A journey through the colours, scents and flavours of Sri Lanka

The journey began when I got off the bus in a chaotic square, where dozens of buses came and went and vendors with fruit stalls were trying their luck. The indescribably strong Asian smell, as well as the explosion of colors and sounds, hit me immediately. The air was filled with heat and the constant honking of horns stung me, and my senses were buzzing: I was ready to explore this concrete jungle that was still under development.

At Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, women dressed in white offered water, flowers, prayers and incense to the Bodhi tree. I found peace amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. They looked at us curiously, smiled warmly and started chatting. Here, going to the temple is a moment of leisure. When you meet up with friends and family, sing, talk and have fun, you will never forget the reason for coming here: the strong faith that seems to exist in all Sri Lankans.

After a few days in the small city of Dambulla in the east-central part of the island, where we did some more touristy things, such as climbing Sigiriya, we set off for the central province of Kandy. The markets of this cultural city feature hundreds of stalls filled with colorful and delicious fruits, fresh vegetables, various spices and oils, fish and clothing. Everything we needed was there in this sensory bustle.

We now head to Ella for a classic train journey through Sri Lanka at its most untouched, passing hundreds of tea plantations, rural villages and children who gather to greet passengers out the window, waving frantically at them. For anyone watching the train go by, it is an almost unimaginable state of joy.

On the way to the jungle we found a small Hindu temple. There, by the lake, they offered food to the statue of Ganesh and paid homage to him. The community, about 50 people, took part in the celebration: men and women, old people and children, all observed the ceremony attentively, immersed in their faith. The children eagerly waited to enter the lake to be blessed, and when they came out, they were extremely proud and laughed with the others. At the end, they offered us food and blessed us.

We finally spent our last few days in beach areas like Hikkaduwa, where the effects of the devastating tsunami of 2004 are still being felt, and Bentota, where dozens of locals bathed in their everyday clothes on the beach next door.

Without a doubt, the highlight of the trip was the food. Food reflects a person. Sri Lankan food is almost entirely coconut-based and as sweet as the islanders themselves. Mixed with strong spices and incredible chilies: they are powerful, deep, and loud.

18 days, enjoying classic rice and curry, and the uniquely exotic and lively sounds of Sinhalese music, surrounded by simple people who, despite material poverty, make the most of what life has to offer, a nation with a rich culture so compelling, with a heart warming and a mood to match. Sri Lanka is truly the Pearl of Asia.