Sri Lanka - The Island of Serendipity

Sri Lanka

October 5 - 21, 2018

From $5,960 plus air

Though only a small island nation, Sri Lanka gives visitors a perfect trifecta of experiences with its diverse natural offerings, vivid culture, and layered history. We begin in Sri Lanka’s coastal capital city, Colombo, where Sri Lankan artistry is on full display and the scars of the country’s long civil war, now over, can be best understood. Head to Dambulla, the island’s ancient capital, with sacred rock-carved temples and the extraordinary old palace built into the very countryside. Explore the sight of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura consumed by jungle until its rediscovery in 1817. Drive to the rock fortress of Sigiriya, which rises 600 feet above the surrounding plain. For eleven years this was the fort and palace of King Kasyapa, today it displays eighteen remaining frescoes of voluptuous maidens holding baskets of flowers that seem to float among the clouds. In Kandy, the last capital of the Sinhalese kings, visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic which is is said to have been snatched from the flames of the Buddha’s funeral pyre in 543 BC. Drive to Sri Lanka’s beautiful tea country to learn about the industry, the livelihood of many locals. Spend a night near Yala National Park, a wildlife refuge of the highest order, protecting one of the most diverse ecosystems and endangered species in the world. End with a visit to the old Dutch settlement of Galle, a prosperous port town that retains all its colonial charm despite centuries of change. Return to Colombo for flights home.

To request a brochure or make a reservation, contact Karen Siman-Tov at Distant Horizons at 800-333-1240 or email KarenS@distant-horizons.com.

For Johns Hopkins information, please contact Marguerite Jones at 800-548-5481.