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S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y a program of the stanford alumni association REMOTE ISLANDS, COASTAL LIFE December 1 to 18, 2012 Indiaand theMaldives

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Page 1: India and the Maldives - Stanford Universityalumni.stanford.edu/content/travel-study/brochures/2012/maldives...India and the Maldives. ... male, maldives Depart from the U.S. on independent

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

a program of the s tan ford a lumni assoc ia t ion

R e m o t e i s l a n d s , c o a s t a l l i f e

December 1 to 18, 2012

India and the Maldives

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A sojourn to places far from the

daily familiarity of our lives invites introspection

and openness to unique experiences that can

sometimes be elusive. Voyaging to far-flung

and remote destinations draws us even further

into the mystique of the unknown, adding even

more depth to these journeys – yet somehow

at the same time takes us deeper into knowing

ourselves. For those of you seeking to deepen

your understanding of the diverse planet we

inhabit, travel to India, Sri Lanka, and the atolls

and islands of the Maldives and Lakshadweeps

with Professor Rob Dunbar and our staff,

along with expert naturalists, on a journey that

promises to fulfill this desire. I hope you’ll join us!

BRE T T S. ThOMPSON, ’83, D IRECTOR, STANFORD TR AVEL /STUDY

HighlightsS N O R K E L or scuba dive for three days among the dramatic corals and diverse sea life around the atolls and reefs of the Maldives.

D E LV E into the rich history of Kochi, India, and experience the various cultural influences that make this community absolutely unique.

E X P L O R E rarely visited islands of the Lakshadweeps and capture the multi-hued flora and fauna in photos and as unforgettable memories.

S T E E P yourself in the beau-ty and reverence that exist in everyday life on the island of Sri Lanka, visiting villages, temples and palaces.

maldives

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SATURDAY TO MONDAY, DECEMBER 1–3 depart U.s. / male, maldives Depart from the U.S. on independent flights to the Maldives, crossing the inter-national date line en route and arriving in Male on Monday. Upon arrival, transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight. HOTEL TBD (D)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 4 male / embark Clipper Odyssey After a morning at leisure and lunch at our hotel, take a tour of Male, the Maldives’ tiny captial city. This evening embark our ship and set sail. Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

WEDNESDAY THROUGH FRIDAY, DECEMBER 5 –7 olhahali island / baa atoll / UtheemU island Superb snorkeling and diving are hallmarks of this area and the underwater topography of the region is fascinating— a dramatic landscape of thilas,

pinnacles and submerged coral structures enveloped in brilliant corals and sea fans, and kandus, deep channels that run between an atoll and a coral-terraced reef. Over the next three days, we discover the special, lesser-visited places in the atolls north of Male. Following is a sampling of the sites we plan to visit, with daily weather and tide conditions dictating the actual itinerary. Serene Olhahali Island boasts one of the finest wide lagoons in the region. The Baa Atoll, made up of about 50 islands, offers rich biodiversity including large mangroves and unique ring-shaped reef forms known as faru. Step ashore on Utheemu, the most famous of the northern Maldives, a cultural treasure-trove and the birthplace of a 16th-century sultan who fought to drive out the occupying Portuguese. His residence, a beautifully preserved wooden palace, is evidence of the islands’ former glory. Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D—ALL 3 DAYS)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 8 at sea / koChi (CoChin), india Spend the day at sea and enjoy our ongoing lecture series. This afternoon we arrive in Kochi. Spend time at leasure or explore independently as we dock here overnight. Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

SUNDAY & MONDAY, DECEMBER 9 & 10 koChi Our two-day exploration of Kochi reveals this delightful community’s mélange of international influences: Portuguese houses, the Dutch Palace (Mattancherry), the Anglican St. Francis Church and the cantilevered Chinese fishing nets that grace the beaches. We board local houseboats for a cruise through Kochi’s maze of backwaters where we may watch locals going about their traditional day-to-day lives. We also enjoy an evening performance of Kathakali classical dance on board our ship. Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D—BOTH DAYS)

TUESDAY & WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 11 & 12 lakshadweep islands Situated about 200 miles west of Kochi, the idyllic and ultimately photogenic Lakshad-weep archipelago—36 islands and their atolls and coral reefs —comprise the smallest Union Territory of India. Stunning lagoons, colorful birds, profuse marine flora and fauna, sway-ing palms and pristine beaches make up this island paradise. During our time here we visit several islands. Stroll along lovely, unspoiled beaches and explore the underwater realm with daily snorkel, dive and glass-bottom boat excursions. Daily weather and tide condi-tions determine our course, with stops planned on Suheli, a lush uninhabited island, and Cheriyam, a small islet with a vast shallow lagoon. The shallow waters that surround these pristine islands are perfect for snorkeling and diving—the colorful hard and soft corals teem with hundreds of marine species. CLIPPER ODYSSEY (B,L,D—BOTH DAYS)

Itinerary

Malé

Utheemu Island

CheriyamIsland

T H EM A L D I V E S

I n d i a n O c e a n

LAKSHADWEEPISLANDS( I N D I A )

to Chennai

Kandy

Galle

Thiruvananthapuram

Kochi

S R IL A N K A

I N D I A

Colombo

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 13 thirUvanantha-pUram (trivandrUm) Located near India’s southern tip, Thiruvananthapuram, the capital of Kerala, is a pedes-trian-friendly town spread out over seven hills. Visit the near-by village of Pongumoode and its surrounding rubber planta-tions and enjoy a rickshaw ride; learn about tapioca, from plant to harvest; and watch a rubber leaf press demonstra-tion. We also attend a Kalari Payattu demonstration, Ker-ala’s ancient form of martial arts. Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

FRIDAY, DECEMBER 14 Colombo, sri lanka / kandy Today disembark in the bus-tling city of Colombo for an ex-cursion into the highlands of Sri Lanka, passing through lush, rolling countryside dotted with tea planta-tions. In Kandy we explore the stunning Temple of the Tooth, which

houses the tooth of Buddha. This World Heritage site was originally part of the Royal Palace complex of the Kan-dyan Kingdom and is one of the holiest places of worship and pilgrimage for Buddhists around the world. We also visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and, time permit-ting, the Botanical Gardens. Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15 galle Galle’s historic district is one of the best-preserved examples of a European-built fortified city in south Asia, reflecting both colonial and South Asian architectural styles. A tour of this charming city takes us to the Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum; Poorvarama

Temple; and Galle Fort, a World Heritage site, built by the

Dutch in the 16th century.

As we drive along the coast, keep an eye out for the iconic fishermen of Koggala, who perch precariously on stilts in the surf. Return to the ship this afternoon and set sail for Chennai. Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 16 at sea Our lecture series continues, recapping the highlights of our adventures. Clipper Odyssey (B,L,D)

MONDAY, DECEMBER 17 Chennai (madras), india / disembark Arrive in Chennai in the early morning and set out for an exploratory tour that incorporates both colonial history and the dynamic energy of modern life as we visit the National Art Gallery and Museum, San Thome Cathedral, the South Indian Temple and the Fort St. George Museum. Conclude with a drive along Marina Beach. Transfer to our hotel for dinner and overnight. HOTEL TBD (B,L,D)

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18 Chennai / U.s. Transfer to the airport early this morning for independent flights back to the U.S., arriving home t he same day.

northern india post-trip extension(Jaipur, agra, delhi)DECEMBER 18 TO 23, 2012Travel to the stunning Amber Fort Complex, with its reflecting lake, and tour the gracious city of Jaipur with a highlighted stop at the pink and white palace complex that is now the Maharaja Sawai Man Singh II Museum. In Agra, stand before the visual harmony of the Taj Mahal. Visit Fatehpur Sikri, once a Mughal capital and now a World Heritage Site. Experience the colors and contrasts of Delhi, both Old and New, with its opulent palaces, tombs, monuments, bazaars and museums. Pricing and detailed itinerary will be sent with trip confirmation.

temple oF the tooth, sri lankakoChi, india

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Clipper Odyssey

The 110-passenger Clipper Odyssey is ideally suited for exploring the islands and atolls around India and Sri Lanka. Its small size allows access to stretches of coast otherwise inaccessible by land or by a larger cruise ship, and its informal style complements the casual atmosphere and dress suitable for adventure cruising. All cabins are outside, with a separate seating area, twin or queen beds, bathrooms with hair dryers and shower/bathtub combinations, abundant storage space, individual temperature controls, TVs and mini-refrigerators. Public areas include two lounges, a bar and a dining room where all guests are accommodated at a single, unassigned seating. Among the ship’s amenities are shaded areas on the Lido Deck ideal for viewing the passing scenery, a 230-foot jogging track on the Sun Deck, pool, gym, library/game room, boutique and clinic with a full-time physician. The ship is fitted with the latest in telecommunications, navigation and stabilization systems for smooth sailing.

DeckPlan

Program Cost*Rates per person, based on double occupancy

Category 1 A Deck $10,980

Category 2 Main Deck $11,880

Category 3 Main Deck $12,780

Category 4 Lido Deck $13,980

Category 5 Bridge Deck $15,380

Category 6 Bridge Deck $16,880

Suite Bridge Deck $20,180

Rates per person, based on single occupancy ** Category 2 Main Deck $18,980

Category 3 Main Deck $20,480

Category 4 Lido Deck $22,380

* Association nonmembers add $200 per person. ** Single accommodations are limited.

A DECK MAIN DECK LIDO DECK BRIDGE DECK

RegistRy: Bahamas | Length: 335 ft. | DRaft: 14 ft. | Beam: 51 ft.

Colombo, sri lanka

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D A t E S

December 1 to 18, 2012 (18 days)

S I z E

Limited to a total of 100 participants, including travelers from Stanford and Zegrahm Expeditions

I N C L u D E D

2 nights of deluxe hotel accommodations 13-night cruise aboard the Clipper Odyssey 15 breakfasts, 14 lunches and 15 dinners Welcome and farewell cocktail receptions Bottled water on excursions Gratuities to porters, guides, drivers and ship crew for all group activities All tours and shore excursions as described in the itinerary Transfers and baggage handling on program arrival and departure days Port fees and embarkation taxes Minimal medical, accident and evacuation insurance Educational program with lecture series and pre-departure

materials, including recommended reading list, a selected book, map and travel information Services of our professional tour manager to assist you throughout the program

N O t I N C L u D E D

International and U.S. domestic airfare Passport and visa fees Immunization costs Meals and beverages other than those

specified as included Independent and private transfers Trip-cancellation/interruption and baggage insurance Excess-baggage charges Personal items such as email, telephone and fax calls, laundry and gratuities for nongroup services

A I R A R R A N G E M E N t S

Airfare is not included in the program cost. Round-trip, economy-class airfare on Emirates from San Francisco to Male and returning from Chennai is approximately $1,800 as of November 2011 and is subject to change without notice. Information on recommended flight itineraries will be sent by Zegrahm Expeditions.

F u E L C O S t S

In the uncertain, often volatile oil market of late, it is difficult to predict fuel costs over the long term and, more specifically, at the time of operation of this voyage. Our prices are based upon the prevailing fuel rates at the time of brochure printing. While we will do everything possible to maintain our prices, if the fuel rates increase significantly, it may be necessary to institute a fuel surcharge.

W H A t t O E X P E C t

We consider this program to be moderately strenuous. Daily excursions can be busy, involving one to three miles of walking. Some excursions involve swimming, snorkeling or SCUBA diving (open water diving requirements apply). Busy days are contrasted with the relaxed pace aboard the ship, where daily shore excursions are complemented by lectures and leisure time. Participants must be physically fit, active and in good health. We welcome travelers 15 years of age and older on this program.

Deposit & Final PaymentA $1,000 deposit is required to hold space for this program. Complete and return the attached reservation form or place your deposit online. Final payment is due 120 days prior to departure. As a condition of participation, all confirmed participants are required to sign a Release of Liability.

Cancellations & RefundsDeposits and any payments are fully refundable, less a $500-per-person cancellation fee, until 120 days prior to departure. After that date, refunds can be made only if the program is sold out and your place(s) can be resold, in which case a $1,000-per-person cancellation fee will apply. We recommend trip-cancellation insurance; applications will be sent to you.

InsuranceStanford Travel/Study provides all travelers who are U.S. or Canadian citizens with minimal medical, accident and evacuation coverage under our group-travel insurance policy. Our group policy is intended to provide minimal levels of protection while you are traveling on this program. We strongly recommend that you subscribe to optional baggage and trip-cancellation insurance. A brochure offering such insurance will be mailed with your confirmation about one week after we receive your deposit. The product offered in this brochure includes a special Waiver of Pre-Existing Conditions and coverage for Financial Insolvency and Terrorist Acts if you postmark your insurance payment within 15 days of the date listed on the confirmation letter.

EligibilityWe encourage membership in the Alumni Association as the program cost for nonmembers is $200 more than the members’ price. Parents and their children under 21 may travel on one membership. For more information or to purchase a membership, visit alumni.stanford.edu/goto/ membership or call (650) 725-0692.

ResponsibilityThe Stanford Alumni Association, Stanford University and our operators act only as agents for the passenger with respect to transportation and ship arrange-ments and exercise every care possible in doing so. However, we can assume no liability for injury, damage, loss, accident, delay or irregularity in connection with the service of any automo-bile, motorcoach, launch or any other conveyance used in carrying out this program or for the acts or defaults of any company or person engaged in conveying the passenger or in carrying out the arrangements of the program. We cannot accept any responsibility for losses or additional expenses due to delay or changes in air or other services, sickness, weather, strike, war, quarantine, force majeure or other causes beyond our control. All such losses or expenses will have to be borne by the passenger as tour rates provide arrangements only for the time stated. We reserve the right to make such alterations to this published itinerary as may be deemed necessary. The right is reserved to cancel any program prior to departure in which case the entire payment will be refunded without further obligation on our part. The right is also reserved to decline to accept or retain any per-son as a member of the program. No refund will be made for an un-used portion of any tour unless ar-rangements are made in sufficient time to avoid penalties. Baggage is carried at the owner’s risk entirely. It is understood that the ship’s ticket, when issued, shall constitute the sole contract between the pas-senger and the cruise company. The airlines concerned are not to be held responsible for any act, omission or event during the time that passengers are not onboard their plane or conveyance. Neither the Alumni Association, Stanford University nor our operators accept liability for any carrier’s cancellation penalty incurred by the purchase of a nonrefundable ticket in connec-tion with the tour. Program price is based on rates in effect in Novem-ber 2011 and is subject to change without notice to reflect fluctuations in exchange rates, tariffs or fuel charges.

© COPYRIGHT 2011 STANFORD ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.PRINTED ON RECYCLED, FSC-CERTIFIED PAPER IN THE U.S.

Information Terms & Conditions

California Seller of Travel Program Registration #2048 523-50

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India and the Maldives December 1 to 18, 2012

Stanford Faculty LeaderR O B D U N B A R , whose research interests span climate change, marine ecology and biogeochemistry, heads a research group that works on past and present changes in the ocean and their impacts on marine communities. Professor Dunbar is also engaged in interdisciplinary studies of global change in collaboration with environmental scientists, economists, lawyers and policy specialists. He participated in the Copenhagen Climate Conference in December 2009, in part to speak about climate change impacts at several of the islands in the South Pacific.

Dunbar has been studying the coral reefs of the eastern Pacific, including Easter Island, since 1977. In 2009, he led a group of 24 Stanford undergraduates on a 3,500-mile scientific sailing voyage from western French Polynesia to the Marquesas Islands and on to Hawaii. In 2002, he helped found a new marine station located on a small atoll near the international date line and the equator, an island ecosystem that remains largely untouched by human influence. He also led the first-ever deep-ocean submersible expedition to seamounts of the newly designated U.S. Central Pacific Islands National Monument.

PhD, oceanography, 1981, Scripps Institution of Oceanography, UC-San Diego BS, geology, 1975, University of Texas, Austin

Reservation Form

SIGN UPONLINE!

I/We have read the Terms and Conditions for the program and agree to them.

SIGNATURE

If this is a reservation for one person, please indicate: I wish to have single accommodations.

OR I plan to share accommodations with _________________________OR I’d like to know about possible roommates.

Signature: _______________________________ I am/will be an AOW-certified SCUBA diver and I intend to dive on this program.Signature: _______________________________ I am/will be an AOW-certified SCUBA diver and I intend to dive on this program.

Category Preference: 1st choice: ____________________________ Twin Beds Queen Bed

2nd choice: ____________________________ Twin Beds Queen Bed

Here is my deposit of $_______ ($1,000 per person) for _____ space(s), plus $_____ ($200 per person) for the Northern India Optional Post-trip Extension.

Enclosed is my check (make payable to Stanford Alumni Association) OR Charge my deposit to my: Visa MasterCard American Express

CARD # EXPIRES

AUTHORIZED CARDHOLDER SIGNATURE DATE

Mail completed form to address on mail panel or fax to (650) 725-8675 or place your deposit online at alumni.stanford.edu/trip?maldives2012. Please submit your reservation only once to avoid multiple charges to your account.

7326

NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS

NAME AGE STANFORD CLASS

ADDRESS

CITY / STATE / ZIP

HOME PHONE WORK PHONE

CELL PHONE

EMAIL ADDRESS

MR. / MRS. / MS.MISS / DR. / PROF.

MR. / MRS. / MS.MISS / DR. / PROF.

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

“Professor Dunbar is fantastic, so knowledgeable and passionate about his work. We learned so much from him!”Pa I G E a r N O f - f E N N , a L a S k a fa m I Ly a d v E N t U r E , 2 0 1 0

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“Stanford Travel/Study picks very interesting destinations and provides excellent, personable staff and faculty members. I’ll be back for more.”N a N H a m P t O N , S ta N f O r d t r a v E L E r

Stanford Travel/StudyFrances C. Arrillaga Alumni Center326 Galvez StreetStanford, CA 94305-6105(650) 725-1093

Nonprofit Org.U.S. Postage

P A I DStanford Alumni

Association

alumni.stanford.edu/goto/travelstudy

S T A N F O R D T R A V E L / S T U D Y

Chinese Fishing nets at koChi, india

R e m o t e i s l a n d s , c o a s t a l l i f e

December 1 to 18, 2012

India and the Maldives