Sri Lanka culture & food tour

Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport - Negombo

Day 1: Welcome to Sri Lanka!

After touching down, you will be warmly received by a representative in the arrivals lounge at Colombo's international airport. From there, transfer to Negombo, a popular beach destination on the west coast.

Take a leisurely seaside walk to observe the local fishermen, traditional fishing catamarans, old Catholic churches, and Portuguese and Dutch architecture. You'll find many roadside bars to enjoy a beer and snacks in, if you wish, before settling down in your hotel for the night.

Negombo - Hamilton Canal - Kandy

Day 2: The highlights of Negombo & Kandy

Today you will experience the calm waters of the Hamiton Canal, a Dutch-built canal system later fortified by the British in 1802. A picturesque boat trip will take you on an authentic journey for insight into Sri Lankan fishing culture, its people and their lifestyles.

Pass through the quaint seaside village of Negombo to observe its residents and their daily lives, before continuing on to the Negombo Lagoon and visiting Lellama, a fresh fish market on the seashore. The catches of the day vary, but typically include cuttlefish, crabs, lobsters and shrimp! You will also be shown how the locals prepare their nets, launch their boats, and dry excess fish in the sun. As you then make your way through the mangrove-lined lagoon into the Muthurajawela Marshes, keep your eyes peeled for monkeys, ergets, herons, kingfishers and cormorants - this landscape teems with wildlife!

Afterwards, you will be transferred on a four-hour drive from Negombo into the central highlands, arriving into one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful cities, Kandy. Pay an afternoon visit to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, then witness a cultural folk show that includes dancing, traditional drumming, and entertainers walking on fire!

Kandy

Day 3: Cultural & culinary immersion in Kandy

The best way to immerse yourself in the hustle and bustle of Kandy's food markets is with the help of a local family; they will show you the tricks of the trade and unique spices found nowhere else. The colorful stalls are laden with fresh produce - vegetables, meats, spices and herbs, which can be purchased at a fraction of the cost back home.

Having chosen some tasty ingredients, you'll head to their home in the rural village of Kobbekaduwa, and get stuck into preparing a mouthwatering Sri Lankan feast. After being treated to a refreshing fruit juice, you'll clean and chop the vegetables, pound the herbs and spices with a stone mortar, and break coconuts to scrape out the flesh. Learn how to extract coconut milk by hand and how to kindle a traditional wooden hearth. While you dice, chop, simmer and sauté, your host will talk you through the delicate balance of spices that make Sri Lankan cuisine so distinctive. Once everything is plated up, take a seat on the veranda and enjoy your meal together.

After lunch, set out on a leisurely, guided cultural walk into a local village. Here you will be introduced to the community and learn about their daily lives. Many involve themselves in cottage industries, weaving reed baskets, making traditional sweets, producing kithul jaggery, and home gardening. Spend some time with a local family, as they show you how they make incense sticks; you may get to see how kithul syrup is made, and you could even purchase some products to take home with you! The walk will end with a cup of tea in one of the villager’s homes.

Kandy - Mahiyanganaya - Batticaloa

Day 4: Visit an aboriginal community in Veddha

Today you'll transfer to Batticoloa, visiting a Veddha village en-route to experience the fascinating way of life of its aboriginal people. Interact and dance with them, and walk along a nature trail in the jungle to learn how they hunt for food. You'll then head to your hotel in the afternoon, to relax after your journey.

Batticaloa

Day 5: Deep-dive into the culture of Batticaloa

Guided by a local villager, today you'll get to explore the southern part of Batticaloa, riding along the beach, visiting the fish market, and (depending on the season) exploring local organic gardens. Watch as handloom weavers make colorful sarees and sarongs, and learn about their ancient knowledge of this traditional craft. Then, discreetly observe the midday prayer at the local mosque, with the chance to also interact with the community afterwards.

Today's lunch will be prepared by a local family, and will reflect the typical food of the community. After a tasty meal and a relaxing chat with your host family, you will set out and journey through Kattankudy, a bustling and historic Muslim town. Visit its heritage museum and learn about madrasahs, before heading on to your accommodation to relax for the rest of the day.

Batticaloa - Polonnaruwa - Sigiriya

Day 6: The marvels of Polonnaruwa & Sigiriya

After breakfast, transfer to Sigiriya via Polonnaruwa, with a chance to visit the latter's famous ruins en-route. Here was once a flourishing empire, the second most ancient of Sri Lanka’s kingdoms, and the capital of Sri Lanka from 1017 A.D. to 1235 A.D. Travel back in time to the Golden Age of Polonnaruwa, as you either walk or cycle around the temples, monastery and lotus pond - it's a truly unforgettable experience.

Carry on with an afternoon visit to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, to climb one of the most valuable historical sites in Sri Lanka. Declared by locals as the eighth wonder of world, Sigiriya Rock is both a magnificent fortress and a true bastion of 5th-century regality. The palace is surrounded by vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains. Take time to explore these while you're here; they're definitely worth the extra walk. Marvel at Sigiriya Rock's western wall, which is almost entirely covered with painted frescoes depicting beautiful women.

Sigiriya - Dambulla Cave Temple - Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport

Day 7: A final day of exploring

Your last day in Sri Lanka has arrived! From Sigiriya, you will be transferred to the capital city of Colombo, via Dambulla - a journey of approximately five hours.

A pilgrimage site for the last 22 centuries, Dambulla's extensive cave monastery is the largest, best-preserved cave-temple complex in Sri Lanka. A renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, it rises above the surrounding countryside and provides striking views across the plains of the dry zone in the distance.

You'll also have the chance to visit the Hindu Sri Muthumari Amman Temple in Matale, before ending your trip with a final transfer back to the airport, in time for your flight home. Safe travels and visit again soon!