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Ophthalmology in Sri Lanka

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Tour leader
Harminder Dua
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Dates
2 Feb
15 Feb
2025

Explore the wonders of Sri Lanka in the company of world-renowned ophthalmologist Professor Harminder Singh Dua.

Welcome to Sri Lanka, a treasure-filled small island where ancient kingdoms and astonishing natural beauty converge. Known fittingly as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka boasts no fewer than eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 26 national parks, and a staggeringly diverse landscape that ranges from palm-fringed white sand beaches to misty highlands of vivid emerald. A delight for culture, nature, and food lovers alike, this is a land where colonial clubs rub shoulders with thousand-year-old temples, elephants and leopards roam the jungle... and the egg hoppers are not to be missed.

Led by Professor Dua, this study tour offers unparalleled insight into ophthalmology and eyecare in Sri Lanka. Professional visits include Colombo’s National Eye Hospital, Peradeniya University’s Faculty of Medicine, Ayurvedic centres, and local charitable clinics, complemented by specialist talks and meetings with key members of the country’s ophthalmological community.

A full and varied cultural programme features iconic attractions such as Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park, Nuwara Eliya, and Galle - while providing ample free time to relax, join optional activities, or explore independently. You’ll also stay in some of Sri Lanka’s finest hotels - from colonial ‘greats’ to a modernist marvel - and enjoy mouth-watering cuisine that reflects the island’s rich heritage.

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Price (room to yourself)
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Reference:
SRI0225-1
At a glance
What you need to know
Type of tour
Professional
Profession
Ophthalmology
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Nights
12
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Countries
1
Tour grade
Moderate
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Remaining places
0
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Dates and places

Itinerary at a glance

1
Colombo
Sunday
,
2
February
Arrive and transfer to the hotel. Settle in before dinner at the hotel.
2
Colombo
Monday
,
3
February
Visit the National Eye Hospital of Sri Lanka and the Siddhalepa Ayurveda Hospital and their herbal pharmacy. Enjoy a foot massage and travel by rickshaw back to the hotel.Welcome dinner with local ophthalmologists at a local restaurant.
3
Colombo / Habarana
Tuesday
,
4
February
Visit the Lions Golden Jubilee Eye Hospital of Kadawatha. Drive to Habarana and check into Sigiriya Village.
4
Habarana
Wednesday
,
5
February
Visit the legendary sky citadel of Sigiriya, famous for the ‘Lion Rock’ and its frescoes of ‘Celestial Maidens’. Visit a local village, including its local health clinic. Take part in a cookery demonstration using local spices, followed by a delicious lunch. At leisure before dinner.
5
Habarana
Thursday
,
6
February
Option to visit the ancient site of Ritigala, including the historic Ayurveda hospital, or at leisure. Later in the afternoon visit Minneriya National Park and see large herds of elephants and huge flocks of birds. Return to the hotel and relax before dinner.
6
Habarana / Kandy
Friday
,
7
February
Drive to Kandy via Cave Temples of Drambulla. Visit the spice plantations of Matale where nutmeg, cinnamon and pepper are grown. Watch a cookery demonstration using many spices followed by a delicious Sri Lankan lunch. Arrive in Kandy and visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
7
Kandy
Saturday
,
8
February
Visit Peradeniya Medical University and meet staff and students. Visit the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradaniya, visit the plantations of coffee, tea, rubber and cinchona and the orchid house along with medicinal herbal section Visit the gemstone market and gem workshops. Local dinner.
8
Kandy / Nuwara Eliya
Sunday
,
9
February
Take the scenic train journey to Nuwara Eliya. Sightseeing of the colonial hill station including the golf course, race track, gentlemen’s clubs, British cemetery, Holy Trinity Church, Queen Victoria Park and botanical gardens. Check in to the hotel. Dinner at the hotel.
9
Nuwara Eliya
Monday
,
10
February
Visit the Somerset Tea Estate and their health clinic. Hear a talk and at leisure. Dinner at the Hill Club.
10
Nuwara Eliya / Galle
Tuesday
,
11
February
Drive to Galle. Arrive Galle in the late afternoon and check in to the hotel, where you will have dinner.
11
Galle
Wednesday
,
12
February
Explore the colonial walled city of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Explore the city’s walls, narrow streets, secluded courtyards and mansions Lunch at a local restaurant. At leisure.
12
Galle
Thursday
,
13
February
Day at leisure or option to take a boat out into the ocean and go whale watching for sperm and blue whales and dolphins. The waters off Mirissa have the largest concentration of blue whales in the world. Return late afternoon. Dinner at a local restaurant.
13
Galle / Colombo
Friday
,
14
February
Visit the Geoffrey Bawa Garden at Lunuganga. Continue to Colombo. Farewell dinner at the hotel.
14
Colombo
Saturday
,
15
February
Morning at leisure and depart hotel after breakfast.
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Tour map

Plot your journey

A full and varied cultural programme features iconic attractions such as Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park, Nuwara Eliya, and Galle — while providing ample free time to relax, join optional activities, or explore independently.

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What to expect

Tour highlights

Sigiriya
Sigiriya

Explore the legendary sky citadel of Sigiriya.

National Eye Hospital of Sri Lanka
Colombo

Visit the National Eye Hospital of Sri Lanka meet and with the College of Eye surgeons for a meeting and dinner.

Cookery demonstration
Habarana

Take part in a cookery demonstration using local spices, followed by a delicious lunch.

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Beautiful landscapes

Tour gallery

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Tour exertion grading

Is this tour right for me?

Moderate
Level 3

Some walking between destinations, more time spent standing, and increased travel distances. Requires a reasonable level of fitness.

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Your expert companions

Tour leaders

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Accommodation

Hotels

We like charm, comfort, convenience in location, and of course, excellence in service. All hotels on this tour will be centrally located medium-grade hotels.

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If you have some questions about this particular tour, you can contact the Jon Baines Tours team by phone or email.

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