with a packed breakfast to visit Horton Plains National Park, known as the “End of the World.” The park is a significant eco-tourism area in Sri Lanka and one of the few national parks where visitors can hike. The entire circular walking trail is about 9.5 kilometers long and takes 3-4 hours to complete. It’s about 4 kilometers from the entrance to “World’s End.” The best time to visit World’s End is before 10:00 AM, especially during the rainy season from April to September. There are cliffs nearly a kilometer high, and from the top, you can glimpse the Indian Ocean, about 80 kilometers away. Therefore, it’s essential to arrive at the park entrance before 7:00 AM. If you arrive later, the rising mist may obscure the view.
• Tea Plantation Train Ride: Experience a scenic train journey through the beautiful tea plantations. You’ll enjoy the stunning scenery along the railway line and interact with the locals.
• Note:
  1. Due to the fog that rolls in by 9:00 AM at Horton Plains, guests need to start early (around 4:00 AM, exact departure time determined by the guide). After driving to the park, guests will need to hike for about 2 hours to reach the best viewing points. Please prepare accordingly, such as wearing appropriate clothing and footwear.
  2. Large vehicles are not allowed in Horton Plains, and you will need to switch to smaller vehicles. Sri Lanka operates on a tipping system, so please tip the driver 300 rupees at the end of the ride.
  3. The drive to Yala is quite long, but the scenery is pleasant. Note: There is a mountain road section of about 1.5 hours. The road winds and twists, so guests prone to motion sickness should prepare anti-nausea medication or use balm half an hour in advance.
• Optional Activities:
  • Guests who choose to hike at Horton Plains will depart early in the morning (around 4:00 AM, exact time determined by the guide).
  • Guests who choose not to visit Horton Plains will be arranged for an afternoon tea experience the previous day. These guests will sleep in and enjoy free time at the hotel. They will join the main group after the Horton Plains hike and continue to Yala.

Transportation:

• Local air-conditioned tourist vehicle.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Hotel breakfast (packed)
• Lunch: Local lunch
• Dinner: Hotel dinner

Hotel：Jetwing Yala/Cinnamon Wild/Mandara Rosen/Chaarya Resort & Spa by Chandrika/Shangri-La Hambantota/Grand Tamarind Lake/Ekho Safari/Doubletree by Hilton

Day 6: Yala – (by car) Galle – (by car) Southern Beach (Approximately 5 hours drive)

Itinerary:

• Packed Breakfast: Wake up early and have a packed breakfast.
• Yala National Park (visiting time approximately 2 hours): Drive for about 1.5 hours to visit one of the most popular national parks in Sri Lanka, Yala National Park. The park extends from the coast inland and covers 979 square kilometers, renowned for its diverse wildlife. Established on March 1, 1938, the park consists of five zones, with only two open to the public. You will embark on a jeep safari to track leopards, black bears, observe wild peacocks, crocodiles, and catch glimpses of elephants and other rare wildlife. Various mammals, reptiles, and marine life coexist harmoniously here, including leopards, monkeys, wild boars, wild buffaloes, bears, foxes, wolves, pangolins, and more.
• Stilt Fishermen: Visit the stilt fishermen, where fishermen climb onto wooden poles submerged in the sea and sit on simple wooden platforms to fish. Their target is the abundant sardines found in the shallow waters. With luck, they catch fish frequently, even without bait on their fishing rods, which is quite amazing.
• Galle Fort: Visit Galle Fort, a living ancient city and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The fort was built by Dutch colonists, and the sturdy old walls are a signature feature of Galle Fort. Not only are they a testament to the changes in Galle during the colonial period, but they also protected the entire city during the South Asian tsunami in 2004. Arrive in the southern city of Galle.
• Southern Beach Town: Continue driving to a southern beach town. Upon arrival, check into a seaside hotel and enjoy free time. You can watch the sunset by the sea or take a leisurely stroll along the beach, fully experiencing the unique charm and allure of a coastal city.

Notes:

1. Yala National Park Closure: Yala National Park is usually closed for about a month from early September to October each year. During this time, the itinerary may change to Udawalawe National Park, and the accommodation for the previous night might be adjusted to Udawalawe, depending on the actual arrangements.
2. Jeep Safari: To enter Yala National Park, you will need to take a jeep. Sri Lanka operates on a tipping system, so please tip the driver 300 rupees at the end of the safari.

Transportation:

• Local air-conditioned tourist vehicle.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Hotel breakfast (packed)
• Lunch: Local lunch
• Dinner: Hotel dinner

Hotel：Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort/Weligama Marriott Resort & Spa / Radisson Blu Galle/RIU

Day 7: Southern Beach

Itinerary:

• Morning Free Time at the Hotel: Enjoy free time at the hotel.
• Optional Paid Activity: Whale Watching Half-Day Tour in Mirissa, priced at $120 per person (minimum 10 people required for the tour to proceed).
• Afternoon: Drive to visit the Turtle Conservation Project. Here, you can learn about the entire life cycle of sea turtles, from birth to adulthood, and have the opportunity for a close encounter with these adorable marine creatures.
• Mangrove Forest Tour: Visit the mangrove forests. Mangroves are a type of vegetation that grows in the upper intertidal zone of low-energy tropical and subtropical coasts, periodically inundated by tidal waters. They are dominated by red mangrove trees and include other species such as herbaceous and climbing red mangroves. These forests grow in the transitional zone between land and sea, forming a unique ecosystem.

Notes:

1. Guide’s Discretion: The guide may adjust the order of the attractions based on the actual situation of the day.
2. Gift Attractions: The mangrove forest tour and turtle conservation project are gift attractions. If guests prefer to have free time at the beach, they may voluntarily give up these attractions, and no refunds will be provided.
3. Cancellation Due to Weather: If these gift attractions cannot be visited due to weather or other reasons, they will be canceled, and no refunds will be provided. Please understand.
4. Boat Tour: For the mangrove forest tour, a boat ride is required. Sri Lanka operates on a tipping system, so please tip the boatman 300 rupees at the end of the boat tour.

Whale Watching Notes:

1. Challenges of Whale Watching: The process of searching for blue whales requires overcoming the challenge of seasickness. If the weather conditions are poor due to high waves, the tour may be canceled.
2. Seasonality and Uncertainty: While there is a good chance of seeing whales during the whale watching season, marine life is unpredictable, and sightings cannot be guaranteed.

Transportation:

• Local air-conditioned tourist vehicle.

Meals:

• Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
• Lunch: Local lunch
• Dinner: Hotel dinner

Hotel：Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort/Weligama Marriott Resort & Spa / Radisson Blu Galle/RIU

Day 8: Southern Beach – (by train) Colombo – (by flight) Shanghai

Itinerary:

• Breakfast: Enjoy breakfast at the hotel.
• Coastal Train Experience: Experience the scenic coastal train back to Colombo. Note: If the train is unavailable, we will travel by car instead, and no refunds will be provided.
• Colombo City Tour (Gift Attraction): Colombo is rapidly changing, much like other developing nations’ capitals. However, there are still remnants of its former charm. You will visit the Independence Memorial Square, symbolizing national autonomy, an Hindu Temple, a Buddhist Temple, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall—a gift from the People’s Republic of China to Sri Lanka—and the Chinese Embassy in Sri Lanka (exterior visits or drive-by).
• Note:
  1. The coastal train is a gift attraction to experience local culture. The train facilities are relatively basic and do not have air conditioning. Please pay attention to your safety. Guests who do not wish to take the train can choose to return to Colombo by the tour vehicle, and no refunds will be provided.
  2. Sri Lanka has limited resources, and train tickets cannot be purchased in advance. They can only be bought on the spot, so there may be instances where seats are not available. Tickets will be issued based on availability.
  3. The train schedules in Sri Lanka change daily, and the time boards at the stations are manually updated. Therefore, there may be issues with delays, cancellations, or schedule changes. If there are any changes or cancellations, we will use a tour bus instead. Please understand.
• Departure: Transfer to the airport according to your flight time and fly back to Shanghai.
• Arrival: Arrive at Shanghai Pudong International Airport and conclude your enjoyable journey!

Transportation:

• Reference Flight: Colombo – Shanghai Pudong T1 MU232 (20:20 – 05:35 +1), specific times are subject to the airline’s ticket issuance!

Meals:

• Breakfast: Hotel breakfast
• Lunch: Chinese seafood meal or Lotus Tower meal
• Dinner: On your own

Hotel:

• None

Day 9: Shanghai

Itinerary:

• Arrival in Shanghai: Arrive in Shanghai in the morning and conclude your delightful journey in Sri Lanka.

Transportation:

• None

Meals:

• None

Hotel:

• None