Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure

Welcome to Sri Lanka! Arrive in the seaside city of Negombo, where palm-fringed beaches and colourful fishing boats set the scene. Meet your local leader and fellow travelers for a 6pm welcome meeting. Spend your first evening exploring the coastline, getting to know your travel companions, and perhaps savouring your first taste of Sri Lankan cuisine together.

Rise early to experience the vibrant Negombo fish market, renowned for its fresh seafood. Journey to a coconut plantation to learn about the versatile uses of the coconut tree, taste king coconut water, and witness toddy tappers in action. After enjoying a traditional rice and curry lunch, head inland to Dambulla. In the evening, explore local street food with your guide, sampling famous Sri Lankan short eats like hoppers.

Visit the iconic Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, and climb to its ancient fortress. Witness Chena cultivation, one of the oldest forms of agriculture in Sri Lanka, and enjoy a lunch of tropical vegetables, curry, and fresh catch. Later, tour the bustling Dambulla wholesale market, which showcases the region's agricultural diversity. The evening is free for your own food adventures.

Explore the impressive Dambulla Cave Temples, adorned with Buddha images and frescoes. En route to Kandy, stop at a spice garden in Matale to learn about the country's spice heritage and enjoy a flavourful lunch. In Kandy, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and experience the city's vibrant atmosphere. The evening is free for you to explore local culinary delights.

Take a guided walk around Kandy's city centre, visiting the Central Market and sampling local fruits. Tour a tea factory to learn about the production of Sri Lanka's famous tea. In the evening, join a Sinhalese family for a cooking class and dinner, where you'll learn to make string hoppers and enjoy a feast of traditional sweets.

Journey through the scenic highlands to Bandarawela, passing waterfalls and lush tea plantations. In the evening, visit a local home for a cooking demonstration and traditional dinner, experiencing the warmth and hospitality of Sri Lankan culture.

Hike through tea fields in the morning, meeting local tea pickers and learning about their craft. Travel to Haputale for a home-cooked Tamil lunch featuring dosa and idli. Return to Bandarawela in the late afternoon to relax and soak up the serene surroundings.

Drive to Yala National Park (or Udawalawe National Park during the off-season) for an evening safari. Keep your eyes peeled for leopards, elephants, and a variety of bird species. Enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife of this remarkable park.

Taste buffalo curd with treacle for breakfast before traveling to Mirissa. Enjoy a delicious biryani and watalappam lunch en route. Spend the afternoon relaxing on the beautiful beaches of Mirissa or exploring the local area. Optional activities include whale watching or visiting the local fish market.

Meet a local fisherman in the morning and learn about their trade. Enjoy a fresh seafood lunch with a fisherman's family. In the afternoon, explore the colonial town of Galle, with its blend of European and South Asian influences. Return to Mirissa for the night.

Travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka's bustling commercial capital. Take a city tour, sampling street food and exploring markets. Enjoy a final Dutch Burgher-influenced meal with your travel companions, celebrating the end of your food adventure.