Planning a girls’ trip is always exciting, but at the same time it can also be chaotic. We had been talking about doing something together for years, but between jobs, family, and general life, it just kept getting pushed. Finally, last winter we managed to make it happen, and Sri Lanka turned out to be the perfect choice. It was close enough to India to keep the travel simple but still felt like stepping into an entirely different world.
There were four of us, all friends from college, and when we started discussing how to plan it, we quickly realised that we had different priorities. One of us wanted beaches and cocktails, another wanted culture and history, while I just wanted good food and a bit of adventure. That’s when Tanya, who had booked a couple of trips through Thrillophilia before, suggested that we just let them handle it. She told us her Ladakh trip with them had been smooth, and she trusted their planning. I also read a few Thrillophilia reviews, which put my mind further at ease. Honestly, it worked out great, as none of us had the time or patience to research endlessly. And, going with a company that someone we knew had already tried felt like the safest bet.
Our journey began in Colombo, and right from the start we were drawn into the energy of the island. The streets were alive, with colourful tuk-tuks zipping past, the smell of spices in the air, and smiling people. We didn’t spend too much time in the city, but our evening at Galle Face Green was memorable. Sitting by the ocean, eating isso wade (prawn fritters) from a roadside vendor, and watching the sun melt into the horizon set the tone for our trip.
From Colombo, we headed to Kandy, with the train ride feeling like a dream; experiencing it firsthand was something else. The lush hills rolled by, tea plantations stretched endlessly, and waterfalls peeked out between the greenery. We took turns standing by the door, letting the wind whip through our hair while laughing like school kids. It felt like a scene out of a travel film. In Kandy, we visited the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Even though none of us are particularly religious, there was something very peaceful about being there. Walking barefoot inside the temple, hearing the low hum of prayers, it felt grounding.
One of my personal highlights was Nuwara Eliya, people call it “Little England” because of its colonial charm, and I could see why. The weather was cool, the gardens well kept, and the tea estates were straight out of a painting. We stayed in a homely guesthouse with creaky wooden floors, and in the evenings we sipped on freshly brewed Ceylon tea while wrapped in sweaters. The tour of a tea factory was fascinating, as I never realised how much effort and care went into every cup.
We journeyed from the hills to Ella, a small town that quickly became our favourite. Full of backpackers, the vibe was young and laid back. We did the short hike up Little Adam’s Peak, which rewarded us with sweeping views.
One morning we woke up early and walked to the famous Nine Arches Bridge. Standing there as a train slowly chugged across with the jungle in the background felt surreal. That moment became one of the most photographed of our trip.
Of course, a girls’ trip isn’t complete without some beach time, for which we went down south to Mirissa. The contrast between the hills and the coast was amazing. Mirissa had everything we wanted: golden sand, turquoise waters, beach bars, and cosy cafes. We spent long hours lazing on the beach, reading, napping, and talking about life. One afternoon, we went whale watching, and though it was a bit of a rollercoaster on the water, catching sight of one was unforgettable. Evenings were about seafood dinners, drinks by the ocean, and dancing barefoot in the sand.
Galle was another gem, with the old fort area and its Dutch architecture straight out of a postcard. We walked along the ramparts, browsed through boutique shops, and sat in little cafes. It was charming in a way that felt both historic and modern at once. That evening, watching the sunset from the fort walls with the girls around me felt like a moment I would carry for years.
What made the trip special was not just the places we visited but the little things in between. Sharing snacks on long drives, singing badly in the van, getting drenched in a sudden downpour in Ella, or bargaining together in local markets. Travelling with close friends has a way of making ordinary moments extraordinary.
Looking back, I also appreciate how smooth everything was. We didn’t have to stress about where to stay, how to move between cities, or what to prioritise. That ease allowed us to focus on enjoying ourselves. Tanya had been right about her recommendation. Later, after coming back I decided to write this Thrillophilia Sri Lanka Review, as I wanted to share my positive experience. For us, it wasn’t just about convenience; it was about being able to fully immerse in the trip without any background stress.
When the week ended, none of us were ready to leave. Sri Lanka gave us culture, nature, history, food, and beaches, all packed into one trip. More importantly, it gave us memories as friends that we will laugh about for years. Planning another girls’ trip won’t be easy with our schedules, but whenever it happens, this journey will be hard to top.
If anyone is considering a destination that has variety, warmth, and beauty without being overwhelming, I’d say Sri Lanka is perfect. For us, it struck that balance between adventure and relaxation. I came back with a tan, a full heart, and the kind of stories that only come from travelling with your favourite people.
