a program of the stanford a lumni assoc iat ion
S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y
Sri Lanka Pearl of theIndIan Ocean Februar y 9 to 26, 2012
Richly adorned elephants…overgrown
jungle cities…colossal statues of Buddha…
frescoed caves …exotic foods spiced with coconut
and cinnamon. These are just some of the vivid
images that Sri Lanka conjurs up. In the 4th
century, Arab traders called Sri Lanka, “Serendib,”
from which “serendipity” was coined centuries
later. Our exploration of this island paradise is
anything but “happily accidental” — it’s our second
in-depth exploration of Sri Lanka. Stanford travelers
have found an island paradise like no other. This
program has been meticulously crafted to bring
you a firsthand taste of Sinhalese and Tamil culture
and history flavored by the magic of serendipity on
the very island that inspired the word.
BRE T T S. ThOmPSON, ’83, D IRECTOR, STANFORD TR AVEL /STUDY
HighlightsTA K E I N every imagin-able shade of green on a train ride to Kandy, pass-ing by brilliant forest flow-ers, coconut palms and rice paddies.
E X P LO R E magnificent remains at ancient Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, including artifacts dating back to the 4th century.
M E A N D E R through the famed Temple of the Tooth where local Sri Lankans offer lotus flowers at the golden casket that houses the Tooth Relic.
Ancient VAtAdAge (Buddhist stupA),polonnAruwA
ThURSDAY & FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 9 & 10 depArt u.s. / coloMBo, sri lAnKA
Depart the U.S. and arrive the following day in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s quaint, ocean-side capital city. GALLE FACE hOTEL
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 11 coloMBo
Begin at the National Museum, which features 12th-century bronzes of Hindu gods. Visit the Sapumal Foundation whose art galleries contain paintings and drawings that trace the development of art in Sri Lanka from the 1920s to the present. Gather with fellow travelers this evening for a welcome reception and dinner. GALLE FACE hOTEL (B,L,D)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 12 coloMBo
Visit the Gautami Vihara at Borella and view paintings depicting the life and times of Buddha. Walk through Colombo, starting at the Lighthouse Clock Tower and down York Street past shops such as Cargill’s and Miller’s, two British department stores.
Admire the President’s House, built by the last Dutch governor of Ceylon at the end of the 18th century. GALLE FACE hOTEL (B,L,D)
mONDAY, FEBRUARY 13 coloMBo / dAMBullA
Stop at Kelaniya, a center of traditional Sri Lankan pottery and the site of the Kelaniya Rajamahavihara where, according to legend, the Buddha converted early inhabitants to Buddhism. Continue to Dambulla, a World Heritage site, containing a 45-foot-long sculpture of the dying Buddha. KANDALAmA hOTEL (B,L,D)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 14 dAMBullA / AnurAdhApurA
Embark on a full-day excursion to Anuradhapura, the greatest monastic city of ancient Sri Lanka and the island’s first capital. Explore the ruined royal palaces, gardens, monasteries and monuments. KANDALAmA hOTEL (B,L,D)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 15dAMBullA / sigiriYA
Visit the huge rock of Sigiriya, an ancient fort and palace built by King Kasyapa. After Kasyapa’s death, it was used as a Buddhist monastery
until the 14th century. In the afternoon, learn about the art of making batik, a traditional cloth dyeing process. KANDALAmA hOTEL (B,L,D)
ThURSDAY, FEBRUARY 16 dAMBullA / polonnAruwA
Drive to Polonnaruwa, capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th centuries, whose well-preserved temple and palace ruins contain some of the best sculpture on the island. Continue to the beautifully frescoed Tivanka Image House. KANDALAmA hOTEL (B,L,D)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 17dAMBullA / KAndY
Drive past spice gardens and coffee plantations to Nalanda, the oldest-surviving stone building in Sri Lanka. Continue to the Matale Heritage Center to see modern fabrics and carvings inspired by traditional designs, before arriving in Kandy. ChAAYA CITADEL hOTEL (B,L,D)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 18 KAndY
At the Temple of the Tooth watch devotees offer flowers at the golden casket containing the Tooth Relic. Continue to the National Museum and the
Itinerary
S R IL A N K A
YALANATIONALPARK
Galle
Bentota
Anuradhapura
PolonnaruwaSigiriya
Dambulla
NuwaraEliya
Yala
Kandy
Colombo
In
di
an
O
ce
an
In
di
an
O
ce
an
Bay of Bengal
Archaeological Museum to
view their excellent collections of sculptures. Visit the temples of Lankatilaka Vihara that sit atop a granite outcrop with magnificent views of the surrounding countryside. ChAAYA CITADEL hOTEL (B,L,D)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19 KAndY
Stroll amidst the extensive collection of orchids and along an avenue of royal palms at the Botanical Gardens, marveling at the giant Javan fig tree. After lunch, visit Trinity College Chapel, renowned for its Sinhalese architecture. ChAAYA CITADEL hOTEL (B,L,D)
mONDAY, FEBRUARY 20KAndY / nuwArA eliYA
Venture to the Elephant Orphanage at Pinnawela to watch the pachyderms bathe. Travel by train to Nuwara Eliya, the favorite hill station of the British, in the heart of the tea country. TEA FACTORY hOTEL (B,L,D)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21 nuwArA eliYA
See breathtaking World’s End where the southern Horton Plains come suddenly to an end, plunging down 2,300 feet. Visit a tea plantation and learn
more about this industry, so vital to Sri Lanka’s economy. TEA FACTORY
hOTEL (B,L,D)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 22 nuwArA eliYA / YAlA
Spend the afternoon exploring by jeep in Yala National Park, searching for elephants, the abundant bird life and perhaps even leopards. The area around Yala has hosted several ancient civilizations. YALA VILLAGE hOTEL (B,L,D)
ThURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23YAlA / gAlle
Drive along the coast past rows of coconut palms where women spin coir out of the coconut husk fiber. Stop at Koggala to visit the Museum of Folk, Art and Culture. Before arriving in Galle, observe the unique stilt-fishing method used by local fishermen. LIGhThOUSE
hOTEL (B,L,D)
FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24gAlle
Begin our walking tour at the impressive Galle Fort. Continue to the Dutch Period Museum, the National Maritime Archaeology
Museum and the Dutch Reformed Church. Gather for a festive farewell reception and dinner. LIGhThOUSE hOTEL (B,L,D)
SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 25gAlle / BentotA
After a riverboat ride on the Balapitiya River, stop at a turtle hatchery and view the huge tanks filled with newborn hatchlings. Continue to Bentota to relax on the beach before returning home. TAJ VIVANDA (B,L,D)
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 26BentotA / coloMBo / u.s.
Drive to the airport in Colombo for return flights home. (B)
S R IL A N K A
YALANATIONALPARK
Galle
Bentota
Anuradhapura
PolonnaruwaSigiriya
Dambulla
NuwaraEliya
Yala
Kandy
Colombo
In
di
an
O
ce
an
In
di
an
O
ce
an
Bay of Bengal
teMple of the tooth, KAndY
Information D a t e s
February 9 to 26, 2012 (18 days)
s i z e
Limited to 34 participants
c o s t *$6,995 per person, double occupancy$8,685 per person, single occupancy*Association nonmembers add $200 per person
i N c L U D e D
16 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 16 breakfasts, 15 lunches and 15 dinners
Welcome and farewell wine receptions Bottled water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides and drivers for all group activities All tours and excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program
arrival and departure days Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to
assist you throughout the program
N o t i N c L U D e D
International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those
specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as email, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services
a i r a r r a N g e m e N t s
International and U.S. domestic airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare on Cathay Pacific from San Francisco to Colombo is approximately $1,540 as of April 2011 and is subject to change without notice. Information on recommended flight itineraries will be sent by our designated agent.
What to ExpectWe consider this to be a moderately strenuous program that is at times physically demanding and busy. Daily programs involve one to three miles of walking, often on uneven terrain where stairs may not have handrails. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. Travel in Sri Lanka can be time-consuming and unpredictable. Although roads are paved and in good condition, travel on them can be slow. We expect that participants will be a self- selecting group whose interest in the places we visit outweighs the need for creature com-forts. We welcome travelers over the age of 15 on this program.
pArAdise BeAch
nuwArA eliYA
Deposit & Final PaymentA $1,000-per-person deposit is required to hold space for the Sri Lanka Travel/Study trip. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure.
cancellations & refundsDeposits and any payments are fully refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip- cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you.
insuranceStanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. We strongly recom-mend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes a special Waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions and coverage for
Financial Insolvency and Terrorist Acts if you postmark your insurance payment within 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter.
eligibilityWe encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members’ price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit www.stanforda-lumni.org/membership or call (650) 725-0692.
responsibilityThe Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automobile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or
other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any person as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an unused portion of any tour unless arrangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connection with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in May 2011 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability.
© COPYRIGHT 2011 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.
Terms & Conditions
teL (650) 725-1093 FaX (650) 725-8675 emaiL [email protected]
California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50
teA plAntAtion hills
MR. / MRS. / MS.MISS / DR. / PROF.
MR. / MRS. / MS.MISS / DR. / PROF.
ADDRESS
CITY / STATE / ZIP
PHONE
EMAIL ADDRESS
I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them.
SIGNATURE
If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations.
OR I plan to share accommodations with: _____________________________________________OR I’d like to know about possible roommates.
Here is my deposit of $________ ($1,000 per person) for _____ space(s)
Enclosed is my check (payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR
Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express
CARD #
EXPIRATION DATE
CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE
Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) 725-8675 or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?srilanka2012. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account. 7482
S C O T T P E A R S O N has been studying economic change in developing countries for 50 years. Between 1968 and 2002, Professor Pearson taught economic development and international trade at Stanford’s Food Research Institute. He has co-authored a dozen books, won awards for his research and teaching, and advised governments in Asia, Africa and Europe on food and agricultural policy. Since retiring, Scott has lectured on 30 Stanford Travel/Study trips. His passion is to gain a better understanding of why empires and nation states have risen and fallen. During our program, Scott will give talks on ancient Sri Lankan kingdoms; Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial rule of Ceylon; and political and economic development in independent Sri Lanka.
Professor, agricultural economics, Food Research Institute, Stanford University, 1968–2002; served five years as director
Dean’s Award for Teaching in Stanford's School of Humanities and Sciences, 1978
MA, international relations, Johns Hopkins University PhD, economics, Harvard University
Faculty Leader
"Scott is one of
the very best
lecturers I’ve
encountered on
a Stanford trip.” A n n e D A u e r , ’ 6 0 , n o r t h e r n I n D I A S u I t c A S e S e m I n A r , 2 0 1 0
Reservation Form Sri Lanka
S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y
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"A wonderful way to see and learn about a new culture with others eager to do the same.” A n n L o e b , ’ 8 8 , S o u t h e r n I n D I A c o L L e G e , 2 0 0 9
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