Dear Serious Traveler,
Condé Nast Traveler listed Sri Lanka as one of the top two destinations on their list of “The Top 16 Places to Go in 2016”. We agree! Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon), a tiny island nation south of India in the Indian Ocean, is a rugged land of rainforest, diverse wildlife and endless beaches. It’s famed for its ancient Buddhist ruins, including the 5th-century citadel Sigiriya, with its palace and frescoes, and the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Its flavorful cuisine reflects its history as a maritime hub and cultural melting pot.
In the twelfth century, the explorer Marco Polo wrote that Sri Lanka was the finest island in the whole world. For centuries it had been a tourism destination, particularly for European travelers. Recently, the Sri Lankan Civil War that spanned over 25 years and ended in 2009 has had a negative impact on tourism and the growth of the industry stagnated. However following this era a resurgence in Sri Lanka as a tourism destination has been evident. (Wikipedia)
Only slightly larger than West Virginia, we are able to comfortably see six of the eight UNESCO designated World Heritage sites in Sri Lanka (described to the right). In the highlands we’ll journey through verdant hills and sip phenomenal tea. We’ll find Buddhist temples, 16th-century European forts, colonial-era tea plantations and the beautiful Bogawantalawa Valley in the island’s interior. Amidst incredible scenery of Sri Lanka’s national parks, we’ll watch for herds of elephants at Minneriya, be amused by the antics of baby elephants at the Orphanage, and search for leopards in Yala National Park.
Delight in the cuisine and savor the aroma of spices. We’ll not only learn about Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, the world renowned Geoffrey Bawa, but also stay in his masterpiece hotel, the Heritance Kandalama.
Travel in the best of company. We can operate this trip with a minimum of two persons. In no case will our group go over 15. Our private coach driver and guide will attend to your every need. We have study material to help you prepare for this exquisite journey and we’ll gladly assist you with flights if you wish.
We look forward to welcoming you on this carefully designed adventure.
Gwen Erwood
President, Travel Concepts International
See the photo album by Paulette Lewis from her January 2015 trip with us here
https://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome?sid=0MatWbli1ZMge