Sri Lankan Surprise

Day 1 - Saturday 6 February 2027

Melbourne - Colombo

Welcome to Sisterhood Womens Travel. Meet your hostess & fellow travellers at Melbourne Airport for your flight to Colombo.

A late arrival into Colombo where we'll be transferred to our hotel in Negombo - Little Rome for check-in.

Negombo… Being one of the major tourist beach resorts of the island, this lively town is mainly inhabited by the fisherfolk. This is also one of the strongholds of the catholic community of Sri Lanka and is quietly considered the “Little Rome”, located along the picturesque Negombo lagoon, along which hundreds of fishing boats and catamarans could be seen most of the time. The Town is dotted with several churches, some dating from the earliest colonial times. Sightseeing in Negombo includes the remains of the Old Dutch Fortress from 1678, the Dutch Canal constructed for the transportation of Cinnamon, St. Mary’s Church and the Old Dutch Cemetery, and naturally, the Fish Market – more famously known as the “Lellama”.

Overnight - Karunakarala Ayurveda Resort  (or similar)

Day 2 - Sunday 7 February 2027

Negombo (B, D)

Today, a special treat. We'll enjoy a special Ayurveda treatment starting with a consultation with one of the resident medical professionals. Ayurveda comes from the Sanskrit words Ayus (life) and Veda (knowledge), and its origins date back over 5,000 years. In Sri Lanka, it has developed uniquely through the integration of indigenous medical traditions and Buddhist philosophy. Its aim is to support long-term health and prevention while also addressing the treatment and management of illness, complementing modern medicine when appropriate.

The remainder of the day is free to enjoy the resort, with dinner at our hotel tonight.

Overnight - Karunakarala Ayurveda Resort (or similar)

Day 3 - Monday 8 February 2027

Negombo - Anuradhapura (B, L, D)

After an early breakfast, we leave for Anuradhapura, the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s ancient, ruined cities, dating back to the 5th Century BC and forming the foundation of a magnificent civilisation that spanned several centuries.

According to the Mahavamsa - the great Sinhala Chronicle, this was a model of planning with precincts set aside for different vocations as well as for foreigners. There were separate cemeteries for high and low castes, hostels and hospitals, and water supply was assured by the construction of reservoirs. Its greatest treasures are its dagabos, constructed of small sun-dried bricks and are hemispherical in shape, two of which have been identified by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. The reservoirs used to store water formed the basis of the hydraulic civilisation, which later spread across the entire island.

We break our journey at Cadjugama, where we'll see brightly clad women selling cadju nuts and king coconuts in the Trade Stalls by the roadside.

We'll also visit the Elephant Orphanage en route to see the world's largest herd of domestic elephants including babies who are still being fed by bottle thrice a day, here we have the opportunity to feed the Elephants. The Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 as an effort toward education and conservation through scientific captive breeding. Located on the banks of the Maha Oya, the Elephant Orphanage provides shelter for young elephants who are displaced and lost from their natural habitats for various reasons, such as environmental changes caused by development projects or abandonment by their parents.

Overnight & dinner - Lake Forest Hotel (or similar)

Day 4 - Tuesday 9 February 2027

Anuradhapura (B, D)

After breakfast, we'll begin our day's sightseeing of the Sacred City of Anuradhapura.

Visit many sites of the city of archaeological and historical interest including Isurumuniya; the first temple to be built on the island, Sri Maha Bodhi Tree with an authenticated history of more than 2300 years which was planted from a sapling from the original tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment brought in by Emperor Asoka’s daughter – Theri Sangamitta who later during her stay in Sri Lanka introduced the Women Monkhood by turning the then King’s Queen – Anula – into the first lady monk of Sri Lanka.

Overnight & dinner - Lake Forest Hotel 

Day 5 - Wednesday 10 February 2027

Anuradhapura - Dambulla (B, D)

After breakfast, we'll leave for Dambulla, a collection of five caves of different sizes, declared a World Heritage Site. Initial authorship is attributed to King Valagambahu who took refuge here after being driven out of Anuradhapura by invading armies, although the works span over all periods since then to the late Kandy Period in the 18th Century. 

Arrive at our hotel and enjoy an early snack lunch before an afternoon visit to the Dambulla Cave Temple complex, considered to be the largest painted cave in the world with more than 22,000 sq ft of painted surfaces with many paintings, sculptures, and statues of Lord Buddha, his disciples, kings, and Gods. 

In the evening (time permitting), we will explore Dambulla City, which is the Economic Centre of the island, where commodities, including fruits, vegetables, grains, and yams from all around the island, are traded both wholesale and retail, including the Trade Stalls lining Colombo Road.

Overnight & dinner- Amaya Lake Resort (or similar)

Day 6 - Thursday 11 February 2027

Dambulla - Sigiriya - Dambulla (B, D)

This morning, we'll depart early for Sigiriya to view the sunrise.  Sigiriya was the Royal Citadel for 20 years in the 5th Century AD. Haunted by an epic story of murder and betrayal attributed to King Kasyapa, who found refuge here after killing his father, more fruitful than meeting the wrath of the people who loved King Dhatusena, King Dhatusena met his rival, Prince Mugalan, who had fled to India seeking reinforcements for his Army.

Sigiriya was designated a World Heritage site in 1982 and is famous for its palace ruins atop a massive 200-metre-high rock, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs and other structures. The rock itself is a lava plug left over from an ancient extinct volcano.

We visit (and have the chance to climb) the Rock Fortress of Sigiriya, built by King Kasyapa, contemporary with the paintings of Ajantha and Ellora Caves in India. Highlights include the Frescoes, Mirror Wall, and the Lion's Paw, considered the 8th Wonder of the modern world.

This afternoon, as part of our ‘philanthropic’ ethos in Sri Lanka, we will visit a nearby school, where you will have the opportunity to see our special project in action. ** More details will be provided closer to our tour departure. You are more than welcome to donate stationery items to the school, and your Sri Lankan tour guide will facilitate the purchase of these whilst on tour. In the past, all travellers have found this special experience very moving, and many have continued to support their sponsored school beyond their Sisterhood tour.

Sisterhood Womens Travel has been supporting schools in Sri Lanka for nearly 10 years, so again, thank you for travelling with us and being part of this special experience.

After this experience, you will have the remainder of the day free.

Overnight & dinner- Amaya Lake Resort (or similar)

Day 7 - Friday 12 February 2027

Dambulla - Habarana (B, L, D)

After breakfast, we visit the Dambulla market to see a range of locally grown vegetables, fruits, and grains. We then leave for Habarana to take part in a Village Experience -This will be very entertaining, starting with a bullock cart ride, followed by a catamaran ride during which we will drop into a traditional “Chena Cultivation" better known as the Slash and Burn Cultivation, used by the village farmers. We then enjoy a traditional lunch with a Sri Lankan family, where we'll see the local methods of meal preparation, including curries and salads.

Returning to our hotel for dinner.

Overnight & dinner- Amaya Lake Resort (or similar)

Day 8 - Saturday 13 February 2027

Habarana - Kandy (B, D)

After breakfast, we depart for Kandy, the "City on the Hills" so named as it was protected by nature, water, rocks and jungles. The last capital of the Sri Lankan kings before falling to the British in 1815AD, Kandy is now a World Heritage Site. The name Kandy conjures visions of splendours of magnificence, and many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. The centre of attraction is the golden-roofed Temple of the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Kandy Lake, built by the last King, Sri Wickramarajasinghe, in 1806, offers a prominent view of the city. It is a city for arts and crafts as well as culture and history.

We'll visit a Spice Garden and learn about the use of spices in the day-to-day life of Sri Lankans.

We visit a Batik-making factory to see the village girls turn out beautiful, coloured designs.

Overnight & dinner - Thilanka Hotel or similar)

Day 9 - Sunday 14 February 2027

Kandy (B, D)

After breakfast, we'll enjoy a Kandy City Tour, including the Upper Lake Drive, where one can have a bird's-eye view of the city below, and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, by far the most important place of worship for Buddhists the world over. The Royal Botanical Gardens is one of the best in Asia, with more than 5,000 species of flora, a Gem Museum to see how the valuable gems you see on a shop shelf are turned from raw stone, with their background history, and, lastly, the Commonwealth War Cemetery.

Tonight, we'll enjoy a Cultural Performance by traditional Kandyan Dancers, most of whom are young girls, along with drummers, including a devotional "Fire Walking" demonstration.

Overnight & dinner - Thilanka Hotel or similar)

Day 10 - Monday 15 February 2027

Kandy - Nuwara Eliya (B, D)

After breakfast, we visit a wood carving factory before leaving for Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England", through some of the breathtaking landscapes with hills covered with Tea and cascading waterfalls.

Nuwara Eliya is nestled in a wooded basin at the foot of Mount Pidurutalagala Sri Lanka’s highest peak. This region, at 6,183ft above sea level, has a cool, crisp climate unlike that of anywhere else in Sri Lanka. A serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo, the town evokes the English Lake District. Unusual plants, birds, and animals thrive here, along with natural features such as waterfalls and caves. Tea, the glistening green leaves of this lovely shrub, along with neat rows of green, cloak ridges and valleys, provide a lasting impression of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. The serene Anglican Church of the Holy Trinity, along with beautiful parks and well-kept lawns and hedges, gives Nuwara Eliya an air of nostalgia.

We'll visit a Tea Factory and Plantation to witness the manufacturing process of world-famous "Ceylon Tea" and to taste a pure, unblended, factory-fresh cup of tea before it is sent to the Tea Auctions in Colombo for export. It will be eye-catching to see how skillfully the tea pluckers – mainly ladies from the plantation community - perform their task, moving from bush to bush in difficult terrain.

Overnight & dinner - Araliya Green Hills Hotel (or similar)

Day 11 - Tuesday 16 February 2027

Nuwara Eliya - Ella (B, D)

After breakfast, we'll enjoy a guided walk in the area with our guide, before transferring to the Nanu Oya Railway Station and travel by train to Ella. This train ride is the most beautiful in Sri Lanka, if not in the world! We board the train and experience breathtaking views of lush green tea plantations, mountains, viaducts, valleys, and dense jungle. What’s more, it’s the perfect way to experience Sri Lankan life, meeting smiling locals on the train, waving to children running along the tracks, and tasting the spicy snacks sold by vendors who board at each stop.  This is a must-do experience in Sri Lanka.

Upon arrival in Ella, we'll be transferred to our accommodation.

Overnight & dinner - 98 Acres Resort & Spa (or similar)

Day 12 - Wednesday 17 February 2027

Ella (B, D)

This morning, we'll enjoy a guided walk to visit the 9 Arches Railway Bridge and the Little Adam’s Peak.  A loop trail, typically taking around 3.5 hours to complete, covering a distance of 7-8 kilometres. Our walk starts in Ella, taking us through tea plantations and offering stunning views of the surrounding highlands. 

The remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Overnight & dinner - 98 Acres Resort & Spa (or similar)

Day 13 - Thursday 18 February 2027

Ella - Uda Walawe - Galle (B,D)

Today, after breakfast, we'll leave for the Uda Walawe National Park, which is home to a large number of herds of Elephants. We'll also visit the Elephant Transit Home – where stranded babies are being cared for with the objective of returning them to the jungles – as part of conservation efforts.

We continue to Galle, the southern capital, through the breathtakingly beautiful Ella Gap, passing the Rawana Ella Waterfalls.

Overnight & dinner - Radisson Blu Hotel Galle (or similar)

Day 14 - Friday 19 February 2027

Galle (B, L, D)

Early morning transfer to the Mirissa Fishing Harbour to take part in a Whale Watching Expedition. We'll have the chance to see blue whales, sperm whales, and various dolphin species (seasonality dependent).

We then explore the Galle Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, here we will explore colonial-era buildings, museums, art galleries, and boutique shops.

Later in the afternoon, we have free time to explore the shops of downtown Galle and visit a Silk Store before returning to our hotel.

Overnight & dinner - Radisson Blu Hotel Galle (or similar)

Day 15 - Saturday 20 February 2027

Colombo (B, D)

Today, after breakfast, we make our way back to Colombo.  Colombo is a fascinating city, not only for its comfortable blend of East and West but also for its balanced mix of past and present.  En route, we'll enjoy a boat cruise down the Madu Ganga River, where we'll see how cinnamon is processed.

Continuing towards Colombo, we'll visit a Mask Museum and Moonstone Mines to see the unique moonstone, mined only in Sri Lanka.  We'll also visit a Turtle Hatchery.

Overnight & dinner - Kingsbury Hotel (or similar)

Day 16 - Sunday 21 February 2027

Colombo (B, D)

Today, after breakfast, we'll enjoy a City Tour of Colombo, including a Buddhist Temple, the Dutch Wolvendhal Church, a Hindu Temple, and the Town Hall. Afterwards, we will enjoy some shopping time at the Laksala – Government Handicrafts Emporium.

Later this evening, we'll enjoy a Farewell Dinner at our hotel to celebrate our adventure!

A late evening transfer to the airport for our flight home to Melbourne.

Day 17 - Monday 22 February 2027

Melbourne

Welcome Home! 

Thank you for joining Sisterhood Womens Travel for your latest adventure and we look forward to welcoming you back.