Mapping Stories: Creating the Galle Literary Festival 2025 Map & Scavenger Hunt

Before pen ever met paper, I hopped on my bike and spent a day cycling through the cobblestone streets of Galle Fort — camera in one hand (well, figuratively) and sketchbook in the other. That recce ride became the foundation for everything that followed: the map, the scavenger hunt, and the little illustrated details that capture the charm of this historic Fort town.

Designing the official map and scavenger hunt for the Galle Literary Festival 2025 was more than just a design project — it was an immersive experience in storytelling, culture, and exploration. My goal was to translate the fort’s layered history and vibrant festival atmosphere into something tactile, interactive, and timeless.

The color palette drew inspiration from the textures and tones of Galle itself — neutral blues and parchment hues that echo the weathered coral walls, aged manuscripts, and the sea breeze that weaves through the fort’s narrow lanes. These colors not only grounded the design in a sense of place but also gave it the warmth and authenticity of a handcrafted artifact.