Embark on a culinary journey through Sri Lanka, where every day brings new flavors, aromas, and stories. From bustling fish markets and home-cooked Tamil meals to spice gardens, tea plantations, and coastal seafood feasts, this tour immerses you in the true tastes of the island. Along the way, explore ancient temples, UNESCO heritage sites, wildlife-rich national parks, and vibrant cities.
Day 1 – Negombo, Sri Lanka
Arrive in Negombo, a seaside city where fishing boats float by and the lagoon is alive with activity. Meet your local leader and fellow travellers at a 6 pm welcome gathering. Spend the evening soaking up the coastal atmosphere.
Day 2 – Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Start the morning at Negombo Fish Market, famous for lobsters, crabs, and prawns. Visit a coconut plantation to learn how every part of the tree is used in Sri Lankan life, taste king coconut water, and watch toddy tappers at work. Enjoy a traditional rice and curry lunch before heading to Dambulla, home to ornate cave temples and historic wonders. Optional evening street food crawl to try local snacks, including hoppers.
Day 3 – Dambulla, Sri Lanka
Visit the UNESCO-listed Sigiriya Rock Fortress, exploring the 5th-century frescos, terraced gardens, and fountains. Return to the hotel for breakfast, then tour Dambulla’s wholesale markets and enjoy a jeep tour through traditional chena cultivation.
Day 4 – Kandy, Sri Lanka
Explore Dambulla Cave Temples in the morning, then journey to Kandy via Matale’s spice gardens. Learn about the uses of spices in cooking, cosmetics, and ayurveda. Taste pumpkin curry, dry chilli sambol, and coconut roti. Arrive in Kandy and visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth. Optional evening: watch a chef prepare kottu roti.
Day 5 – Kandy, Sri Lanka
Morning guided city walk, tea factory visit, and tour of Central Market with fresh fruit tastings. Evening cooking class in a Sinhalese home – prepare string hoppers, coconut milk chicken curry, and Dutch-Portuguese inspired desserts.
Day 6 – Bandarawela, Sri Lanka
Travel through waterfalls, villages, and lush mountains to Bandarawela. Evening cooking demonstration at a local home with traditional dinner.
Day 7 – Bandarawela / Haputale, Sri Lanka
Hike through tea plantations, meet local tea pickers, and try your hand at plucking and weighing tea. Travel to Haputale for a traditional Tamil family lunch with dosa and idli. Return to Bandarawela in the late afternoon.
Day 8 – Yala / Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka
Head to Yala or Udawalawe National Park. Evening safari to spot leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and abundant birdlife.
Day 9 – Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Taste the iconic buffalo curd with treacle. Afternoon visit with a local fisherman and enjoy a seafood lunch, likely featuring crab curry. Optional relaxation on golden southern beaches.
Day 10 – Galle & Mirissa, Sri Lanka
Visit the historic Galle Dutch Fort and take a walking tour of the town. Enjoy a Biryani lunch and watalappam with a local family before returning to Mirissa.
Day 11 – Colombo, Sri Lanka
Drive to Colombo for a city tour, sampling street food and visiting key landmarks. Finish with a Dutch Burgher-influenced meal and celebrate the journey.
Day 12 – Colombo, Sri Lanka
Free morning to relax or explore independently. Departure as per your schedule.