REMOTE ENCOUNTERS IN THE BAY OF BENGAL

REMOTE ENCOUNTERS IN THE BAY OF BENGAL Join the first expedition cruise to Bangladesh and enjoy warm welcomes in remote villages. Walk the fields of t...
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REMOTE ENCOUNTERS IN THE BAY OF BENGAL Join the first expedition cruise to Bangladesh and enjoy warm welcomes in remote villages. Walk the fields of the only organic tea plantation in Sri Lanka. Keep your binoculars close to see the huge variety of birds in the Andaman. Explore the world’s largest mangrove forest as you attempt to unravel the secrets of the mysterious Bay of Bengal. Please note: Voyage prices are indicative and can fluctuate - please check for details.

ITINERARY Day 1: Colombo, Sri Lanka Embark Silver Discoverer for this inaugural Silversea Expedition Remote Encounters in the Bay of Bengal in Sri Lanka’s most important seaport and former capital. This afternoon, you will be introduced to your Expedition Team and attend a safety briefing. Tonight we invite you to familiarise yourself with your new home away from home, meet some of your fellow travellers and enjoy the first of many memorable meals in The Restaurant.

Day 2: Galle, Sri Lanka Today we want to explore the ancient port of Galle and surrounding area. First we will want to visit a working tea plantation near the small village of Akuressa. This privately owned property is the only organic tea factory in southern Sri Lanka. The head planter will introduce you to the fascinating process of tea production. You will walk the fields, see the picking of the tea leafs by the local women and partake in a tea tasting session. Afterwards depart for Galle and its magnificent fort. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988 as the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in

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South and South-East Asia showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions, it is surrounded by the sea on three sides. Along these same streets some of the colonial Dutch architecture has survived. The National Museum of Galle uses a building going back to 1656, the oldest remaining Dutch building in the fort, and has three galleries with collections not only going back to the Portuguese, Dutch and British periods, but also includes displays of the 15th century expeditions of Chinese Admiral Zheng He. This afternoon we enjoy a special seafood barbecue lunch at what is considered the best beach in Sri Lanka. During the fish, Lobster, king prawn, tiger prawn, crab and shellfish barbecue a group of Sri Lankan Baila musicians will perform for you. Golden sand, a protected bay and excellent swimming will later on permit you to return refreshed to Silver Discoverer.

Day 3: Kirinda, Sri Lanka The fishing port of Kirinda is our starting point for a visit to Yala National Park. Yala’s history as a wildlife sanctuary goes back more than 115 years and it was declared a National Park in 1938. Situated in the southeast of Sri Lanka, the park covers 979 square kilometres. A wide variety of wild animals live in the park, including one of the highest densities of leopards in the world. Of the 215 bird species known six are endemic. Its importance for birds is shown through the Kumana Bird Sanctuary. Another important factor of the park is the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants in it. An early start will permit us to visit the park before it is getting too hot. Within the park we will use 4WD vehicles with local trackers and naturalists and will learn about the leopards, with information on the animal, its habitat, and the conservation work that has gone (and is going) on to protect it. You will then have a Champagne brunch at a scenic spot in the forest. As a special treat, Professor Sarath Kotagama, head of the department of Zoology of the University of Colombo and Sri Lanka’s leading ornithologist, will talk about birding and conservation in Sri Lanka. Silver Discoverer will leave Kirinda during the afternoon, giving our lecturers an opportunity to talk about the highlights to come.

Day 4: Trincomalee, Sri Lanka Trincomalee has one of the largest natural harbours of the world. Because of this several European nations fought over Trincomalee, which was already one of the most visited places of Hindu worship. The two options for full-day tours today are both UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the first option is to drive to Polonnaruwa, the former capital of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. Dating back to the 12th century the ancient city is an excellent example of how irrigation systems were planned to be able to maximise the use of rain. Its ruins and statues are still today overpowering. The excursion to Polonnaruwa will include a visit to the museum where by special arrangement the museum’s curator will be at hand to answer any questions. A special buffet lunch will be arranged in

the wilderness, and while you have your meal a traditional Sri Lankan folk show will take place for you. Alternatively travel to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sirigiya- the city of the Rock Fortress. Sirigiya is Asia’s best-preserved city centre dating back to the first millennium. Its particular interest goes back to the 5th century, when parricidal King Kassapa unrightfully seized the throne and fled to the peak of reddish gneiss known as Lion’s Rock. This massive column of rock was used for the construction of his palace. It is known that the area had been in use for centuries and was used as a Buddhist monastery after Kassapa died. A massive wall defends part of the lower city. Various features have been overgrown by the forests and while one part has not yet been fully excavated, the other part is known to have been the aristocratic quarter with terraced gardens, canals and fountains. Formerly the image of a lion had been constructed around the outcrop, but the head collapsed and today only the feet and claws can be seen. On arrival in Sirigiya we will first visit the museum to get a good overview of the fortress, its history, the objects found and those excavated. Here too the museum’s curator will be at your disposal to answer any questions that you might have regarding the legendary citadel. To see the top one has to climb special staircases. At the summit of the rock is the fortified palace with its ruined buildings, its cisterns and its rock sculptures. Apart from the archaeological remains of the palace and city Sirigiya is famous for the “Mirror Wall”. The surface of the rock had been polished to such an extreme that one could see one’s reflection. Halfway up the rock, within an inaccessible rocky shelter in the vertical wall of the western face, are rock paintings known as ‘The Maidens of the Clouds’, 21 beautiful female figures. The climb is not easy and takes approximately 2 hours. A sumptuous Sri Lankan lunch –well deserved after the climb- will be served at a nearby hotel before returning to Silver Discoverer.

Day 5-6: Days at sea Two leisurely days at sea will give you a chance to exchange notes with fellow travellers and take advantage of amenities aboard Silver Discoverer. Help our birdwatchers spot some of the seabirds found far away from their nesting grounds, and let our experts prepare you for the visit to the Andaman Islands through lectures about India’s isolated archipelago. During our days at sea our Wellness Team will have ample time to help you with physical exercises, Yoga sessions and talks about healthy choices for your life-style. Our chefs would like you to attend a cooking seminar and enjoy the different culinary specialties prepared for you.

Day 7: Port Blair & Ross Island, India After clearing into India, birders might want to take the opportunity for a very early excursion to Mount Harriet for some trekking and birding. The avifauna of the Mount Harriet National Park is very rich and diverse due to dense forests, the presence of many varieties of wild fruit plants, and open seashore on the

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eastern side. In the park, 86 bird species are known to occur. Of these, 48 species and subspecies are endemic to the Andaman group. If you prefer a more leisurely visit, we will have a choice to see three museums in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands’ capital on South Andaman Island. These museums cover the islands’ various aspects: the Samudrika Marine Museum, run by the Indian Navy, has exhibits about corals, shells and fishes, even an aquarium. The Anthropological Museum has exhibits relating to the life of the four local tribes of the Andaman Islands and the two groups on the Nicobar Islands. After some light refreshment and a specially arranged presentation about the indigenous tribal communities by an anthropologist there will be a brief Nicobar tribal dance performance. The Cellular Jail, where a dark chapter of the British use of the Andaman Islands as a place to exile political opponents is shown. Built in the late 19th, early 20th century, it could house 693 inmates in single cells. The prison was set up in such a way that no inmates could communicate with each other. Three of the seven wings still exist and together with the central watchtower have been declared a national monument. Ms Rashida Iqbal, the curator, will explain about the prison and the inmates that were imprisoned here after their struggle for India’s independence. Our afternoon destination is Ross Island, which the British had selected as the capital of the islands between 1858 and 1941. Today the island has the old buildings, the church, printing press, government offices, Chief Commissioner’s house, and cemetery in ruins and trees overgrow many areas.

Day 8: Henry Lawrence Island, Inglis Island, Port Blair, India Today we will spend our time on beaches and in the water, looking for relaxation and colourful reef fishes. Our Wellness Team will select a good spot for yoga and exercises, while our Marine Biologist will be looking for the best places to snorkel.Located off the beach of Henry Lawrence is a wall reef that is considered the best reef for snorkelers. The scenery is breathtaking and snorkelers can be surrounded by schools of cardinal fish. Lionfish, pipefish, ghost pipefish, and octopuses are present and humphead parrot fish feed noisily on the coral. During lunch, Silver Discoverer will reposition a short distance to Inglis Island. East of Lawrence Island, and much smaller, Inglis Island is covered in lush tropical rainforest and has extensive white powder beaches. While you relax on land a group of local musicians will entertain us. Perhaps you want to then walk into the rainforest, or put on your snorkelling gear on the beach and take a short swim to be surrounded by colourful fishes. Sea snakes, spiny lobster and huge parrot fishes are not uncommon here -even dugongs (the few that still remain in the Andaman Islands) are found north of Inglis Island. Birders will be looking for White-bellied Sea Eagles, Brahminy Kites, kingfisher, hornbills, owls and parakeets. During dinner Silver Discoverer will arrive at Haddo, Port Blair, for the outward clearance.

Day 9-10: At Sea Cruising north through the Bay of Bengal our Wellness Team will continue to offer Yoga sessions and will help you with exercises that should energise you for the upcoming days in Bangladesh. Our lecturers will have a range of topics to present and will give you insights into one of the lesser visited Asian countries and its surprising wildlife sanctuaries, while special guest lecturer Dr. R. Mukherjee, author of several books on Gandhi, the revolt of 1857 as well as current affairs and is consultant editor of the Opinions page of the Telegraph, a leading Kolkata based newspaper, will give us background information on historical subjects of the area.

Day 11: Chittagong, Bangladesh Today guests on Silver Discoverer will make history as this will be the first time in the history of Bangladesh that a cruise ship will visit the country. Leaving Chittagong by coach and heading to the green hills, lakes and rivers to the north-east and south-east will give us a good glimpse of Bangladesh. The Chittagong Hill Tracts are home to several indigenous ethnic groups –the largest being the Chakma. Today we will have a full-day tour to Rangamati, known as the Lake City of Bangladesh. On the way to Kaptai and Rangamati we will have to pass the Rampahar-Sitapahar Wildlife Sanctuary, a tropical lowland evergreen rainforest. On arrival we will be welcomed by the curator of the tribal museum and cultural institute. After a brief talk on the various tribes and their way of life, one of the tribal groups will perform some tribal dances. To board the “Keari Sinbad”, a local boat, to enjoy a cruise on Kaptai Lake, we have to cross Bangladesh’s longest hanging bridge. During the cruise we arrive at Master Para, where we will be welcomed by the village head and be shown around to see the locally produced textiles and ivory jewellery. Return to the Silver Discoverer in the evening.

Day 12: Maheskali, Bangladesh South of Chittagong and only a short distance from frenzy and hectic Cox Bazaar Maheshkhali Island is a different world. This is where a will see the real rural Bangladesh. We will take our Zodiacs to get ashore and will explore the small village with its school and temple during the morning. To get a feeling of how the locals live, we will take local transport (rickshaws and tuk tuks) and visit a Buddhist temple, meeting the monks and getting to know the daily routine of the apprentices and monks themselves. Later we visit the school (where our/your donations will be very welcome) and a group of Burmese weavers showing us the use of traditional equipment. The cotton products these ladies prepare will be on offer as well. We will then have time to visit a small Rakhayn (=Burmese) community at Thakur Tala village before heading back by Zodiac to have lunch aboard Silver Discoverer. Maheshkhali is not at all touristy and our visit should be a good opportunity for us to interact with

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local communities. In the late afternoon we will once again take to the Zodiacs, this time to see life on the river banks. We should be able to see fishermen which will be fishing in little boats or with nets from the shore, will pass areas where small wooden ships are repaired. We also plan to go ashore at Sonadia Island to see one of the fishing camps and will get to see the oxen after which the island is named (Mahes = ox).

Day 13: Hiron Point & Kokilmoni Bangladesh Named after the Sundari trees, the Sundarbans is an area reaching from Bangladesh into India. While the Indian part is a National Park, Bangladesh’s part consists of three Wildlife Sanctuaries. The Sundarbans ecosystem is a quite unique: spreading over an area of approximately 10,000 square kilometres, it is the largest halophytic mangrove forest in the world. It represents the largest mangal diversity in the world with 81 mangal plant species and it provides habitat for the threatened Bengal tiger (Panthera tigris tigris). The Indian core area (Sundarbans National Park) has been designated as a World Heritage site in 1987; the three Wildlife Sanctuaries in Bangladesh were inscribed in 1997. The whole area has the largest amount of the famous Bengal tigers –an estimated 350 of them roam the Sundarbans. These animals however are very hard to see. Other wildlife species present are macaques, Indian grey mongoose, leopard cats, Ridley sea turtle, wild boar, jungle cat, flying foxes, and spotted deers (Chital). The mangrove ecosystem of the Sundarbans is considered to be unique because of its immensely rich mangrove flora and mangrove-associated fauna. It is also unique as the mangroves are not only dominant as fringing mangroves along the creeks and backwaters, but also grow along the sides of rivers in muddy as well as in flat, sandy areas. During the two days we will spend here Silver Discoverer will be mainly based in the Pashur River. We will be accompanied by local guides and rangers. On our first day we will go ashore at Hiron Point for natural history walks and possibly an exploratory Zodiac cruise. This is where we will pick up local rangers. After our first impressions we will head back to Silver Discoverer to escape the mid-day heat. During the late morning, while the ship will reposition to Kokilmoni, attend an informative talk about the Sundarbans by one of the local lecturers. During the afternoon we will take to the Zodiacs to look for aquatic mammals that frequent the tidal waters, including the Ganges dolphin, Indo-Pacific humpbacked dolphin, Irrawaddy dolphin and finless porpoise, while on land we might see wild boar, spotted deer, and rhesus macaques. Birders will be on the look-out for White-bellied Sea Eagles, Brahminy Kites, Intermediate Egrets, Indian Pond Heron, as well as Collared and Black-capped Kingfisher. As the best time for wildlife observation here is around sunset we will stay out until late. We will again board Silver Discoverer near the Kokilmoni Forest Station, to where the ship repositioned and where the ship will stay overnight. In the very early morning of our second day in the Sundarbans we will offer a ‘first light’ Zodiac cruise into the mangrove forest.

The narrow channels around the Kokilmoni Forest Station are known to have Stork-billed and Brown-winged Kingfisher, Oriental Magpie Robins, White Wagtails, and many other birds. During our cruise we will take time to drift, which will permit us to hear birdsong all the better. We might also see some of the local fishermen active on the river. In time for a late breakfast we will return to Silver Discoverer and attend more lectures about the Sundarbans, while the ship repositions to Harbaria Forest Station. At Harbaria we will offer a combined Zodiac cruise and natural history walk. Well maintained boardwalks will permit us to enter the mangrove forest without engine-noise. Rhesus macaques are regularly seen, but this walk will give a great opportunity to see the different plant species our lecturers talked about: cedar mangrove, cannonball mangrove, sea holly, sea mango, blinding mangrove, nipa palm, and Phoenix palm. Not only will our botanically inclined guests love to take the boardwalk and pathways (groups are always accompanied by one of the rangers), but anybody interested in Nature will want to take this unique opportunity to walk through the largest mangrove forest.

Day 14: Charaputia & Harbaria, Bangladesh Today we will travel up the Hooghly, one of the most treacherous and feared rivers, to be able to reach Kolkata (formerly known as Calcutta). When the British East India Company decided to fortify a trading station at what today is Kolkata, it was not the first British or European attempt at permanently settling there, but it was an unusual location insofar as it was far inland. A British trading station had already been in existence further north at Hooghly. The Hooghly River had early on been recognised as being difficult to navigate and -as the Bengal Pilot Service had already been founded in 1651- a pilot service was started here in 1669. While we travel upriver our lecturers and Dr. Mukherjee will continue their programme of interesting talks and our on-board Videographer/Photographer will present his/her final cut of the voyage-DVD. Late at night we will reach Kolkata, where we overnight.

Day 15: Kolkata & Sagar Point (Pilot Station), India Our last day of the voyage will be used to explore this vibrant city of more than 4.5 million inhabitants, that once was the Capital of the British Raj. Counting the surrounding areas as well, more than 14 million people live here. Starting from the Dalhousie Square we will walk to St. John’s Church, the Kolkata General Post Office, around the Collectorate Office and the Writer’s Building –the seat of the State Government- and will go past several other famous colonial buildings before proceeding by coach to Mother Teresa’s home. Our next stop will be at the famous Tollygunge Club, ranked among the top 20 golf clubs in the world. The Tollygunge Club was the first Country Club of its kind in India and still has a unique collection of flora and fauna. The club is a serene oasis on the southern fringes of Kolkata and will be a venue for a special and private performance of the internationally famous Tanusree Shankar Dance

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Company. Fusing western ballet and traditional Indian dances, Tanusree Shankar has become one of the leading exponents of contemporary dance forms in India. After the performance a special Bengali lunch, designed by a renowned Bengali food curator, awaits. Two more highlights from Colonial times will be seen after lunch: St Paul’s Cathedral, a Gothic Revival style building with stained glass windows and two frescoes in Florentine Renaissance style, and the Victoria Memorial with its collection of Art and a well laid out Calcutta Gallery. This gallery tells the history of the city and the curator has kindly consented to be available for any questions guests might have. Whether you want to immerse yourself on your own in Indian culture at the Indian Museum or learn about Kolkata at the Victoria Memorial, want to see religious buildings and shrines, the Birla Temple, Dakhineshwar Kali Temple or on the opposite side of the Ganges the Belur Math Shrine, there are countless places to see. If you are a train buff you might want to head to Howrah Junction Railway Station, the oldest and busiest railway station in Eastern India.

Day 16: Kolkata, India Following breakfast, disembark Silver Discoverer.

Please Note: Expedition highlights and wildlife listed here are possible experiences only and cannot be guaranteed. Your Expedition Leader and Captain will work together to ensure opportunities for adventure and exploration are the best possible, taking into account the prevailing weather, wildlife activity and ice conditions. Expedition Team members scheduled for this voyage are subject to change or cancellation.

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YOUR SHIP: SILVER DISCOVERER YOUR SHIP:

Silver Discoverer

VESSEL TYPE:

Luxury Expedition

LENGTH:

338 Feet/102.9 Metres

PASSENGER CAPACITY:

120 passengers

BUILT/REFURBISHED:

2014

Her small size and shallow draft allow close-up access to rugged coasts well beyond the reach of ordinary vessels. And she has been newly refurbished to help guests maximize their experience and build a genuine connection with the regions they visit. Spacious decks and panoramic public rooms mean the drama of the unexpected is never far from view. A fleet of Zodiacs allows exploration from the water or remote landings anywhere nature or curiosity dictate. Since many of our expeditions sail to some of the world's most pristine coral reef systems, there's a glass-bottom boat for underwater viewing along with a full complement of snorkelling equipment and a dive programme for advanced divers. We've also taken great care to assemble a truly outstanding Expedition Team, composed of experts in the culture, history and wild life of the destinations, to present informal talks, guide Zodiac outings and lead small-group explorations ashore. While back on board, every creature comfort awaits: an ocean-view suite, in-suite bar and the head-to-toe pampering of a butler; elegant lounges and open bar where fellow travellers

gather to swap tales about their day's adventures; and cuisine that meets Silversea's standards of culinary excellence -- which are lofty, indeed. Imaginative menus in The Restaurant feature both regional offerings and dishes inspired by Relais & Chateaux. Additional amenities include a sun-catching pool deck, an internet cafe, a fitness centre, and a beauty and massage centre -- particularly alluring after an adventurous day ashore.

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INSIDE YOUR SHIP Explorer Suite

Medallion Suite

Veranda Suite

View Suite

Vista Suite

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PRICING 11-Feb-2017 to 27-Feb-2017 Explorer Suite

19350 AUD pp

View Suite

21250 AUD pp

Vista Suite

27650 AUD pp

Explorer Suite Sole

33863 AUD pp

Veranda Suite

33950 AUD pp

Medallion Suite

41150 AUD pp

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