SRI LANKA with MALDIVES option
A caring Hearts - Helping Hands Tour
Sri Lanka - 13 days/11 nights accommodated
Optional extension to the Maldives from Colombo,
stopover in Singapore, or Asia 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 "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 
Group One: Depart Sunday 4th March, 2012 - return friday 16th March, 2012
Group Two: Depart Sunday 1st July - return friday 13th July, 2012 - school holiday special. Family rates available.
Group one is a special school holiday departure. We would particularly like teachers to join us on this 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.
WE PARTICULARLY SUPPORT ST VINCENTS ORPHANAGE SCHOOL. THEY ARE PART OF THE OBLATE OF MARY AND HAVE TO HOUSE, FEED, CLOTHE, AND EDUCATE 150 BOYS WITH MINIMAL SUPPORT FROM THE SRI LANKAN GOVERNMENT.
They have requested us to fund a new classroom and music room, Photocopier, and treating some of their classroom mesh with anti corrosive treatments. Total cost of this will be around USD7,000. In addition to this there are the usual needs for uniforms and school books. $US200 OF YOUR TOUR COST WILL GO TOWARDS THESE CAPITAL WORKS - WE NEED 35 PEOPLE TO TRAVEL TO FULLY FUND THESE WORKS. DONATIONS FROM THOSE WHO CANNOT TRAVEL ARE GLADLY ACCEPTED. 100% OF IT GOES TO THE SCHOOL.
Please note:
This tour can operate any week for a minimum of 2 passengers for $5,970 per person share twin. You will have your own driver/guide in Sri Lanka. - escorted from New Zealand for a minimum of 6
Tour cost per person
| Sri Lanka only | March, July $5,470 share twin |
March, July, $5,990 single room |
| FAMILY PLAN | one and two children sharing room with parents | $3,900 each |
| Sri Lanka and Maldives, March and July | $7,070 share twin | $8,390 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 or Kuala Lumpur en route to or from the tour.
Why not enjoy a "Superstar Virgo" cruise from Singapore or our Discover Malaysia coach tour?
Day 1. Sunday. AUCKLAND DEPART
Depart Auckland around midday with Malaysia or Singapore Airlines for Kuala Lumpur or Singapore. Arrive mid evening and transfer to our flight to Colombo arriving just before midnight. Transfer to the Airport Garden Hotel nearby at Seeduwa.
Day 2. Monday. COLOMBO - HABARANA. (BD)
Drive north to ancient Polonnaruwa, a thriving commercial and religious centre - 800 years ago. The Chola dynasty made it their capital in in the late 10th century. It was abandoned around the 13th century. In 1982 UNESCO added Polonnaruwa to to its World heritage List. Accommodation for 2 nights at Cinnamon Lodge.
Day 3. Tuesday. ANURADHAPURA (BD)
Today we explore the sprawling ancient ruins of Anuradhapura established as a capital first in 380BC but it was under Devanampiya Tissa (247 - 207BC), during whose reign Buddhism came to Sri Lanka, that Anuradhapura first flourished. Explore the ancient ruins including the temples, tanks, and canals.
Day 4. Wednesday. HABARANA - SIGIRIYA - KANDY. (BD)
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 environments Continue to 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. Thursday. KANDY. (BD)
This morning we visit the elephant orphanage at Pinnuwala before exploring 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. Friday. KANDY - NUWARA ELIYA. (BD)
We take a scenic train ride through the hills and massive tea plantations (9.30am - 3.25pm) to Nanu Oya past Sri Lanka's highest mountain (8282 ft). Rejoin our vehicle and visit a tea plantation and tea factory en route to Nuwara Eliya - hill country retreat of the British Raj. Enjoy a short tour of Nuwara Eliya. Accommodation at the Heritance Tea Factory Hotel.
Day 7. Saturday. NUWARA ELIYA - KATARAGAMA. (BD)
Drive to Ella to view the Ella Gap and Ravana Falls then on 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 Elephant Reach Hotel.
Day 8. Sunday. KATARAGAMA - GALLE - BENTOTA (BD)
Drive 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 for 4 nights at the Vivanta by Taj Hotel at Bentota.
Day 9. Monday. KALUTARA EXCURSION. (BD)
Drive along the coast and through the fishing village of Beruwala en route to Kalutara. See some of the resettlement projects instigated by New Zealanders, and some of the boats restored to working status. We will visit some of 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 better infrastructure and equipment.
You will have the opportunity to contribute to the students welfare and we ask all tour participants to bring USD100 to spend on the project of your choice. Return to Vivanta by Taj.
Day 10. Tuesday. KALUTARA. (BD)
Day 11. Wednesday. KALUTARA. (BD)
Continue our social visits in the area or relax at your fabulous resort and explore at your leisure.
Day 12. Thursday. BENTOTA DEPART. (BL)
This morning drive to Colombo for a city tour including the Fort, Bazaar, city and residential areas and National Museum. Lunch is included at the historic Galle Face hotel and this evening check in at Colombo airport.
Day 13. Friday. SINGAPORE OR MALAYSIA - AUCKLAND
Depart Colombo early morning arriving Singapore or Kuala Lumpur and connect to your direct flight to Auckland where arrival is scheduled for late evening
PLEASE NOTE: You are welcome to stopover in Kuala Lumpur or Singapore of you wish. Passengers from Christchurch travelling Singapore Airlines are welcome to use direct flights to and from Singapore but this will mean a day stay in Singapore on return. Why not enjoy a "Superstar Virgo" 3 or 5 day cruise to Malaysia and Thailand or our Discover Malaysia coach tour which can be joined in Singapore por Kuala Lumpur.?
Tour cost includes:
** Round trip economy class air fares with Singapore or Malaysia Airlines from Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch.
** Arrival and departure transfers in Sri Lanka
** 11 nights accommodation at 4 and 5 star hotels in Sri Lanka
** 11 breakfasts, 1 lunch, and 10 dinners in Sri Lanka.
** Comprehensive sightseeing in Sri Lanka including admissions on all activities listed for the group.
** Services of escort from New Zealand for a minimum of 6 passengers.
4 and a half night MALDIVES EXTENSION
Day 12. Thursday. COLOMBO - MALE. (B)
Fly to Male this evening and transfer by speedboat to Paradise Resort.
Day 13. Friday. MALDIVES. (BD)
Today we explore the capital and and experience some of the culture of the Maldives.
Days 14/15 Saturday/Sunday MALDIVES. (BD)
Two free days to relax and enjoy all the facilities of your resort
Day 16. Monday. MALDIVES DEPART. (BD)
The day is free with all rooms kept until departure. After dinner transfer back to the airport and depart around midnight.
YOU ARE WELCOME TO EXTEND YOUR STAY IN THE MALDIVES IF YOU WISH
Day 17. Tuesday. 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, March and July.
| Two per room | $7,070 |
| Single room | $8,390 |
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 (2012) January 1, 8, 15, 22, 29 and most sundays throughout the year.
| Sunday | Singapore | Sail 4pm | |
| Monday | Penang | Arrive noon | Sail 8pm |
| Tuesday | Phuket | Arrive 7.30am | Sail 5pm |
| 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 midnight | |
| Friday | Singapore | Arrive 1pm | 5 night cruise ends |
| Approximate fares (low season - to be confirmed on making reservation) | from: Inside | Outside | Balcony |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3 nights | $660 | $990 | $1,230 |
| 5 nights | $1,500 | $1,900 | $2,100 |