When you are nearing retirement, travel feels a little different. It is not about ticking off the busiest list of attractions or rushing from one place to another. It is more about soaking in the moments, cherishing the journey, and enjoying the time together. That is exactly what our Sri Lanka trip turned out to be: a gift that our children arranged for us after seeing us put off holidays for years.
It was our 35th wedding anniversary, and instead of planning a family dinner or buying us something material, our son and daughter surprised us with tickets and an itinerary for a week in Sri Lanka. At first, we were a little nervous, as we had always managed our travels on our own and weren’t sure how we would adapt to something arranged by others. But they told us not to worry; everything was taken care of. They had booked it through Thrillophilia because a friend of theirs had recommended it and assured us that we would be in safe hands. We read a few Thrillophilia reviews which put our minds at ease.
The trip began in Colombo. After a short flight from Chennai, we were greeted warmly at the airport and driven into the city. Colombo felt lively yet manageable. We were taken to Galle Face Green in the evening, and as we sat together by the sea, watching the sky turn orange, I felt a sense of peace that I had not felt in a long time. Children were flying kites, vendors were selling snacks, and the sea breeze carried the smell of salt and roasted peanuts. It was a simple but beautiful beginning.
From Colombo, we drove to Kandy, which quickly became one of our favourite stops. The road itself was a joy, winding through hills and forests. In Kandy, we visited the Temple of the Tooth Relic. We are not particularly religious, but walking barefoot into the temple, hearing the rhythmic drums and seeing the devotees with flowers in hand touched us deeply. It reminded me of how travel has a way of connecting you with something larger than yourself, even without words.
Our children had thoughtfully included Nuwara Eliya in the plan, knowing how much we enjoy quiet places. It was like stepping into another time. The cool weather, the colonial-style bungalows, and the endless tea gardens gave us a chance to slow down. We stayed in a small heritage hotel, where mornings began with hot cups of Ceylon tea served on the verandah, looking out at misty hills. We even visited a tea estate, where we saw how leaves are plucked and processed. It may sound simple, but for us, it was fascinating to understand the care behind something we drink daily.
Ella was another highlight. While our children had told us about the hikes there, we chose to keep it gentle. Instead of climbing Little Adam’s Peak, we took leisurely walks through the village, stopped at cafes, and enjoyed conversations with travellers from all over the world. The famous Nine Arches Bridge was nearby, and we reached there early one morning. Watching a train slowly cross the bridge with the forest around it was a sight we will never forget. We took photographs, but more than that, we stood together silently, just taking it in.
No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without the beaches, and ours ended with a few days in Bentota. This part of the journey was pure relaxation. The sea was calm, the sand soft, and the resort our children had picked gave us the comfort we needed. We walked by the beach hand in hand, had leisurely breakfasts, and simply enjoyed each other’s company. One evening we took a river safari, where we floated past mangroves, spotted birds, and even caught sight of a crocodile lazing in the sun. It was exciting yet calm, the kind of experience that lingers.
What made the trip truly special was how balanced it felt. There was just the right mix of culture, nature, and rest. At this stage in life, we no longer look for late nights or adrenaline but for meaningful experiences and comfort. Our children had understood this and chosen perfectly. Later, when we were back home, I came across Thrillophilia Sri Lanka Reviews online, and it made me smile. Many others had written about smooth arrangements and memorable trips, just like ours. It reassured me that our children had chosen well.
Travelling at this age comes with its own reflections. As we walked through the tea gardens, I thought of the years gone by, the times we postponed holidays because work or family came first. As we sat watching the sunset in Bentota, I realised how important it is to take these pauses, to celebrate the journey of life itself. The trip was not just about seeing a new country; it was about reconnecting with each other outside our daily routines.
On our last night, as we sat by the ocean with a simple dinner of grilled fish and rice, my husband turned to me and said, “We should do this more often.” I nodded, knowing that even if we do not travel frequently, this one trip has given us memories strong enough to last a lifetime.
Sri Lanka offered us history, spirituality, natural beauty, and above all, peace. But what made it unforgettable was how the whole experience felt effortless, thanks to the way it was arranged. We came back not tired, but refreshed, carrying stories to share with friends and the contentment of having lived a beautiful week together.
For anyone nearing retirement, wondering if it is the right time to travel, I would say this: do it. Thrillophilia did a stellar job with the planning and organisation of everything, making us vouch for them and write this Thrillophilia Sri Lanka review.Take the journey, let someone else handle the planning, and give yourself the gift of time together. We did, and Sri Lanka gave us exactly what we needed.