I’m writing this four years after the fact, but the memories are just as vivid. In those four years, our little girl gang from college has gone through four weddings, four postgraduate degrees, and two kids. Five of us have moved away from Pakistan, now spread across five different countries. Feeling nostalgic, I decided to relive one of our most treasured experiences – our unforgettable trip to Sri Lanka.
Now, I know a girls’ trip doesn’t sound like a big deal to most people. But getting eight brown girls together for a holiday is a struggle that only we can truly understand. From negotiating parental permissions to working around high-pressure jobs, the logistics were an adventure in themselves. Here’s how we made it happen, our detailed Sri Lanka itinerary, and the lessons I learned along the way.
The Struggle Getting Everyone Together
The toughest part was simply getting everyone to commit. In our group, one friend had to attend a cousin’s wedding, another was juggling a demanding job, and yet another was still negotiating with her parents to “let” her go. If we tried to accommodate everyone, nothing would’ve happened. The bride was firm about her dates – which made things easier. At least I knew that if all else failed, she and I would still go together. And if you know me, you know I’m irresponsible enough to miss other life events for a chance to travel!
Why We Chose Sri Lanka
Choosing a destination was the second-hardest task. A lot of us are picky (hint: it was me). I didn’t want to go somewhere I’d already visited. We also had tight budgets, and earning in PKR ruled out half the world. January was the only time the bride was free, which meant no cold destinations – eliminating Europe and most of North America.
We also wanted somewhere safe and welcoming for female travelers. Sri Lanka checked all the boxes: beautiful landscapes, rich culture, budget-friendly options, and a relatively easy visa process for Pakistanis. And so, Sri Lanka became our destination of choice!
The Not-So-Easy Logistics: Visas and Bookings
Traveling with a Pakistani passport comes with its own set of challenges. Luckily, Sri Lanka offers an online visa for Pakistanis, which we received within two days. We flew with Sri Lankan Airways, which has direct flights to Colombo on alternate days and was quite affordable at the time.
For accommodation, we chose a mix of Airbnbs and hostels. This allowed us to experience budget travel without compromising on the occasional splurge of a luxurious Airbnb. The key was finding places that could comfortably accommodate all eight of us – no small feat!
Planning Our Sri Lanka Itinerary
This is where I come in. I am extremely – excuse my french – anal, about planning my trips. I thought this would be a bit more of a struggle, we were eight very different personalities so while planning was exciting, it was also frustrating at times because it felt like a big responsibility and if everything goes to shit, it’s kinda my fault. While I am very bossy about how I want to spend my days on vacation, my self esteem is also tied to everyone telling me how well organized my trips are and so I wanted to accommodate everyone.
Here’s a very short version of our Sri Lanka itinerary. I also have a detailed guide to traveling in Sri Lanka that you can read to help you plan your own trip.
Day 1: Arriving in Colombo
We started our journey in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s bustling capital. I’m not much of a city person, so we kept our time here short. However, if you want to explore more, Colombo has plenty to offer – from the National Museum to the serene Gangaramaya Temple, and the lively Pettah Market for street food and local vibes.
For us, the highlight of Colombo was our hostel rooftop. We spent the evening catching up, laughing about old memories, and letting the excitement of the trip sink in.
Day 2-3: Exploring Sigiriya and Dambulla
We rented a car for our journey through Sri Lanka – highly recommended for the flexibility it provides. Our first stop was Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Climbing the Sigiriya Rock Fortress was breathtaking, both literally and figuratively. Standing atop the massive rock structure, overlooking lush green landscapes, was surreal.
We also hiked up Pidurangala Rock at sunrise, which offered even more stunning views. If you’re visiting, don’t miss this experience – it’s worth the early wake-up call!
Day 4: Minneriya National Park
The next day was for morning safari in Minneriya National Park, which is known for its elephant population. You can also spot other wildlife such as deers, monkeys, and a variety of bird species. After the safari, visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the capital of Sri Lanka from the 11th to 13th century. Explore the ruins of the city, which includes impressive temples, palaces, and statues. In the evening, return to Sigiriya or Dambulla for another night.
Day 5: Kandy to Ella – The Iconic Train Journey
This was the part of the trip I was most excited about. The train ride from Kandy to Ella is iconic for a reason – it’s one of the most scenic train journeys in the world. We got incredibly lucky as the train was mostly empty, and we snagged the perfect spot by the open door.
The views were straight out of a postcard – rolling hills, tea plantations, and lush green landscapes. We sat on the floor, legs dangling out the door, with the cool breeze on our faces. It was one of those rare, perfect moments in life.
Ella turned out to be one of my favourite cities in Sri Lanka. There’s so much more to do here, I wish I could have spent longer.
Day 6-9: Beach Bliss in Hikkaduwa and Galle
After days of exploring cultural sites and nature, we spent the last leg of our trip soaking up the sun at Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches. Hikkaduwa and Galle were perfect for unwinding. The beaches were pristine, and the vibe was laid-back.
If you’re up for more adventure, nearby Weligama is popular for surfing. I couldn’t muster the courage to try, but it’s a great spot for beginners. If you’re a beach lover, there are a few other coastal spots in Sri Lanka that shouldn’t be missed.
A Lesson
The most valuable thing I learnt on this trip is that it’s okay if everyone doesn’t want to do what I want to do. The only reason it was such a successful trip was because everyone got to be ourselves, leaving behind all the people pleasing behaviors we have internalize so much. I like to wake up early and not have to miss out anything on my to-do list. That is something you cannot impose on seven girls. Everyone had space to spend their time alone doing what they love. You don’t have to stick together. This allowed the early birds to do some exploring, grab a coffee and breakfast, while the others woke up and got dressed without me hovering over their heads. We would always have something we could all enjoy together during the day. And that’s the best advice I could give a big group of friends traveling together. To give each other room to be yourself, without hard feelings or expectations. Nobody likes a buzzkill.
Cherishing Memories for a Lifetime
We promised to do a bachelorette trip before every wedding. Yet, life happened, and it’s getting harder to bring everyone together. I used to fear the stereotypes of drama and diva behavior when traveling with a big group of girls. But this trip was nothing like that.
Instead, we had heart-to-heart conversations, laughed until we cried, danced without a care in the world, and created memories that I’ll cherish forever.
I may never experience another trip like this, and that’s okay. I’m just grateful that we made it happen.
