A Food Adventure

Embark on a 12-Day Foodie Adventure in Sri Lanka Satisfy your taste buds, expand your horizons, and learn to cook delicious meals as you journey through the spice and fish markets, plantations, and open kitchens of Sri Lanka. Join a small group tour that will tantalize all your senses.

Day 01 - Negombo

Experience the Wonders of Sri Lanka – the Beautiful Pearl of the Indian Ocean!

Sri Lanka is a breathtaking country with palm-studded beaches, rolling plantations, and ancient landmarks that are guaranteed to leave you speechless. Food enthusiasts will love the unique blend of Indian, Portuguese, Malay, English, Arab and Dutch cuisine.

Your journey will commence in the picturesque coastal city of Negombo, where you'll meet your local guide.

Spend your first evening taking in the stunning coastline, admiring the fishing boats as they sail by.

Dinner and overnight Negombo.

Day 02 - Negombo l Dambulla

An Ideal Day in Sri Lanka: Explore Local Culture and Cuisine Looking for an exciting day trip in Sri Lanka?

Start your day early with a visit to the Negombo fish market, located at the edge of a lagoon. Here, witness the lively action and purchase the freshest lobsters, crabs, and prawns in the area. As you stroll through the market, take in the sights and sounds of the sellers' calls advertising their products and the mounds of seafood.

Then, head over to a coconut plantation to learn about the significance of this superfood in Sri Lankan culture.

Discover how every part of the tree is useful, try the refreshing water of a king coconut, and observe the 'toddy tappers' extract palm wine from coconut sap. Afterward, indulge in a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch before making your way to Dambulla, home to elaborately adorned cave temples, natural wonders, and historic sites.

In the evening, feel free to explore at your leisure or join your guide on a street food crawl to experience some of Sri Lanka's staple "short eats," including the famous hoppers – bowlshaped, savory pancakes.

Dinner and overnight Negombo.

Day 03 - Dambulla

A Day Trip to Sigiriya: Exploring Ancient Ruins and Agriculture Begin your day with a hearty breakfast before embarking on a short drive to Sigiriya.

Once there, you'll have the chance to climb to the top of Lion Rock and explore the ancient fortress complex, which includes fifth-century frescos, terraced gardens, and fountains (expect about a 2.5-hour round-trip hike, with stairs). This 200-meter-high relic of a defensive capital was built by a king gripped by fear. The next stop is a nearby chena cultivation area, where you can observe traditional agriculture methods that have been used for centuries.

This type of cultivation is particularly popular in the dry zones of the country, where it only rains for a few months each year. The principal crops are tropical vegetables, cereals, grains, yams, and corn. For lunch, indulge in tropical veggies, tapioca curry, and fried fish from the nearby lake. In the late afternoon, return to Dambulla to wander through the wholesale market, known for its abundance of fresh food.

Here, you can find a diverse array of produce, much of which is transported to Colombo for sale. The rest of the evening is yours to enjoy.

Take a stroll through town or relax with a drink. Dambulla's markets are surrounded by plenty of restaurants, and your guide will have some recommendations for the best roti in the area.

Dinner and overnight Dambulla.

Day 04 - Kandy

Located high on a cliff face are the impressive Dambulla Cave Temples.

You’ll have time to explore these this morning and admire the many Buddha images, frescoes and paintings. On the way to the physical and spiritual heart of the country and the former home of the last Sri Lankan king, stop for lunch at a spice garden in the renowned spice-growing region of Matale.

Sri Lankans are the masters of spice and here you can learn how spices aren’t just used in food, but also cosmetics and ayurvedic medicine. Smell the fragrant cumin, cinnamon and curry leaves before tasting pumpkin curry flavoured with aromatic fenugreek, with a side of dry chilli sambol and the uniquely Sri Lankan coconut roti.

Continue on to Kandy and arrive by late afternoon. A pleasant city surrounded by lush green countryside, Kandy is home to a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants. This evening observe locals worshipping in Kandy’s Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred shrines that houses a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha.

With your free evening, perhaps follow the sound of rhythmic chopping to watch a chef transform a ball of dough into a huge sheet of wafer-thin roti, skilfully slice, griddle, mix with vegetables and spices and create kottu roti.

Explore the Dambulla Cave Temples in Sri Lanka, situated high on a cliff face, in the morning.

These magnificent temples contain numerous Buddha images, paintings, and frescoes. On the way to the spiritual and physical heart of the country, which was once the home of the last Sri Lankan king, take a lunch break at a spice garden located in the esteemed spice-growing region of Matale. Sri Lankans are skilled at using spices not only in food but also in cosmetics and ayurvedic medicine.

Take in the aroma of cumin, cinnamon, and curry leaves before tasting the pumpkin curry, which is seasoned with the fragrant fenugreek, along with a side of dry chilli sambol and the unique Sri Lankan coconut roti.

Later, arrive in Kandy, a pleasant city surrounded by lush green countryside, by late afternoon. Kandy boasts a picturesque lake, traditional shops, a bustling market, and some excellent restaurants. In the evening, witness the locals worshipping at the Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), one of Sri Lanka's most sacred shrines that houses a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha.

You have a free evening, so why not follow the rhythmic chopping sounds to watch a chef transform dough into a large sheet of wafer-thin roti, slice it with skill, mix it with vegetables and spices, and create kottu roti.

Dinner and overnight Kandy.

Day 05 - Kandy

A Day in Kandy: Guided Walk, Sightseeing, and Sri Lankan Cooking Class Begin your day with a delightful guided walk around the bustling city centre of Kandy.

The tour includes a visit to the Central Market, where you can sample fresh local fruits. The remainder of the day is yours to explore. Kandy is home to numerous monasteries, a National Museum, and many scenic walks that you can embark on. The botanical gardens are among the best in Asia and worth a visit. In the early evening, join a Sinhalese family and indulge in a Kandyan sweet-filled Sri Lankan dinner while learning how to cook it.

You will have the opportunity to try your hand at crafting string hoppers, an art that requires some practice to master. Try the chicken curry made with coconut milk infused with spices, which is similar to a Thai curry and distinct from a North Indian one.

End your meal with specialty sweets inspired by Dutch and Portuguese dessert traditions.

Dinner and overnight Kandy.

Day 06 - Bandarawela.

Explore the Highlands and Experience Local Life in Bandarawela Capture the picturesque scenery as you embark on a journey to Bandarawela. Pass by stunning waterfalls and quaint villages as you make your way up the mountains to this charming town in the cool highlands.

Once a favorite among British plantation managers, Bandarawela offers a panoramic view of lush green tea bushes and vegetable gardens. In the evening, take a peek into the local way of living and participate in a cooking demonstration followed by a traditional dinner hosted in a local home.

Dinner and overnight Bandarawela.

Day 07 - Bandarawela

Experience the Best of Sri Lanka's Tea Plantations and Tamil Cuisine.

Begin your day early with a visit to the lush tea plantations of the region. Learn about the country's most significant export and meet local tea pickers who will guide you through their craft, and even let you try your hand at picking and weighing tea before it heads off to the factory.

Take a moment to savor a freshly brewed cup of tea at the source before traveling to Haputale for a taste of Tamil cuisine with a home-cooked lunch prepared by a local family. Relish in traditional dishes like dosa (a crispy rice pancake) and idli (a savory steamed rice cake served with curry sauces or chutneys).

Return to Bandarawela in the late afternoon and take in the town's rural charm and the stunning landscapes that surround it.

Dinner and overnight Bandarawela.

Day 08 - Yala/Udawalawe National Park

Explore the Wonders of Yala National Park (or Udawalawe National Park).

Take a scenic drive to Yala National Park (or Udawalawe National Park in the off season) and witness the diverse ecosystems that the park has to offer. Be astounded by the wide variety of wildlife that you will encounter, including sloth bears and a plethora of birds.

In the evening, participate in a safari tour and use your binoculars to spot for elusive leopards that relax in trees or prowl through the foliage, crocodiles that patrol the river, or wild elephants that graze across the grasslands.

Please note that during inclement weather such as heavy rainfall, it may be challenging to visit the national parks, and alternatively, an activity will be arranged for you.

Dinner and overnight Yala.

Day 09 - Mirissa

Experience Sri Lanka's Culinary Delights and Southern Coastline.

Start your day off with an authentic Sri Lankan favourite – buffalo curd, a delicious and sweet snack that's served in bright terracotta pots and drizzled with golden treacle. This delicacy is a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth! Afterward, head to the stunning beach village of Mirissa and indulge in a delicious lunch of biryani and watalappam (a delectable coconut custard pudding).

Spend the rest of the day exploring the golden sands of Sri Lanka's southern coastline. The beach is a long curve of sand with clear waters, perfect for swimming and enjoying the incredible sunsets. Take a bicycle ride or tuk-tuk to watch colourful fishing boats bringing back their fresh catch to sell along the shore, or board a boat to spot whales and dolphins.

If you prefer to relax, grab a beer and sit back to watch surfers take on the waves. This is a paradise that you won't want to leave!

Dinner and overnight Mirissa.

Day 10 - Mirissa

Experience Local Life with a Fisherman and Visit the Charming Township of Galle.

This morning, get a glimpse into the daily life of a local fisherman and learn about their craft. Discover how their lives have changed since the tsunami while enjoying the freshest seafood lunch with the fisherman's family – don't miss the delicious crab curry!

Afterward, head to the charming colonial township of Galle, where European architecture and South Asian traditions blend together seamlessly. In the evening, explore the Royal Dutch Fort and its 400 years of rich history. Wander through the narrow, gallery-filled streets and get lost in the winding maze of this historic fort. Return to Mirissa for a good night's rest.

Dinner and overnight Mirissa.

Day 11 - Colombo

The Final Stop on Your Food Adventure: Discover Colombo

For your last food destination, journey north to Colombo, the commercial hub of Sri Lanka. This city offers a blend of vibrant street markets, historic landmarks, intriguing museums, delectable eateries and excellent shopping prospects. Explore the streets filled with street food, short eats and popular local restaurants. Indulge in a final Dutch Burgher-influenced meal and commemorate the end of your food journey with new friends.

Dinner and overnight Colombo.

Day 12 - Colombo l Airport

Your food adventure in Sri Lanka comes to an end this morning.

There are no activities planned for this final day and you are free to leave at any time or leave for your departure flight.

Inclusions :

• Accommodation in standard rooms as per the itinerary

• Transport is based on 01 Air-conditioned Luxury private vehicle

• Service of an English-speaking Chauffeur Guide during sightseeing tour

• Entrance and service fees mentioned on the itinerary

• 4 star hotel accomodation and can be upgraded if required at an extra cost

• All current taxes as on date

• Parking and highway tickets

Exclusions :

• Sri Lanka Visa

• Cost of Lunch & Dinner during the tour (if not mentioned in the itinerary)

• Any International Airfare / Airport taxes

• Any change in tax structure resulting from the hike in published tariff.

• Items of personal nature like tips, laundry, phone calls etc.

• Any video / still camera fee to the monuments and places of visit

• Any other item not explicitly mentioned under price includes.

• Bar, telephone and laundry bills

• Tips to guides, restaurants, and hotel lobby. Tipping is expected.

• Any others expenses

Other Conditions :

Optional excursions and additional services could be provided for which we will charge additionally. Visits to wildlife parks will be at client's own risk.

Safari vehicles (none air-conditioned) available are very basic with basic insurance cover (not comprehensive as in the case of vehicles used for tours).