Sri Lanka · February 2027
Sri Lanka Literary Journey
Discover Sri Lanka through a Booker-winning novel, with time to explore, read and share the journey with fellow book lovers.
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
The experience
See Sri Lanka through the eyes of a great novel
Join us on a literary journey through Sri Lanka inspired by Shehan Karunatilaka's remarkable novel, The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida.
The book gives us a fascinating way into Sri Lanka, its history, culture and people, while the journey itself takes us far beyond the pages of the novel.
Expect a mixture of exploring, shared experiences, good food, relaxed conversations about the book and plenty of opportunities to discover Sri Lanka at your own pace.
At a glance
Your Sri Lankan literary journey
The book
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida
Shehan Karunatilaka's Booker Prize-winning novel is a darkly comic and surreal story set against the turmoil of Sri Lanka's civil war.
At the centre of the story is Maali Almeida, a photographer who finds himself in an extraordinary afterlife, with seven moons to discover what happened to him and to the people he left behind.
Reading the novel alongside a journey through Sri Lanka gives us the opportunity to explore some of the history, culture and atmosphere behind this remarkable story.
The place
Discover Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a destination of extraordinary variety, from historic cities and temples to tropical landscapes, wildlife, tea country and beautiful coastline.
Our book gives us one way of looking at the country, but the journey is about discovering much more of Sri Lanka and experiencing the places, food and culture along the way.
There will be plenty to see and do, but also time to pause, read and enjoy the experience with fellow book lovers.
The experience
What to expect
Follow the book
Use The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida as a starting point for discovering Sri Lanka and its history.
Explore Sri Lanka
Discover the country's landscapes, culture, history and everyday life as we travel together.
Talk about the book
Share thoughts and ideas about the novel in relaxed conversations with fellow readers.
Eat together
Shared meals are an important part of the Books in Places experience and a chance to get to know everyone.
Discover something new
Experience a destination that may be completely new to you, with a group of people who already share your love of books.
Time to yourself
The trip is sociable, but there is also time to wander, read and enjoy Sri Lanka at your own pace.
Travelling alone?
Come on your own. You won't be on your own.
Most Books in Places guests travel alone. You arrive knowing that everyone already has something in common: you all love books.
Shared meals, conversations and experiences make it easy to meet people, while there is still plenty of freedom to enjoy some time to yourself.
February 2027
Ready to discover Sri Lanka?
Join fellow book lovers for a literary journey through Sri Lanka, inspired by one of the country's most remarkable modern novels.
Find out more & book