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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Zegrahm & Eco Expeditions
CONTACT: Nancy Jane Earnhardt
TEL: 800-628-8747
E-MAIL: nancye@zeco.com
WEBSITE: www.zeco.com
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Editor’s Note: High resolution photos are available.
Zegrahm Expeditions Announces
Inaugural Voyages to Coastal India
SEATTLE—Zegrahm Expeditions announces four inaugural ship voyages to the World Heritage Sites, cities, villages, temples, and markets of coastal India in 2007.
Departing February 12, 2007 guests on Splendors of India: Calcutta to Colombo will explore the coast of India including the island of Sri Lanka, aboard the luxury cruise ship Le Levant. The 14-day voyage (starting at $9,380 double occupancy) features some of the most experienced leaders in the industry who provide insight through a series of fascinating lectures on natural history, photography, culture and more.
The voyagetakes guests from Kolkata (Calcutta), to Columbo with several fascinating land excursions along the way, including Sri Lanka:
- Spend a leisurely day exploring India’s cultural capitol of Calcutta. Visit the expansive Victoria Memorial museum, a remnant of the colonial British Raj Empire, and the wide open green space of the Maidan, with its park-like setting of ponds, fountains, a British fort, and Eden Gardens.
- Enjoy a city tour of Chennai (Madras), the capital of Tamil Nadu State. Learn about colonial history and modern-day life on visits to sites that include Fort St. George, the National Museum, Bronze Art Gallery, San Thorne Cathedral, and a drive along Marina Beach. The tour is followed by a drive into the countryside to visit one of the state’s most famed temple complexes - Mahabalipuram, a World Heritage Site located on the sea coast.
- Spread along the only natural harbor on India’s east coast, Vizag is one of the country’s largest ports, home to its oldest shipyard, and a naval headquarter. Beautiful beaches and a lively boardwalk lend a tourist-like atmosphere to the town. The nearby temple site of Simhachalam includes the second wealthiest temple (after Tirupati) in southern India and worships the deity Mahavishnu in his lion-man incarnation. While most temples are built facing East, to bring prosperity, this one faces West which, according to religious belief, brings victory.
- Visit the spectacular 13th century Temple Chariot of the Sun God, also known as the Black Pagoda, splendidly set among the sand dunes along the Bay of Bengal in Konark. This symbolic chariot representation includes 24 carved wheels and seven horses, and is covered with thousands of sculptures depicting the many facets of life; the interior features a renowned series of erotic art sculptures. As the sun follows its daily path, corresponding parts of the temple are illuminated—morning, noon, and night.
- Anchor in the small bay of Kirinda on Sri Lanka’s southeast side before exploring the Yala National Park, which features habitats ranging from coastal dunes to dense jungle. A guide from the Department of Wildlife Conservation accompanies guests on a search for elephants, sloth bears, monkeys, and Malabar hornbills.
- Visit an elephant orphanage before arriving in the highlands of Kandy, a World Heritage Site. This mountain community remained an isolated, feudal state well into the 18th century, and served as a royal refuge in times of danger and later as the royal capital. Here guests will visit the revered Temple of the Tooth, palace grounds on the shore of Kandy Lake, the Royal Botanical Gardens and enjoy an overnight at the Kandy hotel.
This voyage may be combined with Zegrahm’s Splendors of India: Colombo to Bombay, Feb. 23-March 8. There will be two additional departures including Splendors of India: Bombay to Colombo Jan. 26-Feb.8 and Splendors of India: Colombo to Calcutta departing Feb. 3-18.
Every Zegrahm expedition features deluxe accommodations, fine cuisine, and a lecture program that is the industry’s finest. Rates include all shore excursions and gratuities. Rates vary according to cabin category choice. For a detailed itinerary please visit www.zeco.com. For reservations call 800-628-8747.
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