KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel

Exploring the Natural Wonders and Ancient Buddhist Culture of

Sri Lanka A Custom Designed Trip for NTBG Accompanied by Larry Schokman Trip Dates: February 9 to 20, 2017 (12 days in-country) The National Tropical Botanical Garden is pleased to invite you to join a Garden trip to Sri Lanka, accompanied by Larry Schokman, Director-Emeritus of the Kampong Garden in Coconut Grove, Florida, and native Sri Lankan, as part of its ongoing series of unique international tours for NTBG members and families. Highlights of the trip include:  A visit to two botanical gardens (Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy and Hakgala Botanical Gardens near Nuwara Eliya), with interactions with gardens directors.  Guided nature walks through Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve, each hosting a different and stunning array of plant species.  Naturalist-led wildlife safari in Udawalawe National Parks, where we’ll have an excellent chance of seeing wild elephants, dozens of colorful and exotic bird species, and many other animals in the wild.  We’ll also visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where we’ll get up close to the elephants.  Visits to all six of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Cultural sites: the Ancient Cities of Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, the Sacred Cities of Anuradhapura and Kandy (with the Temple of the Tooth), and the Golden Temple of Dambulla.  The magnificent Nawam Perahera festival parade of caparisoned elephants in Colombo.  A visit to a tea estate, and high tea at the historic Hill Club in Nuwara Eliya.  Accommodations at some of the island’s most luxurious boutique and heritage hotels.  Optional extension to Hikkaduwa on the southwest coast for whale watching, snorkeling and beach relaxation, with a visit to the Galle Old Town and Fort (UNESCO World Heritage site)  Trip Leader Wendy Brewer Lama, International Ecotourism Specialist and Owner of KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, two-time NTBG trip tour operator.

Sri Lanka and Trip Overview This tiny tear-drop shaped island, measuring just 25,332 sq miles in size, with a total coastline length of 833 miles, harbors a remarkable array of plant and animal life. Recognized as one of the world’s 25 “biodiversity hotspots,” its wide range of ecosystems (forest, grassland, aquatic, coastal, marine and cultivated) supports the highest species diversity in Asia (per unit of land). KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel According to Conservation International (CI), an estimated 2,180 plant species are unique to the West India-Sri Lanka hot spot. Perhaps not surprising, being an island, it boasts a very high degree of endemism among both plant and animal species, with 23% of flowering plants being endemic. Sri Lanka of course is also known for its wild elephants, and as one of the best places to see a leopard in the world. Its abundant and colorful birds – some 433 species have been recorded – are a delight to all. The island’s human history spans over 2,500 years, seeing the rise of Buddhism from its earliest times to present day. The sacred city of Anuradhapura boasts some of the earliest dagobas (Buddhist stupas), as well as remains of palaces, temples, monasteries, ceremonial baths and the holy Bo-tree grown from the branch of the Bodhi tree under which Buddha gained enlightenment in India in 528 A.D. Polonnaruwa was the Singhalese capital from the 11th to the 13th century. Highlights here include the giant sitting, reclining and standing Buddhas carved in granite (right) are breathtaking. We’ll also marvel at the expansive cave temples of Dambulla, built in the 5th century and elaborated upon for another millennia. More superlatives for Sigiriya, where a king seeking protection from a rival brother constructed his palace and water tanks on top a granite peak 1,220 feet above the plains. On our walk up the steep staircases, we’ll see the stunning paintings of the king’s favorite consorts adorning the cliff walls (page 1) . We’ll explore the tea, botanical and spice gardens of “up-country” while paying homage to Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic, Buddha’s tooth, at the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. The sprawling Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens displays 4,000 species of plants over 150 acres, including giantlimbed 200 year old banyans and soaring palms. Take a train ride amidst the picturesque hills carpeted in tea plantations (left) en route to Nuwara Eliya, as the British colonists did during the hot summers. KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Venturing beyond the botanical collections in gardens, we’ll explore two of the island’s most notable nature reserves: Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve and Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve. With local naturalists and Larry Schokman’s vast knowledge of Sri Lankan botany, we’re sure to see some rare plants and some of the more than 192 endemic woody tree and liana species. Wildlife abounds in Sri Lanka’s national parks, covering some 15% of the islands land area. On guided safaris (in jeeps), we are likely to see wild elephants, monitor lizards, spotted and sambhur deer, crocodiles, and always the chance of a leopard aided by expert spotters. Birding is excellent: there are dozens of large and colorful bird species, from the glorious peacock to painted storks, pied hornbills, colorful bee-eaters, herons, and much more. We’ll return to Colombo where we began the trip on Day 1 attending one of Sri Lanka’s most lively parade festivals, the Nawam Perahera, with 100 adorned elephants, drummers and dancers, on the full moon night of February (around which this trip is scheduled). During our 12 day tour, we’ll stay at five-star, four star and boutique hotels in stunning natural surroundings with excellent facilities and services; and at an eco-lodge on the edge of Sinharaja Reserve. We’ll travel in a private air conditioned vehicle, accompanied by a Sri Lankan guide and Wendy Brewer Lama, KarmaQuest owner.

Optional Extension For those who wish to extend your visit to Sri Lanka with a relaxing stay at the coast, we invite you to enjoy the warm waters and amazing marine life at Hikkaduwa, on the island’s southwest coast. You’ll have time for snorkeling its reefs, swimming with schools of tropical fish and a chance to sea turtles. Take an early morning whale-watching trip, looking for blue and sperm whales, dolphins and other marine life. You’ll also tour the historic Galle Fort with its well preserved Dutch-built churches and carved wooden shuttered residences turned boutique restaurant and shop. At the end the trip, transfer to Colombo and the international airport for your departure home. Please inquire.

How to Join the Trip We invite you to sign up now as space is limited. The minimum group size is 10 and the maximum 20. An initial trip deposit is due by July 30, 2016 with final payment due October 9, 2016. Please contact Wendy Lama at KarmaQuest for trip details: [email protected] KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel

Itinerary: DAY 1: February 9 -- ARRIVE IN COLOMBO – PERAHERA FESTIVAL PARADE On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport we will be met by tour hosts and transferred to our hotel in downtown Colombo (approx. 45 minutes). We’ll take it easy this first day. We’ll gather for a Welcome Lunch at the famous waterfront Galle Face Hotel (right) opened in 1864, borrowing its name from the charming expanse of ground known as the Galle Face Green which stretches for a kilometer along the coast in front of this classic Victorian building. After a short drive-by sightseeing tour of parts of Colombo, we’ll have some time for rest before the evening event. In the evening we’ll gather with Sri Lankan and international visitors to attend the lively Nawam Perahera parade festival. It is a gala affair, with caparisoned elephants (below right), dancers, the famous Kandian drummers (left) and musicians taking to the streets. Organized by Gangaramaya Temple, Navam Perahera festival in Colombo was initiated in 1979 and is reminiscent of Esala Perahera, the grand festival with elegant costumes held in summer in Kandy. Return to our hotel and overnight. (-/L/-) Lunch included Note: the letters inside () represent what meals are included in the trip price. E.g., today a Welcome Lunch (L) is included but breakfast (B) is not included as you may be on the plane.

All breakfasts and lunches are included in the trip price, as well as several dinners and a Farewell Lunch on the last day. KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Day 2: February 10 -- COLOMBO – ANURADHAPURA - MIHINTALE After breakfast, we’ll drive north to Anuradhapura (approx 4 hrs) on an “A grade trunk road” through the countryside. We’ll stop to stretch and for lunch en route. By early afternoon, we’ll arrive in Anuradhapura and check into our lovely boutique hotel for two nights’ stay in a forest setting, alive with birds and wildlife. This afternoon, we’ll take a walk at Mihintale, an important historical site where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century BC. It is now a pilgrimage site, with many ancient religious monuments and historic infrastructure. Mihintale is also the first sanctuary in the world to be established (in 247 BC) to protect flora and fauna. A counted 1840 steps (right) leads to the top; or take the longer route and see some stunning bas relief at quiet temple sites. From the top, gain a 300 degree view of the surrounding landscape, particularly rewarding at sunset. Return to the hotel and overnight in Anuradhapura. (B/L /-)

DAY 3: February 11 -- ANURADHAPURA Today we’ll drive a short distance to the ancient Buddhist capital city of Anuradhapura, the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient ruined cities (left). The city features several important dagobas (stupas), the most notable dating back to the 2nd Century BC; another enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha. The city’s most renowned relic is the sacred Bo Tree which is said to have grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha attained Nirvana (gained enlightenment). It was planted 2,250 years ago and is the oldest historic human-planted tree in the world. Overnight in Anuradhapura. (B/L/-) DAY 4: February 12 -- ANURADHAPURA – MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK -- DAMBULLA After an early morning bird watching tour at Ulagalla Resort and breakfast, we’ll move on… driving an hour to Ritigala Strict Nature Reserve. Rising 2,000 ft above the terrain, the reserve draws enough rainfall to support evergreen, and tropical and upper montane forests. It is also the historic site where a 3rd century BC monk took refuge. On a short walk, we’ll see ruins of the monastery, a stone bridge, ponds and more. Afterward, we’ll drive an hour to Habarana where those who wish can relax to an Ayurvedic (herbal) massage or treatment.

KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel Later in the afternoon, proceed to Minneriya National Park for a wildlife jeep safari -- we are likely to see wild elephants in this grassy and forested setting. About 200 wild elephants and numerous species of birds are recorded here, including peacocks, herons, and others. Thereafter, we’ll drive (1 hr) to Dambulla and check in to our hotel on the lake. Overnight in Dambulla. (B/L/-)

DAY 5: February 13 -- SIGIRIYA – POLONNARUWA -- DAMBULLA After an early breakfast, drive approx ½ hr to Sigiriya where we’ll climb the 500 ft steep-sided granite peak known as Sigiriya (right), home to the 5th century “Fortress in the Sky” which is perhaps the most fantastic single wonder of the Island. It is also known as Lion Rock because of the huge lion that once stood at the entrance to the fortress. On its summit are the foundations of what was once a great and sumptuous palace and gardens complete with swimming pool. On one of the stairways the only known ancient work of Sinhala secular painting survives in the form of amazing frescoes of life sized damsels in all the freshness and delicacy of their original color (photo, pg 1). A museum explains more.

1.5 hr to Dambulla and overnight.

Then drive approx 1 hr to Polonnaruwa, the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th - 13th A.D. This period marked a great revival in the country, politically, economically and socially. Polonnaruwa stands as testimony to the discipline and greatness of the Kingdom's first rulers. Like Anuradhapura, it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. One of the most notable statues is this large size reclining Buddha (left), carved into a giant granite cliff. Our guide will bring the many images, ruins, ponds and stories to life. Then drive (B/L/-)

DAY 6: February 14 -- DAMBULLA CAVES – MATALE – KANDY After breakfast, we’ll check out and drive to the Dambulla Cave temples, a vast isolated rock mass 500 feet high and a mile around the base. Dating to the 1st century B.C. the caves of Dambulla sheltered King Walagamba during his 14 years of exile from Anuradhapura. When he regained the throne he built the most magnificent of rock temples to be found in the Island.

KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel In the first cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha 47 ft long cut out of rock. There are also images of deities associated with Buddhism including over are 150 life-size statues of the Buddha in various poses. The ceiling is covered with frescoes depicting great events in the life of the Buddha and landmarks in the history of the Sinhalese people (photo right). Thereafter, proceed about 2.5 hrs to Kandy. En route visit a spice garden in Matale where cinnamon, cardamom, pepper creepers and other spice trees, plants and creepers are grown. We’ll learn about the spice trees and plants, the use of them in food preparations (with a demonstration) and Ayurvedic (plant-based) treatment. Spice products are available to purchase. Proceed on to Kandy, capital of Sri Lanka’s hill country where the last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings was finally ceded to the British in 1815. Kandy’s many shrines and monasteries demonstrate Buddhism’s influence in Sri Lanka today. In the evening (today or in the forthcoming days) witness a cultural show featuring the famous Kandian dancers (left). Overnight in Kandy. (B/L/-)

DAY 7: February 15 – PINNAWALA ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE -- KANDY After an early breakfast, drive 1.5 hrs to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage for the 9 a.m. feeding, then watch as the elephants are taken to the river to frolic to their delight (left). The orphanage, which was started in 1975 to house abandoned and wounded elephants, has grown as a result of a captive breeding program. We’ll then drive to the majestic Raja Maha Viharaya temple, one of the most magnificent architectural edifice of the Gampola kingdom (14th century). It was built with assistance from a South Indian architect Sthapati Rayar. We’ll end the day joining local pilgrims to pay homage at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, as they make flower offerings inside the temple. Ever since the 4th century A.D, KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel when the Buddha’s tooth was brought to Sri Lanka and hidden from sacrilegious hands in an Orissan princess’ hair, the Relic has grown in repute and holiness in Sri Lanka and throughout the Buddhist world. It is considered Sri Lanka’s most prized possession. Visiting dignitaries have given elephant tusks in tribute to the relic over the years (left). Return to the hotel and overnight in Kandy. (B/L/-)

DAY 8: February 16 -- PERADENIYA – KANDY TEMPLES After breakfast, we’ll visit one of the many highlights of the trip, botanically speaking: the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, 147 acres of spectacular plantings started in 1374 as a pleasure garden for the Kings of Kandy. There are more than 4,000 species of trees and plants, some rare and endemics, as well as flora from the tropical world. Highlights of the collection include the Giant Bamboo of Burma, capable of growing up to a foot in a day. The century old giant Javan fig tree’s tentacle-like roots spread over the enormous area of 19,000 square feet. The Cannonball tree is also intriguing, with its cannonball-like fruit hanging off the trunk (right) and large open, waxy pink-white flowers. So is the Double Coconut Palm, one of 200 types of palms displayed. Originating from the Seychelles, this tree produces the largest seed known. Its fruits take five years to mature. We’ll meet with a Gardens representative for a private question and answer session. After lunch, we’ll drive to two impressive temples -- the Embekke Devale, noted for its exquisite carvings (left), and the Lankathilaka Vihare – a remarkable 14th century temple of notable architecture. Lastly, we’ll stop by an arts and crafts center where we can observe artisans at work, producing some of the Sri Lanka’s famous handi-works including: wood carvings, traditional masks, stoneware, batiks, curios, silverware, brassware, paintings and antiques. Return to the hotel and overnight in Kandy. (B/L/-)

KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel DAY 9: February 17 -- TRAIN RIDE- TEA PLANTATION –NUWARA ELIYA Rising early, we’ll catch the 6:30 a.m. train from Peradeniya to Nanu Oya station (about 3 hrs), allowing us plenty of time to enjoy highland Nuwara Eliya and its environs (snack provided on board). First stop: a tea estate where we’ll learn how to grow and produce tea – tasting it of course. Tea was first planted in Sri Lanka in 1824 at the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, when a few plants were brought from China. More were introduced from Assam in 1839. In 1867 a Scott planted tea seedlings on eight hectares of forest land and by 1873, the tea export industry of Sri Lanka had begun with a modest 23 lbs being shipped to London. Today it remains a major export crop and quite delicious. Later in the afternoon we’ll take high tea at the famous Hill Club, established in 1876 by a group of British coffee growers as a private club – an experienced not to be missed, in classic British tradition. We’ll overnight in Nuwara Eliya -- the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka -- set against a beautiful backdrop of mountains, valleys, waterfalls and tea plantations. It is one of the coolest places on the island, much like a spring day in England, with temperatures dropping further at night. All around Nuwara Eliya we will see evidence of the British influence. Houses are similar to country cottages or Queen Ann style mansions. Check in to our hotel and overnight. (B/L/D) DAY 10: February 18 -- NUWARA ELIYA – HAKGALA BOTANICAL GARDENS - UDAWALAWE Today we’ll begin with a short drive to Hakgala Botanical Gardens, founded in 1860 by the eminent British botanist Dr. Thwaites, who was superintendent of the more famous gardens at Peradeniya near Kandy. From 1860 to 1880 Hakgala was the site for experiments with cinchona, whose bark yielded quinine, widely used at that time as a remedy for malaria. A special attraction here is the variety of mountain orchids, many of which are endemic to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s ferns are well represented here, as are those of Australia and New Zealand. After visiting the gardens, we’ll continue driving to Udawalawe National Park, stopping briefly en route at Ella Gap, noteworthy for its view of the Kataragama Mountains in the distance, and Ravana Falls, 1,080 ft in height with several steps carved into the limestone formation. Overnight in Udawalawe (total driving time: approx. 4 hrs). (B/L/D)

KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel DAY 11: February 19 -- UDAWALAWE – SINHARAJA Early morning is the best time to head out on a wildlife jeep safari at Udawalawe National Park when wildlife is out and about. We have a good chance of seeing wild elephants, spotted deer, marsh mugger crocodile, wild boar, and jackals. Fifty species of butterfly and many species of birds including the bee-eater (right), peacock (the national bird of Sri Lanka) and many water birds are found in the park. Then a 2+ hrs drive takes us to Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve, a UNESCO World Heritage Natural site and the only undisturbed rain forest of such size in Sri Lanka. We’ll take a guided walk through this lush forest brimming with life and overnight at a boutique hotel on the edge of the Reserve. (B/L/D) DAY 12: February 20 – SINHARAJA – COLOMBO -- DEPARTURE In the morning, we’ll have another guided walk through the Reserve before heading to Colombo (4 hours) where we’ll enjoy a Farewell Lunch and do some last minute shopping, time permitting. Then transfer to the airport for your international flight departure. End of Services (B/L/-) Note: If your flight departs in the evening, we can book a room for you in which to rest before your departure transfer to the airport (not included in trip price). Please see below. ******* A quote from Arthur C. Clark of Space Odyssey fame, who was a resident of Sri Lanka in his later years, of his adopted homeland: “It may well be that each of Ceylon’s attractions is surpassed somewhere on Earth; Cambodia may have more impressive ruins, Tahiti lovelier beaches, Bali more beautiful landscapes (though I doubt it), Thailand more charming people (ditto). But I find it hard to believe that there is any country which scores so highly in all departments—which has so many advantages, and so few disadvantages, especially for the western visitor.” KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel

Trip Price # of persons Price per person

10 - 11 $6,525

12 - 13 $6,225

14 - 16 $6,025

17 - 19 $5,675

20 + $5,225

Single supplement (for a single room throughout the trip): $1,850 Trip Price is not inclusive of a $500 donation to the National Tropical Botanical Gardens. Above prices apply when payment is made by check. Please add 4% for payment by credit card. Included in the Cost  

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Airport pick up and drop off transfers Accommodation on bed and breakfast, room sharing basis at boutique and 4-5 star (national standard) hotels as specified or equivalent All breakfasts, lunches, three dinners as noted Welcome Lunch, and Farewell Lunch Transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle with an English speaking guide Train ride from Peradenya to Nanu Oya (Nuwara Eliya) Monuments entrance fees and national park entrance fees as per the itinerary Jeep safaris as noted; naturalist guide; guided bird watching tour High Tea at the Hill Top Club All government taxes Tips to main guide, driver, hotel and wait staff (for included meals), wildlife spotters and naturalists

Not Included       

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Flight US-Sri Lanka-US Excess baggage Sri Lanka visa fee Emergency evacuation insurance, travel insurance, personal medical kit Other dinners All beverages, even during “included” meals Optional activities, e.g., Ayurvedic treatment, snorkeling/diving, kayaking, whale watching, etc. Early check-ins and late check-outs Tips with non-included dinners Optional extensions Any expenses of a personal nature Donations to monasteries, social service/nature charities (optional) Camera and video permits (generally not charged) Items of personal nature

Please contact Wendy Lama at KarmaQuest for details ([email protected]).

KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel

Regarding Bookings, Deposits, Cancellations and Refunds Deposit and full payment are accepted by check, wire transfer or credit card (Visa, Master Card or American Express) payable to KarmaQuest. Please note if paid by credit card, 4% credit card processing fee will be added in the total cost. Prices are based upon the exchange rate as of June 2016. If exchange rates change significantly (i.e., more than 2%) at the time of final payment, an exchange adjustment surcharge will be made. A deposit and confirmed booking is required in order to secure your place on the trip. A deposit of $1,500/person must be deposited in KarmaQuest bank account by July 30, 2016 to secure your booking. Final payment must be made by October 9, 2016. The trip is not "booked" until payment is received at KarmaQuest office or account in Half Moon Bay, CA, 94019

Cancellations and Refunds If it becomes necessary for you to cancel your trip, please notify us immediately in writing, preferably by fax. If you cancel any portion of the trip while in progress or do not avail of any planned services, there is no refund. We strongly suggest that you take travelers' insurance to cover unforeseen cancellations. Please ask to see our complete Cancellation and Refund policy. Trip prior to departure Any time after booking 91 to 120 days 45 to 90 days 1 to 44 days

Cancellation fee $1,500 25% of total land cost or $1,500 (if greater) 50% of total land cost 100% of total land cost

What time should I arrive in Colombo on February 9? The trip commences with a Welcome Lunch at the Galle Face Green on February 9. You should arrive in Colombo no later than 10 am on February 9. You will be met at the airport and transported to lunch. We’ll check into the hotel after lunch. If your flight arrives earlier than 10 am, we’ll provide an airport transfer for you to the hotel where you can either wait in the lobby until lunch time. If you wish to be assured of having a room available upon arrival before check-in time of 2:00 pm, you’ll need to request us to book a room for you for the night of February 8 (the hotel does not allow for early check-in). If you wish to arrive in Colombo on February 8 for a full day’s rest before the trip begins, we would be happy to book your room at our hotel and provide airport transfer. Please inquire for cost. KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel

What time should I depart Colombo on February 20 (or 21)? The last day’s activities conclude with a Farewell Lunch on February 20. We will transfer you to the airport for your departing flight. You should arrange your flight to depart after 7 pm on February 20 (allowing for check-in for your flight at least two hours in advance of flight time). Note: Most flights depart late at night or early in the morning (eg. 2 am, 4 am). If your flight departs after midnight, be sure it departs on February 21, NOT February 20. Any flight departure after 01:00 is the next day and should be for February 21. Please inquire if you would like us to check your flight times before confirming the flight. We can arrange a hotel room near the airport for you to rest until your flight time if you like (recommended, not included in trip price).

Optional Extension: Hikkaduwa – Galle Fort Extension If you wish to extend your stay in Sri Lanka beyond the NTBG tour, we’d be happy to organize a two or three night stay at Hikkaduwa Beach on the island’s southwest coast where you can relax at seaside, snorkel, go whale watching and visit historic Galle Fort. You’ll be accompanied by an English speaking Sri Lankan tour guide and driver. Please inquire for details and pricing. Transfer to Hikkaduwa, one of the most desirable ocean destination imaginable. Rest and relax in the gentle breezes, swim in the ocean or pool, or partake in more active water activities such as snorkeling or diving – or take a glass bottom boat – for a look at the coral reefs. There is a good chance to see sea turtles and many colorful tropical fish. For those who wish to whale-watch, head south to Mirissa for an early morning whale watching outing. Pods of dolphins can often be seen accompanying the boats. Blue and sperm whales in large numbers can also be seen. You may also tour the historic city and UNESCO World Heritage site of Galle, Sri Lanka’s most historically interesting town. It was a major port until about 100 years, and today still handles shipping and sailing boats in the natural harbor. Stroll around the lighthouse or visit the old town, where nicely restored colonial style homes and warehouses now sport artisan shops, restaurants and hotels. On the day of your check-out, drive to the famous mask factory and museum in Ambalangoda. The town Ambalangoda is the home of devil dancing, using traditional masks and puppets from the past. The masks are carved from light balsa-like Kaduru wood, of trees that grow in the marshy lands bordering paddy fields. The hand-carved and -painted masks are used in traditional dance dramas and are associated with exorcisms which are performed during the dances. The mask museum displays a selection of 120 hand carved masks. Observe the traditional mask makers busy in their workshops and purchase an authentic hand carved mask. Continue on to Colombo for your transfer to the international airport and your flight home. KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel

About Larry Schokman Larry was born in Sri Lanka 82 years ago! He was educated at St. Thomas’ College, Mount Lavinia (Colombo) and like his father, became a tea planter. He played cricket, hockey, soccer and tennis, and represented his country in rugby football. As well as being a former tea and rubber planter, Larry was Agricultural Advisor and worked for the Ceylon Tea Plantations Co., one of the premier British tea companies in Ceylon at that time. He met Colleen in 1968 when she worked for the American Embassy in Colombo, and they were married in 1971. Larry was Manager of Somerset and Radella Tea Estates—almost 2,000 acres, which were among the most profitable tea plantations (i.e., profit per acre) in the country. Colleen and Larry have travelled the world and visited places like the source of the Nile in Uganda, and climbed to the top of the Great Pyramid at Giza to watch the sunrise! Larry joined The Kampong in 1973 and retired in 2007. He is now Director Emeritus of The Kampong, which is part of the National Tropical Botanical Garden (NTBG). He was awarded the American Horticultural Society Professional 2000 Award for the Director of a Botanical Garden in the U.S., and the Florida International University Medallion in 2006. The Garden Club Presidents presented him with their Award of Excellence in1999. He was awarded the David Fairchild Medal for Plant Exploration in 2015 by the National Tropical Botanical Garden. Larry was a Founder Member and later President of the Tropical Flowering Tree Society, and has been on its Board since 1988. He is currently on the Boards of TREEmendous Miami and the Friends of Chapman Field--USDA, the Advisory Committee of the University of Miami Gifford Arboretum, and has been a volunteer at Fairchild Tropical Botanical Garden for almost 44 years. He is Plant Consultant at the Ramble and Mango Medic at their popular Mango Festival. He is the author of Plants of The Kampong.

KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel

KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel

About KarmaQuest KarmaQuest organizes special interest, educational, adventure, eco-, and cultural trips to Asia. KarmaQuest’s founders Wendy and Karma Lama (right) have developed a series of unique and award winning trips that draw upon their expertise and relationships developed first-hand across mountain regions of Asia since the mid-1980s. Wendy works as an environmental consultant for a number of international organizations, advising government agencies, NGOs, tour operators, and mountain communities in the policies and practicalities of ecotourism. While living in Nepal from 1984 to 1999, Wendy worked throughout Nepal, Tibet, Sikkim and Bhutan to develop the awareness and local skills to manage the negative impacts of tourism and to promote improved local livelihoods and conservation of natural and cultural resources through community-based ecotourism. She led the World Wild Fund for Nature (WWF) in developing an ecotourism management plan to support panda conservation in Wanglang Nature Reserve in Sichuan, China. She contributed to tourism master plan for Central Tibet for the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), and trained Tibetans in participatory ecotourism planning. In Kyrgyzstan, Wendy trained women's groups and tour operators in the beginning stages of a successful Community-Based Tourism (CBT) initiative that is now a standard for Central Asia and beyond. For five years (2002-07), Wendy advised the UNESCO Cultural and Ecotourism in Mountain Regions of Central and South Asia program in Iran, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, India, Tajikistan, Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan. Under the UNESCO program, she worked with the Snow Leopard Conservancy and Ladakhi communities to develop ecotourism that supports snow leopard conservation and brings livelihood benefits to the Ladakhi people who protect this endangered cat. KarmaQuest’s snow leopard trip received a Trip of the Year award from Outside Magazine for its commitment to environmentally and socially responsible travel. Karma Lama grew up in Sikkim, India where his family still resides. He moved in Nepal in the 1980s where he became an accomplished mountaineer and a successful businessman, organizing treks, expeditions, scientific research and educational programs throughout the Himalaya for American and European companies and universities. KarmaQuest organizes and operates ecotourism and adventure travel for individual and group travelers as well as organizations and universities, including Stanford University, University of Puget Sound, the National Tropical Botanical Garden, The Snow Leopard Conservancy and The Mountain Institute. KarmaQuest is based in Half Moon Bay, California.

KarmaQuest Ecotourism and Adventure Travel, 699 Spindrift Way, Half Moon Bay, CA 94019 Tel: 650 560-0101 Fax: 712-8164 Email: [email protected] www.KarmaQuests.com

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