RMS Caronia Timeline

Sunday, 11 March 1956

Tour #O55 - Kandy & Peradeniya

(Optional)
Full-Day, by Automobile / Train

Kandy, 70 miles inland, situated in the mountains about 1,700 feet above sea level, is one of the great Buddhist shrines of the East. The tour will be divided into two groups, each travelling to Kandy one way by automobile and one way by special train.

The programme includes visits to the wonderful Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, a tea factory, the Bathing Place of the Temple Elephants, and the famous Temple of the Tooth. This temple, part of which dates back to the 13th Century, enshrines the so-called “Tooth of Buddha”.

On the walls are many paintings depicting the tortures of the Buddhist Hell. The Library and Audience Hall are of great interest.

Luncheon is served at Kandy, and a visit may also be made to the Kandyan Art Association exhibit. There will be a special performance of typical Kandyan dances.

The tour returns to the landing place in Colombo at about 7pm.

Membership limited.

Fare $22.50

Monday, 12 March 1956

Tour #O56 - Kandy & Peradeniya

(Optional)
Full-Day, by Automobile

This tour to Kandy is identical with Tour O55, except that it provides travel by automobile in both directions. The tour leaves Colombo at 9.30am, and returns at about 6.15pm.

Membership limited.

Fare $26.00

Sunday, 11 March 1956

Tour #O57 - Kandy & The Royal Cities

(Optional)
2 Days, by Automobile / Air

Sunday, 11 March 1956

Colombo to Kandy

The morning will be spent in Colombo, visiting all the principal sights by automobile, with luncheon at the Galle Face Hotel on the sea front, as in Excursion #E9.

After luncheon, motor inland, crossing the fertile plain and driving over the Kadugannawa Pass. On the way, stop at a tea factory and the beautiful Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya.

At sundown visit the celebrated Temple of the Tooth, followed by a performance of Kandyan dancing.

Dinner and overnight at Queen's Hotel.

Monday, 12 March 1956

Sigiriya to Polonnaruwa

Drive northward from Kandy up the main road to Sigiriya, whose soaring rock made it sacred to the early kings and settlers of Ceylon.

Nearby is the ruined city of Polonnaruwa, where luncheon will be served; then visit its many sights, including the artificial lakes cut into granite, the great stone thresholds with their elaborate carvings, and the statues of Singhalese kings.

In mid-afternoon make an hour's flight by special plane from Minneriya to Colombo, rejoining the Caronia in time for dinner.

Membership limited.

Fare $94.00
Fare for those who have purchased the Group Excursions $78.00

Sunday, 11 March 1956

Tour #O58 - Nuwara Eliya & Kandy

(Optional)
2 Days, by Automobile

Sunday, 11 March 1956

Colombo - Nuwara Eliya

Visit the principal sights of Colombo, with luncheon at the Galle Face Hotel on the sea, as in Excursion #E9.

After luncheon motor along the fertile coastal plain of Ceylon, then over the Ginigotheno Pass and through Hatton to Nuwara Eliya, charming mountain resort 6,600 feet above sea level.

At sunset pause at Sunset Point in Nuwara Eliya, continuing for dinner and the night at the Grand Hotel.

Monday, 12 March 1956

Kandy to Colombo

After breakfast at Nuwara Eliya, drive to the Hakgallo Gardens and a tea factory. Then continue via the Rombodo Pass, stopping at Katugastoto to see the Temple Elephants bathing.

After luncheon at Kandy, attend a programme of ritual Kandyan dances.

Next visit the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most sacred shrines of Buddhism.

Later in the afternoon continue to the Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, then through the Kadugannawa Pass and back to Colombo, arriving in time for dinner on the Caronia.

This tour includes some of the most beautiful tropical mountain scenery of Ceylon.

Membership limited.

Fare $72.00
Fare for those who have purchased the Group Excursions $56.00