Over four weeks in Sri Lanka, we encountered towering Buddhas, vibrant Hindu gopurams, striped mosques, and coastal churches — often within minutes of one another. Here’s what the island’s four main religions reveal about history, symbolism, and the quiet power of coexistence.

From vertiginous tea slopes and fearless red buses to the quiet choreography of small growers, estate factories, and Colombo auctions, Sri Lanka’s Ceylon tea is far more than a cup — it’s a landscape, a livelihood, and occasionally, a white-knuckled passenger experience. ☕

Two weeks of cycling across Sri Lanka with a dozen Brits and a team of five highly responsible Sri Lankans delivered nearly 500 km of jungles, tea country, wildlife, UNESCO sites, endless snacks, and a Garmin watch that remained deeply unimpressed with my inability to recover adequately. Challenging, joyful, occasionally terrifying, and wonderfully over-fed, it was easily the best cycling trip we’ve done.

Ancient ruins, wild monkeys, and a timely reminder to stay humble.

A long journey deserves a soft landing. Sri Lanka begins with rest, rhythm, and recovery in Negombo.

First stop: Sri Lanka