Guest Speaker 
Free solo supplement 
Excursions included 
Deluxe Stateroom
30% Ponant Bonus
19 m²
2
Treasures of India
Colombo - Mumbai (ex Bombay)
Dates:
2/3/2025
to
13/3/2025
Other available dates
days
nights on board
Oriental fragrances, scents of spice, lush green landscapes, age-old stories: PONANT invites you on a journey to discover a mosaic of peoples and cultures. Sri Lanka and India welcome you on a 12-day cruise aboard Le Lapérouse, between charming towns and surprising nature. Let yourself fall under the spell of these eastern lands bordered by the Indian Ocean and influenced by Buddhist and Hindu traditions.
Throughout your journey, you will benefit from an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. During this cruise, visit the Goa Chitra Ethnographic Museum and the Figueiredo Mansion from your port of call in Goa, explore the marvellous Sigiriya site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, from Trincomalee, or appreciate the charms of Galle as you spend time discovering the city. The diversity of experiences on offer promises you intense and varied moments (to discover the full range of excursions, go to the itinerary tab).
The bubbling Sri Lankan capital Colombo will plunge you into the distinctive atmosphere of the country once known as Ceylon. Renowned for its spices, such as cinnamon, cloves and nutmeg, it is a trading location, a crossroads port between Asia and Europe.
From Trincomalee, visit the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of historic city of Polonnaruwa, a fortified city from the 11th century, and the splendid golden Temple of Dambulla.
A little further, Hambantota is the gateway towards the luxuriant heart of the country. On an excursion into the Yala National Park, you will witness Sri Lanka’s abundant wildlife: leopards, elephants, sloth bears, monkeys and almost 200 bird species inhabit this must-see site.
Le Lapérouse will set sail for Galle, recognisable by the 16th-century fortifications that encircle the town. The successive Portuguese, Dutch and British colonisations left this city with unique architecture, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a heritage shaped by multiple influences.
You will sail up the Malabar Coast to arrive in cosmopolitan Kochi. Constructed on a lagoon on the Arabian Sea, between islands and a peninsula, this royal city has kept its yesteryear charm. Set off aboard traditional boats to discover the surrounding fishing villages located in the ‘backwaters’, a network of lakes and canals criss-crossing the region’s dense vegetation.
Your last port of call will take you to Goa. This former colony of the Portuguese Indies is prized for its long beaches and its rich cultural heritage, in particular a collection of late 16th-century churches and convents, which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Your journey will come to an end in flamboyant Mumbai. The capital of Bollywood films, the most populated city in India - nicknamed of ‘Maximum City’ - conjures up many descriptions and will offer you a unique experience to complete your cruise.
Ref : ER020325
Your itinerary
A cruise discovering Sri Lanka and India, a mosaic of peoples and cultures amidst luxuriant landscapes. Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the...
View detailed itinerary
Your trip in detail
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Choose your stateroom
Complete your trip
Complete your trip
Shore Excursions, Overlands & Pre/Post Programmes
To complete your voyage, PONANT can organise a range of shore excursions, pre & post cruise activities and packages, plus transfers.
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LE SOLÉAL
LE PAUL GAUGUIN
LE BORÉAL
21/8/2024 to the 28/8/2024
- New
LE LYRIAL
- New
LE LYRIAL
8/9/2024 to the 19/9/2024
*Price is per person, based on double occupancy, based on availability, and subject to change at any time. The category of stateroom to which this price applies may no longer be available.
Services provided
- 24-hour room service
- Inclusive Wifi internet access (availability dependent on navigation and latitude)
- Individually-controlled air conditioning
- Dressing room with shelves and closet
- Dressing table and hairdryer
- Dyptique Paris top-of-the-line bath products
- Minibar
- Nespresso coffee maker and boiler
- Electronic safe
- Direct line telephone
- Bose Bluetooth speaker
- Flat screen TV, international channels (availability dependent on navigation) and videos on demand
- 110V American (two flat pins)/220V European (round sockets with two round pins)
- Two ADA staterooms
Select your stateroom category
Ideal clothes for life on board:
During the days spent on board, you are advised to wear comfortable clothes or casual outfits. The entire ship is air-conditioned, so a light sweater, a light jacket or a shawl may be necessary. When moving about in the public areas of the ship and the decks, light but comfortable shoes are recommended.
Informal evening:
In the evening, you are advised to wear smart-casual attire, especially when dining in our restaurants where wearing shorts and tee-shirts is not allowed.
For women:
- Simple dress
- Skirt or trousers
- Blouse
- Polo
For men:
- Pleated trousers or chinos
- Sports jacket
- Shirt
- Polo
Officer’s evening:
For all cruises longer than 8 nights, an Officer’s Evening with a white dress code may be organized. Therefore, we encourage you to bring a stylish white outfit for the occasion (otherwise black and white).
Gala evening:
During the cruise, two gala evenings will be organised on board. Thus, we recommend that you bring one or two formal outfits.
For women:
- Cocktail attire
- Evening dress (if you wish to)
For men:
- Dark suit
- Tie recommended, possibly bow tie (if you wish to)
SHOP:
A small shop is available on board offering a wide range of outfits, jewellery, leather goods and many accessories.
A laundry service (washing/ironing) is available on board, but unfortunately there are no dry cleaning services. For safety reasons, your cabin is not equipped with an iron.
ACCESSORIES:
- Polarized sunglasses
- Swimsuit (for the Spa on board)
- Gym wear (fitness)
- Battery charger and memory cards for your camera
- Mobile phone charger
- Hat/cap
HEALTH CARE:
- Sunscreen and after-sun lotion
- Medications and prescriptions
OUTFITS ON BOARD:
- Casual outfits for the day
- Smarter outfits for dinners
- Elegant outfits for Gala evenings
- White or black and white outfit
PRECAUTIONS:
In your hand luggage, remember to bring any medicines that you need, and possibly a small spare bag of toiletries (in case of delay in the delivery of your baggage by the airline). Remember to always have your travel documents with you in case you need them: hotel vouchers, cruise vouchers, return flight tickets... Never leave them in your hold luggage.
All our cabins have a safe. We recommend not to go ashore with valuable jewellery.
PONANT activities
Highlights
- A cruise discovering Sri Lanka and India, a mosaic of peoples and cultures amidst luxuriant landscapes.
- Make the most of an excursion included* per person per port of call during your cruise thanks to the selection made by our destination experts.
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites: in Sri Lanka, the old town of Galle and its fortifications; the churches and convents of Goa; and the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station (formerly known as Victoria Terminus) in Mumbai.
- Kerala’s lush landscapes during an excursion in the ‘backwaters’: rivers edged with palm trees, rice paddies, fishing villages.
- The cultural heritage of Goa, a former Portuguese colony.
- Overnight stays in Kochi and Mumbai to discover their distinctive atmosphere and eclectic architecture as well as the hustle and bustle of these Indian cities.
- Before your cruise: the possibility of discovering the temples of Colombo and the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of Dambulla and Polonnaruwa.
*Pre-bookings open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests are processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Ports of Call & Excursions
2 March 2025 - Colombo
Embarkation 2/3/2025 From 4:00 pm to 5:00 pm
Departure 2/3/2025 at 6:00 pm
A former trading post along the Silk Route, the old quarter of Colombo offers you the fabulous sight of its picturesque streets. The city was known to Arab, Persian and Chinese traders as early as the 8th century and this former village, nestled between two dunes, was a trading post on the mythical Spice Route. Today the economic capital of Sri Lanka, the city offers picture-postcard scenery with its beaches stretching languorously along the south-western coast of the country. Here the sand dazzles you and the sea invites you to dream...
3 March 2025 - At sea
Arrival 3/3/2025
Departure 3/3/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
4 March 2025 - Trincomalee
Arrival 4/3/2025 early morning
Departure 4/3/2025 late afternoon
A large port city in the north-east of Sri Lanka, Trincomalee will be your gateway to two exceptional sites. The Golden Temple of Dambulla, a rock temple listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is sure to fill you with wonder. Its Buddhist mural paintings, its caves and its famous statue of reclining Buddha heighten the beauty of this place that is like none other in the world, created over 2,000 years ago. The other cultural gem you will be able to discover: the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa. Also listed as UNESCO World Heritage, it is home to the vestiges of a fabulous garden-city from the 12th century. There, you will be able to admire the Gal Vihara, an exceptional site featuring four statues of Buddha carved out of rock.
5 March 2025 - Hambantota
Arrival 5/3/2025 midday
Departure 5/3/2025 evening
This large fishing harbour of Malay origin lies on the southern coast of the former Ceylon. Established between two lagoons, Hambantota is known for the presence of wild elephants, whose population represents 10% of the total number in the country. This abundant wildlife can be observed a few kilometres away, in Yala National Park, the second largest park in Sri Lanka. This wildlife sanctuary offers a unique opportunity to admire the myriad rare animals that live there. Sloth bears, mongooses, crocodiles, monkeys, and buffaloes live in this place where it is not uncommon to happen upon elegant leopards while out walking. The tropical rainforests are also a refuge for more than two hundred bird species. A veritable Eden for biodiversity and an extraordinary part of the world to explore.
6 March 2025 - Galle
Arrival 6/3/2025 early morning
Departure 6/3/2025 late afternoon
Discover Galle, one of Sri Lanka’s oldest cities. Thanks to its commercial port, from which were exported spices and precious stones, Galle was once the country’s most major city. Colonised by the Portuguese and later by the Dutch, today it still bears traces of this colonial past. When your ship calls here, have a wander around the old town and its fortifications, which are listed as UNESCO World Heritage. Built by the Portuguese at the end of the 16th century, they are perfectly preserved. To learn more about daily and rural life in Sri Lanka, do not miss the visit to the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum in Koggala, not far from Galle.
7 March 2025 - At sea
Arrival 7/3/2025
Departure 7/3/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
8 March 2025 9 March 2025 - Cochin
Arrival 8/3/2025 early morning
Departure 9/3/2025 late afternoon
An important port in the South-West of India, Cochin (Kochi) is one of the most beautiful on the Malabar Coast where the scent of cardamom mingles with cloves. It was here that Vasco de Gama disembarked over 500 years ago. But how many Phoenicians, Greeks, Arabs and Romans dropped anchor before him in the turquoise waters of the Arabian Sea? So many nations, at a time when pepper from Malabar was almost as precious as gold, left these shores laden with precious spices. Today, the city, a surprising metropolis with multiple identities, has a rich cultural and natural heritage combining former colonial residences, ancestral fishing methods and charming landscapes in the backwaters.
10 March 2025 - At sea
Arrival 10/3/2025
Departure 10/3/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
11 March 2025 - Marmugao (Goa)
Arrival 11/3/2025 early morning
Departure 11/3/2025 late afternoon
Marmugao is a sub-district of South Goa located in the state of Goa, in India. This is where the state’s main maritime port is to be found. Renowned around the world for its climate, the beauty of its beaches, its rice paddies and its waterfalls, Goa will surprise you with the cultural and religious heritage of its old town. It has a great many 16th- and 17th-century churches, making up a UNESCO World Heritage Site, including the Basilica of Bom Jesus but also Hindu temples and mosques. The Goa Chitra Museum, Goa’s main ethnographic museum, is also worth a visit.
12 March 2025 - At sea
Arrival 12/3/2025
Departure 12/3/2025
During your journey at sea, make the most of the many services and activities on board. Treat yourself to a moment of relaxation in the spa or stay in shape in the fitness centre. Depending on the season, let yourself be tempted by the swimming pool or a spot of sunbathing. This journey without a port of call will also be an opportunity to enjoy the conferences or shows proposed on board, depending on the activities offered, or to do some shopping in the boutique or to meet the PONANT photographers in their dedicated space. As for lovers of the open sea, they will be able to visit the ship’s upper deck to admire the spectacle of the waves and perhaps be lucky enough to observe marine species. A truly enchanted interlude, combining comfort, rest and entertainment.
12 March 2025 13 March 2025 - Mumbai (ex Bombay)
Arrival 12/3/2025 early afternoon
Disembarkation 13/3/2025 at 8:00 am
Mumbai, a fascinating city located on the Arabian Sea, will give you a real immersion in Hindu culture. You will be able to discover the Elephanta Caves that are home to collection of rock art typical of the cult of Shiva. Don’t miss out on visiting the Gandhi Museum and House, dedicated to the memory of the man who played a vital role in the emancipation and independence of India, or the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus railway station (formerly known as Victoria Terminus), the finest example of Victorian architecture in India. In the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya museum, you will find very fine collections of sculptures, miniatures and portraits of the man who would become King George V.
Sigiriya, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Drive from the pier to Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This ancient rock fortress and palace ruin is surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures. Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings (commonly known as frescos), which are reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves of India. At the top of a sheltered spiral stairway you will find the famous Sigiriya frescoes, 21 figures of females depicted as rising from the clouds, which are some of the earliest surviving pictorial art in Sri Lanka. Built during the reign of the great controversial King Kasyapa (477 AD – 495 AD), it is one of the 7 world heritage sites in Sri Lanka and definitely a must-see destination in the Cultural Triangle and on the island.
After arriving in Sigiriya walk up the 1200-step ancient rock fortress at your own pace with your guide. Once at the top, your guide will recount stories from the bygone era and give you time to explore this magnificent piece of Sri Lankan history and the breathtaking views from the top of the rock.
Once you have returned to the bottom, drive to a hotel for a relaxing, well deserved lunch before returning to Trincomalee and our ship.
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This tour involves approximately 1 mile (1 600m) of walking with 1200 uneven steps (up and down for total of 2400 steps). We recommend you wear flat comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is only for very fit guests. The drive to/from Sirigiya takes approximately 3 hours in each direction. For this excursion, you will need to wear appropriate clothing to visit the religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). You should remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple and hats at all religious places. We recommend you wear or bring socks. Bring along a sweater or light jacket in case the air-conditioning in the coach is too cold.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Dambulla, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Depart from the pier and drive to Dambulla to visit the Golden Cave Temple, which is Sri Lanka's largest and best-preserved Temple.
Dating back to the First Century BC, the Golden Temple of Dambulla has been the center of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus alike for 22 centuries. The Cave monastery, home to Buddhist monks, is covered with exquisite 2,000-year-old murals depicting the life and times of the Lord Buddha. The shrines also house a collection of 157 statues of Buddha in various sizes and poses, including a 15-meter-long reclining Buddha, and vividly coloured frescoes on the walls and ceiling, making this the largest antique painted surface in the world.
The largest and most impressive of the caves, the Temple of the Great King, is 52 meters from one side to another, and 23 meters from the entrance to the back, with the sloping ceiling seven meters at its highest point. The entire surface of the cave is a mosaic of frescoes with so many themes and styles that it is easy to be overwhelmed. The paintings at Dambulla are representative of many different epochs of Sinhalese Buddhist art, although the classical school of Sinhalese painting (which ceased at the end of the 12th century) is not represented. The “New School”, supposedly influenced by the contemporary South Indian Deccan School, is less successful than the earlier indigenous art forms, using brilliant colour schemes in predominately red and yellow. It is not possible to date the Dambulla paintings precisely, since they have been painted over throughout the centuries. Some, however, were originally done by Kandyan artists during the 17th century. It is no wonder the Rock Temple has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the climb, drive to Cinnamon Lodge Hotel for lunch before returning to Trincomalee.
- The drive to/from Dambulla takes approximately 3 hours in each direction. This tour involves approximately 0.5 mile / 700 m of walking on uneven ground. There are 365 steps to reach the caves, or a long pathway with long steps. This tour is not advised for guests with limited mobility. For this excursion, you will need to wear appropriate clothing to visit the religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). You should remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple and hats at all religious places. We recommend that you wear or bring socks. Bring along a sweater or light jacket in case the air-conditioning in the coach is too cold.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Polonnaruwa, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Depart from the quayside and proceed to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa a 3-hour drive from the port.
Polonnaruwa was established as the capital after Anuradhapura had been invaded in the late 10th century. Under King Parakramabu, who ruled in the late 11th century, Polonnaruwa became a magnificent walled city. He built the vast reservoir, Parakrama Samudra (the Sea of Parakrama), still in use today, and ordered the construction of monasteries, temples, palaces, bathing pools and Buddhist statues; all set in a forested park surrounded by moats.
One of the most striking of the many sites is Polonnaruwa’s Gal Vihara, or Rock Shrine. The reclining Lord Buddha is near another statue showing him seated in deep meditation, his throne adorned with lions and thunderbolts. A second seated Lord Buddha, surrounded by other deities including Brahma and Vishnu, is set within a cave cut into the rock face that still bears traces of the frescoes which once decorated the walls. The fourth Gal Vihara statue departs from the conventional poses by depicting the Lord Buddha as a seven-meter tall standing figure with arms crossed. The Quadrangle, with 12 superb buildings standing on a platform in the centre of the ancient city, and the Lankatilleke image house, a vast brick building with a standing Buddha at the rear, are also among the many magnificent remains.
After visiting Polonnaruwa, drive to a hotel for lunch before returning to Trincomalee.
- The drive to/from Polonnaruwa takes approximately 3 hours in each direction. This tour involves approximately 0,5 mile (800m) of walking on uneven ground. This tour is not advised for guests with limited mobility. For this excursion, you will need to wear appropriate clothing to visit the religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). You should remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple and hats at all religious places. We recommend that you wear or bring socks. Bring along a sweater or light jacket in case the air-conditioning in the coach is too cold. Drones are not allowed.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Trincomalee city tour
Trincomalee, or ‘Trinco’ as it is affectionately known, has a rich history and has served as a hub of maritime and trading activities, thanks to its natural harbor. On the way to your first visit, enjoy photo stops at the fisheries harbour to take photographs of the fishing boats, a Buddhist Temple and maybe if you are lucky you will have the opportunity to spot Deer.
Your coach will take you to Fort Frederick, which was a defense site for over a century and now houses the colorful Koneshwaram Temple and Swami Rock from where you will enjoy a beautiful view of the sea.
Afterwards, drive to the fish market to experience the day to day life of fishermen. Enjoy some free time to explore the main street and a few lanes in and around the market area.
Drive to visit the Commonwealth war cemetery located close to the city of Trincomalee before returning to the pier.
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For this excursion, you will need to wear appropriate clothing to visit the religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). You should remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple and hats at all religious places. We recommend you wear or bring socks. Bring along a sweater or light jacket in case the air-conditioning in the coach is too cold. This tour involves approx. 1 km with some irregular steps. No photo are allowed inside the Koneswaram temple.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Elephants of Udawalawe
Set off on a full-day excursion designed to give you a remarkable look at the social order, intelligence and beauty of elephants in the wild.
From the pier, board your coach for the 1.5-hour drive to Udawalawa National Park, where more than 400 wild elephants live safely in their natural habitat. Hop into an off-road vehicle for a photo safari that is sure to provide an incredible perspective of these majestic creatures.
After lunch at a local resort, the day continues with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, a government run organization supported by the Born Free Foundation. The facility's mission is to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants so that they can be returned to the wild. Watch adorable young elephants being fed and learn how they are cared for and prepared for their future.
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The drive to/from Udawalawa National Park takes approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Once at the park, you will board 6-seater off-road vehicles. This tour involves very little walking. However, due to the nature of the tracks, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems nor pregnant women. Although frequent, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring binoculars.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Yala National Park
Set off through the wilds of Yala National Park on a photographic safari to spot elephants, sloth bears, and other indigenous wildlife. This is one of the largest and most heralded National Parks in Sri Lanka and you will explore it in truly rugged fashion.
From the pier, board your coach for the 1.5-hour drive to the entrance of the national park. Upon your arrival, you will hop into an off-road vehicle, along with a local guide and park expert, and bound across the unspoiled terrain on a two-hour wildlife expedition. Yala is home to 44 mammal species and 215 bird species, so keep watch for elephants, sloth bears, deer, wild boar, colourful birds and exotic birds of prey. Snap awe-inspiring photos, learn about the wildlife spotted along the way; and marvel at the majesty of the scenery as you rumble through Yala National Park. After lunch at a local restaurant, it will be time for the drive back to the pier.
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The drive to and from Yala National Park takes approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Once at the park, you will board 6-seater off-road vehicles. This tour involves very little walking. However, due to the nature of the tracks, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems nor pregnant women. Although frequent, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring binoculars.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Elephants of Udawalawe
Set off on a full-day excursion designed to give you a remarkable look at the social order, intelligence and beauty of elephants in the wild.
From the pier, board your coach for the 1.5-hour drive to Elephant Transit Home, a government run organization supported by the Born Free Foundation. The facility's mission is to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants so that they can be returned to the wild. Watch adorable young elephants being fed and learn how they are cared for and prepared for their future.
Then, continues to Udawalawa National Park, where more than 400 wild elephants live safely in their natural habitat. Hop into an off-road vehicle for a photo safari that is sure to provide an incredible perspective of these majestic creatures.
-
The drive to/from Udawalawa National Park takes approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Once at the park, you will board 6-seater off-road vehicles. This tour involves very little walking. However, due to the nature of the tracks, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems nor pregnant women. Although frequent, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring binoculars. Order of the visits may vary.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Yala National Park
Set off through the wilds of Yala National Park on a photographic safari to spot elephants, sloth bears, and other indigenous wildlife. This is one of the largest and most heralded National Parks in Sri Lanka and you will explore it in truly rugged fashion.
From the pier, board your coach for the 1.5-hour drive to the entrance of the national park. Upon your arrival, you will hop into an off-road vehicle, along with a local guide and park expert, and bound across the unspoiled terrain on a two-hour wildlife expedition. Yala is home to 44 mammal species and 215 bird species, so keep watch for elephants, sloth bears, deer, wild boar, colourful birds and exotic birds of prey. Snap awe-inspiring photos, learn about the wildlife spotted along the way; and marvel at the majesty of the scenery as you rumble through Yala National Park.
-
The drive to and from Yala National Park takes approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Once at the park, you will board 6-seater off-road vehicles. This tour involves very little walking. However, due to the nature of the tracks, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems nor pregnant women. Although frequent, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring binoculars.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Galle city tour
From the pier, board your coach and travel to Koggala for a visit to the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum. The museum currently holds over a thousand artifacts of Sri Lankan rural life, providing a vast and unique storehouse of knowledge of local folk culture and technology going back several centuries. Sections are dedicated to Buddhist religious artifacts, the evolution of the Sinhala alphabet, an agricultural village, musical instruments and much, much more.
From here, you will make your way back to Galle to explore the fort which was originally built by the Portuguese and then modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Even today, after 400 years of existence, it looks new and polished with reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.
Step back in time, as your guide brings the colourful history of the fort to life, during a guided walking tour. Weave your way along the narrow lanes, pass through the courtyard to the Dutch Hospital shopping complex, before viewing the Lighthouse, Clock Tower and the Ramparts. Then, stop for a tea and enjoy delicious Sri Lankan sweetmeats.
Before heading back to the pier, enjoy some time at leisure inside the Galle fort premises. You may like to purchase some souvenirs.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Charm of Galle
From the pier, board your local coach and head to Koggala to experience the ever-famous stilt fishermen engaging in their daily catch. Stilt fishing is an age-old fishing method in Sri Lanka and remains as a scenic icon in the southern coastal belt today. Notice how carefully balanced the fishermen are as they position themselves on the thin stilt during the low tide to fish in the rising waters of the high tide.
Then, reboard your coach and drive to the only producer of Virgin White tea in Sri Lanka resides about 45 minutes away from the port city of Galle at the Handunugoda Tea Estate. While originally produced in China for the Imperial Emperor, the estate has taken on the task of recreating the exact recipe and following the tradition that ensures that the only human part that comes into contact with the tea is the lips.
On arrival, make your way to the owner’s bungalow, sit and enjoy a cup of tea and cake while asking him about the tea process and plantation. After tea, make your way down to the plantation itself where you are able to watch the plucking process while listening to an informative explanation on the culture of tea. Then, head into the factory, where you are able to see the old machinery still in use.
Finally, you will make your way back to Galle to explore the fort which was originally built by the Portuguese and then modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Even today, after 400 years of existence, it looks new and polished with reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.
Step back in time, as your guide brings the colourful history of the fort to life, during a guided walking tour. Weave your way along the narrow lanes, pass through the courtyard to the Dutch Hospital shopping complex, before viewing the Lighthouse, Clock Tower and the Ramparts.
Before heading back to the pier, enjoy some time at leisure inside the Galle fort premises. You may like to purchase some souvenirs.
- This tour involves walking on uneven grounds and steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. It is possible to purchase souvenirs inside the Tea shop in the estate. Please note that only Sri Lankan Rupees and USD will be accepted.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Harbour cruise & Kathakali performance
From the pier, take a short transfer to the boat jetty and embark on a small boat for an idyllic trip through the waters of the city. For centuries, these canals have provided a safe and efficient means of transportation for goods and people moving between the heartland and the port towns along the coast.
In the comfort of your boat, glide along shimmering waterways past the Gundu and Vypeen islands. Get a glimpse of the large, graceful Chinese fishing nets that line the shore of Fort Cochin. Observe Kerala lifestyles as your boat drifts past old harbour buildings and private homes.
At the end of the one-hour cruise, your boat will drop you off at the jetty at Fort Cochin. Most of Cochin historical buildings are located in Fort Cochin, constructed in 1500 by Portuguese general Alfonzo de Albuquerque. Albuquerque arrived with half a dozen ships bearing settlers and five friars, and built the first European church in India, St. Francis Church. It is a short and pleasant walk along green and leafy streets to a typical English village green. In one corner stands the Church of St. Francis.
Spend a few minutes watching how the Chinese fishing nets are operated. Said to have been introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, they cantilever over the harbour and operate by a system of weights and levers. The nets, on wooden frames, are raised periodically to check the catch.
Your walk will end at the nearby Greenix Village, dedicated to presenting and promoting the various facets of Kerala’s art and culture. A private Kathakali performance and some light refreshments await you at this venue. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of south-western India now known as the state of Kerala. It is a well-developed dance drama, where the actors depict characters from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Kathakali dance performance is very dramatic and is enacted with elaborate masks and costumes. Kathakali recitals are emotive and narrative, and combine dance with dialogue to bring myth and legend to life in the temple courtyards of Kerala.
- This tour involves approximately 2 km (1.2 miles of walking). At St. Francis Church, you may have to remove your shoes to enter. On Sundays, the visit of St. Francis church will be limited to a photo-stop. Wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Alleypey backwaters cruise by houseboat
One of the highlights of Kerala is the backwaters and their traditional houseboats that glide through one of India’s most beautiful and tranquil landscapes, a rural expanse of verdant coconut groves and rice paddies.
Depart Cochin by coach for a 1 ¾-hour journey passing through small villages where the locals go about their daily life. On arrival in Alappuzha (formerly known as Alleppey), board your houseboat. Care is taken to use only natural products when building these boats. Bamboo mats, sticks and wood of areca palm are used for the roofing, coir mats and wooden planks for the flooring, and wood of coconut trees and coir for beds. For lighting though, solar panels are used.
The term “backwaters” refers to the intermeshed network of rivers, lakes, canals and lagoons that tie together the coastal and interior regions south of Cochin. For centuries, these canals provided a safe and efficient means of transportation for goods and people moving between the heartland of Kerala and the port towns along the coast. Even today, traditional barges, or kettuvallams, haul coconut, pepper, rice and other goods along the waterways.
Relax on board while drifting along shimmering waterways lined with dense tropical vegetation and observe rural Kerala lifestyles from the comfortable boat deck.
The landscape ranges from narrow canals walled in with thick greenery, to open vistas of brilliant green paddy fields or large open lagoons. Peering through the trees, you will see churches, mosques and temples. On the water edge, notice villagers bathing and scrubbing their clothes, and sometimes washing their buffaloes.
As your cruise comes to an end, stop for lunch at a resort located on the shores of the lagoon surrounded by green palm trees.
After lunch, get back to your boat for a short transfer back to your coach for your journey back to Cochin.
- This tour involves very little walking. The transfer to and from Alleppey takes approximately 1 ¾ hour in each direction. The houseboat cruise takes approximately 2 ½ hour. The houseboat is not air-conditioned but offers shade. Protect yourself from the sun. Each houseboat has a capacity of 35 guests.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highlights of Cochin
A trading port since ancient times, Cochin has a relaxed seaport lifestyle that has changed little over the centuries. From the pier, embark your coach and start your journey, by the sea. Discover the large, graceful Chinese fishing nets that line the shore, first introduced by traders from the Court of Kublai Khan.
Then, enjoy a short and pleasant walk to the typical English village green. In one corner stands the Church of St. Francis, said to be the oldest European church in India. Its simple style is only enhanced by the handsome floor tiles that line the main aisle. Another sign of architectural simplicity of the church is the punkahs, or large cloth fans. Suspended above the parishioners and operated manually from outside the church, the fans are a relic from colonial times.
Continue to the Dhobi Khana (public laundry). Each morning, dirty laundry from all over city is brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled, beaten and thrashed. Stop here for photos before reaching a local restaurant for a refreshment.
Later, proceed to Jew town and discover the fascinating mix of antique shops, warehouses and spice auction rooms. Enjoy a visit of the local synagogue.
Finally, conclude your tour by stopping at the Dutch Palace, an oriental-style structure built by the Portuguese during the 16th century. Occupied neither by the Portuguese nor the Dutch over the ensuing centuries, the palace has wooden interior, which is decorated with a series of murals. In the royal bedroom, there are 45 murals depicting the great Indian epic, the Ramayana. The palace also boasts an interesting collection of Dutch maps, coronation robes belonging to the maharajas, along with royal palanquins, weapons and furniture.
Then, get back to your coach for your transfer to the pier.
- This tour involves approximately 650m (0.4 mile) of walking, on uneven ground with steps. At St. Francis Church, you may have to remove your shoes to enter. Photos or videos are not allowed at the Portuguese Museum. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Order of the visits may vary.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highlights of Cochin
A trading port since ancient times, Cochin has a relaxed seaport lifestyle that has changed little over the centuries. From the pier, embark your coach and start your journey, by the sea. Discover the large, graceful Chinese fishing nets that line the shore, first introduced by traders from the Court of Kublai Khan.
Then, enjoy a short and pleasant walk to the typical English village green. In one corner stands the Church of St. Francis, said to be the oldest European church in India. Its simple style is only enhanced by the handsome floor tiles that line the main aisle. Another sign of architectural simplicity of the church is the punkahs, or large cloth fans. Suspended above the parishioners and operated manually from outside the church, the fans are a relic from colonial times.
Continue to the Dhobi Khana (public laundry). Each morning, dirty laundry from all over city is brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled, beaten and thrashed. Stop here for photos before reaching a local restaurant for a refreshment.
Later, proceed to Jew town and discover the fascinating mix of antique shops, warehouses and spice auction rooms. Enjoy a visit of the local synagogue.
Finally, conclude your tour by stopping at the Dutch Palace, an oriental-style structure built by the Portuguese during the 16th century. Occupied neither by the Portuguese nor the Dutch over the ensuing centuries, the palace has wooden interior, which is decorated with a series of murals. In the royal bedroom, there are 45 murals depicting the great Indian epic, the Ramayana. The palace also boasts an interesting collection of Dutch maps, coronation robes belonging to the maharajas, along with royal palanquins, weapons and furniture.
Then, get back to your coach for your transfer to the pier.
- This tour involves approximately 650m (0.4 mile) of walking, on uneven ground with steps. At St. Francis Church, you may have to remove your shoes to enter. Photos or videos are not allowed at the Portuguese Museum. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Order of the visits may vary.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Churches of Old Goa
From the pier, embark your coach for your exploration of Goa and its churches. Goa has many impressive churches and convents, all of which have become UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, come and appreciate the imposing façades and altars of these wonderfully well-maintained churches. You will visit:
Basilica's Bom Jesus where lies the legendary 16th century missionary Saint Francis Xavier. It is visited by pilgrims from all over the world.
Saint Augustin Tower, witness of the church which has been built on top of the Monte Santo (Holy Hill), between 1597 and 1602 by Augustinian friars who landed in Goa in 1587. The church was considered as one of the three great Augustinian churches in the Iberian world along with El Escorial and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora.
Saint Catherine cathedral, which was commissioned to be “a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific”. With its exterior Tuscan design, it is still larger than any other church in Portugal and said to be the largest in Asia.
Church of Saint Cajetan, modelled on Saint Peter’s in Rome. Its neoclassical facade, with twin towers flanking the great dome, disguises an interior that is pure, unrestrained baroque.
- The drive to and from Old Goa takes approximately 1½ hour in each direction. This tour involves approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) of walking and 50 uneven and broken steps to visit St Augustin tower. Photo and video are not allowed inside the churches and the cathedral. appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ethnographic museum & Portuguese mansion
From the pier, board your coach for the 1¼ hour-drive to Goa Chitra Museum, the first and only ethnographic museum of Goa. The museum has a unique collection and display of original farming implements and other ancient tools of trade, set against the backdrop of a traditional organic farm.
Goa Chitra is a monumental testament to one man single-handed quest to collect and preserve Goa timeless agrarian technology and lifestyle. There are currently more than 4,000 artefacts on display here: collectibles pottery, farming tools, musical instruments, ancient carts and palanquins. Goa Chitra also showcases an organic farm for the cultivation of various vegetables, herbs, spices, sugar cane and rice?–?all staples of the area. Founded and administered by Victor Hugo Gomes, the Goa Chitra Museum has been rated by the Archaeological Survey of India as the “top contemporary museum” in India.
Next, passing by the Holy Spirit Church Square, proceed for the Figueiredo Mansion, belonging to the most influential family of Goa for over 400 years. Built in 1590, the Figueiredo Mansion predates the Taj Mahal by decades. It was designed by Jesuit priests from nearby Rachol Seminary to accommodate a newly converted goan family?–?the Podiars, who took the name Figueiredo. The house sumptuous interior stands in studied contrast to the natural beauty of the paddy fields and coconut trees that surround it. In the 18th century, as the family was rising in power, the house was suitably augmented to achieve its current proportions.
After the visit, enjoy an authentic goan lunch.
On the way back to the pier, a stop will be made at the Mormugao market with its strong Portuguese influence. Here, you can see fresh fruits and colourful local vegetables.
- This tour involves approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Order of the visit may vary.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Marvels of Mumbai
From the pier, embark on an interesting city tour of the former Bombay. Start with the city’s most famous landmark—the Gateway of India. This Indo-Saracenic archway was built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Continue to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST, previously known as Victoria Terminus), built during Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee year. It is an extraordinary conglomeration of domes, spires, Corinthian columns and minarets. The first train in India left from this station in 1853. Nowadays, half a million commuters pass through the station every day.
Next, stop at Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi’s Bombay base from 1917 to 1934. This building is now a museum and memorial to the famous leader of non-violent non-cooperation. The room he slept in has remained unchanged and still contains his bed and many of his personal possessions. Then, you will drive to Dhobi Ghat where you can take advantage of a unique and colourful photo opportunity - laundry from all over Mumbai is brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled and beaten.
You will also visit the Prince of Wales Museum (now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) with its white Mughal-style dome. Inside, you will find displays of jade, Mughal Empire weapons, and 3rd-century BC terra cotta figures from Gandhara, a former colony of Alexander the Great. However, the museum’s main attraction is a superb collection of Indian paintings, illustrated manuscripts and exquisite miniatures.
After the visit, drive back to the pier.
- This tour involves a 0.6-mile (1km) walk on uneven ground with steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothes and protect yourself from the sun and from mosquitoes. Guests are advised to mind their belongings at all times and not carry large denominations of money. Order of visits may change. Duration of the tour may vary due to traffic/other unforeseen circumstances.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Culture of Mumbai
From the pier, embark your coach to visit one of the most famous markets in Mumbai—Crawford Market. It is housed in a building that looks like something out of Victorian London but is overrun with a crazy riot of local colour, including the chaotic wholesale cloth market with a tremendous variety of fabrics across hundreds of indoor stalls.
Continue your drive to the Churchgate Railway Station. Spend some time watching the dabbawalas, members of the Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association. Every day, 4,000 of these intrepid entrepreneurs deliver fresh, home-cooked food from 100,000 suburban kitchens to offices in the downtown area. The meals are carried, dangling from shoulder-poles and bicycle handlebars, or stacked on decorated handcarts, to their hungry recipients.
Your next visit will be to one of the oldest surviving structures in Mumbai: the temple complex of Banganga. It is situated at the southern side of Malabar Hill close to the Arabian Sea. At the centre of the complex lies a rectangular pool of holy water where locals bathe as part of their ritual. They believe the waters have special healing powers. The source of the spring is said to be an underground offshoot of the Ganges, and the waters are considered just as sacred as those of the great river itself.
Continue your excursion with an orientation drive through Mumbai passing prominent landmarks such as Flora Fountain, the university and Victoria Terminus. The latter is a most remarkable railway station, inspired by St Pancras Station in London. It was built during Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee year and is an extraordinary conglomeration of domes, spires, Corinthian columns and minarets. The first train in India left from this station in 1853. Nowadays, half-a-million commuters use the station every day.
After the visit, drive back to the pier.
- This tour involves 0.7 miles (1.2km) of walking on uneven ground with steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothes and protect yourself from the sun and from mosquitoes. Guests are advised to mind their belongings at all times and not carry large denominations of money. Order of visits may change or operate in reverse. Duration of the tour may vary due to traffic/other unforeseen circumstances.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Le Lapérouse
Environmentally friendly, fitted with innovative equipment and complete with lounges designed to be largely open to the exterior, this new and intimately sized yacht offers a unique type of cruise experience.
Onboard this ship sailing under the French flag, you'll experience the incomparable pleasure of a cosily intimate cruise offering the possibility of exploring an ever-increasing range of destinations in an ethnic chic ambiance.
The Blue Eye, an underwater lounge offering a unique experience unlike anything else in the world.
Up to 184 Guests
92 staterooms & suites
118 crew members
Spa
2 restaurants
Decks
Guest Speaker
Aboard your ship, an English-speaking lecturer will enlighten you about the culture and history of your destination to deepen your knowledge of the origins of local traditions, the history of emblematic sites, and stories involving famous personalities and those of major historical significance. During on-board lectures or on your shore visits, this expert will be there to share their precious knowledge with you throughout your PONANT cruise.
Free solo supplement
FREE SOLO SUPPLEMENT *
*The supplement for single usage of a double cabin is waived, according to availability and staterooms categories.
Excursions included
During your journey, enjoy an excursion included per person per port of call, to choose from a selection offered by PONANT. Whether this is the visit of an emblematic museum or a UNESCO World Heritage Site, an activity in the heart of nature or a tasting of local products, or one of many other highlights, you will benefit from a careful selection of activities throughout your itinerary.
Pre-bookings will open around two months before the start of the cruise; requests will be processed on a first-come first-served basis, subject to availability.
Shore excursions, Pre/Post & Overlands
Sigiriya, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Drive from the pier to Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This ancient rock fortress and palace ruin is surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures. Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings (commonly known as frescos), which are reminiscent of the Ajanta Caves of India. At the top of a sheltered spiral stairway you will find the famous Sigiriya frescoes, 21 figures of females depicted as rising from the clouds, which are some of the earliest surviving pictorial art in Sri Lanka. Built during the reign of the great controversial King Kasyapa (477 AD – 495 AD), it is one of the 7 world heritage sites in Sri Lanka and definitely a must-see destination in the Cultural Triangle and on the island.
After arriving in Sigiriya walk up the 1200-step ancient rock fortress at your own pace with your guide. Once at the top, your guide will recount stories from the bygone era and give you time to explore this magnificent piece of Sri Lankan history and the breathtaking views from the top of the rock.
Once you have returned to the bottom, drive to a hotel for a relaxing, well deserved lunch before returning to Trincomalee and our ship.
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This tour involves approximately 1 mile (1 600m) of walking with 1200 uneven steps (up and down for total of 2400 steps). We recommend you wear flat comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. This tour is only for very fit guests. The drive to/from Sirigiya takes approximately 3 hours in each direction. For this excursion, you will need to wear appropriate clothing to visit the religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). You should remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple and hats at all religious places. We recommend you wear or bring socks. Bring along a sweater or light jacket in case the air-conditioning in the coach is too cold.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Dambulla, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Depart from the pier and drive to Dambulla to visit the Golden Cave Temple, which is Sri Lanka's largest and best-preserved Temple.
Dating back to the First Century BC, the Golden Temple of Dambulla has been the center of pilgrimage for Buddhists and Hindus alike for 22 centuries. The Cave monastery, home to Buddhist monks, is covered with exquisite 2,000-year-old murals depicting the life and times of the Lord Buddha. The shrines also house a collection of 157 statues of Buddha in various sizes and poses, including a 15-meter-long reclining Buddha, and vividly coloured frescoes on the walls and ceiling, making this the largest antique painted surface in the world.
The largest and most impressive of the caves, the Temple of the Great King, is 52 meters from one side to another, and 23 meters from the entrance to the back, with the sloping ceiling seven meters at its highest point. The entire surface of the cave is a mosaic of frescoes with so many themes and styles that it is easy to be overwhelmed. The paintings at Dambulla are representative of many different epochs of Sinhalese Buddhist art, although the classical school of Sinhalese painting (which ceased at the end of the 12th century) is not represented. The “New School”, supposedly influenced by the contemporary South Indian Deccan School, is less successful than the earlier indigenous art forms, using brilliant colour schemes in predominately red and yellow. It is not possible to date the Dambulla paintings precisely, since they have been painted over throughout the centuries. Some, however, were originally done by Kandyan artists during the 17th century. It is no wonder the Rock Temple has become a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
After the climb, drive to Cinnamon Lodge Hotel for lunch before returning to Trincomalee.
- The drive to/from Dambulla takes approximately 3 hours in each direction. This tour involves approximately 0.5 mile / 700 m of walking on uneven ground. There are 365 steps to reach the caves, or a long pathway with long steps. This tour is not advised for guests with limited mobility. For this excursion, you will need to wear appropriate clothing to visit the religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). You should remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple and hats at all religious places. We recommend that you wear or bring socks. Bring along a sweater or light jacket in case the air-conditioning in the coach is too cold.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Polonnaruwa, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Depart from the quayside and proceed to the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa a 3-hour drive from the port.
Polonnaruwa was established as the capital after Anuradhapura had been invaded in the late 10th century. Under King Parakramabu, who ruled in the late 11th century, Polonnaruwa became a magnificent walled city. He built the vast reservoir, Parakrama Samudra (the Sea of Parakrama), still in use today, and ordered the construction of monasteries, temples, palaces, bathing pools and Buddhist statues; all set in a forested park surrounded by moats.
One of the most striking of the many sites is Polonnaruwa’s Gal Vihara, or Rock Shrine. The reclining Lord Buddha is near another statue showing him seated in deep meditation, his throne adorned with lions and thunderbolts. A second seated Lord Buddha, surrounded by other deities including Brahma and Vishnu, is set within a cave cut into the rock face that still bears traces of the frescoes which once decorated the walls. The fourth Gal Vihara statue departs from the conventional poses by depicting the Lord Buddha as a seven-meter tall standing figure with arms crossed. The Quadrangle, with 12 superb buildings standing on a platform in the centre of the ancient city, and the Lankatilleke image house, a vast brick building with a standing Buddha at the rear, are also among the many magnificent remains.
After visiting Polonnaruwa, drive to a hotel for lunch before returning to Trincomalee.
- The drive to/from Polonnaruwa takes approximately 3 hours in each direction. This tour involves approximately 0,5 mile (800m) of walking on uneven ground. This tour is not advised for guests with limited mobility. For this excursion, you will need to wear appropriate clothing to visit the religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). You should remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple and hats at all religious places. We recommend that you wear or bring socks. Bring along a sweater or light jacket in case the air-conditioning in the coach is too cold. Drones are not allowed.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Trincomalee city tour
Trincomalee, or ‘Trinco’ as it is affectionately known, has a rich history and has served as a hub of maritime and trading activities, thanks to its natural harbor. On the way to your first visit, enjoy photo stops at the fisheries harbour to take photographs of the fishing boats, a Buddhist Temple and maybe if you are lucky you will have the opportunity to spot Deer.
Your coach will take you to Fort Frederick, which was a defense site for over a century and now houses the colorful Koneshwaram Temple and Swami Rock from where you will enjoy a beautiful view of the sea.
Afterwards, drive to the fish market to experience the day to day life of fishermen. Enjoy some free time to explore the main street and a few lanes in and around the market area.
Drive to visit the Commonwealth war cemetery located close to the city of Trincomalee before returning to the pier.
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For this excursion, you will need to wear appropriate clothing to visit the religious sites (shoulders and knees should be covered). You should remove your shoes when entering a Buddhist or Hindu temple and hats at all religious places. We recommend you wear or bring socks. Bring along a sweater or light jacket in case the air-conditioning in the coach is too cold. This tour involves approx. 1 km with some irregular steps. No photo are allowed inside the Koneswaram temple.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Elephants of Udawalawe
Set off on a full-day excursion designed to give you a remarkable look at the social order, intelligence and beauty of elephants in the wild.
From the pier, board your coach for the 1.5-hour drive to Udawalawa National Park, where more than 400 wild elephants live safely in their natural habitat. Hop into an off-road vehicle for a photo safari that is sure to provide an incredible perspective of these majestic creatures.
After lunch at a local resort, the day continues with a visit to the Elephant Transit Home, a government run organization supported by the Born Free Foundation. The facility's mission is to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants so that they can be returned to the wild. Watch adorable young elephants being fed and learn how they are cared for and prepared for their future.
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The drive to/from Udawalawa National Park takes approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Once at the park, you will board 6-seater off-road vehicles. This tour involves very little walking. However, due to the nature of the tracks, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems nor pregnant women. Although frequent, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring binoculars.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Yala National Park
Set off through the wilds of Yala National Park on a photographic safari to spot elephants, sloth bears, and other indigenous wildlife. This is one of the largest and most heralded National Parks in Sri Lanka and you will explore it in truly rugged fashion.
From the pier, board your coach for the 1.5-hour drive to the entrance of the national park. Upon your arrival, you will hop into an off-road vehicle, along with a local guide and park expert, and bound across the unspoiled terrain on a two-hour wildlife expedition. Yala is home to 44 mammal species and 215 bird species, so keep watch for elephants, sloth bears, deer, wild boar, colourful birds and exotic birds of prey. Snap awe-inspiring photos, learn about the wildlife spotted along the way; and marvel at the majesty of the scenery as you rumble through Yala National Park. After lunch at a local restaurant, it will be time for the drive back to the pier.
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The drive to and from Yala National Park takes approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Once at the park, you will board 6-seater off-road vehicles. This tour involves very little walking. However, due to the nature of the tracks, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems nor pregnant women. Although frequent, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring binoculars.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Elephants of Udawalawe
Set off on a full-day excursion designed to give you a remarkable look at the social order, intelligence and beauty of elephants in the wild.
From the pier, board your coach for the 1.5-hour drive to Elephant Transit Home, a government run organization supported by the Born Free Foundation. The facility's mission is to rescue and rehabilitate orphaned elephants so that they can be returned to the wild. Watch adorable young elephants being fed and learn how they are cared for and prepared for their future.
Then, continues to Udawalawa National Park, where more than 400 wild elephants live safely in their natural habitat. Hop into an off-road vehicle for a photo safari that is sure to provide an incredible perspective of these majestic creatures.
-
The drive to/from Udawalawa National Park takes approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Once at the park, you will board 6-seater off-road vehicles. This tour involves very little walking. However, due to the nature of the tracks, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems nor pregnant women. Although frequent, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring binoculars. Order of the visits may vary.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Yala National Park
Set off through the wilds of Yala National Park on a photographic safari to spot elephants, sloth bears, and other indigenous wildlife. This is one of the largest and most heralded National Parks in Sri Lanka and you will explore it in truly rugged fashion.
From the pier, board your coach for the 1.5-hour drive to the entrance of the national park. Upon your arrival, you will hop into an off-road vehicle, along with a local guide and park expert, and bound across the unspoiled terrain on a two-hour wildlife expedition. Yala is home to 44 mammal species and 215 bird species, so keep watch for elephants, sloth bears, deer, wild boar, colourful birds and exotic birds of prey. Snap awe-inspiring photos, learn about the wildlife spotted along the way; and marvel at the majesty of the scenery as you rumble through Yala National Park.
-
The drive to and from Yala National Park takes approximately 1.5 hours in each direction. Once at the park, you will board 6-seater off-road vehicles. This tour involves very little walking. However, due to the nature of the tracks, it is not recommended for guests with back and/or neck problems nor pregnant women. Although frequent, animal sightings are not guaranteed. Wear comfortable clothing and shoes and bring binoculars.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Galle city tour
From the pier, board your coach and travel to Koggala for a visit to the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum. The museum currently holds over a thousand artifacts of Sri Lankan rural life, providing a vast and unique storehouse of knowledge of local folk culture and technology going back several centuries. Sections are dedicated to Buddhist religious artifacts, the evolution of the Sinhala alphabet, an agricultural village, musical instruments and much, much more.
From here, you will make your way back to Galle to explore the fort which was originally built by the Portuguese and then modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Even today, after 400 years of existence, it looks new and polished with reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.
Step back in time, as your guide brings the colourful history of the fort to life, during a guided walking tour. Weave your way along the narrow lanes, pass through the courtyard to the Dutch Hospital shopping complex, before viewing the Lighthouse, Clock Tower and the Ramparts. Then, stop for a tea and enjoy delicious Sri Lankan sweetmeats.
Before heading back to the pier, enjoy some time at leisure inside the Galle fort premises. You may like to purchase some souvenirs.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Charm of Galle
From the pier, board your local coach and head to Koggala to experience the ever-famous stilt fishermen engaging in their daily catch. Stilt fishing is an age-old fishing method in Sri Lanka and remains as a scenic icon in the southern coastal belt today. Notice how carefully balanced the fishermen are as they position themselves on the thin stilt during the low tide to fish in the rising waters of the high tide.
Then, reboard your coach and drive to the only producer of Virgin White tea in Sri Lanka resides about 45 minutes away from the port city of Galle at the Handunugoda Tea Estate. While originally produced in China for the Imperial Emperor, the estate has taken on the task of recreating the exact recipe and following the tradition that ensures that the only human part that comes into contact with the tea is the lips.
On arrival, make your way to the owner’s bungalow, sit and enjoy a cup of tea and cake while asking him about the tea process and plantation. After tea, make your way down to the plantation itself where you are able to watch the plucking process while listening to an informative explanation on the culture of tea. Then, head into the factory, where you are able to see the old machinery still in use.
Finally, you will make your way back to Galle to explore the fort which was originally built by the Portuguese and then modified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Even today, after 400 years of existence, it looks new and polished with reconstruction work done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.
Step back in time, as your guide brings the colourful history of the fort to life, during a guided walking tour. Weave your way along the narrow lanes, pass through the courtyard to the Dutch Hospital shopping complex, before viewing the Lighthouse, Clock Tower and the Ramparts.
Before heading back to the pier, enjoy some time at leisure inside the Galle fort premises. You may like to purchase some souvenirs.
- This tour involves walking on uneven grounds and steps. We recommend you wear comfortable walking shoes and protect yourself from the sun. It is possible to purchase souvenirs inside the Tea shop in the estate. Please note that only Sri Lankan Rupees and USD will be accepted.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Harbour cruise & Kathakali performance
From the pier, take a short transfer to the boat jetty and embark on a small boat for an idyllic trip through the waters of the city. For centuries, these canals have provided a safe and efficient means of transportation for goods and people moving between the heartland and the port towns along the coast.
In the comfort of your boat, glide along shimmering waterways past the Gundu and Vypeen islands. Get a glimpse of the large, graceful Chinese fishing nets that line the shore of Fort Cochin. Observe Kerala lifestyles as your boat drifts past old harbour buildings and private homes.
At the end of the one-hour cruise, your boat will drop you off at the jetty at Fort Cochin. Most of Cochin historical buildings are located in Fort Cochin, constructed in 1500 by Portuguese general Alfonzo de Albuquerque. Albuquerque arrived with half a dozen ships bearing settlers and five friars, and built the first European church in India, St. Francis Church. It is a short and pleasant walk along green and leafy streets to a typical English village green. In one corner stands the Church of St. Francis.
Spend a few minutes watching how the Chinese fishing nets are operated. Said to have been introduced by traders from the court of Kublai Khan, they cantilever over the harbour and operate by a system of weights and levers. The nets, on wooden frames, are raised periodically to check the catch.
Your walk will end at the nearby Greenix Village, dedicated to presenting and promoting the various facets of Kerala’s art and culture. A private Kathakali performance and some light refreshments await you at this venue. Kathakali is one of the oldest theatre forms in the world. It originated in the area of south-western India now known as the state of Kerala. It is a well-developed dance drama, where the actors depict characters from the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata. The Kathakali dance performance is very dramatic and is enacted with elaborate masks and costumes. Kathakali recitals are emotive and narrative, and combine dance with dialogue to bring myth and legend to life in the temple courtyards of Kerala.
- This tour involves approximately 2 km (1.2 miles of walking). At St. Francis Church, you may have to remove your shoes to enter. On Sundays, the visit of St. Francis church will be limited to a photo-stop. Wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Alleypey backwaters cruise by houseboat
One of the highlights of Kerala is the backwaters and their traditional houseboats that glide through one of India’s most beautiful and tranquil landscapes, a rural expanse of verdant coconut groves and rice paddies.
Depart Cochin by coach for a 1 ¾-hour journey passing through small villages where the locals go about their daily life. On arrival in Alappuzha (formerly known as Alleppey), board your houseboat. Care is taken to use only natural products when building these boats. Bamboo mats, sticks and wood of areca palm are used for the roofing, coir mats and wooden planks for the flooring, and wood of coconut trees and coir for beds. For lighting though, solar panels are used.
The term “backwaters” refers to the intermeshed network of rivers, lakes, canals and lagoons that tie together the coastal and interior regions south of Cochin. For centuries, these canals provided a safe and efficient means of transportation for goods and people moving between the heartland of Kerala and the port towns along the coast. Even today, traditional barges, or kettuvallams, haul coconut, pepper, rice and other goods along the waterways.
Relax on board while drifting along shimmering waterways lined with dense tropical vegetation and observe rural Kerala lifestyles from the comfortable boat deck.
The landscape ranges from narrow canals walled in with thick greenery, to open vistas of brilliant green paddy fields or large open lagoons. Peering through the trees, you will see churches, mosques and temples. On the water edge, notice villagers bathing and scrubbing their clothes, and sometimes washing their buffaloes.
As your cruise comes to an end, stop for lunch at a resort located on the shores of the lagoon surrounded by green palm trees.
After lunch, get back to your boat for a short transfer back to your coach for your journey back to Cochin.
- This tour involves very little walking. The transfer to and from Alleppey takes approximately 1 ¾ hour in each direction. The houseboat cruise takes approximately 2 ½ hour. The houseboat is not air-conditioned but offers shade. Protect yourself from the sun. Each houseboat has a capacity of 35 guests.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Highlights of Cochin
A trading port since ancient times, Cochin has a relaxed seaport lifestyle that has changed little over the centuries. From the pier, embark your coach and start your journey, by the sea. Discover the large, graceful Chinese fishing nets that line the shore, first introduced by traders from the Court of Kublai Khan.
Then, enjoy a short and pleasant walk to the typical English village green. In one corner stands the Church of St. Francis, said to be the oldest European church in India. Its simple style is only enhanced by the handsome floor tiles that line the main aisle. Another sign of architectural simplicity of the church is the punkahs, or large cloth fans. Suspended above the parishioners and operated manually from outside the church, the fans are a relic from colonial times.
Continue to the Dhobi Khana (public laundry). Each morning, dirty laundry from all over city is brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled, beaten and thrashed. Stop here for photos before reaching a local restaurant for a refreshment.
Later, proceed to Jew town and discover the fascinating mix of antique shops, warehouses and spice auction rooms. Enjoy a visit of the local synagogue.
Finally, conclude your tour by stopping at the Dutch Palace, an oriental-style structure built by the Portuguese during the 16th century. Occupied neither by the Portuguese nor the Dutch over the ensuing centuries, the palace has wooden interior, which is decorated with a series of murals. In the royal bedroom, there are 45 murals depicting the great Indian epic, the Ramayana. The palace also boasts an interesting collection of Dutch maps, coronation robes belonging to the maharajas, along with royal palanquins, weapons and furniture.
Then, get back to your coach for your transfer to the pier.
- This tour involves approximately 650m (0.4 mile) of walking, on uneven ground with steps. At St. Francis Church, you may have to remove your shoes to enter. Photos or videos are not allowed at the Portuguese Museum. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Order of the visits may vary.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Churches of Old Goa
From the pier, embark your coach for your exploration of Goa and its churches. Goa has many impressive churches and convents, all of which have become UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Today, come and appreciate the imposing façades and altars of these wonderfully well-maintained churches. You will visit:
Basilica's Bom Jesus where lies the legendary 16th century missionary Saint Francis Xavier. It is visited by pilgrims from all over the world.
Saint Augustin Tower, witness of the church which has been built on top of the Monte Santo (Holy Hill), between 1597 and 1602 by Augustinian friars who landed in Goa in 1587. The church was considered as one of the three great Augustinian churches in the Iberian world along with El Escorial and the Monastery of São Vicente de Fora.
Saint Catherine cathedral, which was commissioned to be “a grandiose church worthy of the wealth, power and fame of the Portuguese who dominated the seas from the Atlantic to the Pacific”. With its exterior Tuscan design, it is still larger than any other church in Portugal and said to be the largest in Asia.
Church of Saint Cajetan, modelled on Saint Peter’s in Rome. Its neoclassical facade, with twin towers flanking the great dome, disguises an interior that is pure, unrestrained baroque.
- The drive to and from Old Goa takes approximately 1½ hour in each direction. This tour involves approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) of walking and 50 uneven and broken steps to visit St Augustin tower. Photo and video are not allowed inside the churches and the cathedral. appropriate dress is recommended to enter religious sites (shoulders and knees covered). We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Ethnographic museum & Portuguese mansion
From the pier, board your coach for the 1¼ hour-drive to Goa Chitra Museum, the first and only ethnographic museum of Goa. The museum has a unique collection and display of original farming implements and other ancient tools of trade, set against the backdrop of a traditional organic farm.
Goa Chitra is a monumental testament to one man single-handed quest to collect and preserve Goa timeless agrarian technology and lifestyle. There are currently more than 4,000 artefacts on display here: collectibles pottery, farming tools, musical instruments, ancient carts and palanquins. Goa Chitra also showcases an organic farm for the cultivation of various vegetables, herbs, spices, sugar cane and rice?–?all staples of the area. Founded and administered by Victor Hugo Gomes, the Goa Chitra Museum has been rated by the Archaeological Survey of India as the “top contemporary museum” in India.
Next, passing by the Holy Spirit Church Square, proceed for the Figueiredo Mansion, belonging to the most influential family of Goa for over 400 years. Built in 1590, the Figueiredo Mansion predates the Taj Mahal by decades. It was designed by Jesuit priests from nearby Rachol Seminary to accommodate a newly converted goan family?–?the Podiars, who took the name Figueiredo. The house sumptuous interior stands in studied contrast to the natural beauty of the paddy fields and coconut trees that surround it. In the 18th century, as the family was rising in power, the house was suitably augmented to achieve its current proportions.
After the visit, enjoy an authentic goan lunch.
On the way back to the pier, a stop will be made at the Mormugao market with its strong Portuguese influence. Here, you can see fresh fruits and colourful local vegetables.
- This tour involves approximately 1 km (0.6 mi) of walking. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and protect yourself from the sun. Order of the visit may vary.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Marvels of Mumbai
From the pier, embark on an interesting city tour of the former Bombay. Start with the city’s most famous landmark—the Gateway of India. This Indo-Saracenic archway was built in 1911 to commemorate the visit of King George V and Queen Mary. Continue to the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST, previously known as Victoria Terminus), built during Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee year. It is an extraordinary conglomeration of domes, spires, Corinthian columns and minarets. The first train in India left from this station in 1853. Nowadays, half a million commuters pass through the station every day.
Next, stop at Mani Bhavan, Mahatma Gandhi’s Bombay base from 1917 to 1934. This building is now a museum and memorial to the famous leader of non-violent non-cooperation. The room he slept in has remained unchanged and still contains his bed and many of his personal possessions. Then, you will drive to Dhobi Ghat where you can take advantage of a unique and colourful photo opportunity - laundry from all over Mumbai is brought here to be soaped, soaked, boiled and beaten.
You will also visit the Prince of Wales Museum (now known as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya) with its white Mughal-style dome. Inside, you will find displays of jade, Mughal Empire weapons, and 3rd-century BC terra cotta figures from Gandhara, a former colony of Alexander the Great. However, the museum’s main attraction is a superb collection of Indian paintings, illustrated manuscripts and exquisite miniatures.
After the visit, drive back to the pier.
- This tour involves a 0.6-mile (1km) walk on uneven ground with steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothes and protect yourself from the sun and from mosquitoes. Guests are advised to mind their belongings at all times and not carry large denominations of money. Order of visits may change. Duration of the tour may vary due to traffic/other unforeseen circumstances.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.
Culture of Mumbai
From the pier, embark your coach to visit one of the most famous markets in Mumbai—Crawford Market. It is housed in a building that looks like something out of Victorian London but is overrun with a crazy riot of local colour, including the chaotic wholesale cloth market with a tremendous variety of fabrics across hundreds of indoor stalls.
Continue your drive to the Churchgate Railway Station. Spend some time watching the dabbawalas, members of the Mumbai Tiffin Box Suppliers Association. Every day, 4,000 of these intrepid entrepreneurs deliver fresh, home-cooked food from 100,000 suburban kitchens to offices in the downtown area. The meals are carried, dangling from shoulder-poles and bicycle handlebars, or stacked on decorated handcarts, to their hungry recipients.
Your next visit will be to one of the oldest surviving structures in Mumbai: the temple complex of Banganga. It is situated at the southern side of Malabar Hill close to the Arabian Sea. At the centre of the complex lies a rectangular pool of holy water where locals bathe as part of their ritual. They believe the waters have special healing powers. The source of the spring is said to be an underground offshoot of the Ganges, and the waters are considered just as sacred as those of the great river itself.
Continue your excursion with an orientation drive through Mumbai passing prominent landmarks such as Flora Fountain, the university and Victoria Terminus. The latter is a most remarkable railway station, inspired by St Pancras Station in London. It was built during Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee year and is an extraordinary conglomeration of domes, spires, Corinthian columns and minarets. The first train in India left from this station in 1853. Nowadays, half-a-million commuters use the station every day.
After the visit, drive back to the pier.
- This tour involves 0.7 miles (1.2km) of walking on uneven ground with steps. We recommend you wear comfortable shoes and clothes and protect yourself from the sun and from mosquitoes. Guests are advised to mind their belongings at all times and not carry large denominations of money. Order of visits may change or operate in reverse. Duration of the tour may vary due to traffic/other unforeseen circumstances.
Included
According to availability, price per passenger.