Ceylon Express International :: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

is known as the land of Peraheras or processions. Festivals of immense proportions with exotic colors, sound and cultural splendor weave a rich tapestry in this Island nation.

The ‘Kandy Perahera’ which is also known as the Festival of the August Moon is one of the most spectacular events not only in Sri Lanka but in all of South East Asia. In the lunar month of Esala, in August the sacred hill

capital of Kandy comes alive with activity to prepare for the grand spectacle that is the ‘Kandy Perehera’.

This unique ritual is a pageant that dates back over 2,000 years with its religious roots in paying homage to the sacred tooth relic of Buddha, which is enshrined in the most famous Dalada Maligawa or “Temple of the Tooth” in the sacred hill capital of Kandy. This festival is also held to propitiate the Gods to ensure timely rain for cultivation, in addition to the fact that the month of Esala commemorates the birth of the God Vishnu.

For ten nights and a day the perahera takes to the streets of Kandy, as the old cannon booms after dusk, the procession of elephants, dancers, drummers and torch bearers file past the pilgrims in their thousands as they line the path of the parade, shouting their pious cries of “Sadhu” (thanksgiving). The whip crackers clear the streets as the dancers leap and swirl in the air in frenzied rhythm, while the stately chiefs all dressed up in their traditional garb, walk along the drummers and torch bearers.

The Elephants, fifty, eighty, one hundred, you can count them as they pass by, emerge from the dark to the torch light in their bright gay caparisons moving like a mountain of color and splendor, bells tinkling, howdahs bobbing, bare bodied mahouts carrying plumed fans atop their heaving backs. The larger elephants with their ivory tusks encased in jeweled sheaths of brass and gems, walk along with the baby elephants that sway to the rhythm of the drums. The grand finale is the arrival of the majestic ‘Rajah’ the maligawa tusker draped in the finery of the special caparison, carrying the bejeweled, golden relic casket; stepping gracefully along the parade route. A hushed crowd bows their heads in respect, as the sacred relic passes by.

Come, join the festivities and be transported to a dreamland by the scent of jasmines and the heady scent of the burning incense and copra. A memorable experience of a lifetime!

SRI LANKA

“ KANDY PERAHERA” TOUR

04 to 17 AUGUST 2008 – 14 Days

INTERNATIONAL FLIGHT ITINERARY

04 AUG (MON) – LAX – HONG KONG – CX 881– 1.45AM – 7.25AM +1 (05 AUG)

CHECK IN ON 03 AUG (SUN) AT 10.45PM

05 AUG (TUE) – HONG KONG – COLOMBO – CX 711 – 4.15PM – 10.45PM

RETURN

17 AUG (SUN) – COLOMBO – HONG KONG – CX 710 – 12.15AM – 12.15PM

17 AUG (SUN) – HONG KONG – LAX – CX 884 – 1.20PM – 11.25AM (SAME DAY)

All flight schedules are subject to change

Arrival in Sri Lanka . Meeting and assistance at the airport and transferred to your hotel in Colombo

Late morning undertake a city tour of Colombo – a drive through the city taking you to the busy commercial areas as well as the tree lined residential Cinnamon Gardens . Visit Sea Street – the Goldsmith’s quarter in Pettah, the bazaar area, a Hindu Temple , the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal dating back to 1794, the historical Davatagaha Mosque. Also visit Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara ( Buddhist Temple ) believed to be the site visited by Lord Buddha 2,500 years ago.

In the evening, leave for Sigiriya to climb the 5^th century A.D. Rock Fortress. The vision of a patricidal king named Kasyapa transformed an awesome monolith into a cloud swept city. The mirror wall, which, protects a series of exquisite murals (frescoes of celestial maidens using natural pigments) and the Lion’s Paw entrance to the ruined palace on the summit are well worth the effort of the ascent.

After breakfast leave for Anuradhapura , the capital of Sri Lanka , 3^rd century B.C. It is the city of stupas and monasteries, steeped in antiquity. Visit the oldest historically documented tree in the world. This is a branch from the Original peepul or Bo tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree continues to be venerated today after an unbroken period of 23 centuries. The ruins of the " Brazen Palace ", the twin ponds, the queens’ baths and other relics of a bygone age speak of an ancient grandeur that is almost tangible even today.

Visit Aukana, which is one hour's drive from Anuradhapura is famed for its magnificent 39 foot rock-cut statue of Lord Buddha, considered one of the finest ancient stone sculpture in Asia .

After b’fast leave for Polonnaruwa, a former capital of Sri Lanka 11^th to 12^th century. A.D., an obvious South Indian influence on the architecture is noticeable. The Gal Vihare comprises of four colossal statues of the Buddha carved out of the living rock stand testimony to the skill of master craftsmen. Visit also the Tivanka Pilimage with its priceless murals and the vast man made lake that is the Sea of Parakrama – a feat of ancient engineering.

Morning leave for Dambulla, to visit the rock cave temple, which is comprised of a series of 5 caverns with ceilings of natural rock covered with intricate paintings. The natural folds of the rock have been skillfully used to given the illusion of cloth. Forty eight statues of the Buddha and images of the various deities can be seen inside the cave.

Kandy was the seat of the Kandyan Kings from the 14^th century A.D. and is a repository of Sinhala culture.

Afternoon undertake a city tour of Kandy – drive around the beautiful lake and the upper lake drive. Visit the Arts and Crafts centre where you can buy Kandyan silver and brass ware, Metal work, Lacquer work, Wood and bone carvings, Pottery and Hand woven fabrics. Demonstrations of artisans at work.

After early dinner view the Kandy Perahera, the annual pageant of gaily caparisoned Elephants, dancers, drummers, torch bearers, whip crackers, torch spinners. The Maligawa Tusker carries the bejewelled, golden relic casket; stepping gracefully on the road, joined by chieftains of the temple.

Morning visit the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, a formerly the pleasure gardens of the Sinhala Queens. The gardens contain over 4000 species of plants. The avenue of the Royal Palms, the bamboo fringed Riverside drive, the Bat drive with a vast collection of flying foxes who spend the daylight hours hanging upside down, are some of the special features of this lovely garden. There is also an Orchid house, a Spice garden, a Herb garden and Glass house of Anthuriums, Begonias, African Violets and other greenhouse plants.

In the evening visit the Gadaladeniya, Lankatilaka and the Embekke Temples belonging to the 14^th century. Gadaladeniya is built of stone and reminds us of the South Indian influence of the period. Lankatilaka temple is a magnificent brick building in white and in the shrine room is found a superb seated image of the Buddha. Embekke temple is famed for its carved wooden pillars with intricate designs.

Then leave for Nuwara Eliya in the heart of the tea country, which was established by the British as a replica of a little English village reminiscent of the Lake District . Even today Tudor and Victorian style houses with trim English gardens speak of a gentler age. An 18 hole golf course and the picturesque lake are a year round attraction. Tour this unusual little city and en route visit a tea factory where you can see the intricacies that go into the manufacture of the world’s best loved brew.

Evening, undertake a half day safari at the Yala National Park or the Ruhunu National Park which is a sanctuary for a variety of wild life. The Ceylon elephant roams freely here and close encounters are not uncommon. Leopards, deer, sambhur, wild buffalo, crocodiles and monitor lizards are among the larger mammals that can be observed in their natural habitat.

Morning, leave for Galle , the seafarer’s capital to visit the natural harbour and the Dutch Fortress with its towering ramparts and the mediaeval Dutch buildings.

Morning leave for Colombo en route visiting the Mask carving centre at Ambalangoda and the turtle hatcheries (optional) at Balapitiya.

TOUR COSTS, GROUP RATE - 14 DAYS LAND/AIR (LAX)

1) Land & Air, Per Person, Sharing Twin.....$3695.00

2) Single Supplement…………………………$ 650.00

1. Economy airfare on Cathay Pacific Airlines, from Los Angeles to Colombo (return), Sri Lanka .

2. Round trip transfers and tours in an air-conditioned coach with an English speaking Tour Escort/Guide.

3. Porterage for two standard suitcases

4. Accommodation at superior/deluxe hotels, with breakfast & dinner daily.

5. All entrance fees, permits, reserved ticket to view the "Kandy Perahera" festival at the Queens Hotel balcony. (Best seats for viewing)

6. All service charges and local taxes

TOUR PRICE EXCLUDES

Personal expenses such as laundry, personal tipping, telephone, room service, extra meals and beverages.
Passport/visa fees (A visa is not required for a stay of up to 30 days in Sri Lanka )
Trip Protection Insurance (Highly recommended)
Airport taxes/fuel surcharges levied by the Airline. (approximately $250-$320)
Optional excursions/extensions & any items not specifically mentioned.

Completed booking forms must be sent in with your tour deposit of $500 per person to reserve space on this tour.

EXTENSION TOURS TO SOUTH INDIA , MALDIVES & OTHER S.E. ASIAN COUNTRIES AVAILABLE ON REQUEST.

CEYLON EXPRESS INTERNATIONAL

9542 DUMBRECK DRIVE , HUNTINGTON BEACH , CA 92646

TEL: 800-423-9566 *FAX: 714-968-4296

E.MAIL: ceylonxprs@aol.com or ceylonexpress@gmail.com

WEB:www.ceylonexpress.com

MEMBER: ***ASTA***PATA****WITIA*****CST#2045885-40