Amangalla | explore Sri Lanka and its culture

Yatagala Temple, Galle, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a mostly undiscovered destination for most of us. An island in the Indian Ocean off the southern tip of India, it was called Ceylon while under British colonial rule.

Every itinerary should include Amangalla. Galle Fort, built by the Dutch East India Company in 1694, was originally home to the Dutch commander and his officers. Amangalla guests have the opportunity to stay in this centuries-old UNESCO heritage site. It's an easy walk from the resort to the Old Dutch Church, space warehouses, lighthouse, and Court Square. You can also visit Yatagala Temple (pictured above), a 2300 year old Buddist temple about five miles from Amangalla.

The nation is well known for its tea production. Ceylon Tea Trails is an oft-requested resort by our clients. Located in the Ceylon tea region, this Relais & Chateaux resort offers the chance to stay in one of five tea planters' bungalows.

Sri Lanka is a fascinating but logistically challenging destination. We recommend working with one of our in-country partners to put together a customized tour just for you. You won't need to spend your vacation worrying about how to get to the next point in your itinerary. You'll be able simply to relax, enjoy, and Discover More about the history and culture of Sri Lanka.

copyright (c) 2017 by Ourisman Travel LLC. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell, a Virtuoso® Member. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.

the ultimate Amanjunkie adventure | 4OCT-21OCT

Be one of just 18 fortunate travelers to enjoy an exclusive private jet journey across Asia. Here's the itinerary, difficult to imagine using scheduled air, but a luxury travel dream when you travel by private jet.

Stay at seven Amanresorts on this 17 night tour that includes most meals. The experience begins when you're met at the Beijing airport with your private chauffeur who will whisk you to Summer Palace (as much as it's possible to whisk anywhere in Beijing). Virtually everything is included until you depart from Sri Lanka at the end of this amazing trip. Here's the itinerary:

4OCT-3NT — Beijing, China. Aman at Summer Palace
walk on the Great Wall of China, visit off-limits areas of the Forbidden City

7OCT-2NT — Hangzhou, China. Amanfayun
enjoy a private cruise on West Lake, visit Longjing Village

9OCT-4NT — Bhutan. Amankora
see the spectacular Tiger's Nest while visiting Thimpu and Paro

11OCT-2NT — Rajasthan, India. Amanbagh
explore the pink city of Jaipur

13OCT-2NT — Ranthambore, India. Aman-i-Khas
take a safari in search of the Royal Bengal Tiger

15OCT-2NT — Galle, Sri Lanka. Amangalla
take a private tour of Galle's ancient fort

17OCT-3NT — Tangalle, Sri Lanka. Amanwella
relax on Sri Lanka's white-sand beaches

How much does it cost? Like they say, if you have to ask the price, it's probably not for you… but this once-in-a-lifetime trip is $49,950. Per person. Will this be something you do in your lifetime? Call or email me!

copyright (c) 2014 by David Ourisman LLC. This private jet journey is being offered through Remote Lands. All rights reserved. We provide Virtuoso and other Preferred Partner amenities as an affiliate of Brownell Travel. If you have comments on this column, or questions about booking travel, email me or visit my website.