Want to experience one of the most diverse countries in Asia in just one week? Sri Lanka might surprise you.
Join us February 6–12, 2027 for our Sri Lanka Side Quest. This seven-day, small-group adventure follows the Maldives Reading Retreat and is designed for the women who want to continue exploring before heading home. We'll trade life at sea for vibrant cities, lush tea country, ancient temples, and some of the most beautiful landscapes in South Asia.
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While this Side Quest is scheduled immediately after the Maldives Reading Retreat, you do not need to attend the retreat to join us in Sri Lanka. Whether you're extending your Maldives adventure or simply looking for a thoughtfully planned way to experience Sri Lanka with a small group of like-minded women, you're welcome to join us for this portion of the journey.
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Unlike many group trips, this Side Quest is guaranteed to operate regardless of group size, so you can book with confidence knowing the journey will take place.
Why Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka packs an incredible amount of variety into a relatively small island. Over the course of a week, we'll experience bustling cities, colonial hill towns, rolling tea plantations, sacred temples, tropical beaches, and some of the country's most beautiful scenery. Highlights include exploring the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temple, spending time in the cultural heart of Kandy, and taking in waterfalls, mountain views, and tea estates in Nuwara Eliya.
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Unlike our villa-based retreats, this Side Quest is a multi-stop journey. We'll travel throughout the southern part of the country, stay in carefully selected hotels, and dine at local restaurants. We recommend this experience for women who enjoy cultural exploration, don't mind changing hotels throughout the week, and are excited to experience a destination that feels both approachable and wonderfully different from home.
Pricing & Booking
Throughout our journey, we'll stay in a collection of carefully selected hotels across southern Sri Lanka. Guests may choose a private room for their own space and comfort, or select a shared room option to split the cost with a friend or another traveler.
Private
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$3,360
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Shared (double-occupancy)
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$1,930 per person
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​This includes the following:
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Six nights of hotels in several areas around southern Sri Lanka
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All meals (extra food and drink for snacking is not provided)
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All transportation including airport transfer, and train or bus between locations
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Four regional activities such as a Colombo City Tour or a Dambulla Cave Temple Tour
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Secure your spot with a 40% deposit.
Full balance due by December 6, 2026.
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Deposits are non-refundable.
Retreat will be confirmed once 80% of spots are filled. If minimum numbers are not met, deposits can be refunded or applied to a future trip.
It's recommended to not book your flight until the retreat has been confirmed.
What We'll Do
Over seven days, we will*:
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Spend our first night in Colombo, exploring Sri Lanka's largest city with a guided city tour and our first taste of the country's culture and cuisine
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Travel to Kandy, where we'll spend two nights exploring the cultural heart of Sri Lanka, including a visit to the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple
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Continue into the lush hill country of Nuwara Eliya, known for its cooler climate, rolling tea plantations, and stunning scenery
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Enjoy a full day exploring waterfalls, tea estates, and the landscapes that have made Sri Lanka's tea region famous around the world
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Wrap up our journey with a night in Bentota, where we'll slow down, relax by the beach, and enjoy one final evening together before our flights home
*Itinerary is subject to change.
This Side Quest is designed to showcase the incredible diversity of Sri Lanka in just one week. From bustling cities and ancient temples to mountain landscapes, tea country, and tropical beaches, we'll experience a variety of the country's most iconic destinations while leaving the logistics to us.
Is this Side Quest for me?
This Side Quest is more active and fast-moving than our traditional Slow Travel Retreats. Instead of settling into one villa for several days, we'll be moving through Sri Lanka and changing locations every couple of nights.
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You don't need to be an intense adventure traveler, but you should be comfortable with full days, hotel changes, car or train transfers, and a more structured itinerary. This experience is designed for women who want to see a lot of Sri Lanka in seven days without packing every single hour, but it will still involve more movement than our usual retreats.
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If you're excited by cultural sites, tea country, waterfalls, local restaurants, and ending with a beach day before heading home, this Side Quest is likely a great fit.
What's Included
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Six nights of hotel accommodations
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Airport transportation, as well as transportation between our multiple destinations
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All meals during the five days
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Regional activities such as a Colombo city tour or a Dambulla Cave Temple tour
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Slow Travel Co. host throughout the experience
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All planning and logistics coordination
What's Not Included
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Flights to and from Sri Lanka
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Travel insurance (highly recommended)
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Additional snacks and personal purchases
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Alcoholic beverages
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Gratuities for local guides and drivers
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Medical expenses or emergency evacuation costs
Location & Accommodation
Throughout the journey, we'll stay in a series of comfortable, well-located hotels in destinations including Colombo, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Bentota. Exact properties will be confirmed closer to departure, but each hotel will be selected for its quality, comfort, and convenient location. Accommodations will provide a welcoming place to relax and recharge after each day's adventures.
Late January through early February in the Maldives is one of the most beautiful times of year, with warm, sunny days and calm seas. Temperatures typically range from around 77°F (25°C) at night to 86°F (30°C) during the day, with low humidity and minimal rainfall. Expect plenty of sunshine and ideal conditions for being out on the water. Be sure to check the local forecast before packing so you can bring clothing suited for warm days and breezy evenings at sea.
Climate & What to Expect
What to bring
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Lightweight, breathable clothing for warm weather, plus a light sweater or jacket for the cooler temperatures in the hill country
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Comfortable walking shoes for city tours, temple visits, and sightseeing
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Modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees for temple visits
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Swimsuit, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat for beach time and outdoor activities
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Passport, medications, and any other personal essentials
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A more detailed packing list will be provided prior to departure.
Your Retreat Host is an experienced traveler and will manage all aspects of the trip — from planning to on-site coordination. She is your primary contact for questions or support before and during the retreat. After booking, expect a friendly welcome email with more details like packing tips and travel info.
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Please note, your Retreat Host is not a medical professional and cannot provide medical advice. If you feel unwell, she can help direct you to local healthcare providers.
Your Group Leader & Support
Money & Spending
Most places in the Sri accept both USD and credit cards—Visa and Mastercard are recommended. It’s also a good idea to carry around $50 USD in cash for small purchases or emergencies. You’re welcome to bring local currency if you prefer, but there are ATMs at the airport where you can withdraw local currency once you arrive.
Travel insurance is highly recommended for this retreat. It goes far beyond covering delayed flights or lost luggage. It can protect you in the event of unexpected cancellations, medical emergencies abroad, travel delays, or other disruptions outside of your control. With the current travel environment and how quickly plans can change, having coverage in place offers valuable peace of mind and helps ensure you’re not financially responsible for unforeseen circumstances that could impact your trip. Please note that Slow Travel Co. is not responsible or liable for any such disruptions, losses, or expenses incurred, and travel insurance is the best way to safeguard your investment.
Travel Insurance
