Sri Lanka: A Journey through the Holy Island Course/Class July 9, 2011

Since the age of the Roman Empire westerners have been drawn with fascination to the sublime beauty, wealth and cultural richness of Sri Lanka. When met with the tropical magnificence of the island early Christian explorers thought they had discovered the last earthly remnants of the Garden of Eden, far to the east dropping like a glistening pearl into the Indian Ocean. Islamic sailors called it Serendip, a word that has come to suggest extreme luck and good fortune. Today the Islands name, Sri Lanka, translates in Sanskrit to the Holy or Blessed Island. With the end of the countrys recent political troubles, travel through Sri Lanka is once again an opportunity not to be missed. In this tour we will experience the wonders of ancient Buddhist culture and civilisation, wildlife on a par with an African safari, and the old-world charm of Sri Lankas colonial heritage. This tour is for anybody who is interested in history, religions and culture of one of Asias least known, most beautiful, but long neglected, travel destinations.

Official Website: http://www.cce.usyd.edu.au/course/slaj