Sri Lanka is an island paradise
Join Jacquey Turner on her personally escorted tour to explore the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
This small group tour of no more than 20 passengers will depart Warragul on November 10 this year and fly directly to Sri Lanka.
The tour will be shorter than normal, ideal for those with limited time available or those who would like to incorporate Sri Lanka as part of a more extensive journey.
The tear drop shaped island of Sri Lanka lies off the southern tip of the Indian subcontinent.
The legendary explorer Marco Polo who visited Sri Lanka in the 13th century was captivated by its natural beauty and hospitable people and regarded it ‘the finest island of its size in the world’.
Popularly referred to as the ‘Emerald Isle’ over the years, Sri Lanka, an island rich in history has been referred to by many names including ‘Serendib’ by the Arab traders, ‘Taprobana’ by the Greeks in the 4th century and ‘Ceylon’ during the period of British rule.
Sri Lanka boasts a rich natural heritage, with amazing wildlife and biodiversity and incredibly, for an island of its size, can boast of iconic mega fauna such as leopards, elephants and sloth bears.
The island is also regarded as a biodiversity hotspot and teems with endemic birds, reptiles, amphibians as well as plant species found nowhere else on earth.
With numerous man-made lakes and rivers running through its interior, lush tropical rainforests, mangroves and coastal lagoons, misty highlands laden with waterfalls and dry zone scrub jungles,Sri Lanka comprises of a wide range of picturesque landscapes and natural habitats which can be compared to that of a much larger continent.
The island has a rich cultural heritage dating back over 2500 years, with amazing architectural monuments and incredible feats of engineering which can be linked to the origins of Buddhism in the country with magnificently constructed Stupas and the ruined remains of ancient kingdoms.
The hidden treasure of Sri Lanka is its people, a rich multi-cultural and multi religious society.
The warm hospitality and friendly nature of Sri Lankans will make anyone feel welcome.
Boasting a unique culinary heritage, Sri Lankan cuisine is rich in spices with its own distinct flavour and is a fusion of traditional dishes mixed with influences from traders and colonial powers.
With palm-fringed beaches, diverse wildlife, spectacular landscapes, cultural heritage and delicious food, Sri Lanka truly is the complete package with a unique array of different experiences on offer.
If you are aching for a sort of journey that will open your eyes to sights like you have never seen before, then Sri Lanka is just the right place for you.
With its rich history, otherwordly scenery and one-of-a-kind wildlife, this magical island will stun even those who think they have seen it all.
There is only a limited number of double rooms still available on this escorted tour, so call Jacquey at Gippsland Travel on 5623 5151 for more details or call into the office at Shop 3/126 Albert Rd, Warragul, and pick up a comprehensive itinerary.