We are delighted to know of your interest in our Sri Lanka Art and Culture tour to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Did you know the New York Times listed Sri Lanka as the #1 destination in their list of 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 six of them (described to the right). Amidst incredible scenery, we’ll watch for herds of elephants at Minneriya, be amused by the antics of baby elephants at the Orphanage, and savor the aroma of spices. Our tour has a strong art component and we’ll and meet artisans and visit their ateliers. We’ll not only learn about Sri Lanka’s most famous architect, the world renowned Geoffrey Bawa, but also stay at his Club Villa for three nights and his masterpiece hotel, the Heritance Kandalama.

Travel in the best of company with a group no more than 15 world travelers. We can even operate this trip with a minimum of two persons. 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. If you have more time, why not begin on our South India - Experience the Extraordinary tour, January 9 - 22, 2012 along with the Mumbai extension January 22-24 before beginning the Sri Lanka tour. We also have a North India with Darjeeling tour, December 28 - January 9 that puts you in Agra for the Taj Mahal on New Year’s Day. Call for the full brochure.

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, this tour includes:

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.

Also included:
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
The Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage was started in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife on a twenty-five acre coconut property on the Maha Oya river at Rambukkana. It has now become quite well known world wide. Both it and Kandy and are featured in the March 2011 NY Times article, 37 Asian Odysseys.