SRI LANKA AND THE MALDIVES
A Helping Hands Tour

13 days/11 nights accommodated
Optional extension to the Maldives from Colombo, or cruise from Singapore

My first visit to Sri Lanka was in 1965 and I have been back a few times since. I enjoy the beauty, the national parks, and history of the island as well as the friendliness and warmth of the people. I have been disappointed that more New Zealanders have not discovered and enjoyed the island for themselves. When the Tsunami struck on Boxing Day, 2004, my first reaction was to try and help.

Our first "Helping Hands" tour departed for Sri Lanka on the 20th January, 2005 as a direct response to the needs of the Tsunami victims. We were able to resettle 65 families from 3 classrooms of a school where they had been temporarily housed (which enabled the school to reopen) into a building restored by the group, restore fishing boats to working order, and assist with the social needs of children orphaned in the tsunami. We were also able to assist in the re-establishment of the tourist industry on which so many Sri Lankans depend for their income. Since then we have also been able to assist in meeting the needs of schools and orphanages struggling to upgrade their standards amid developing country poverty. I am delighted to continue this programme. We are not directly constructing or renovating any buildings but are funding local contractors and visiting schools, orphanages, and new housing estates for Tsunami victims in the Kalutara area to help meet whatever needs they have at that time. We have provided so far new toilet blocks, better security in classrooms, musical instruments, science equipment, and students writing and study materials in schools. A carpenters shop reconstructed by one team in March, 2005 made furniture for new homes and for the open market, and sewing machines donated by some of our group members are still earning their owners a living.
We ask each person travelling on these tours to take $US100 to be spent on social needs in this area. You get to see and approve the project and meet the people involved.

Have a great holiday in a fascinating and beautiful destination and make a difference in the lives of the Sri Lankan people!

Stephen Greenfield

Depart Auckland
2010: School holiday special. Depart Monday 27 September - return saturday October 9


This is a special school holiday departure. We would particularly like teachers and family groups to join us on these departures for special programmes for 3 days in poor schools in the Kalutara area. The students, teachers, and principals in Sri Lanka appreciate it immensely. It was my original hope that we would be able to arrange sister school arrangements between these schools in Sri Lanka and Auckland schools for ongoing support. It is still my hope that we can do this.

Please note:
This tour can operate any week for a minimum of 4 passengers locally hosted in Sri Lanka and the Maldives - escorted from New Zealand for a minimum of 6

Tour cost per person
Sri Lanka only ..........$4,950 share twin....$5,590 single room
Sri Lanka and Maldives...$6,790 share twin....$8,400 single room

Please note: The ending of this tour is flexible. You are welcome to fly to the Maldives if you wish and/or stopover in Singapore en route to or from the tour.

Why not enjoy a "Superstar Virgo" cruise from Singapore or our Discover Malaysia coach tour

Day 1. Monday. . AUCKLAND DEPART
Depart Auckland early afternoon with Singapore Airlines for Singapore. Arrive mid evening and transfer to our flight to Colombo arriving just before midnight. Transfer to our hotel near the airport.

Day 2. Tuesday. COLOMBO - DAMBULLA. (BD)
Drive to the elephant orphanage at Pinuwalla, home to around 60 elephants. Continue on to Dambulla for accommodation at Amaya Lake Hotel.

Day 3. Wednesday. SIGIRIYA - ANURADHAPURA. (BLD)
A fascinating day of Sri Lankan history! This morning drive to Sigiriya to visit the 5th century rock fortress, built by King Kashyapa (473-491AD), and now a World Heritage site. The 'Lion Rock' is a citadel of unusual beauty rising 200 metres from the scrub jungle. The rock was the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens, including the renowned water gardens, ring the base of the rock. We will visit the world renowned 'Heavenly Maidens' rock frescoes and climb to the top to see the remains of the palace and its environmenT. This afternoon visit ancient Anuradhapura.

Day 4. Thursday. DAMBULLA - KANDY. (BLD)
Visit the Dambulla rock cave donated by King Walagambahu in the 1st century AD and explore the huge caves, and a spice garden in Matale to learn the secrets of different spices before driving to Kandy, ancient hill country capital of Sri Lanka for 225 years from 1590. Accommodation and dinner at Mahaweli Reach Hotel.

Day 5. Friday. KANDY. (BD)
Today tour Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Tooth relic and see the ancient manuscripts and Emerald Buddha, and Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya to see its magnificent Orchid House and grove of splendid trees planted by eminent world figures. Drive around Kandy Lake and visit the Bazaar, the Arts and Crafts Centre, and the Gem Museum and Lapidary to discover the secrets of Sri Lanka's precious stones. This evening enjoy an introduction to Kandyan culture.

Day 6. Saturday. KANDY - NUWARA ELIYA. (BD)
We climb the hills through massive tea plantations, past Sri Lanka's highest mountain (8282 ft) and visit a tea plantation and tea factory en route to Nuwara Eliya - hill country retreat of the British Raj. This afternoon tour Nuwara Eliya, including Little England, and you may have time for a quick round on one of the best golf courses in Asia. Accommodation at the Grand Hotel or similar.

Day 7. Sunday. NUWARA ELIYA - KATARAGAMA. (BD)
Drive to Yala National Park for a safari by jeep. Yala is the largest National Park in Sri Lanka and is home of wild elephants, wild boar, buffalo, leopard, bear, deer, and crocodiles. Accommodation at Rosen Renaissance Hotel or similar at Kataragama.

Day 8. Monday. KATARAGAMA - GALLE (BD)
Morning game drive before driving along the beautiful southern coast through Matara to Galle. Visit the old Portuguese fort, rebuilt by the Dutch, and now the centre of administration. This area is known for its high quality lace work and ebony wood carvers and you will have the opportunity to see and purchase their products. We will also see the famous stilt fishermen. This area suffered greatly in the Tsunami and we will visit some of the resettlement projects. Accommodation at the beautiful Lighthouse Hotel on a promontory overlooking the harbour and city of Galle.

Day 9. Tuesday. GALLE - KALUTARA. (BD)
Visit the market and also a local orphanage before we continue along the coast and through the fishing village of Beruwala en route to our accommodation at Royal Palms Hotel in Kalutara. See some of the resettlement projects instigated by New Zealanders, and some of the boats restored to working status.

Day 10. Wednesday. KALUTARA. (BD)
Today relax on the beach or visit the schools we have been supporting. Most of these are very poor, with students having difficulty meeting basic needs for books, uniforms, etc and all schools needing extra infrastructure and equipment. You will have the opportunity to contribute to the welfare of the students and families. Also visit some of the resettlement areas. We request each person to bring $US100 to use in the project of your choice in our chosen area.

Day 11. Thursday. KALUTARA. (BD)
Continue our social visits in the area or relax and explore at your leisure. Day 12. Friday. KALUTARA DEPART. (BLD)
Mid morning drive to Colombo for a city tour including the Fort, Bazaar, city and residential areas and National Museum. After dinner check in at Colombo airport.

Day 13. Saturday. SINGAPORE - AUCKLAND
Depart Colombo at 1.05am arriving Singapore at 7.40am departing again at 8.45am for Auckland where arrival is scheduled for 11.25pm.

You are welcome to stayover in Singapore if you wish. Why not enjoy a "Superstar Virgo" 3 or 5 day cruise to Malaysia and Thailand?

Tour cost includes:
** Round trip economy class air fares with Singapore Airlines.
** Arrival and departure transfers at each point outside New Zealand
** 11 nights accommodation at 4 and 5 star hotels in Sri Lanka
** 11 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 10 dinners in Sri Lanka.
** Comprehensive sightseeing in Sri Lanka including admissions on all activities listed for the group.

5 night MALDIVES EXTENSION

Day 12. Friday. COLOMBO - MALE. (B)
Fly to Male this evening and transfer by speedboat to Paradise Resort.

Day 13. Saturday. MALDIVES. (BD)
Today we explore the capital and and experience some of the culture of the Maldives.

Days 14/15 Sunday/Monday MALDIVES. (BD)
Two free days to relax and enjoy all the facilities of your resort

Day 16. Tuesday. MALDIVES DEPART. (BD)
The day is free with all rooms kept until departure. After dinner transfer back to the airport and depart around midnight with Singapore Airlines.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO EXTEND YOUR STAY IN THE MALDIVES IF YOU WISH

Day 17. Wednesday. SINGAPORE - AUCKLAND.
Arrive Singapore early this morning with an immediate connection available to Auckland arriving 11.25pm. You are welcome to stayover in Singapore if you wish. Why not enjoy our Discover Malaysia coach tour or a cruise to Malaysia and Thailand.

Total cost per person including Sri Lanka and Maldives
Two per room.....$6,790
Single room......$8,400

Add a fabulous Asian Cruise

Before or after your Sri Lanka tour"SUPERSTAR VIRGO" 76,800 tons 1,960 passengers
3 or 5 night cruise departs every sunday (may be extended)

Sunday	Singapore		Sail 4pm
Monday	Penang	Arrive noon	Sail 8pm
Tuesday	Phuket	Arrive 7am	Sail 7pm
Wednesday	Singapore	Arrive 7pm	Sail midnight; 3 night cruise ends
Thursday	Malacca	Arrive 7am	Sail 9am (For shore excursion to Kuala Lumpur)
	Port Klang (Kuala Lumpur)	Arrive 2pm	Sail 11pm
Friday	Singapore	Arrive 2pm	5 night cruise ends

Approximate fares (low season)	from: Inside	Outside	Balcony
3 nights	$660	$990	$1,230
5 nights	$1,500	$1,900	$2,100