SOUTH TO SERENDIB Southern India and Sri Lanka aboard Island Sky

Transcription

1 SOUTH TO SERENDIB Southern India and Sri Lanka aboard Island Sky March 24 April 7, 2017

2 SOUTHERN INDIA AND SRI LANKA aboard Island Sky March 24 April 7, 2017 (14 nights/15 days) The scenic backwaters of Kerala (cover), the serene elephant herd protected at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (above), and the spice-infused curries of South Indian cuisine (left) all contribute to making this exploration of Southern India and Sri Lanka an unforgettable experience. CRUISE ABOARD THE ALL- SUITE ISLAND SKY to three of India s southern states and Sri Lanka, a little gem of an island once known as Serendib. During this 11-night voyage, visit stunning rock-cut shore temples, a landmark museum with a Gothic roof and minarets, a tiny tilefloored synagogue, a center for innovative agriculture, the imposing Basilica of Bom Jesus, and the lush backwaters of Kerala. Also enjoy an exciting, colorful performance of Kathakali, a stylized classical Indian dance-drama, and sample Southern India s distinctive cuisine. And then there s Serendib, known today as Sri Lanka and the inspiration behind the word serendipity. From the ruins of the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to Bundala National Park, a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve, and the Temple of the Tooth, which houses one of Buddhism s most sacred relics, Sri Lanka offers much that is both unexpected and fascinating. An optional pre-cruise extension to the massive and wildly colorful Temple of the Fish-Eyed Goddess in Madurai and an optional post-cruise extension to the incredible rock-hewn caves of Ajanta and Ellora are available to round out this exotic experience. TO BOOK A TRIP CALL OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL

3 HARVARD STUDY LEADER As this brochure goes to print, we have not yet confirmed the faculty study leader for this program. We intend, however, that you will be joined by a Harvard lecturer who will enhance your travel experience. You will discover that our lecturers are not only first-rate scholars and teachers but also friendly traveling companions, eager to share their insights through conversation as well as in scheduled presentations. ADDITIONAL STUDY LEADER Michael Golay, a professor in the Nuclear Science and Engineering Department at MIT, will also lecture during this program, on the dominating roles of rapidly developing countries in driving global climate change, and their policies for using energy technologies that do not emit greenhouse gases. WHY TRAVEL WITH THE HAA? Expert Harvard faculty and study leaders Over 80 destinations on all 7 continents Marvel at Mamallapuram s shore temples (below), a highlight of the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram and a UNESCO World Heritage site. (Left) Tufted gray langurs are at home in Bundala National Park. (Back cover) Mumbai s iconic Gateway of India was built to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary to the city then known as Bombay in Choice of land & rail, cruises, rivers & lakes, and family adventures Travel with fellow Harvard alumni Local culture, history, and cuisine at each stop Relationships that last beyond your itinerary FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL

4 SCHEDULE BY DAY Included meals are designated as B=breakfast, L=lunch, R=reception, D Enjoy visiting a variety of destinations that are a feast for the eyes: the Dutch-influenced architecture of Galle fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site (ab costumes (above, center); and the candy-store colors of the Temple of the Tooth (above, right). FRIDAY SATURDAY, MARCH Home / Chennai, India Depart home on an overnight flight to Chennai. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check-in. Taj Coromandel SUNDAY, MARCH 26 Chennai Today visit Mamallapuram, home to the Group of Monuments at Mahabalipuram, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Picturesquely situated between beach and lagoon are chariot-shaped temples, cave sanctuaries, giant open-air rock reliefs, and the Shore Temple, embellished with thousands of sculptures dedicated to Shiva. Return to Chennai for embarkation. MONDAY, MARCH 27 At Sea Enjoy the onboard lecture program as Island Sky cruises to Sri Lanka. TUESDAY, MARCH 28 Trincomalee, Sri Lanka Explore the 12th-century ruins of what was once Sri Lanka s magnificent medieval walled capital Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site. WEDNESDAY, MARCH 29 Hambantota / Bundala National Park Explore Bundala National Park, an important wintering ground for migratory water birds and a UNESCO Man and Biosphere Reserve since Park residents also include Asian elephants, langurs, jackal, leopards, mongooses, wild boars, and spotted deer. THURSDAY, MARCH 30 Galle Delve into Galle s colonial past at the Galle Fort, built by the Portuguese in 1588 and extensively fortified by the Dutch in the 17th century. A UNESCO World Heritage site, the fort resembles a walled town complete with a rectangular grid of streets, Dutch colonial-style houses adorned with gables and verandas, historic churches and mosques, and commercial and government buildings. FRIDAY, MARCH 31 Colombo Dock in Colombo and explore the city or take a full-day trip to Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kings of Sri Lanka. Kandy has UNESCO World Heritage designation as the site of the Temple of the Tooth, where one of Buddhism s most sacred relics is housed. En route to the temple, visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where the largest herd of captive Asian elephants in the world is nurtured and protected. SATURDAY, APRIL 1 Thiruvananthapuram, India In Thiruvananathpuram, a city of pagoda-shaped buildings and narrow winding lanes, view the exterior of Padmanabhaswamy Temple, an intricate fusion of indigenous Kerala and Dravidian styles, and visit the Puthenmalika Palace, renowned for the 122 horses carved into wooden wall brackets. Also explore the Napier Museum, which houses a rare collection of archaeological and historic artifacts, bronze idols, ancient ornaments, ivory carvings, and a temple chariot. SUNDAY, APRIL 2 Kochi Kochi, an important spice trading center on the west coast of India as early as the 14th century, is still an active port. Visit the Portuguese/Dutch Mattancherry Palace, which has a series of remarkable murals painted on its wooden walls. Cruise through the backwaters, a network of canals, lakes, and lagoons, on a traditional houseboat for a peek at traditional, rural lifestyles. In the evening, enjoy a spellbinding Kathakali dance performance on board. MONDAY, APRIL 3 Kochi The graceful, cantilevered Chinese fishing nets along the shoreline of Kochi are the legacy of a centuries-old fishing custom now more dependent on tourism than fish. Visit St. Francis Church, the oldest European church in India and the original resting place of Portuguese explore Vasco da Gama, and the tiny Paradesi Synagogue, with its handpainted, blue-willow floor tiles. FOR DETAILED ITINERARIES VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL

5 =dinner Mumbai MAHARASHTRA Goa PANAJI INDIA BAY OF BENGAL Cruise from Chennai Trincomalee Mangalore Chennai KARNATAKA Kochi KERALA TAMILNADU Thiruvananathpuram Polunnarua SRI LANKA Kandy Colombo INDIAN OCEAN Galle Hambantota Bundala National Park ove, left); the bold designs of Kathakali dance TUESDAY, APRIL 4 Mangalore At renowned Soans Farm, learn about its innovative agricultural techniques and taste some of the produce grown here. Continue to Moodabidri to see the 15thcentury thousand-pillared Jain temple, and in Karkala marvel at the monolithic statue of Bhagawan Bahubali. WEDNESDAY, APRIL 5 Goa Goa was the capital of Portugal s eastern empire for 400 years. In Old Goa, visit the Basilica of Bom Jesus, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which contains the silver casket of St. Francis Xavier. Also explore the State Archaeological Museum, whose collections of portraits, wooden sculptures, architectural fragments, and ephemera highlight the Portuguese period in Goa. THURSDAY FRIDAY, APRIL 6 7 Mumbai / Home Disembark in Mumbai and travel past the Gateway of India and along Marine Drive. Catch glimpses of the dabbah wallahs delivering lunches to offices throughout the city and the dhobi wallahs (laundrymen) at their outdoor laundry. Visit Mani Bhavan, Gandhi s headquarters for 17 years and now a museum dedicated to his memory, and the contemporary Prince of Wales Museum, Mumbai s finest Victorian building. This afternoon relax in the Orchid Mumbai Hotel before transferring to the airport for flights home, arriving on April 7. (B,L) DETAILS Activity level: Moderate Group size: 93 guests Co-sponsors: MIT, Dartmouth, and Stanford WHAT TO EXPECT These tropical climes are humid, with daytime highs ranging from the mid 80s to the mid 90s F, and a slight chance of rain in Sri Lanka. The pace of this program is moderately active, with some early-morning departures and long motorcoach drives (two-three hours), and walking up to two miles at one or two sites, on occasion over uneven terrain, while ashore. Participants must be in good health and able to keep up with the group without assistance from tour staff. Participants with medical issues and/or dietary restrictions must make them known to us well before departure, and impairments regarding mobility must be disclosed prior to booking. If you have any questions about the level of activity of this program or your ability to participate, please call HAA Travels at OPTIONAL PRE-TRIP EXTENSION Madurai MARCH 22 25, 2017 The geographical and religious center of Madurai is a massive Hindu temple complex dedicated to Meenakshi, the fish-eyed goddess. Its fourteen elongated pyramidal towers swarm with thousands of garishly colored figures of gods, demons, and animals, while inside priests perform rituals at multiple shrines, and worshipers seeking favors from the gods pay their respects. Also visit the Thirumalai Nayak Palace; erected in 1636 by King Thirumalai Nayak, it is a classic fusion of Dravidian and Rajput styles. (2B,2L,1D). Rates: $1,795 per person, double occupancy; $2,285 per person, single occupancy. Airfare for internal flights: approximately $250 per person, subject to change. OPTIONAL POST-TRIP EXTENSION Aurangabad (Ajanta and Ellora) APRIL 6 10, 2017 Aurangabad is the gateway to the rock-hewn caves of Ajanta and Ellora, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. Carved from volcanic lava cliffs by Buddhist monks, the Ajanta caves are adorned with sculptures and frescoes dating back to the 2nd century B.C. The Ellora caves, which date from approximately A.D. 600 to A.D. 1000, comprise an impressive complex of shrines representing the three faiths of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. (B,3L,3D). Rates: $2,490 per person, double occupancy; $3,180 per person, single occupancy. Airfare for internal flights: approximately $250 per person, subject to change.

6 ISLAND SKY Originally built in 1992 and refurbished and redecorated in 2013, Island Sky accommodates all guests in 57 outside suites, each with sea views, a sitting room area, flat-screen TV, safe, mini-refrigerator, and an en suite, marbleappointed bathroom with robe, slippers, and hair dryer. Several suites have private balconies. Spacious and finely decorated public areas include a large lounge and elegant bar and a library. The dining room accommodates everyone at one seating, and house wine, beer, and soft drinks are included at lunch and dinner. Wi-Fi access is available throughout the vessel (at additional cost and dependent upon satellite reception). The ship amenities also include a hairdresser, onboard clinic and doctor, elevator serving all passenger decks, and two sun decks, one with a bar. Island Sky is served by 75 experienced officers and crew. EXPLORER DECK ERIKSON DECK PROGRAM RATES, per person CATEGORY DOUBLE SINGLE A MAGELLAN $11,995 $17, sq. ft., portholes (3 in cabin 250, 2 in cabin 252) B MAGELLAN $12,995 $19, sq. ft., portholes (2, 3, or 4, depending on cabin) C COLUMBUS $14,495 $21, sq. ft., windows (1 or 2 depending on cabin) D MARCO POLO $14, sq. ft., window E MARCO POLO $16, sq. ft., forward and side windows F ERIKSON $17, sq. ft., sliding glass door, private balcony G EXPLORER $18, sq. ft., sliding glass door, private balcony MARCO POLO DECK COLUMBUS DECK MAGELLAN DECK AIR ARRANGEMENTS U.S. domestic and international airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare from New York to Chennai, India, with return from Mumbai, is approximately $1,500 per person as of March 2016 and is subject to change without notice. Information about making flight arrangements will be sent to all participants. GENERAL INFORMATION TOUR COST INCLUSIONS: All accommodations, meals, and excursions as specified in the itinerary; Comprehensive program of briefings, lectures, and presentations; Transfers on group arrival and departure days; Baggage handling for one checked piece and one carry-on piece per person; Gratuities to porters, wait staff, guides, drivers, and shipboard personnel for all group activities; Entrance fees and port charges; Welcome and farewell wine receptions; House wine, beer, and soft drinks on board Island Sky and with all group lunches and dinners; Bottled water during excursions; Complete packet of pre-departure information including educational materials; Professional tour manager; $200,000 Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance. TOUR COST EXCLUSIONS: U.S. domestic and international airfare; Passport or visa expenses; Medical expenses and immunizations; Airport transfers except as noted above; Travel and trip cancellation insurance; Optional excursions or deviations from the scheduled tour; Excess baggage charges; Meals not specified in the itinerary; Dishes and beverages not part of the included meals; Liquor; Personal items such as , telephone and fax calls, laundry, and gratuities for nongroup services. TERMS & CONDITIONS RESERVATIONS, DEPOSITS, & FINAL PAYMENT: To reserve a space on this program, a $1,000 deposit is required per person. Please either call us at or or fill out and mail or fax the registration form found in this brochure. Reservations are acknowledged in order of receipt until the maximum enrollment has been reached. Final payment deadline is November 24, 2016, 120 days prior to departure. CANCELLATIONS & REFUNDS: Notification of cancellation must be received in writing by HAA from the participant. Cancellations within 14 days of booking: full refund; cancellations received up to 120 days prior to departure will be assessed a cancellation fee of $1,000 per person. Cancellations received within 120 days prior to departure are subject to 100% penalty of all deposits and payments. ITINERARY CHANGES: The itinerary contained in this brochure is accurate at the time of printing. We reserve the right to change the program or accommodations as conditions warrant. INSURANCE: We highly recommend the purchase of trip cancellation insurance. An application for insurance will be provided by HAA upon confirmation. RESPONSIBILITY: Certain other provisions apply regarding limitations of liability and rights of HAA and the tour operator. The statement of responsibility is available at southernindia If you are not able to access the Internet, please call HAA Travels at or DISCLAIMER: Every reasonable effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information presented in this publication. Neither HAA nor the tour operator is responsible for errors in or damages resulting from use of the information contained herein. Information contained in this brochure is subject to change. QUESTIONS: Please call HAA Travels at or , haatravels@harvard.edu California Seller of Travel Program CST # TO BOOK A TRIP CALL OR VISIT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL

7 A SAMPLING OF 2016 & 2017 HAA TRIPS REGISTRATION FORM LAND & RAIL SILK ROAD ODYSSEY: THE FIVE STANS SEP 6 23, 2016 FIVE NIGHTS IN VIENNA SEP 10 16, 2016 JOHN STEWART THE HOLY LAND: ISRAEL & PALESTINE SEP 18 28, 2016 PETER MACHINIST BEHIND THE SCENES AT CERN & ITER: SCIENTIFIC DISCOVERIES, CULTURE & CUISINE OF GENEVA & PROVENCE SEP 19 28, 2016 MELISSA FRANKLIN COLOMBIA: BOGOTÁ & CARTAGENA SEP 23 30, 2016 MARK VAN BAALEN DISCOVERING EASTERN EUROPE OCT 1 17, 2016 DISCOVER ETHIOPIA OCT 5 22, 2016 THAILAND, LAOS & CAMBODIA OCT 7 21, 2016 PETER BOL WONDERS OF CHILE & ARGENTINA OCT 8 23, 2016 JIM COSTA MYSTICAL INDIA OCT 13 29, 2016 HUGH FLICK INSIDER S ROME OCT 19 27, 2016 HARVEY COX SOUTHERN AFRICA ODYSSEY OCT 20 NOV 6, 2016 INSIDER S CHINA: ANCIENT VILLAGES TO DYNAMIC BOOM OCT 22 NOV 4, 2016 MARTIN WHYTE TANZANIAN SAFARI: THE GREAT MIGRATION FEB 5 17, 2017 GATEWAY TO ICELAND (THE NORTHERN LIGHTS IN THE LAND OF FIRE & ICE) FEB 9 13, 2017 & FEB 16 20, 2017 INDIA: SPLENDORS OF THE SOUTH FEB 8 MAR 24, 2017 SPRING BREAK GREECE MAR 12 21, 2017 GREGORY NAGY ST. PATRICK S DAY IN DUBLIN MAR 15 19, 2017 WEEK IN BARCELONA APR 19 26, 2017 MICHAEL BRENNER CHINA & JAPAN MAY 8 22, 2017 PETER BOL & ANDREW GORDON VILLAGE LIFE IN DORDOGNE MAY 11 19, 2017 NORWEGIAN SPLENDOR JUN 20 JUL 5, 2017 CRUISES BLACK SEA ON ISLAND SKY SEP 25 OCT 6, 2016 DAVID AGUILAR TREASURES & ANCIENT WONDERS OF SICILY ON SEA CLOUD II OCT 14 23, 2016 WILLIAM GRANARA TRADE ROUTES OF COASTAL IBERIA ON LE LYRICAL OCT 25 NOV 2, 2016 FACES OF MELANESIA ON CALEDONIAN SKY NOV 17 DEC 3, 2016 THE GULF STATES: UNITED ARAB EMIRATES (DUBAI & ABU DHABI), QATAR, BAHRAIN, SAUDI ARABIA & OMAN ON ISLAND SKY NOV 29 DEC 9, 2016 CHARLES COGAN NEW YEAR S GALÁPAGOS ABOARD ORIGIN DEC 29, 2016 JAN 9, 2017 ZARIN MACHANDA PATAGONIA EXPEDITION ON STELLA AUSTRALIS JAN 5 17, 2017 JARED DIAMOND EXPEDITION TO ANTARCTICA ON LE SOLEAL JAN 21 FEB 3, 2017 DAVID AGUILAR NEW ZEALAND BY SEA ON CALEDONIAN SKY JAN 29 FEB 11, 2017 JOCK PHILLIPS & BRIAN FARRELL TAHITI, FRENCH POLYNESIA & TUAMOTOU ISLANDS ON PAUL GAUGUIN FEB 9 19, 2017 SUSAN SULEIMAN CUBA UNDER SAIL ON VARIETY VOYAGER FEB 11 18, 2017 SAILING THE PANAMA CANAL ON SEA CLOUD II FEB 20 MAR 3, 2017 SOUTHERN INDIA & SRI LANKA ON ISLAND SKY MAR 24 APR 7, 2017 JAPAN BY SEA ON CALEDONIAN SKY APR 13 26, 2017 MARK VAN BAALEN EUROPEAN COASTAL CIVILIZATIONS (LISBON TO LONDON) ON LE BOREAL APR 30 MAY 9, 2017 ADRIATIC & AEGEAN: ATHENS TO VENICE ON LE LYRIAL MAY 8 16, 2017 SAILING THE BALTIC S AMBER COAST ON SEA CLOUD II JUL 19 30, 2017 MICHAEL SHINAGEL RIVERS & LAKES PASSAGE OF LEWIS & CLARK ON AMERICAN EMPRESS AUG 13 21, 2016 CASTLE MCLAUGHLIN & MARY MALLOY CRUISING THE ROMANTIC RHONE: PROVENCE TO BURGUNDY ON AMADAGIO SEP 20 30, 2016 PRIDE OF SOUTH AFRICA, NAMIBIA, BOTSWANA & ZIMBABWE MAR 1 16, 2017 DUTCH & FLEMISH LANDSCAPES APR 19 27, 2017 FAMILY ADVENTURES & SPRING BREAK FAMILY TUSCANY & ROME: A MULTI- GENERATIONAL HOLIDAY IN ITALY AUG 7 16, 2016 TANZANIA FAMILY SAFARI DEC 23, 2016 JAN 3, 2017 SCOTT EDWARDS CUBA FAMILY DEC 27, 2016 JAN 2, 2017 GREECE FAMILY VOYAGE ON RUNNING ON WAVES JUN 22 JUL 1, 2017 JONATHAN WALTON To register, fill out this form and return to HAA Travels with your deposit of $1,000 per person. Please return this form by mail to: HAA Travels, Harvard Alumni Association 124 Mount Auburn Street, 6th Floor, Cambridge, MA Or by fax: Please call with any questions: or I AM NOT ABLE TO MAKE THIS TRIP, BUT PLEASE ADD ME TO YOUR MAILING LIST. PROGRAM NAME FIRST PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE SECOND PERSON NAME ON PASSPORT ADDRESS STREET ADDRESS CITY / STATE / ZIP OR POSTAL CODE HOME TELEPHONE METHOD OF DEPOSIT WORK TELEPHONE WORK TELEPHONE START DATE CHECK (please enclose check) MASTERCARD VISA CARD NUMBER EXPIRATION DATE NAME AS IT APPEARS ON CARD DATE OF BIRTH DATE OF BIRTH 3-DIGIT SECURITY CODE I/WE CONFIRM THAT WE HAVE READ AND ACCEPT THE GENERAL INFORMATION FOR THIS TOUR, INCLUDING REFUNDS AND CANCELLATIONS AND THE RESPONSIBILITY CLAUSE AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL. SIGNATURE SIGNATURE ACCOMMODATIONS CABIN CATEGORY PREFERENCE 1ST CHOICE HOTEL ROOM PREFERENCE 2ND CHOICE Photo Credits (From Dreamstime.com): Kerala backwaters Rafal Cichawa Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage Timur Abramov Kerala curry Manubahuguna Langurs Patrice Correia Mamallapuram temples Steve Allen Galle Jaromir Chalabala Kathakali dancer Pavel Aleynikov Temple of the Tooth Dmitry Islentyev Gateway of India Youssouf Cader. DOUBLE ROOM SINGLE ROOM SHARE A ROOM WITH: ROOMMATE

8 HARVARD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 124 MOUNT AUBURN STREET, 6TH FLOOR CAMBRIDGE, MA BOOK YOUR NEXT JOURNEY WITH THE HAA TODAY! CALL OR VISIT US AT ALUMNI.HARVARD.EDU/TRAVEL PRSRT STD U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 604 Sacramento, CA