Gilmours on Tour: A Wedding in Sri Lanka 2024

Hop on the “Gilmour Bus” (yes, it earned a nickname!) and join us for seventeen unforgettable days across Sri Lanka with my husband’s siblings and their partners. Hiking, yoga, endless buffets (hello an extra few kgs), cocktails by the pool, bargain shopping, lazy naps, and conversations that lingered long into the night. I feel so lucky to have experienced this incredible country and it completely exceeded my expectations.

Sri Lanka was not on my bucket list, but we had a beautiful reason to go—my brother-in-law’s Tamil wedding! Imagine: colors, music, energy, and an early morning wake-up (we’re talking 3 a.m.) to join the 5 a.m. milk ceremony. Being on the wedding guest side instead of the photographer’s was a treat… though I couldn’t resist picking up my camera when the official photographer was running late! The ceremony was such an honor to witness, and Dave and I even had roles onstage as family representatives, with tasks like coconut cutting and offering blessings. I loved the officiant’s lighthearted “new ritual!” every time we did something wrong, and was grateful for his relaxed approach!

I didn’t pick my camera up for a week, so about half the images from this blog are taken on my iphone. Once I did, I thoroughly enjoyed capturing the rich culture and brilliant colours through my lens for no one else but me! It was so refreshing to shoot with no remuneration, brief or time constraints. I came back feeling creatively refuelled, and I think this has been reflected in my recent work. It’s not always possible to go on a big trip to keep the creative mojo alive, but this is a reminder to anyone who needs to hear it, that if you are in a creative industry, pick up the tools occasionally outside of paid work, it makes a world of difference!

If you’re curious about Sri Lanka and want to explore it yourself, check out our itinerary and recommendations below. From Colombo to Kandy, Ella, and Hiriketiya, here’s a little guide to our highlights!

Colombo

We attended a wedding in Colombo, a large and crowded city. It was fun to see for a day, and we visited several incredible temples and mosques. However, we probably wouldn’t have made an effort to stay longer if it hadn’t been for the wedding.

Kandy

• Charming Town: Kandy is small and walkable, with little marketplaces and numerous gem shops. It’s situated near a picturesque lake which was lovely to walk around (think Queenstown vibes).
• Rice Farm Tour: This half day tour, about an hour away, showcased the local produce such as coffee beans, cocoa, and a variety of fresh spices and herbs. Half way through we had a cold swim in a natural water whole, it was devine!
• Temple of the Tooth: A must-visit, Sri Dalada Maligawa is a sacred site, impressive on both the interior and exterior.
• Sigiriya: Hiking the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya mountain fortress was a definite highlight of our trip.

Between Destinations

• Tea Plantation Tours: Exploring the lush tea plantations was both educational and beautiful. There are plenty of these around the place!
• Safari: We had an incredible time on our safari, spotting various wildlife, but mostly elephants.

Ella

• Accommodation: We stayed at Zion View Ella Green Retreat, with breath taking views this accomodation was such a highlight. I loved the yoga, buffet breakfasts and onsite pool and day spa options.
• Tourist Hotspot: Despite being touristy, Ella charmed us with its coffee shops, and shopping options.
• Activities: We enjoyed the Ella Rock View walk, Little Adams Peak, Nine Arch Bridge, and a delightful cooking class.

Hiriketiya Bay

• Beautiful Beaches: The beaches in this area are stunning and we spent hours in the warm water.
• Salt House: Our stay here was fantastic. The food, proximity to the beach, and yoga sessions were all excellent.
• Cafes and Coffee: Being a touristy spot, Hiriketiya offers good coffee and cafes.

Galle

On our way back to the airport, we visited the old fort in Galle, which was a lovely stop. I wouldn’t have wanted to spend to much longer than a half day here.

To get around we took a famous long train ride which was amazing. For most other trips, we hired drivers which worked out well. Avoid the bus at all costs!

Shri Lanka left such an impression on me, and I hope to return one day! Enjoy the images!