Welcome to Sri Lanka! Your adventure begins in Negombo, a coastal city known for its palm-studded beaches and vibrant fishing scene. Join your local leader and fellow travelers for a 6 PM welcome meeting. Spend your first evening exploring the coastline, getting to know your group, and savoring your first taste of Sri Lankan cuisine at a local restaurant.
Awake early to experience the lively Negombo fish market, where you’ll encounter an array of fresh seafood. Next, visit a coconut plantation to learn about the significance of coconuts in Sri Lankan life, enjoying a refreshing king coconut drink along the way. After a delicious Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch, journey inland to Dambulla, famous for its remarkable cave temples. The evening is free for exploration, and you might want to join your leader for an optional street food crawl to sample local snacks like hoppers.
After breakfast, drive to Sigiriya to explore the ancient fortress of Lion Rock. The climb offers breathtaking views and an insight into the site’s history. Enjoy a lunch featuring tropical vegetables and local fish before heading back to Dambulla to visit the wholesale market, where you’ll find a vibrant selection of fresh produce. The rest of your evening is yours to discover local culinary delights.
Start your day with a visit to the Dambulla Cave Temples, filled with stunning Buddha images and frescoes. Stop for lunch at a spice garden in Matale, where you’ll learn about the culinary and medicinal uses of Sri Lankan spices. Arrive in Kandy by late afternoon and visit the Temple of the Tooth, an important religious site. Spend the evening experiencing local cuisine, perhaps by watching a chef prepare kottu roti.
Begin with a guided walk around Kandy’s bustling city center, sampling fresh local fruits at the Central Market. Visit a tea factory to discover the tea-making process. Enjoy the rest of the day at your leisure, exploring Kandy’s sights or relaxing. In the evening, participate in a Sinhalese cooking class where you’ll learn to prepare traditional dishes, including string hoppers and curry.
Take a scenic journey to Bandarawela, passing picturesque landscapes. Upon arrival, enjoy a cooking demonstration and dinner at a local home, experiencing authentic flavors and hospitality.
Rise early for a hike through the stunning tea plantations, learning about tea picking from local workers. Afterward, head to Haputale for a home-cooked Tamil lunch, indulging in traditional dishes like dosa and idli. Return to Bandarawela to soak in the town’s rural charm.
Travel to Yala National Park (or Udawalawe National Park during the off-season) for a wildlife safari, keeping an eye out for leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species. Enjoy a night in a local hotel.
Start your day tasting buffalo curd with treacle before heading to Mirissa. Enjoy a delicious biryani and watalappam for lunch, then relax on the beach or explore the area.
Meet a local fisherman to learn about their craft and enjoy a freshly prepared seafood lunch with their family. Next, explore the historic Galle Fort, immersing yourself in its rich colonial history.
Travel to Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka. Explore bustling street markets and savor a final Dutch Burgher-influenced meal. Spend the evening reminiscing about your culinary journey with new friends.
Your Sri Lankan food adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned for your final day, allowing you to depart at your convenience.