Deckplan
Please note that all beds can be configured as twin or double with the exception of suites 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed.
A voyage from Chennai to Mumbai aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
For those seeking an informative and relaxing experience of India and Sri Lanka, what better way than a journey aboard the all-suite MS Hebridean Sky in the company of just over 100 fellow travellers. From this fine vessel, you can explore some of India’s and Sri Lanka’s most interesting coastal regions with the added knowledge that you will be returning each evening to all the comforts of a small and luxuriously appointed vessel. Exploring by small ship, we are able to see so much in just over two weeks, allowing for some leisurely interludes. Accompanied by an excellent onboard team, we can learn of the history and natural world as we journey between our fascinating ports of call.
There is nowhere like India for observing the colourful day to day life, its markets, traders and general hubbub of the towns and cities, and contrastingly few places offer the peace and tranquillity which can be found around its temples, holy places and countryside. The intricate nature of its religions and cultures, together with its rich and absorbing history will be brought to life by our Guest Speaker, with informal onboard talks and the knowledgeable local guides who will accompany us ashore.
Amongst the many highlights of our time in India will be our couple of days in the Malabar port of Cochin from where we will explore the ‘backwaters’, a network of lagoons, lakes, rivers and canals, observing the day to day life. 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 many more.
Whilst in Sri Lanka, cultural highlights include the superb ancient remains of the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa, along with the remnants of the Portuguese and Dutch colonial eras in Trincomalee and Galle and the fascinating and diverse city of Colombo. Not forgetting the country’s magnificent natural world wonders, there will be the opportunity to visit the Bundala and Yala National Parks with their vast array of wildlife.
All this and more will be achieved with ease with the benefit of returning to the vessel each evening to recharge the batteries with good food, caring service and a restful night’s sleep ready to witness another day in these great lands of ancient faiths, customs and traditions along with some spectacular natural world wonders.
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Fly by scheduled indirect flight.
Arrive today and transfer to our hotel for an overnight stay. The remainder of the day and evening is at leisure to enjoy the hotel facilities or explore at your own pace.
After breakfast we will explore the flourishing city of Chennai. See the 14th century St Thome Cathedral, the Kapaleeshwara Temple dedicated to Shiva and the impressive Government Museum, which includes a superb collection of South Indian bronzes from the 7th century Pallava era. Lunch will be served in a local restaurant before we transfer to the MS Hebridean Sky and embark. Enjoy welcome drinks and dinner as we sail this evening.
Spend the day cruising towards Sri Lanka. Maybe join a lecture in the lounge or find a spot on deck to relax.
Arrive on the north east coast of Sri Lanka in Trincomalee, one of the finest deep water harbours of the world. Choose to join a morning excursion which includes Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese in 1623, and walk to Swami Rock to see the Koneswaram Temple, one of the five most holy Shaivite temples in the country. Alternatively join a local boat to Pigeon Island National Park, an island off the Sri Lankan coast and one of two national marine parks in the country. Here it will be possible to snorkel over the coral reefs and maybe see some of the turtle species that reside here. A third option today will be a full day tour to Polonnaruwa. This 5th century ancient city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 and is considered to be one of the best planned archaeological sites in the country. The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by high man-made reservoirs, the most famous of which is Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, built during King Parakramabahu’s reign in 1164-1196 AD. The monuments in the ancient city are relatively well preserved and highlights are the Royal Palace complex, including the King’s Palace and Audience Hall and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha cut from a single slab of granite.
We have one and a half days in Hambantota from where we will visit a couple of the region’s highlights. We will visit Yala National Park, known as Ruhunu it was designated as a wildlife sanctuary in 1900 and is now home to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species. This vast region of arid scrub interspersed with pockets of dense forest and open patches of grassland hosts one of the highest densities of leopard in the world. On a jeep safari we also hope to see sloth bears, jackals, wild boar and elephants. From Hambantota there will also be the opportunity to explore Bundala National Park, a haven for birdwatchers and Sri Lanka’s first designated wetland site of international importance. Located in the deep south of the island, the diversity of the park lies in its landscape, from dry thorny scrubland to sand dunes and salt marshes, to mangroves and lagoons. Take a jeep through the park and discover close to 200 species of bird as well as many species of butterfly, crocodiles, elephants and deer. Alternatively you may wish to visit Kataragama, one of the three most important religious sites in Sri Lanka and a popular place of pilgrimage for the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and the indigenous Vedda communities of Sri Lanka and South India. According to the Buddhists this was one of the 16 places visited by Buddha during his stays in Sri Lanka. We will explore the religious complex built across the Menik Ganga which contains buildings from all three religions including the mosque, the temple, the small archaeological museum and the principal shrine of the god Kataragama.
Awake this morning in Galle where we take a walking tour of the impressive Galle Fortress. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the port where the Portuguese first landed in Sri Lanka in the 16th century and was then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. Also see the maritime museum, which is housed in an old Dutch house, the lighthouse, mosque and church before taking a stroll through the narrow streets with their shuttered mansions and cloistered courtyards. Return to the ship for lunch and this afternoon is free to explore Galle further at your own pace or alternatively join a tour to a nearby tea plantation where we will learn about the growing processes and enjoy a tasting.
Arrive today in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and largest city which dates back over 600 years having been a trading hub for sea merchants and colonial rulers. Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, mosques and churches reflect the various beliefs practiced all over the island and the beautiful facades of the old, colonial buildings contrast with the modern but elegant shopping arcades that have been developed inside. There will be a choice of activities today including a cultural tour visiting the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, the National Museum and Independence Square. Alternatively visit the Kelaniya Buddhist Temple, located on the outskirts of the city it is believed that Buddha visited and preached his doctrine here to a gathering of serpentkings. Today worshippers come to lay sprigs of lotus flowers around the great white dagoba, light oil lamps, and sprinkle the base of the Tree of Enlightenment with purifying water. We can see the fine carvings and lovely frescoes, fascinating geometrically patterned ceiling paintings, and three important images of Buddha.
After a morning at sea we return to India at the Keralan port of Trivandrum. Built over seven hills, the ‘city of the sacred serpents’ retains some of old Kerala’s ambience, with its pagoda shaped buildings, red-tiled roofs and narrow winding lanes. There is much to see here and on our afternoon excursion we will include the old fort area around the 260 year old Sri Padmanabhaswamy Temple.
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 include the serene Kerala backwaters at Alleppey where we will board a local boat for a cruise past colonial warehouses and coconut thatched houses. For centuries, these canals provided a safe and efficient means of transportation for goods and people moving between the heartland of Kerala and the port towns along the coast. Even today, traditional barges, or kettuvallams, haul coconut, pepper, rice and other goods along the waterways. We will also have time in Cochin to explore the diverse mix of cultures and religions that together, with its strong trading past in spices and silks, make for a fascinating city. Discover Mattancherry Palace with its ornately decorated rooms including some marvellous ancient murals. We see the oldest European church in India, St Francis and the ruins of the fort. On our first evening as we moor overnight, we will enjoy a Kathakali performance on board after dinner. Based on the subject from the Ramayana, Mahabharata and stories from Saiva literature, Kathakali is one of the main forms of classical dance drama of India and indigenous to Kerala.
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’s ninth largest cargo handling port exporting 75% of the country’s coffee and the bulk of its cashew nuts and spices. Arriving at lunchtime we spend the afternoon 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 art work is one of the city’s hidden gems.
In the 15th century Goa was the largest trading centre on India’s west coast and when the Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century it was their plan to set up a colony to seize the 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. Today we will explore Old Goa with its fine Basilica of Bom Jesus and the Neo Classical Church of St Cajetan. Afterwards choose to return to the ship or continue to 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.
After a morning at sea we sail into Mumbai, a cluster of seven islands which were first home to the ‘Koli’ fisherman, who still occupy parts of the city shoreline today. Mumbai was derived from ‘Mumba’ the name of the Hindu goddess ‘Mumbadevi’ and ‘Aai’ – mother in the local Marathi language. 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 afternoon 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 feature courtyards, shrines, remarkable statues and vibrant sculptures that date from the 5th to 7th century AD.
Disembark this morning and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to London. Arrive this afternoon.
16 February to 3 March 2025 | ||
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Category | Price | |
Amundsen Deck Standard Suite | Fully Booked | |
Byrd Deck Superior Suite | Fully Booked | |
Mawson Deck Premium Suite | Fully Booked | |
Mawson Deck Corner Suite | Fully Booked | |
Scott Deck Deluxe Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | |
Shackleton Deck Owner's Balcony Suite | Fully Booked | |
Shackleton Deck Hebridean Suite | Fully Booked | |
Amundsen Deck Standard for sole use | Fully Booked | |
Byrd Deck Superior for sole use | Fully Booked |
Tour Reference Code: SCHKS160225
* Complimentary suite upgrade applicable for double occupancy bookings only.
PRICE INCLUDES: Economy class scheduled air travel • Overnight hotel accommodation in Chennai • 13 nights aboard the MS Hebridean Sky on a full board basis • House wine, beer and soft drinks with lunch and dinner • Noble Caledonia onboard team • Shore Excursions • Gratuities • Transfers • Airport taxes • Port taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance, dinner on day 2, visas for India & Sri Lanka.
Please note that all beds can be configured as twin or double with the exception of suites 601 and 602 which both feature a fixed double bed.
The MS Hebridean Sky is one of our two flag ships and sister vessel to the MS Island Sky. Both vessels were built in the same ship yard in Italy at similar times and share the same excellent attributes that make them two of the finest small ships in the world.
Dr John Stevens gained his PhD in History from UCL, before going on to teach British Imperial History, Indian History and Bengali Language at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS, University of London). His biography of the Indian guru Keshab Chandra Sen – Keshab: Bengal’s Forgotten Prophet - was published by Hurst and Oxford University Press in 2018. He is a regular visitor to India and Bangladesh and has lectured at numerous Indian universities. He also works as a consultant on Indian affairs and teaches the Bengali language to private students. He has appeared many times in the Indian media and was a guest on BBC Radio Four’s In Our Time, discussing the poet and artist Rabindranath Tagore. John is also an accredited lecturer for the Arts Society and will be able to offer lectures such as the Architecture of Mughal India; Portraits of the Maharinis; and Imperial Calcutta: the Paris of Asia, amongst his many Indian related talks.
In his 36 year career in the Royal Navy John Lippiett operated in, and crossed, the Indian Ocean nine times. The first four passages saw him navigating by sextant, and the last three passages in command, operating and exercising with the relevant navies in their waters. As a senior officer he toured the Indian Subcontinent as a guest of the Indian Armed Forces, and in his six years as a Rear Admiral he was Flag Officer Sea Training before becoming the Chief of Staff of the NATO maritime forces in the Mediterranean. His final posting was as the first naval Commandant of the Joint Services Command and Staff College. John retired and for 13 years was the Chief Executive of the Mary Rose Trust, building the new museum and finalising the conservation. On this fabulous Indian Ocean cruise, he will give richly illustrated talks on the 2,000 years of exploration and trading by the Egyptians and Romans, the Arabs, the Chinese and the Portuguese, followed by the Dutch and English sailing and charting these waters. A lively illustration of the explorers, traders and pirates who sailed these seas is provided by countless wrecks! The imagined shape of the 'Known World' literally changed over the centuries, as John will illustrate when looking at contemporary maps. Empires grew and collapsed, fortunes were made and lost, religions came and were superseded. But his talks are not all about history, for the political tensions today and the major concerns on global warming for the islands in these seas will be addressed to help understand the current issues that we will meet on these cruises.
If you would like to spend some additional time exploring India after disembarking the MS Hebridean Sky, we are offering the opportunity to join a five night extension which will include Jaipur, Agra for the Taj Mahal and Agra Fort and Delhi.
Day 1 Mumbai to Jaipur, India.
Disembark after breakfast and transfer to the airport for our scheduled flight to Jaipur. Arrive in the early afternoon and transfer to our hotel for a two night stay. Originally the city’s walls were the colour of red sandstone, Jaipur’s universal coat of pink only came in 1876 to coincide with the visit of the Prince of Wales (King Edward VII). Almost the entire city was given a coat of pink paint, thus giving it the name ‘The Pink City’. This afternoon we will visit the Birla Temple and Albert Hall before we return to the hotel for dinner this evening. (B, L, D)
Day 2 Jaipur.
Located near the deserts of Rajasthan, the movement and collection of water plays an important role for the city. This morning our guide will show us the ancient channels, Roman aqueducts and reservoirs and explain about their history and creation. Also see the Hawa Mahal, the ornamental facade of this ‘Palace of Winds’ is a prominent landmark in Jaipur, plastered pink and encrusted with fine trellis work and elaborate balconies. After lunch we will visit the Observatory and the City Palace which maintains the Maharaja’s private collection of textiles and arms. Return to the hotel for some time at leisure before dinner is served in the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 3 Jaipur to Agra.
This morning we drive to Agra (approximately 4.5 hours). Agra’s history dates back to the Mughals who proclaimed it their capital in 1565. Located on the Yamuna River the city grew as a centre of architectural, political and trading activity. Today the city is a kaleidoscope of India with various communities living in harmony. After lunch we visit Agra Fort, built by the Mughal Emperor Akbar in 1565, before continuing to the city including the bazaars which are rich with spices, foods fabrics, jewellery and textiles. We stay overnight in Agra and have dinner in the hotel. (B, L, D)
Day 4 Agra.
After breakfast we see the legendary beauty and the white marble domes of the elegant Taj Mahal. Built by the Mughal Emperor Shah Jahan as an exquisite mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Rudyard Kipling described the building as “the embodiment of all things pure”. After our visit we will have lunch and an afternoon at leisure to relax in the hotel or partake in some independent sightseeing. (B, L, D)
Day 5 Agra to Delhi.
Drive this morning to Delhi (approximately 4 hours). Capital to seven different cultures over the course of its history, New Delhi is a fascinating fusion of them all. The art and architecture of the city reflects its ancient and multifaceted heritage. A Hindu fortress, a Mughal tomb, an Islamic minaret and mosque and a Bahai temple give an idea of the cultural richness found here. After lunch, visit Gurudwara Bangla Sahabib (Sikh temple), a quiet and serene spot amid the bustling marketplace. After paying homage at the sanctum, where the holy book is kept, we can stroll along the tranquil pond in the Gurudwara. Return to the hotel for our final dinner. (B, L, D)
Day 6 Delhi to London.
Check out and transfer to the airport this morning for our scheduled flight to London. (D)
3 to 8 March 2025 | |
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Category | Price |
Twin | £2895 |
Single | £3495 |
Price Includes: Economy class scheduled air travel from Mumbai to Jaipur, two nights hotel accommodation in Jaipur and Agra, overnight hotel accommodation in Delhi, meals as indicated (B – Breakfast, L – Lunch, D – Dinner), Noble Caledonia Tour Manager, guided tours as described, gratuities, transfers, airport taxes.
Not Included: Travel insurance.
A luxury escorted tour discovering the wildlife & wonders of Sri Lanka
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A voyage from the Seychelles to Chennai including the Maldives & Sri Lanka aboard the MS Hebridean Sky
An escorted tour of the wildlife & wonders of Western India including seven nights aboard the Deccan Odyssey Private Train
Speak to one of our advisors on 020 7752 0000