8 UNESCO world heritage sites, mountainous tea country, spectacular wildlife, epic food, and breathtaking coastlines combine to form a tapestry, filled with intriguing characters that bring the story of today’s Sri Lanka to life. Known as Ceylon until 1972, Sri Lanka means Resplendent Island. Just off the southern tip of India, the island is about the size of Ireland and home to 20 million people.

The country has a rich cultural heritage with its strategic location along the ancient silk route. Ancient Greeks called it Taprobane, Persians and Arabs referred to it as Serendib, the origin of the word “serendipity”. The small island packs in a continent’s worth of attractions and 8 World Heritage sites, all within a few hours of each other. The Ceylon Tea highlands, the Cultural Triangle; cradle of an ancient Buddhist civilization, and probably the best wildlife parks outside Africa with leopard, elephant, bear and blue whale offshore. Not forgetting tropical beaches, great surfing and Ceylon Blue Sapphires, which have adorned the crowns of royalty for centuries.

Sri Lankan cuisine is very distinctive, using cinnamon, coconut, and myriad spices the country is famous for. The best Cinnamon is also grown here. Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s most underrated gems. On the Resplendent Ceylon Sri Lanka Journey, experience the best of this paradise isle, with exceptional accommodation and superlative service.

Read more about our island home in our Journal here.