New for 2027 – Sri Lanka Literary Journey
13 days exploring Sri Lanka
Escape the British winter and immerse yourself in one of the world’s most rewarding destinations on this 13-day literary journey through Sri Lanka. Inspired by The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka, this trip is designed for book lovers who enjoy thoughtful travel, lively conversation and discovering a country in depth.
Overview
Sri Lanka offers an extraordinary blend of landscapes, history and culture, from ancient cities and hill-country tea plantations to wildlife reserves and palm-fringed beaches. Over thirteen carefully paced days, we will travel across the island, taking in UNESCO World Heritage sites, colonial towns, dramatic scenery and daily life, with expert local guides bringing each place to life.
Alongside the journey, our Book Club discussions will centre on The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida, a Booker Prize–winning novel that explores Sri Lanka’s recent past through satire, mystery and dark humour. Reading and discussing the book while travelling through the country it portrays adds depth, context and resonance to both the story and the places we visit.
About the book
The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka won the Booker Prize and has been widely praised for its originality, wit and insight into Sri Lanka’s complex history. Set against the backdrop of the civil war, the novel blends political satire with the supernatural, offering a vivid and challenging portrait of the country. Reading it while travelling through Sri Lanka allows for richer conversations about history, identity and storytelling.
During the journey
- Host-led book club discussions exploring the novel and its themes.
- Visits to ancient cities, temples and UNESCO World Heritage sites.
- Time in the hill country, including tea plantations and scenic rail journeys.
- Wildlife experiences and time in national parks.
- Opportunities to experience Sri Lankan food, markets and everyday life.
- Relaxed evenings for discussion, reflection and shared conversation.
What’s included
- 13 nights’ accommodation in a range of carefully selected hotels.
- Daily breakfast and selected additional meals.
- All guided sightseeing and entrance fees as per itinerary.
- Air-conditioned coach travel throughout Sri Lanka.
- Books in Places host throughout the trip.
- ATOL-bonded flights where applicable.
- Airport transfers.
Where we’re staying
Accommodation has been chosen to reflect the variety of Sri Lanka’s regions, combining comfort, character and excellent locations. From city hotels to hill-country retreats and coastal stays, each provides a welcoming place to relax, read and talk together at the end of each day.
Why Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka rewards slow, curious travel. Its layered history, diverse cultures and dramatic landscapes make it a fascinating place to explore through literature. Travelling through the country while reading The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida offers insight into both the novel and the nation, making this a richly immersive experience for readers who enjoy seeing a place through story as well as sight.
