Sri Lanka: Adventure to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Location: Asia
Duration: 10 Days
Price: From $5,495
Activity Level: Active

Sri Lanka: Adventure to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Location: Asia
Duration: 10 Days
Price: From $5,495
Activity Level: Active

Overview

Embark on an all-women’s adventure through Sri Lanka with AdventureWomen! Start in Colombo, enjoying a warm welcome before exploring Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, including rock climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress and cycling through ancient Polonnaruwa. Experience local traditions with cooking classes, almsgiving, and a batik workshop. Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth, discover Sri Lankan tea production, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, from gem cutting to Kandyan dance. End with a beachside farewell dinner. PLUS: Option to extend your journey to the Maldives for relaxation and adventure. A transformative journey awaits!

Main Attractions

Historic Adventures

Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress and bike through Polonnaruwa’s ancient ruins.

Cultural Immerson

Meet inspiring women, create batik art, and try gem cutting.

Wildlife and Culinary Delights

Spot wildlife on game drives, savor local teas, and cook Sri Lankan specialties.

Map of Sri Lanka showing travel routes from Colombo to Habarana, Kandy, and Bandarawela. Includes insets of Sri Lanka's location relative to India and China.
Elephant standing in a river, partially submerged, with another elephant in the background.
Three women in life vests and sun hats are seated in a boat on a lily-covered lake, smiling at the camera.
Four dancers in traditional attire perform outdoors at night, illuminated by decorative lights.
A colorful Hindu temple with an ornate tower stands against a cloudy sky. A person is walking in the foreground.
Five women wearing life vests and leaf hats with flowers smile while sitting in a boat on a calm waterway.
Four women wearing hats stand on a metal walkway by a rock formation with a scenic view in the background.
Two oxen pull a cart on a dirt path with three smiling passengers sitting inside. Power lines and greenery are visible in the background.
A large stone statue of a reclining Buddha is carved into a rock face, surrounded by trees and brickwork in a serene outdoor setting.

Itinerary

Five women are posing in a warmly lit room. Two are seated on chairs, and three are standing behind them. Framed pictures are on the walls.

Welcome to Sri Lanka!

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Once you land, in Colombo, travel with ease guided through immigration and to baggage claim. Enjoy a refreshment at the exclusive “Silk Route” lounge area while your luggage is handled. There will be one hotel group transfer included based on traveling times. Once in Sri Lanka, check into your room and relax before dinner, where you’ll enjoy a lively welcome dinner with the group as you get to know your fellow travelers this evening. Share stories and learn about why each woman is excited to explore Sri Lanka!

Meals dinner
Five people with hats and sunglasses raise their arms joyfully on a dirt path with a scenic view behind them. A person stands in the distance taking a photo.

Rock Climb and Cooking Class

After a “Power Breakfast” at the hotel with one of the most prominent female achievers of Sri Lanka, you will set off on a 4.5 hour drive to explore the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. Then, rock climb at the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a former royal citadel towering over the jungle and is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The amazing 360-degree view will be the best reward after you complete the 650-foot climb to the summit (optional). For dinner tonight, enjoy a cooking experience preparing Hoppers, a delicious and famous Sri Lankan delicacy

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Five people stand beside an elephant eating leaves on a dirt path in a tropical setting.

Game Drive and Bike Ride

After breakfast, drive to Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s medieval capital and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore its archaeological treasures by bike, including the famous Gal Viharaya, a rock temple with carved Buddha statues. Ride through a rural village, meet local farmers, and savor a traditional farmer’s lunch. In the afternoon, visit Minneriya National Park (or similar dependent on Weather) for a wildlife safari led by a local naturalist. Spot elephants, endemic monkeys, and more. End the day with sundowners and dinner, reflecting on your discoveries.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
A meal with plates of curry, rice, vegetables, and chutney on a wooden table.

Almsgiving

Today you are invited into the home of a local family who will show you how to make a meal comprised of 3 or 4 traditional dishes. Learn about their unique utensils and slow-cooking techniques. After you finish preparing the food, take part in a traditional practice of alms giving where meals are offered to the monks in the village Buddhist temple. The afternoon is yours to enjoy lunch on your own and time at leisure at the hotel before meeting back up with the group for dinner.

Meals breakfast, dinner
Buddha statues and colorful murals inside an ancient, ornately decorated cave temple.

The Art of Batik

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel before setting out on your journey to Kandy, known as the Last Kingdom of Sri Lanka. Along the way, visit the Dambulla rock caves exploring its renowned wall art dating back to the first century BC. Then, visit a local workshop where you will have the chance to try your hand at the beautiful art of batik. Afterwards, enjoy lunch in the home of one of the local batik artisans before driving the last 90 minutes to Kandy where you’ll enjoy a group dinner.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Hand holding various uncut gemstones near a polishing wheel with another person adjusting a stone.

Explore Kandyan Culture

Discover Sri Lankan costumes and heirloom jewelry and meet a gemologist to learn about gemstones and try gem cutting. After lunch, meet a local single mother supporting her family through sewing and donate a sewing machine as a group. Visit the Temple of the Tooth, a revered site housing Buddha’s tooth relic and showcasing stunning Kandyan architecture. Conclude with a group dinner at the hotel, accompanied by a vibrant performance of traditional Kandyan and fusion dances by local female dancers.

Meals breakfast, dinner
A path lined with tall palm trees, with people walking and jogging on a cloudy day.

Scenic Train Ride and Botanical Gardens

After breakfast, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya where you will meet an experienced botanist as he shares stories of the garden’s history and the precious live collections that have been gathered over centuries. Travel to the central highland’s region of Sri Lanka, known for its tea production, on a scenic 4-5 hour train filled with gushing waterfalls, vast tea terraces and expansive vegetable fields. Lunch will be on your own today before checking into your hotel before enjoying dinner with the group there tonight.

Meals breakfast, dinner
Sunlit tea plantation with neatly arranged green tea bushes on rolling hills and scattered trees under a partly cloudy sky.

Experience Sri Lankan Tea

Meet a Sri Lankan tea plucker at a working tea plantation where you will spend a day getting up close and personal with this local woman as she shares the practice of tea. Later, put your skills to the test as you participate in an exciting tea plucking competition! Head back to your hotel for lunch and some down time before enjoying a scrumptious high tea. Dinner will also be at the hotel with your group tonight.

Meals breakfast, lunch, dinner
Row of Buddha statues facing a city skyline across a river at night, with buildings lit up in the background.

Shopping Tour of Colombo

After breakfast, head to Colombo where you’ll partake in a shopping tour in town where you can purchase vibrant clothing or handcrafted goods. Lunch will be on your own today before joining your group tonight for a celebratory farewell dinner, indulging in a six-course beachfront dining experience under the stars. as you reminisce about your favorite moments from your time in Sri Lanka!

Meals breakfast, dinner
Two boats float on a calm sea at sunset, with a clear sky and a warm glow on the horizon.

Depart Sri Lanka or Continue to Maldives

Depart from Sri Lanka today between 8 am and 12 pm today, or continue on to the beautiful Maldives on our recommended 3 day stay which includes balancing relaxation, adventure, and exceptional culinary experiences at an all inclusive stay.

Meals breakfast
A train travels through lush green hills with passengers leaning out for a view.

Accommodations

Please note that all amenities were current when written and are subject to change at any time.

Oceanfront view with palm trees, a large building with a red roof, green lawn, and outdoor seating area overlooking the waves under a bright blue sky.

Galle Face Hotel

Located adjacent to the green and the coast in Colombo, the Galle Face Hotel offers accommodations rich in history and tradition with modern furnishings. Relax and enjoy the sound of the water from your oceanview room.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, hairdryer, air conditioning, WiFi

A nighttime view of a lit-up building with a pool in the foreground, surrounded by trees and illuminated by various lights.

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana

The Cinnamon Lodge Habanera is a sustainable lodge that is nestled in the heart of nature and surrounded by over 2,000 trees. Featuring traditional architecture with modern amenities, this lodge will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, hairdryer, air conditioning, WiFi

Aerial view of a modern building with a pool, surrounded by lush greenery and a river, set against a backdrop of hills and a partly cloudy sky.

Jetwing Kandy Gallery

Situated outside of the city center in Kandy and overlooking the Mahaweli River, the Jetwing Kandy Gallery is a lovely respite from the hustle and bustle of the city. Each room offers a river or garden view with a private balcony.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, hairdryer, air conditioning, WiFi, laundry service for an additional fee

Aerial view of a hillside resort with red-roofed cabins surrounded by lush greenery and trees. Paths connect the cabins on the slope.

Anasa Wellness Resort

A secluded, remote property located in the hills of Bandarawela, the Anasa Wellness Resort is focused on a holistic wellness experience. The resort has only 10 chalets surrounded by lush forests, guaranteeing a peaceful and restorative stay.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, hairdryer, air conditioning, WiFi, laundry service for an additional fee

A long, rectangular pool surrounded by lounge chairs and palm trees at a resort under a clear blue sky.

Jetwing Beach

The Jetwing Beach is located less than 30 minutes from the International Airport, the Jetwing Beach offers convenient accommodations in one of Sri Lanka’s most popular beach towns. Each room features a private balcony where you can take in the ocean views.

Amenities: soap, shampoo, hairdryer, air conditioning, WiFi

What People Are Saying

OMG! It was all so amazing and special. I thought I would enjoy the adventure parts more but the cultural excursions were equally fantastic

What People Are Saying

The company gave me a friendly, safe introduction to a potentially challenging travel experience. I loved hanging with a diverse group of savvy, down-to-earth women.

What People Are Saying

This has been one of the best experiences of my life. There was compatibility between the women and loved the humor. Our guide was a treasure. I’m going to be sad if I never see her again. Our group size was just right.

Dates & Pricing

Start Date End Date Availability Pricing Booking Link
Mar 9 Mar 18
Space Available
$5,495*
Standard Room, Single
$7,295 total, $800 deposit
Standard Room, Double
$5,495 total, $800 deposit

*Additional Pricing Information: 2026 Optional Single Accommodation: $1,800

Arrival: Arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, Sri Lanka before 2:00PM.
Departure: Depart from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo, Sri Lanka between 8 AM and 12 PM today.

What's Included

  • Accommodations as per itinerary based on double occupancy
  • All meals as listed in the itinerary
  • Guided sightseeing and activities as indicated in the itinerary
  • English-speaking guide(s) throughout the trip
  • One group transfer on arrival and departure
  • All ground transportation
  • All gratuities except for main and assistant guides and driver
  • Domestic airfare (extension only)
  • Welcome bottle of sparkling wine (extension only)
  • Two complementary bottles of wine replenished daily & two bottles of spirits added to the in-villa mini bar daily (extension only)
  • Cooking class at Ambula restaurant (extension only)
  • Cocktail making masterclass (extension only)
  • Complimentary face scan (to be enjoyed within 48 hours of check-in) (extension only)
  • Spa credits valued at USD 50 per person (extension only)
  • Two complimentary excursions (sunset cruise and night fishing) (extension only)
  • One complimentary introductory dive in the lagoon (15-20 minutes) (extension only)
  • Complimentary selection of non-motorized water sports (extension only)

What's Not Included

  • International airfare to and from Sri Lanka
  • Optional activities
  • Meals not specified in the itinerary
  • Alcoholic beverages (unless otherwise specified)
  • Fees for passport, visas, immunizations, or travel insurance
  • Cost of hospitalization or evacuation
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Gratuities for main and assistant guides and driver (main trip only)
  • All gratuities (extension only)
Trip Extensions

Maldives

Enjoy 3- day all-inclusive stay at Heritance Aarah in the Maldives, designed to balance relaxation, adventure, and exceptional culinary experiences. However, you are free to personalize each day to your liking, enjoying access to 6 restaurants, 3 bars, cooking classes, a cocktail masterclass, Medi Spa, and more.

Your stay includes 2 complimentary excursions (a sunset cruise and night fishing), a 15 to 20-minute introductory dive in the lagoon, snorkeling with provided equipment, kayaking, stand-up paddling, windsurfing (testrequired), and catamaran sailing (test required).

A person snorkeling in clear turquoise water, surrounded by scattered rocks and sand, viewed from above.

FAQs

Absolutely! We happily welcome all women as long as you are physically capable of doing the activities on your chosen trip. Our guests range from 18-85+! It is important to us to talk to each guest to make sure each woman chooses the right trip for her physical ability and interest.

You can process your registration on our online booking system or over the phone. Most deposits are $800. In many cases, and unless otherwise indicated, your deposit is transferable if you notify us in writing 120 before your trip departs.

Be sure to check the ‘What’s Included’ section of the trip you are interested in. Once you get to the departure city and meet the group, we often include most meals, all accommodations, all activities (although there might be an optional activity at an additional cost), transportation while on the adventure, qualified local guide(s) and some trips also include an AdventureWomen Ambassador. Our trips do not include airfare to/from the arrival and departure cities. However, internal flights are included in some itineraries so please read the itinerary carefully.

Absolutely! In fact, we encourage it! Many of the women who travel with AdventureWomen come solo. For those that do not choose a single supplement, we pair you with a roommate. Usually, when we change accommodations on a trip, we will change roommates if we can, so you get a chance to know others in our group. A limited number of single supplements may be available for an additional charge.

That depends entirely on the trip! AdventureWomen adventure travel trips are rated according to the physical fitness level demanded by the included activities.

  • Moderate: These adventures exercise your mind more than your body and are designed for women who prefer a leisurely, less rigorous experience. For example, you could walk up to 2 miles per day through cities and villages, stand in museums for a few hours, relax on a boat, or view wildlife from a vehicle.
  • Active: Adventures that get you on your feet! You should be in good physical condition where you are comfortable walking on uneven surfaces, such as cobblestone streets, biking manicured nature trails or kayaking calm waters.
  • High Energy: These adventures are designed for women who enjoy a physical challenge and crave being on the go! You should be prepared for itineraries that include (but are not limited to): a full day of biking on a rolling terrain, hiking 5-8 miles on moderate to steep trails, being active at high altitudes, whitewater rafting, or skiing.
  • Challenging: Adventures that get your heart rate pumping, these are demanding yet deeply rewarding and designed for seasoned outdoor enthusiasts. You should be in excellent physical condition, and be able to hike up to 10 miles, in steeper, more rugged terrain.