We are delighted to know of your interest in Sri Lanka and our tour Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Did you know the NY Times listed Sri Lanka as their #1 destination in their list, 31 Places to Go in 2010? According to the NY Times reporter, “For a quarter century, Sri Lanka seems to have been plagued by misfortune, including a brutal civil war between the Sinhalese-dominated government and a separatist Tamil group. But the conflict finally ended last May, ushering in a more peaceful era for this teardrop-shaped island off India’s coast, rich in natural beauty and cultural splendors. The island, with a population of just 20 million, feels like one big tropical zoo: elephants roam freely, water buffaloes idle in paddy fields and monkeys swing from trees. And then there’s the pristine coastline.”

UNESCO has designated seven world heritage sites in Sri Lanka and we’ll visit the ones described to the right. Our tour will also include memorable scenery and an exciting search for wildlife on a morning jeep safari in Sinharaja. This is a cultural tour and you will have the opportunity to attend and participate in the Galle Literary Festival. 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 with a group no more than 15 world travelers. Relax knowing tips are covered and our private coach driver, and guide will take care of 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. The timing of this trip is coordinated to follow our South India tour—Experience the Extraordinary, January 9-23.

We look forward to assisting you plan for this carefully designed adventure.

Gwen Erwood

President, Travel Concepts International

Outstanding religious and cultural sites, memorable scenery and wildlife including UNESCO sites.

Anuradhapura (1982)
From immense dagobas to mysterious forest monasteries, this vast ruined city bears witness to the great Sinhalese civilization which flourished for almost 2000 years.

Galle (1988)
Sri Lanka’s most perfectly preserved colonial townscape with sedate streets of personable Dutch villas enclosed by a chain of imposing ramparts.

Kandy (1988)
Beautifully situated amidst the central highlands, the historic city remains the island’s most important repository of Sinhalese culture, illustrated by the Esela Perahera festival and the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Dambulla (1991)
The first century BC rock temple contains the largest Buddhist mural painted surfaces in the world, 20,000 square feet.

Polonnaruwa (1982)
Home to the island’s finest collection of ancient Sinhalese art and architecture, from the giant Buddha statues of the Gal Vihara to the remarkable religious buildings of the Quadrangle.

Sigiriya (1982)
Sri Lanka’s most remarkable sight, this towering rock outcrop is home to the fascinating remains of one of the island’s former capitals, complete with ancient graffiti, elaborate water gardens, a giant lion statue and perfectly preserved frescoes of voluptuous heavenly nymphs.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve (1988)
Sinharaja is Sri Lanka’s last existing tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the forest is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.