SRI LANKA A JOURNEY THROUGH THE HOLY ISLAND JANUARY 23 – FEBRUARY 8, 2017 TOUR LEADER: JUDY TENZING

Sigiriya

Overview One of Asia’s true hidden gems, ‘Sri Lanka’ translates in Sanskrit to the ‘Holy’ or ‘Blessed Island’. A country full of unspoilt natural beauty, World Heritage-listed ancient sites, gardens, tea plantations and beautiful beaches, we experience the wonders of ancient Buddhist culture and civilisation, wildlife on par with an African safari, and the old-world charm of Sri Lanka’s colonial heritage. Some sites date back to the 3rd century CE and the wealth of fine sculpture and painting on offer is testament to the richness of the culture. This tour is perfect for those with an interest in the history, religions and culture of one of Asia’s least known, most beautiful and long overlooked destinations. This 17-day itinerary begins in Negombo and travels north to the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Dambulla, and Sigiriya, where we see amazing rock formations, cave temples filled with images of Buddha and archaeological ruins. In Kandy we visit one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites and possibly run into a few elephants. We visit a tea plantation in the hills and go on safari to search for elusive leopards. We then spend a relaxing three days exploring the colonial town of Galle, famous for its fort, spices and colonial Dutch, Portuguese and British architecture before our final two days in the capital Colombo.

Your tour leader Judy Tenzing has a lifelong passion for travel and over 30 years experience as a tour leader on the sub-continent and in Asia. Judy has a degree in South Asian History and has regularly presented courses at Sydney University’s Centre for Continuing Education on the history and culture of this remarkable region.

Judy’s interests in the great subcontinent are varied and while its history – from ancient

times through the period of the Raj and post-independence – is her great passion, she is also keenly interested in, and has taught courses, on Buddhism and its role in the cultures of the region. A deep understanding of these great societies is dependent upon a sound grasp of their spiritual beliefs and traditions. Sri Lanka specifically has long been the sanctuary of the original Thervadin texts and teachings for Buddhists across Asia. Sri Lanka has also been a leader in the region for environmental sustainability and wildlife conservation and Judy is keenly interested in the many and varied projects which are underway in these fields, in particular several elephant conservation programs which have been so successful in this unique island nation. Since 2013, Judy has developed and led successful tours to Burma and India for Academy Travel, always receiving wonderful feedback from her clients. A passenger on Judy’s most recent tour commented: “Judy Tenzing was an excellent tour leader and the tour was very well paced. The accommodation choices were excellent.”

Sri lanka A journey through the holy island

Tour dates: January 23 – February 8, 2017

Tour leader: Judy Tenzing

Tour Price: $7,475 pp, twin share (land only)

Single Supplement: $1,990 for sole use of double room

Booking deposit: $500 per person

Recommended airline: Singapore or Malaysian airlines

Maximum places: 20

Itinerary: Negombo (1 night), Anuradhapura (3 nights), Dambulla (3 nights), Kandy (2 nights), Nuwara Eliya (1 night), Yala National Park (2 nights), Galle (4 nights), Colombo (1 night)

Date published: March 24, 2016

Enquiries and bookings

For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Erin Laffin at Academy Travel on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email erin@academytravel.com.au

A short history of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has been continuously inhabited for more than 2 million years, with the original inhabitants descended from Stone Age hunter gatherers. Immigration arrived from northern India around the 5th century BCE, forming the basis of the modern Sinhalese population. Tamils from the south of India arrived approximately two centuries later, settling in Jaffna. In contrast to the largely Buddhist Sinhalese, most Tamils are Hindu or Christian and form a minority in the Sri Lankan population. The legendary north Indian Prince Vijaya and his 700 followers landed near Puttallam and formed the first Sinhalese kingdom around Anuradhapura. In the 3rd century BCE, Buddhism arrived from India at Mihintale, where the conversion of Sinhalese King Tissa occurred. Early Buddhist emissaries brought a cutting from the Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment; it survives in Anuradhapura and is an important pilgrimage site. Tensions with Tamil Kingdoms in India were never far away and a Pandyan invasion in 432 led to the establishment of the rock fortress at Sigiriya as the capital. Legends surrounding the fortress also tell a story of King Kassapa building the residence on top of the rock after murdering his own father. Following Kassapa’s short rule, the capital returned to Anuradhapura before moving to Polonnaruwa in 1070 where it remained for 150 years. Kandy came into prominence after the Portuguese arrived in 1505 and was soon the only independent kingdom in Sri Lanka, falling to the British in 1815 after defying the Portuguese and the Dutch for 300 years. By 1518 the Portuguese had established good relations with the King and were allowed to build a fort at Colombo, with favourable trading concessions in return for the king’s protection. Meanwhile, the Dutch established a trading fort in Galle, destroying the earlier Portuguese outpost. It wasn’t long until the Dutch East India Company controlled most of Ceylon. But France’s control over the Netherlands and defeat in the Napoleonic wars saw British control of Sri Lanka confirmed at the Treaty of Amiens. Unrest under colonial rule saw the Ceylon National Congress formed in 1919, uniting Sinhalese and Tamils. A constitution was written and some concessions provided but it wasn’t until the 1947 constitution came into effect that Ceylon gained independence in 1948. The 1972 constitution proclaimed the Republic of Sri Lanka but tensions between Sinhalese and Tamils grew into a civil war that lasted from 1983 to 2009, with the defeat of the Tamils. On Boxing Day 2004 a disastrous tsunami struck the southwest coast, killing 30,000 people and displacing 1.5 million more. Today Sri Lanka is a democratic republic governed by a president and prime minister.

Image: heavenly maidens frescoes adorn the walls at Sigiriya

Tour Highlights The temples, dagobas and archaeological sites around

Anuradhapura, the first Sinhalese kingdom Three luxurious nights at the Geoffrey Bawa-designed

Heritance Kandalama Hotel, emerging from the jungle and set into the cliff face

The imposing Lion Rock fortress at Sigiriya, with its brilliant frescoes and landscaped royal gardens

Dambulla’s Royal Rock Temple and its 150 cave images of Buddha

The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, one of Buddhism’s most sacred sites

A relaxing stay among the tea plantations of the hill country, remnants of the British Raj

A full day safari in Yala National Park, spotting leopards, elephants and a diverse range of migratory and indigenous birdlife

Galle and its fantastic history, an exciting mixture of British, Portuguese and Dutch influences and now a Muslim enclave

A morning wandering amongst the faded colonial architecture of downtown Colombo and a visit to the National Museum, one of the best in South Asia

Above: impressive carved Buddhas at the Gil Vihara in Polonnaruwa

Above: lions paws guard the fortress at Sigiriya Above: colonial architecture in downtown Colombo

Above: hard working ladies pick tea by hand

Above: Rankoth Vehera, an ancient stupa at Polonnaruwa

Detailed itinerary Included meals are shown with the symbols B, L and D.

monday 23 january Arrive negombo

Flights depart Australian cities during the day arriving very late on Monday evening or in the early hours of Tuesday Overnight Negombo.

tuesDAY 24 january to Anuradhapura

Meet Judy after breakfast for a tour briefing in the hotel. Departing Negombo, we travel to Anuradhapura. This evening there is a welcome dinner in the hotel. Overnight Anuradhapura. (B, L, D)

wednesDAY 25 january The ancient capital

We begin at the rock temple of Isurumuniya Vihara, which houses a large seated Buddha and is famous for the carving of the ‘Lovers’. Continue on to Ruvanvelisaya Dagoba guarded by a frieze of elephants, and the the sacred Bodhi tree. Nearby are the ruins of the Brazen Palace, which once housed 1000 monks. After lunch we visit Samadhi Buddha, depicting the Buddha in a state of deep meditation. Overnight Anuradhapura. (B, D)

thursDAY 26 january mihinTale

Mihintale is a hillside temple complex where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka. At its base is a ruined hospital dating from the 9th century where Ayurvedic healing techniques are evidenced by a stone trough in the shape of a human. A stairway of 1,840 steps leads to the summit. We stop at a series of dagobas, assembly halls, pools, shrines and relics. Leaving the main site, we explore the tranquil and rarely visited Kaludiya Pokuna or Dark Water Pool. The afternoon is at leisure. Overnight Anuradhapura. (B)

friDAY 27 january Dambulla Caves

We leave for Kandalama, stopping at the standing Aukana Buddha sculpted in the 5th century. Continue to Dambulla rock temple, a complex of five caves accessed by 200 steps. It features 2000 square metres of painted walls and ceilings and over 150 statues of many Sri Lankan kings, gods and goddesses, offering some of the finest examples of Buddhist art in Asia. Overnight Kandalama. (B, L, D)

saturDAY 28 january sigiriya

This morning we visit Sigiriya rock fortress or Lion Rock. Rising 200 metres from the jungle, Sigiriya can be broken into separate stages. Easily accessible at the base are the moat, ramparts and terraced gardens. The first level unveils

the beautiful frescoes painted onto the sheer rock face and the mirror wall covered in 1000 year old graffiti. Two enormous lion’s paw carvings have been excavated at the base of the ascent to the summit. Reaching the top requires climbing a metal staircase bolted to the rock face and is not for the fainthearted or sufferers of vertigo, but the views are spectacular. Once covered with buildings, only the foundations remain. Overnight Kandalama. (B, D)

sunDAY 29 january Polonnaruwa

A full day trip to Polonnaruwa begins at the excellent archaeological museum, followed by the Royal Palace and Audience Hall. After lunch we travel to the Northern Group of ruins and the Gal Vihara, four separate, beautifully carved images cut from one piece of granite. Finally, we stop at the Southern Group of ruins to see the Potgul Vihara or library before returning to our hotel. Overnight Kandalama. (B, L, D)

monDAY 30 january Kandy and Spice

Today we head to the cooler highlands on our way to Kandy. We visit a spice garden at Matale, a sensory experience where a guide explains how the island’s famous spices grow in their natural environment. We stop at the Peredeniya Botanic Gardens, a pleasure garden for the Kandyan kings, and see the fine orchid collection. Arriving in Kandy there is a short orientation tour before checking into our hotel and dinner. Overnight Kandy. (B, L, D)

tuesDAY 31 january temple of the tooth

This morning we visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, housing, as its name suggests, the tooth of Lord Buddha, rescued from his funeral pyre in India and brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century. Apart from the tooth shrine, the temple consists of several halls and museums showcasing gifts to the temple and artefacts from the Kandyan kingdom. This evening we enjoy a Kandyan dance performance. Overnight Kandy. (B, D)

wednesDAY 1 february tea plantations

Today we ascend 1400 metres, winding through jade-green tea plantations to Nuwara Eliya. We take a guided of a tea factory, learning about the tea-making process and enjoying a cup of their finest brew. Arriving in Nuwara Eliya is like stepping into a small English village and we spend the afternoon exploring the remains of this time gone by. Overnight Nuwara Eliya. (B, L, D)

thursDAY 2 february to yala

Travelling south, we descend from the hills to Yala National Park. Overnight Yala. (B, L, D)

Images clockwise top left: Ruvanvelisaya Cetiya, in the sacred city of Anuradhapura; stunning orchids at the Peredeniya Botanic Gardens; the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic at Kandy; the lush plantations of Nuwara Eliya; the Aukana Buddha stands at a height of 12 metres, carved out of a granite rock face in the 5th century; and the stairway taking you to the summit of the Mihintale temple complex

FriDAY 3 february On safari

Today we head out in safari jeeps for a full day safari in Yala National Park. The largest in Sri Lanka it is home to elephants, buffalo, leopard, crocodiles as well as many bird species. Overnight Yala. (B, L, D)

saturDAY 4 february To galle

Departing Yala, we travel to Galle along the beaches of the south coast. The 2004 tsunami inundated much of this coastline. Galle was badly damaged but the fort remained intact as the walls protected the town. Arriving in Galle in the late afternoon, we check into the hotel with time to relax before dinner. Overnight Galle. (B, L, D)

sunDAY 5 february galle fort

Established in 1505, World Heritage-listed Galle Fort has a rich and vibrant history. Originally Portuguese, it was conquered by the Dutch who further fortified the walls against invasion. In 1796 the Dutch handed the fort’s keys to British officer Lachlan Macquarie following the Treaty of Amiens. This morning we take a guided walking tour around the fort and the district’s Muslim and colonial architecture, and hear the stories behind the buildings and the characters who live within them. After lunch, the afternoon is at leisure to explore at your own pace. Overnight Galle. (B, L, D)

monDAY 6 february Free day

Today is at leisure. Overnight Galle. (B)

tuesDAY 7 february To colombo We depart for Colombo, driving up the west coast before stopping at Lunganga Estate, the country home of Geoffrey Bawa. In Colombo, we visit the National Museum, which houses an excellent collection of ancient statuary, carvings, art and paraphernalia from the colonial period. We gather in the bar of the Galle Face Hotel this evening before our farewell dinner. Overnight Colombo. (B, L, D) wednesDAY 8 february colonial colombo

This morning we enjoy a walking tour through the colonial-era buildings that are in abundance in the city. Some have been restored, while others languish unmaintained and await more prosperous post-war times. We have a late checkout organised for 6pm so the afternoon is free to relax before transferring to the airport for our flights, which depart in the early hours of Thursday 9 February. (B, D)

Hotels Hotels on this tour are all of a very comfortable four- and five-star standard. The Heritance in Dambulla and the Jetwings Lighthouse in Galle are both designed by Geoffrey Bawa. The recently restored Galle Face Hotel in Colombo is a Sri Lankan historical icon dating back to 1864. Negombo, Jetwing Blue Hotel (1 night)

www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwingblue/

Anuradhapura, Palm Village Hotel (3 nights) www.palmgardenvillage.com

Dambulla, Heritance Hotel (3 nights)

www.heritancehotels.com/kandalama

Kandy, The Grand Kandyan (2 nights) http://grandkandyan.com/

Nuwara Eliya, Grand Hotel (1 night)

www.grandhotelnuwaraeliya.com

Yala National Park, Cinnamon Wild (2 nights) www.cinnamonhotels.com/cinnamonwildyala/

Galle, Jetwing Lighthouse (3 nights)

www.jetwinghotels.com/jetwinglighthouse/

Colombo, Galle Face Hotel (1 night) www.gallefacehotel.com/

Temple Etiquette Local etiquette dictates that you will need to remove your shoes and walk over bare ground at the following sites: Isurumuniya Vihara, Mihintale, Aukana Buddha, Dambulla, Gal Vihara and the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. (Image: Dambulla cave temple)

Images clockwise top left: a leopard relaxes in Yala National Park; stilt fisherman perched gracefully along the beaches at Galle, hoping for the catch of the day; the Heritance Hotel in Kandalama and the Jetwings lighthouse hotel; extraordinary gem-set Bodhisattva sandals discovered in Avalokitesvara, now housed in the National Museum, Colombo; and the shining light at Galle has been guiding mariners since 1848

Tour Inclusions

Included in the tour price

All accommodation in selected hotels All breakfasts, 10 lunches and 14 dinners in hotels and

local restaurants Land travel by air-conditioned coach Services of Australian tour leader throughout the tour Comprehensive tour notes All entrance fees to sites mentioned on itinerary National guide to accompany the tour throughout Qualified local guides Tips for all services included in the itinerary Porterage of one piece of luggage at all hotels Visa Fees

Not included in the tour price

International airfares (competitive quotes available) Travel insurance Meals and activities not stated as included in this

itinerary Personal expenses

Air travel The tour price quoted is for land content only. For this tour we recommend Singapore Airlines which offers daily flights into and out of Colombo from most Australian cities. Please contact us for the best possible prices on economy, business or first class fares. Transfers between airport and hotel are included for all passengers booking their flights through Academy Travel. These may be group or individual transfers.

Enquiries and bookings For further information and to secure a place on this tour please contact Erin Laffin at Academy Travel on 9235 0023 or 1800 639 699 (outside Sydney) or email erin@academytravel.com.au

Weather on Tour Sri Lanka is tropical, with distinct dry and wet seasons complicated by having two monsoons. The Maha monsoon blows from October to January, bringing rain to the North and East. Colombo and the low-lying coastal regions have an average temperature of 30°C. At Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, the average temperature is 20°C, with the chance of a little rain.

Fitness Requirements of THIS tour

Physical rating – Grade two

It is important both for you and for your fellow travellers that you are fit enough to be able to enjoy all the activities on this tour. To give you an indication of the level of physical fitness required to participate on our tours, we have given them a star grading. Academy Travel’s tours tend to feature extended walking tours and site visits, which require greater fitness than coach touring. We ask you instead to consider carefully your ability to meet the physical demands of the tour.

Participation criteria for this tour This Grade Two tour is designed for people who lead active lives and can comfortably participate in up to five hours of physical activity per day on most days, including longer walking tours, challenging archaeological sites, climbing stairs, embarking and disembarking trains and/or boats, and a more demanding tour schedule with one night stops or several internal flights.

You should be able to: keep up with the group at all times walk for 4-5 kilometres at a moderate pace with only

short breaks stand for a reasonable length of time in galleries and

museums tolerate uncomfortable climatic conditions walk up and down slopes negotiate steps and slopes on archaeological sites,

which are often uneven and unstable get on and off a large coach with steep stairs, train or

boat unassisted, possibly with luggage move your luggage a short distance if required

A note for older travellers If you are more than 80 years old, or have restricted mobility, it is highly likely that you will find this itinerary challenging. You will have to miss several activities and will not get the full value of the tour. Your booking will not be accepted until after you have contacted Academy Travel to discuss your situation and the exact physical requirements of this tour. While we will do our best to reasonably accommodate the physical needs of all group members, we reserve the right to refuse bookings if we feel that the requirements of the tour are too demanding for you and/or if local conditions mean we cannot reasonably accommodate your condition.