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www.noble-caledonia.co.uk The ItineraryDay 1 London to Mumbai, India. Fly by scheduled flight. Day 2 Mumbai. Arrive and transfer to the MS Island Sky. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we moor overnight.Day 3 Mumbai. Mumbai is a cluster of seven islands which were first home to the %u2018Koli%u2019 fisherman, who still occupy parts of the city shoreline today. First ceded to the Portuguese, the British Government took possession of the islands in 1665 before leasing them to the East India Company who founded the port and saw the city grow in size and importance. This morning we explore the city and see the prominent landmarks visiting the Gateway of India, Mani Bhavan, the former residence of Mahatma Gandhi when he stayed in Mumbai from 1917 to 1934 and Dhobi Ghat where we can observe the vast open air Indian laundry. Alternatively, travel to Gharapuri Island, better known as Elephanta Island, and view the remarkable caves designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This labyrinth of cave temples features courtyards, shrines, remarkable statues and vibrant sculptures that date from the 5th to 7th century AD. Return to the ship for lunch and a relaxing afternoon at sea.Day 4 Goa. In the 15th century Goa was the largest trading centre on India%u2019s west coast and when the Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century they planned to set up a colony to seize control of the spice trade. Goa remained a Portuguese colony until 1961 when it became the 25th state of the Indian Republic. Whilst famous for her beautiful beaches, Goa offers wonderful architecture with a mixture of Hindu and Catholic styles, unique history, rich culture and pretty natural scenery. This afternoon we will explore Old Goa with its fine Basilica of Bom Jesus and the NeoClassical Church of St Cajetan. Alternatively, visit a spice plantation where the cultivation of cardamom, chilli, cloves and coriander can be seen. We will enjoy the smells and tastes whilst we learn about their uses in Indian life.Day 5 Mangalore. In the 14th and 15th centuries Mangalore traded with Persian and Arab merchants and was fought over by the Nayaka princes and the Portuguese. In the 18th century its control was contested by Hyder Ali and his son Tipu Sultan on the one hand, and the British on the other. The influences of its turbulent history are still apparent in the cosmopolitan attitude and diverse religions that exist here. Today it is a business and commercial centre and is India%u2019s ninth largest cargo handling port exporting 75% of the country%u2019s coffee and the bulk of its cashew nuts and spices. Spend the morning learning about the cashew processing industry before we visit Gokarnatha Temple and the remarkable St Aloysius Chapel, with a fascinating series of intricate paintings that cover virtually every square inch of the interior ceiling and walls. Created over a period of two years by Brother Antonio Moscheni, an Italian artist, the chapel with its magnificent artwork is one of the city%u2019s hidden gems. After our exploration we will return to the vessel for a leisurely afternoon at sea.Days 6 & 7 Cochin. Cochin is an extraordinary city with strong influences of Portuguese, Chinese, Arab, Dutch and British cultures still much in evidence today and we have two days to enjoy this intriguing Malabar port. Visits will F or those seeking an informative and relaxing experience whilst discovering India and Sri Lanka, what better way than a journey aboard the all-suite MS Island Sky in the company of just over 100 fellow travellers. Exploring by small ship, we are able to visit some of the most interesting regions allowing time for some leisurely interludes. The intricate nature of India and Sri Lanka%u2019s religions and cultures, together with the rich and absorbing history, will be brought to life by our Guest Speaker and the knowledgeable local guides who will accompany us ashore. Setting sail from the vibrant and bustling city of Mumbai, amongst the many highlights of our time in India will be the Old Town of Goa with its interesting blend of Indian and Portuguese cultures and our time spent in the Malabar port of Cochin from where we will explore the serene %u2018backwaters%u2019, a network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals. Boats carrying the local produce of copra, coir and cashews travel slowly through peaceful, palm-shaded waterways and keen birdwatchers can have a field day looking out for fish eagles, kingfishers, egrets, herons and more. During our time in Sri Lanka we will explore its wealth of both ancient and natural sites including the fortified, UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle and the fascinating capital, Colombo. Sri Lanka is also a paradise for wildlife lovers and we have included game viewing in Yala National Park, which offers a great diversity of animal and birdlife and, further south, the lesser-visited coastal wetland area of Bundala National Park with its flocks of flamingos and rich birdlife.Our journey will take us along some beautiful coastlines and we will visit bustling bazaars, witness daily life, learn something of the colourful cultures, ancient faiths, customs and traditions and see some of the remarkable wildlife. All this and more will be achieved with ease with the benefit of returning to the comfort of the MS Island Sky each evening to recharge the batteries with good food, caring service and a restful night%u2019s sleep ready to witness another day in these fascinating lands.INDIASEYCHELLESSRI LANKAMumbaiHambantotaGallePraslinCurieuseMaheAride GrandeSoeurGoaMangaloreCochinColomboBundala National ParkYala National ParkKataragamaINDIANOCEANDutch Fort, GalleGuest Speaker %u2013 Right Reverend Tim StevensTim Stevens read Classics and English at Cambridge. In 1968 he joined BOAC as a graduate trainee and entered the Foreign Office in 1972 working in the South Asian Dept until starting training for ordination in Oxford. He was a parish priest in East London and Essex before being appointed Archdeacon of West Ham, Bishop of Dunwich and eventually Bishop of Leicester where, from 1999 to 2015, he was heavily engaged in interfaith relations and a visiting professor in Church and Society at De Montfort University. Tim was chair of the Children%u2019s Society between 2004 and 2010 and Convener of the Bishops in the House of Lords, between 2009 and 2015, where he spoke regularly on public policy issues especially on Welfare Reform and inter-faith relations. In 2015 he was responsible for planning and leading the events surrounding the re-interment of Richard lll in Leicester Cathedral. Tim is now on the global governance board of St John International and a trustee of the Woolf Institute in Cambridge which researches and supports understanding between Jews, Christians and Muslims.