A Personal Journey Through Sri Lanka: Capturing Scents for AromaHoliday  

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Blue tuktuk transport behind is a beautiful waterfall, discovered on the travels of Mark Jordan during scent tour

A Personal Journey Through Sri Lanka: Capturing Scents for AromaHoliday

 

Mark Jordan on his trip to Sri Lanka to capture the aromas, pictured at the top of Sigirya Rock taking a well earned drinkAromas of Sri Lanka: Introduction

As a creator and scent enthusiast, few things excite me more than the prospect of travelling to stunning locations to gather inspiration for my latest fragrance collection. My recent trip to fascinating Sri Lanka was a dream come true, allowing me to immerse myself in its vibrant culture, rich history, and diverse aromas. With each destination, I sought to capture the essence of this beautiful island, translating its aromas into exquisite world-themed fragrance products for AromaHoliday.

Setting Off on a Scentsational Adventure

Boat tour of mangrove lakes in AsiaAs you journey through the vibrant landscapes of Sri Lanka, the rich tapestry of aromas wafting from the island’s spice gardens tells a story of culture and tradition. Arriving at Cinnamon Lodge after a scenic 3-4 hour drive, you’re greeted by luxury and the tantalizing fragrance of cinnamon—one of the country’s most celebrated spices.

Onto Hiriwadunna village, where the crisp air is tinged with the scent of cardamom and pepper growing nearby. As I trekked through the town, I encountered vibrant markets filled with fresh produce and spices. The earthy aroma of peppercorns fills the air, combined with the aromatic notes of cardamom—the island’s aromatic treasures.

Local women cooking traditional spiced foods made to laugh by Mark on his adventures to capture the Aromas of Sri LankaSpice Aromas of Sri Lankan Cooking

Next, onto a homemade catamaran for a scenic ride to a local home. Here, I participate in a traditional cooking class, learning to incorporate saffron and more spices into authentic dishes. The golden hue and distinct aroma of saffron add a touch of luxury to local cuisine, creating flavours that linger long after the meal. I love this picture, the common language of laughter shining through! If you visit, don’t forget to pause and take in the fragrant gardens, where agarwood—often associated with tranquillity—is interspersed among the lush greenery.

The adventures in Habarana will leave me with unforgettable memories, all anchored in the brilliant scents of spices that are as rich and diverse as the culture that produces them.

Exploring the Heart of Sri Lanka

My journey then took me to the ancient city of busy Kandy, where I visited the sacred Temple of the Tooth. The air here carried a hint of incense mingling with the floral notes of the region’s gardens. We explored the lush botanical gardens and breathed in the delicate scents of orchids and frangipani. These floral aromas of Sri Lanka sparked an idea for a calming, fresh floral diffuser that would transport anyone who experiences it to Kandy’s serene beauty.Aromas of Sri Lanka by AromaHoliday walking through the Tea plantations

Leaving Kandy, we ventured towards the picturesque tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya. The hills were alive with the scent of lush tea leaves and vibrant flowers, a sensory experience unlike any other. Spending hours wandering the plantations, collecting not just tea samples but also inhaling the rich ambience of the area. The agricultural Tea Pickers were friendly, waving and smiling at every opportunity. I even had a running race up a very steep hill, with a young woman on her way back home, just after finishing her full day of toil in the fields (she beat me with sandals on!) Ha.

Asian Elephant in Yala National Park during AromaHoliday

Finding Inspiration from Nature

Next, the journey took me to the breathtaking Yala National Park. Here, amidst the sounds of nature, I was reminded of Sri Lanka’s wild and untamed beauty. The earthy, musky scents of the underbrush and the fresh fragrance of wild herbs ignited my imagination for an earthy, nature-inspired blend. As I watched elephants roam and leopards rest, I envisioned creating a scent that embodies the spirit of adventure and natural beauty.

Colonial History

On to the serene city of Galle, known for its picturesque streets and colonial architecture. The atmosphere was rich with history, but what captivated me most was the local market filled with spices. The aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg was irresistible, and I quickly collected samples to incorporate into my spice blend candles. Each whiff brought back memories of warm, inviting kitchens, and I couldn’t wait to share those feelings through our products.

Sri Lanka's stunning beach with palm trees and greeneryBeach Get-a-way

In the idyllic coastal town of Bentota, where golden beaches meet the azure ocean. The gentle sound of waves and the scent of salty air filled my senses as I strolled along the shore, reflecting on the journey so far. Here, I found inspiration in the coconut trees swaying in the breeze and the fresh, sea salt scent that wafted through the air—a perfect relaxing end to contemplate my new tropical-themed products.

The Final Touches in Colombo

My journey culminated in the bustling capital of Colombo, where modernity meets tradition. I visited local artisans who poured their passion into making vibrant, fragrant handicrafts. Their love for their craft echoed in the rich smells of sandalwood and jasmine that filled the shops. Here, I found the last pieces for my collection—the perfect blend of urban sophistication and traditional charm, ready to be transformed into exquisite scented candles.

Conclusion: Bringing Aromas of Sri Lanka to Your Home

Mark from AromaHoliday and guide Sanjha smiling with an aromas of Sri Lanka candleThis remarkable journey through Sri Lanka filled me with gratitude and inspiration. The scents I gathered, the stories I heard, and the beauty I witnessed have shaped the creation of my new collection for AromaHoliday. Each product will echo this beautiful island’s essence, allowing people worldwide to experience Sri Lanka from the comfort of their homes.

 

Explore these unique fragrances and join me in celebrating Sri Lanka’s enchanting aromas. VISIT AROMAHOLIDAY to discover our exquisite world-themed scented candles, diffusers, and more. Together, let’s bring the heart of Sri Lanka into your everyday life!

 

ORDER AROMAHOLIDAYSri Lanka CandleSULTRY SRI LANKA – WOODY / SPICE

Sri Lankan scented candle by AromaHolidayA full-on spiced wood blend with a hint of fresh cardamom and black pepper on a heart of patchouli, cedar, saffron, cinnamon, and a rich amber base of leather, agarwood, and tobacco.

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