SRI LANKA:
Temples to Tea Plantations: A Woman’s Journey Through Sri Lanka.
If you’ve been dreaming of a destination that blends culture, nature, and soul-stirring encounters, Sri Lanka deserves a prime spot on your radar for 2026. Often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” this island nation offers the perfect mix of adventure, relaxation, and connection—making it especially appealing for those adventurous women who want to travel with meaning, curiosity, and joy.
Sri Lanka isn’t just a destination—it’s a journey that nourishes every sense. If you are seeking a balance of discovery, connection, and renewal in 2026, this island offers it all: the rhythm of culture, the generosity of its people, the spice of its cuisine, the beauty of its architecture, the wonder of its wildlife, and the serenity of its landscapes.
So, why is Sri Lanka a good idea?
CULTURAL RICHNESS: Sri Lanka’s heritage is vast, spanning thousands of years of Buddhist, Hindu, colonial, and indigenous traditions. Ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa brim with ruins and temples that tell stories of kingdoms long past. In Kandy, you can witness sacred rituals at the Temple of the Tooth, while Galle’s UNESCO-listed fort blends Dutch architecture with bustling cafés and boutiques. What makes Sri Lanka’s culture particularly special is how accessible it feels—local people are generous in sharing their stories, rituals, and hospitality with visitors.
WARM & WELCOMING PEOPLE: What stays with you most about Sri Lanka isn’t a sight, but a smile. Sri Lankans are famously warm, curious, and openhearted, and many female visitors remark on how safe and welcome they feel exploring the country. Whether it’s a guesthouse owner inviting you for tea or a local artisan showing you their craft, Sri Lanka has a way of making strangers feel like family
INCREDIBLE CUISINE THAT NOURISHES & DELIGHTS: Sri Lankan cuisine is a revelation—colorful, spicy, and full of flavour. Think fragrant curries with coconut milk, fresh seafood, hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes perfect for breakfast), and sambals with a fiery kick. Vegetarians and vegans will be in heaven, with endless varieties of vegetable curries and tropical fruits.
WELLNESS & AYURVEDA: Sri Lanka is fast becoming a wellness haven, blending ancient traditions with serene natural settings. Rooted in Ayurveda, the island’s centuries-old holistic healing system, wellness experiences here go far beyond the spa. You can enjoy personalised Ayurvedic treatments, yoga and meditation in the Hill Country, or sunrise classes on a quiet beach. The lush landscapes—whether tea-covered hills, jungle retreats, or oceanfront sanctuaries—provide the perfect backdrop for slowing down, reconnecting with yourself, and leaving stress behind. Wellness in Sri Lanka isn’t just about relaxation—it’s about returning home with a renewed sense of balance and vitality.
SHOPPING: Shopping in Sri Lanka is as vibrant and colourful as the island itself. From bustling local markets filled with spices, handwoven saris, and batik fabrics to elegant boutiques showcasing contemporary Sri Lankan designers, there’s something for every taste. Browse handcrafted jewelry, Ayurvedic beauty products, and homeware made from sustainable materials like coconut shell or rattan. Tea lovers can pick up world-famous Ceylon tea straight from plantation shops in the Hill Country, while Colombo and Galle Fort offer chic galleries and lifestyle stores that blend tradition with modern style. Shopping in Sri Lanka feels more like a cultural experience than a transaction.
ARCHITECTURE THAT TELLS STORIES: Sri Lanka’s architectural landscape is as diverse as its history. The towering rock fortress of Sigiriya showcases incredible ancient engineering and artistry, while colonial-era tea bungalows in the Hill Country offer a glimpse into a bygone era. Modernist architecture also has its place here—Geoffrey Bawa, one of Asia’s most influential architects, left behind masterpieces that blend seamlessly with nature. For women who love art, design, and history, Sri Lanka is a living museum.
DIVERSE LANDSCAPES THAT TAKE YOUR BREATH AWAY: From golden beaches lined with palm trees to misty tea plantations and cool mountain towns, Sri Lanka is blessed with landscapes that seem to shift every few hours. You can surf on the southern coast in the morning, then take a scenic train ride through emerald-green hills in the afternoon. Hiking trails wind through national parks, waterfalls tumble through the jungle, and sunrise at Adam’s Peak is a spiritual experience as much as a physical one.
WILDLIFE THAT RIVALS AFRICA: Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of biological diversity in Asia. You can go on safari in Yala or Wilpattu National Park to spot leopards, elephants, and sloth bears—or head south for whale-watching off Mirissa’s coast. Birdwatchers will find countless species in the wetlands, while turtle hatcheries on the beaches protect and nurture fragile ecosystems. It’s the perfect destination for women who want to combine relaxation with adventure.
ACCOMMODATION: CHARM WITH A PERSONAL TOUCH: Sri Lanka’s boutique hotels are a highlight of the travel experience, offering stylish stays that feel intimate and deeply connected to their surroundings. Many are housed in restored colonial villas, tea estate bungalows, or coastal retreats, blending history with modern comfort. This is a chance to appreciate the thoughtful details—personalized service, locally inspired design, and tranquil gardens or ocean views that invite relaxation. From chic wellness retreats in the Hill Country to elegant beachside escapes in Galle and Tangalle, boutique hotels in Sri Lanka provide not just a place to sleep but a chance to immerse yourself in the island’s character and charm.
We would love for you to join us on this fantastic Sri Lanka journey.
We depart in April 2026 for 13 extraordinary nights.
*Please take a look at the details I’ve included below for you to take a look at.
So how do I join??
Easy!
Just email me for the full itinerary and details at [email protected],
OR have a look via the SERENDIP CEYLON page on the website.
OR: sign up on our new REGISTER NOW page so we can also send you details of not only Sri Lanka but also other 2026 trips.
Stay curious, everyone, and I’ll see you all somewhere amazing in 2026!
Jemma and the Mai Journeys team…



