16 Day Sri Lanka Adventure
Women Only
Max group 12
Lifetime Deposit
Solo traveller friendly
5 Good Reasons To Do This Trip!
BRACE YOURSELF…
The thrill seeker in you will become addicted! Get your adrenaline fix with activities that’ll have your heart racing, from leopard-spotting on a 4x4 safari, to trekking through jungles, to observing a gathering of elephants.
RIDE THE WORLD'S MOST SCENIC TRAIN:
You’re likely to agree that this is one epic rail journey! A trip that winds through tunnels, hauls you up into the clouds and rolls past some rather mind-bending landscapes. Peckish?! Catch a snack vendor passing through your carriage.
TEA TIME IN NUWARA ELIYA:
Tea, tea, everywhere tea! You’ll find some of the world’s most gorgeous tea estates in Sri Lanka, so of course you’re going to the very best – for a few sips (or a hundred!) of freshly-brewed Ceylon tea.
OFF-THE-BEATEN-PATH IN JAFFNA:
Jaffna, a city that was off-limits for years due to the civil war, is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. This is Sri Lanka beyond the travel brochures – raw, real and absolutely captivating.
GET ARTSY AT HELGA’S FOLLY:
We bet you’ve never been anywhere so… bizarre… as Helga’s Folly. This psychedelic wonderland, created by Sri Lankan socialite Helga De Silva Blow Perera, is a feast for the senses – to put it lightly!
Trip Details
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Price
- $1,650 AUD deposit per person.
- 2-week cooling-off period applies.
- Lifetime Deposit. If you need to cancel, your deposit is transferable to other trips.
- Twin Share: we’ll match you with a roomie if you’re travelling solo.
- Private supplement available (max 4 spots) for those who would like to pay extra for their own private room.
Please refer to our payment terms in the FAQs.
Trip length
16 days, 15 nights
Meeting point
Sea Horse Hotel, Negombo
Ending point
The Galle Face Hotel, Colombo
Group size
Maximum 12
Participation requirements
Please see our “Is this trip right for you?” section under the Participation Tab.
Included
- Meals: 15 breakfasts, 8 lunches and 10 dinners
- Private vehicle transportation / 3 x local trains / 4×4 safaris
- 15 nights boutique and premium accommodation
- A top-rated and English-speaking Tour Leader
- All listed activities and more!
Not included
- International Flights and travel insurance (necessary)
- Australians and New Zealanders need a tourist visa for arrival in Sri Lanka at a cost of $35 USD.
- Additional hotel nights & late checkouts
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Tip kitty. Note: as Aussies and Kiwis, we are not used to tipping! However, guide and driver tipping is customary for tours in Sri Lanka.
Click the tabs to find out more
Day 1: Welcome to Sri Lanka!
Hello Sri Lanka! As soon as you’re through security, you’ll be met by one of our team’s friendly faces for a hassle-free transfer to your hotel. Arriving in a new country made-easy!
If you’re arriving early, seize the chance to spend the afternoon sun-worshipping at the beach. After freshening up at the hotel, it’s time to hit the town and get to know your new group of travel besties over tonight’s welcome dinner. Your love affair with Sri Lankan food has just begun, and so has the adventure.
Accommodation: Sea Horse, Negombo (or similar)
Included: Dinner
Day 2: Anuradhapura
There’s no time to lose on this whirlwind adventure, so after breakfast, you’ll hit the road to the ancient city of Anuradhapura. Here, you’ll channel your inner explorer as you weave through the countless ruins of this world-class complex, taking in the crumbling monasteries, temples and palaces.
As you explore, keep an eye out for the legendary Bo Tree, a sacred symbol of Buddhism’s origins in Sri Lanka. Buddhists believe that offerings made to this tree can bring about positive changes in life, so why not make an offering and see what happens? Who knows, maybe your wildest dreams will come true!
Home for the night is the Lake Forest Hotel, with to-die-for views overlooking Tissa Wewa, a reservoir built more than 2,000 years ago, with the Anuradhapura stupas in the distance. It’ll be hard to tear yourself away!
Accommodation: The Lake Forest, Anuradhapura (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 3: Jaffna
Pack your bags, ladies – you’re heading north. Your destination today is the coastal town of Jaffna, a relatively undiscovered area of the country that only a few lucky ones get to visit. The city is four hours away, so spend the morning glued to your window as your train rattles through small-town stations dotted amongst rice fields as far as the eye can see!
Jaffna played an important role in the Sri Lankan civil war, which made the area inaccessible for years. Now, it’s finally open, and welcomes explorers like you with open arms. There’s only one thing for it, then: let’s explore!
You’ll get the lowdown on Jaffna’s culture and tumultuous history as you check out the area’s best bits. Jaffna feels like one big highlight reel! Start by soaking up the sun, sea and sand at Point Pedro, the country’s northernmost point, before being swept away to a few other secret spots hand-picked just for you.
Accommodation: Thinnai Hotel, Jaffna (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 4: Jaffna
What’s better than one glorious day in Jaffna? Two! You’ll have plenty of time to explore more of this eclectic city. Today’s standout landmark includes the Mughal-designed-and-restored (think Taj-Mahal-ish) city library that stands gloriously in defiance of an arson attack.
After visiting the Jaffna library, you’ll head over to the colourful Hindu temple Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil, devoted to the god of war, love and beauty. With its intricate patterns, pops of colour, and Dravidian pyramidal shape, this place is snap-worthy, to say the least. It’s the perfect excuse to whip your camera out!
Before heading back, take a pitstop at the Jaffna Market. A mind-boggling assortment of goodies, including the open-air stands of fruit’n’veg will seriously tempt you, but just try and resist those quirky souvenirs you more than likely won’t find anywhere else!
Tonight’s menu is a bit of DIY, at a local family’s home where you’ll cook up some traditional Jaffna cuisine. Whether you’re a Michelin-star chef or can barely chop an onion, you’ll have a blast slicing, sautéing and simmering with your fun-loving group and local hosts. Bon Appétit!
Accommodation: Thinnai Hotel , Jaffna (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Habarana
Roll up your sleeves and prepare to get your hands dirty – today you’ll learn traditional Sri Lankan pottery techniques and get to try them out for yourself. Kneading, pinching and coiling the clay, you’ll all agree on one thing – pottery is a lot harder than it looks!
Pottery masterpieces created… or abandoned… hang out with the group to giggle about your creations together as you reward yourselves with a serving of halapa, a Sri Lankan sweet treat that comes wrapped in kenda leaves. Yum!
Accommodation: Pelwehera Village Resort, Dambulla (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 6: Habarana
Are you ready to witness some of the most celebrated views Sri Lanka has to offer? If you have the energy, join the other early birds of the group to hop on bicycles and head to the ruined Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
The climb to the top is steep, that’s for sure, but with sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and the camaraderie of your group of Patchies, there’s no climb you can’t conquer! Once you make it to the top, you’ll understand exactly why we insisted on this climb – you’ll feel like you’re on top of the world. Take the time to breathe this moment right in… and catch yourself mentally, saving it in the memory bank of your mind.
Fancy a peaceful lie-in without getting sweaty? Go for it! This is your trip, so do exactly what you want to do – nobody is judging.
This afternoon, we have a treat in store for you… But what could it be? Have your binoculars ready!
Accommodation: Palwehera Village Resort, Dambulla (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 7: Matale
It’s easy to feel ‘templed-out’ whilst travelling in Asia – but not on our watch! That’s because we only take you to the show-stoppers! Today, it’s the Dambulla Cave Temple’s time to shine. This temple, which is spread across five caves, is filled with around 150 statues and paintings of Buddha. It’s a staggering place to explore – and you’ll agree that it’s different from any other temple you’ve seen before.
This afternoon, you’ll be welcomed into the home of a local dancer in Kandy. Watching her perform age-old routines in such an intimate environment, you’ll be swept away to a world where time disappears. Did you accidentally teleport back hundreds of years?
Accommodation: Hotel Tourmaline, Kandy (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 8: Kandy
Good morning, Patchies! Start off your day just as the locals do by heading to the Kandy Dalada Maligawa, where you’ll watch the morning worship taking place. This temple is one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred shrines thanks to the tooth relic of the Lord Buddha you’ll find here. It’s kind of a BIG deal!
You’re in for a treat this lunchtime as we pull up to Helga’s Folly. This eccentric hotel is the brainchild of Helga De Silva Blow Perera, a Sri Lankan socialite who started painting on the walls as a form of therapy after her divorce. The first room was painted completely black. Then, gradually, she began to paint weird and wacky colours and designs – leading to the psychedelic wonderland you’ll see today. Does it make you want to pick up a paintbrush?
Accommodation: Hotel Tourmaline, Kandy (or similar)
Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 9: Nuwara Eliya
This morning, you’ll hop aboard a train to take you to Nuwara Eliya. As the Sri Lankan countryside blurs beyond your window, you’ll feel a thrum of excitement. You’re only just over halfway through the adventure. What other fabulous memories will you make in the next few days?
Nuwara Eliya is famous for its emerald-hued tea estates, so you can expect to visit one of the very best. The theme of the day is tea, tea and more tea, so let’s keep it going by sampling High Tea at The Grand Hotel. Yup, you read that right, British High Tea in Sri Lanka! Go ahead and dine like the Queen you are – calories don’t count when you’re travelling.
Accommodation: Mirage Kings Cottage, Nuwara Eliya (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 10: Ella
Another day, another scenic train journey. This time, you’re heading to Ella – and this isn’t just any train journey. Crossing tea plantations, swooping through clouds and zig-zagging through mountain tunnels, you’ll soon understand why this journey is the most mind-bogglingly gorgeous train ride in Sri Lanka, and maybe even the world!
With the train journey behind you, it’s time to experience another one of Sri Lanka’s many best bits: Ella Rock. Trekking up to the sky and standing suspended over the patchwork of dense forests and bubbling waterfalls in one of those time-frozen moments… you’ll feel unstoppable. Don’t feel like acting that strenuously? The view from the hotel pool is not completely terrible either!
Accommodation: Oak Ray, Ella Gap (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 11: Ella
There’s no better way to start the day than by sipping a steaming cup of tea, so this morning’s introduction to local handcrafted teas will go down a treat. Then, it’s on to a handloom factory in a small nearby village. Ever wondered how the bold and beautiful fabrics, rugs and throws you’ve seen all over the country are made? You’re about to find out!
Like many industries around the world, it’s women who keep the textile industry in Sri Lanka alive and kicking! As you explore the factory today, check out the intricate work that goes into the creative process here. These ladies are not messing around – they have serious talent.
Accommodation: Oak Ray Ella Gap (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 12: Yala National Park
You’re moving on to Yala this morning, but this wouldn’t be Patch if we didn’t have a fabulous stop in store for you to break up the journey. Sri Lanka’s Nine Arch Bridge is one of the most iconic photo stops in the country, so of course it’d be rude to pass it without stopping for a few photos. Does it look familiar? It should do, because you crossed it on the train just a few days ago!
This evening, Yala National Park will wow you as you head out on a 4×4 safari through its grasslands. Keep a sharp eye out for crocodiles, elephants, monkeys, buffaloes and more – with your eagle-eyed guide leading the way, there’s no telling what amazing wildlife you’ll come across. And if you’re really lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of a leopard. As one of the best places in the world to see these elusive creatures, the odds are in your favour.
Accommodation: Kithala Resort, Tissamaharama (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 13: Galle
We know you’re adventurous, but this morning’s snack will test your adventurous limits! This is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular sweets, but the main ingredient probably won’t be something you’re used to. We say just pop it into your mouth first and ask questions later. By the time the syrupy-sweet flavour invades your tastebuds, you won’t care what it’s made from!
Sweet treats devoured, it’s on to Mirissa, where you’ll stop for lunch. We’ve kept you waiting, but the moment is finally here: it’s time to sample the famous Sri Lankan Biryani!
With full bellies you’ll pull up near Sri Lanka’s southernmost tip just outside Galle. Why not in the centre of the town? When you see the easy beach access, you’ll understand why! The rest of the day is yours to spend however you like. Sipping a drink by the hotel pool or a nearby beachside bar does sound tempting!
Accommodation: Nooit Gedacht Heritage Hotel, Koggala (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 14: Galle
Are you an early riser? Then don’t miss the morning’s chance to see Galle’s playful whales and dolphins in their natural habitat. With the sunrise as your backdrop, it’s an experience well worth waking up for.
Prefer your beauty sleep? No problem – you do you, before the group heads out for a session in the dwindling art of Beeralu lace-making. It may have been brought over by the Portuguese, but Sri Lankan women have had 600-odd years to make it their own! They perform creative miracles with some basic thread, turning it into complex patterns, using only their hand and lots of patience.
Beeralu lace-making saw its heyday in the early 1900s, as a way for women to supplement their husbands’ fishing incomes. Modern-day entrepreneur, Priya, has brilliantly combined the task of ‘saving’ this craft from dying out with helping local women earn an income by teaching them this old-world art form.
Accommodation: Nooit Gedacht Heritage Hotel, Koggala (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 15: Colombo
Leaving Galle in the rear-view mirror, it’s time to make your way back to Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. You didn’t have time to explore on arrival, so let’s make up for it today. Lacing up your trainers once more, you’ll hit the streets of Colombo to take in the city’s most mesmerising sights, including the candy-cane-coloured Red Mosque and Pettah Fruit & Vegetable Market. The chaos here is intoxicating!
As the sun sets on your final day in Sri Lanka, there’s only one thing left to do – indulge in a slap-up farewell meal featuring all your favourite Sri Lankan dishes, shared with your new favourite people. Savour every bite, clink glasses and raise a toast. It’s hard to believe it’s only been 15 days! Sleep well tonight in your grand-old, seaside colonial hotel.
Accommodation: The Galle Face Hotel, Colombo (or similar)
Included: Breakfast and Dinner
Day 16: Farewell Friends!
All good things must come to an end, but what an adventure it’s been! After one last breakfast together, you and your group of travel buddies will be going your separate ways, so make sure you have everybody’s contact details before giving your final hugs goodbye. Then, you’ll be dropped off at the airport for a seamless journey home. Until next time…
Included: Breakfast
Trip Map
Good to Know
Level 2 or Moderate
You’ll need a moderate level of fitness for this trip. If you can walk 3 – 4 hours at an easy pace on undulating and uneven ground, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and times when you’ll need to get on and off different types of transport, including boats. You may need to occasionally sit on the floor and from time to time, you must be ok with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit down toilets) but when you’re on-the-road, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
On Day 6 there’s a cycle ride and stair climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress planned, but you may choose to spend that time at the hotel instead.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
Is This Trip Right For You?
You love travelling and enjoying most of your time in a country.
You don’t like being rushed or herded around B-grade attractions, but you also understand that some places are worth the wait in line.
You’re open-minded and open-hearted. You try to embrace the little things. You understand that even in the best vehicles, the air-con sometimes breaks. Even in the best restaurants, the service sometimes is a little slow. This is just part of the adventure, and you choose to be gracious.
You also know that a ‘great trip’ doesn’t have to mean sprinting from place to place. The best moments so often come when you hit the pause button, sit still, and just take it all in.
You’re young enough at heart to know that sometimes the best opportunities come when you’re least expecting it. You understand that doing things right doesn’t always mean following a strict routine.
You enjoy trying new food, visiting new places, and making new friends. You make a great travel buddy and you love to share experiences with others. You understand that to fit in with local cultures, sometimes that involves trying something you haven’t tried before, or sitting on the floor to eat with a nomad family.
Does that sound like you? We’d love to invite you to travel with us!
Frequently Asked Questions
Prior to the payment of your full balance, the final price may change if there is significant variation in the AUD:USD exchange rate. Our trip pricing is determined by what the exchange rates are at the time of publishing the trip.
The pricing on this trip is based on an exchange rate of 1 AUD:0.67 USD.
A deposit of $1,650 is required to hold your spot. Payment can be made by credit card (fees apply) or bank deposit.
There is a cooling-off period of 2 weeks. (Applicable to all bookings made 110 days in advance.)
We have implemented a ‘lifetime deposit’ guarantee. Deposits are not refundable, but they are transferable at any time, right up until the first day of the trip.
The final balance of the trip is required 120 days in advance of the departure date. Our suppliers require upfront payment well in advance to guarantee availability.
Please refer to the full terms and conditions for further information.
Most of our trips have a tip kitty because many cultures have interesting and diverse rules when it comes to tips. We’ve found it to be the easiest way to combat over-tipping, under-tipping or having the tip fall into the wrong hands. Our goal is for guests to relax and know that the complexities of tipping are taken care of, on their behalf.
For your Sri Lanka adventure, we ask your contribution be: 38,500 SL Rupee (equivalent to $175 AUD) which is given to your guide on Day 1. The kitty will be managed by your guide and distributed along the way at restaurants for included meals, hotel staff, your driver & driver assistant and services.
What is not covered is a customary tip at the end of the trip for your guide. If they’ve ensured that your trip is memorable, we recommend the following guidelines:
- 31,000 to 35,000 per person (equivalent to $140 – $160)
(Exchange Rate used – $1AUD : 219.6 SL Rupee)
This is the most frequently asked question we get!
Nearly everyone is in their 50s and 60s, with some people above and below (but of course, everyone is welcome!)
Most Patchies come alone and are matched with a room-mate. Remember, you don’t need to pay for a single supplement if you come solo. We will place you with a similarly-aged roommate.
The typical Patchie has travelled a LOT, is a well-seasoned adventurer, and is not easily thrown by small things. However, many Patchies tell us that this is their first ever group tour. Many of our guests have avoided tours to this point as they’re not attracted to being herded around in large groups.
Oh, and one last thing:
Patchies are warm, generous, and kind. We knew it would be like this, but we weren’t expecting it to be *quite* like this. We’re so blessed as a business to have the customers we do; we consider ourselves to be some of the luckiest people in the world.
There are direct flights to Sri Lanka from some Australian cities and several 1-stop flights from Australian and New Zealand cities. When arranging flights, arrive and depart from Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo. The arrival transfer to Negombo (the trip starting point) is included in the trip. So is the airport transfer at the end of the trip.
Australians and New Zealanders need a 30-day tourist visa for arrival in Sri Lanka at a cost of $50 USD. It’s known as an Electronic Travel Authorization, or ETA. Apply for it online at http://www.eta.gov.lk/
It can be applied for up to 30 days before arrival. You’ll need a passport with more than 6 months validity, a return flight ticket and the address of your start hotel, which is:
- Sea Horse Hotel – St.Sylvester Rd, Negombo, Sri Lanka
Airfares are not included.
Solo travellers will be matched with a room-mate. Of course, if you prefer to have your own space, you can reserve the private room supplement.
Please contact us for more information.
Airport transfers are included. You can plan to arrive at any time, but we recommend arriving in the morning to give yourself time to settle in.
Level 2 or Moderate
You’ll need a moderate level of fitness for this trip. If you can walk 3 – 4 hours at an easy pace on undulating and uneven ground, you’ll be fine. There will be days where you’ll be spending a lot of time on your feet and times when you’ll need to get on and off different types of transport, including boats. You may need to occasionally sit on the floor and from time to time, you must be ok with using a squat toilet – we do our best to accommodate what you’re used to (all hotel rooms have sit down toilets) but when you’re on-the-road, sometimes it’s the only choice available.
On Day 6 there’s a cycle ride and stair climb to the top of Sigiriya Rock Fortress planned, but you may choose to spend that time at the hotel instead.
All activities are optional, meaning that if you don’t feel like it, you can skip it, but it will be impossible to enjoy your trip if you’re not able to do a walking tour for a full afternoon. Unfortunately, this tour cannot accommodate people requiring walking aids.
In the unlikely event of a health or security related incident during a trip, we’ve engaged a local partner to assist. From our experience, there is not one framework that fits all, and every incident is unique and requires a different approach. With all trips, your guides are your day-to-day support. While behind the scenes, there is an active line of communication – between your guide, the on-ground support team, and Australian Ops.
