Colombo, Sri Lanka

Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka means "Resplendent Land" an apt description for this beautiful island. Its capital, Colombo, has been a major trading port for centuries, and the island itself was colonized first by the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally the British. Yet despite its colonial architecture, Sri Lanka has alays remained Oriental in spirit, with colorful bazaars, dancing elephants, graceful women in saris, and many Buddhist shrines and temples.