Maldives, Lakshadweeps & Sri Lanka Cruise

Description:

This voyage combines the stunning natural beauty of the Maldives and Lakshadweep Islands with the rich cultural heritage of India, and the lush beauty and amazing historic sites of Sri Lanka.We spend three full days in the warm, clear waters of the Maldives, where we snorkel and dive along healthy reefs teeming with fish. A two-day exploration of Kochi (Cochin) reveals a mélange of international influences and wen board local houseboats for a cruise through Kochi's backwaters. Then snorkel, dive, and explore pristine beaches in the remote Lakshadweep Islands. In Trivandrum we visit the village of Pongumoode and its surrounding rubber plantations and enjoy a traditional martial arts demonstration. In Sri Lanka, we visit an elephant orphanage, plus the World Heritage Sites of the Temple of the Tooth and the port of Galle. Our voyage concludes in the dynamic city of Chennai. Optional post-voyage extension to Delhi, Taj Mahal, and Jaipur.

This adventure is aboard a 110-passenger luxury expedition vessel, ideally suited for cruising in off-the-beaten-path locales. Participants have access to a fleet of Zodiacs, and all cabins have an ocean view. 

Itinerary:

Day 1-2:  Depart US.
Day 3:  Chennai, India
Day 4:   Embark cruise ship
Day 5:  At sea
Day 6:  Trincomalee, Sri Lanka.
Day 7:  Habarana/Kandy/Colombo.
Day 8:  Thiruvananthaparum, India
Day 9-10:  Lakshadweep Islands.
Day 11-12: Kochi
Day 13: At sea
Day 14-16:  Maldives
Day 17-28:  Disembark cruise ship and fly home.

Optional Extensions: