During this 2 week culinary adventure you will discover history, mysteries and a riot of flavours in regional specialities and street food universally loved by Sri Lankans and travellers.
Your Sri Lankan food tour will take you across the length and breadth of Sri Lanka. Meet fisherfolk in the town of Negombo and sample the freshest seafood; visit the ancient kingdoms of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya with immense histories; meet farmers who champion traditional cultivation methods; taste the absolutely unique Jaffna Crab Curry as well as Jaffna Kool and learn to cook them; witness sacred rituals in Kandy and traverse the Spice Trail; pluck fresh tea leaves and learn the art of the perfect brew in the cool hills of Nuwara Eliya; take in the spectacular views, nightlife and street food in Ella; watch safely from a distance as a leopard stalks its prey in Yala, and experience the multi-cultural smorgasbord of cuisines, arts and architecture that is Galle Fort!
Read MoreYour accommodation will consist of handpicked hotels, designed to minimise time spent in travel, so that you can have the maximum time to enjoy your hotel, destinations, and of course, the amazing cuisine in the area.
Ideal for:
All types of foodies, serious or casual, who would want to experience the food culture in Sri Lanka. Recommended for Solo Travellers / Couples / Friends / Families with kids and teenagers / Small groups consisting of friends and family.
Highlights at glance
- Experience regional specialities such as Jaffna prawn curry, Negombo black pork curry and more.
- Learn to cook regional specialities and authentic Sri Lankan sweets with community hosts and chefs.
- Encounter street food at every stop including Kottu Roti, Hoppers, Isso Wadey, Achcharu, etc.
- Explore the spice trail to learn about the rich flavours of Sri Lanka.
- Indulge in exotic tropical fruits such as Rambutan, Mangosteen, Star Fruit, Ceylon Olive, King Coconut, etc.
- Explore tea estates, coconut plantations, rice fields and Chena cultivations.
- Take a tour of a pottery workshop to learn how traditional cookware is made.
- Visit historical World Heritage Sites such as Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Galle, etc.
- Enjoy a scenic train ride past lush green tea estates in the hill country.
- Stay at a Tented Safari Camp bordering the Yala National Park, experience guided safaris and a delicious BBQ served by a roaring campfire.
1st Night - Negombo
Ayubowan! Welcome to your culinary holiday to Sri lanka. Your first night will be spent at the coastal fishing town of Negombo which is a short distance away from the airport. Although your time here will be brief, there is much to explore here, either on your own or with your trusty personal chauffeur. With golden beaches, churches and buildings influenced by Portuguese, Dutch and British colonisation, fantastic nightlife and a fascinating mix of cuisines, Negombo is a great place to get lost in and make memories.
The first day of your private tour of Sri Lanka can be enjoyed at your own pace. You will be picked up from the airport by your private chauffeur and taken to your hotel. If you arrive during the day, you can explore the town, go on a boat ride along the famous Dutch canal and of course, catch some sun on the wide, golden beaches. At night, the best place to visit is ‘Hotel Road’, which is packed with bars, seafood restaurants and hotels. You can do all of these activities by yourself or accompanied by your chauffeur.
2nd Night - Anuradhapura
After a quick morning excursion in Negombo, it is time to head out to one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. The city of Anuradhapura, founded in 377 BCE, is over 2,000 years old and full of historical and religious significance. Massive man-made lakes, towering dagobas, ancient ruins and vast paddy fields are some of the features dotted about the landscape that you will love visiting. It’s a great place to understand Buddhist culture, rural village life, and, of course, continue your culinary holiday discovering authentic Sri Lankan dishes.
After an early morning visit to a Negombo fish market, it’s time to indulge in a hearty breakfast and set off to Anuradhapura. Your food tour in Sri Lanka continues with stops to enjoy fresh fruits and refreshing King Coconut. You will also get a complete coconut experience, from traditional plucking methods to understanding all the ways a coconut can be used – and we don’t just mean in curries – and also how every part of the tree has a use! A traditional Sri Lankan Rice & Curry lunch awaits you in Anuradhapura, and thereafter, you will go sightseeing around the ancient city, and end the day with Hoppers, Coconut Roti and some delicious curries for dinner.
3rd & 4th Nights - Jaffna
Connected to the rest of the island by a very thin causeway, the peninsula of Jaffna has picturesque islands, a rich culture, amazing food and welcoming, friendly people. Food tours in Sri Lanka wouldn’t be complete without a visit to this region, which will introduce you to a completely new set of flavours to delight the palate. Although the cuisine you encounter is influenced by South India, it has a very distinct identity, with coconut and spices playing a major role in delivering flavour. Fresh seafood dishes, rasam, pittu and hoppers are popular foods here and should not be missed. Jaffna has many must-see locations too, like the Nilavarai Bottomless Well, ancient temples and ruins, and the spectacular Jaffna Fort.
With an early morning start, you will partake in a sacred Bodhi Pooja (sacred Buddhist worshipping ritual) at the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi (the most sacred Bo Tree in Sri Lanka) and head to Jaffna after breakfast. You will continue your Sri Lankan gourmet tour by sampling sweet Karutha Kolumban mangoes and other seasonal fruits along the way. Arrive at your hotel in time for an authentic local lunch featuring the famous Jaffna Crab Curry and other signature specialities. After a brief rest, embark on a city tour and experience the colourful culture, and sample street foods, alcoholic palm toddy made of palm tree sap, and the popular soft drink ‘Nelli Crush’ available across the city. Return to your hotel for another signature meal prepared with fresh local ingredients.
After a delicious breakfast of Thosai, Waday and other Jaffna favourites, head out on a ferry to Delft Island and meet the wild ponies, crossover to other islands and visit Nallur Kovil, the Jaffna Port and the famous Jaffna Library which was once the biggest in Asia, containing over 97,000 books and manuscripts before an unfortunate fire in 1981 destroyed much of it. Your gastronomic tour also includes a culinary lesson with the chef at your hotel, where you will learn to cook an authentic Jaffna Kool using regional ingredients and fresh seafood.
What more to add?
- Early Check-ins or late Checkouts (organised upon confirmation of your flight schedules).
- Nighttime Loris observation trail in Sigiriya.
- Additional nights in any of the locations.
- Additional Safaris in Yala National Park (requires an additional night stay).
- A private boat charter for a Whale Watching boat ride in the seas off Mirissa.
- Additional nights in Galle (beach stay).
You may see the hotels which we have handpicked for you under each accomadation style. However, there are hundreds of other alternative properties for you to select if you wish to and you may mix and match hotels in different categories as well.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 2,000
1-2 persons
$ 3,000
3-4 persons
$ 4,000
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Villa Escondite – Malé
Villa Escondite is well hidden from the tourist trails, located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka.
Plush
Accommodation
$ 3,000
1-2 persons
$ 4,000
3-4 persons
$ 5,000
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Villa Escondite – Malé
Villa Escondite is well hidden from the tourist trails, located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka.
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 1,000
1-2 persons
$ 2,000
3-4 persons
$ 3,000
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Villa Escondite – Malé
Villa Escondite is well hidden from the tourist trails, located in Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka.
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
Sri Lanka is a nation where religion and culture occupy an important place in the day-to-day lives of the local people. It is important to be aware of the customs and practices that are particular to the location you are visiting, so here are a few general tips to keep in mind during your travels. Your guide / chauffeur will assist you with more detailed information.
- If you plan on visiting any temples, ancient or current, you should wear clothing that covers your body from your shoulders down to your knees. Head coverings such as caps or helmets should be removed and shoes must be taken off at the entrance. White coloured clothing is generally a good choice to go with here.
- Some religious places do not allow photography or videography without prior permission and some may not allow it at all. Refer to signage or ask your chauffeur guide about the policy or protocol. Don’t try to photograph or take videos without permission.
- If you have any tattoos associated with Buddhism, Hinduism or Islamism, it’s best that you cover them completely in public places.
- Smoking is prohibited in indoor public places, workplaces and on public transport.
Included:
- Accommodation for 13 nights on Half Board at all hotels except Mango House, Jetwing Mahesha Bawan (BB basis)/ Nine Skies Ella, Mahoora Camp Yala (All inclusive). All accommodation is on a Double or Twin sharing basis.
- Transportation via air-conditioned car / micro van with an English speaking chauffeur throughout the tour including Airport Transfers.
- Chauffeur’s accommodation, meals and fees.
- Jeep Safari in the Yala National Park in a Private Jeep including private guide, entry permit costs & government tracker fees.
- Entry Permits to all the sites, temples, museums & monuments mentioned in the itinerary.
- Costs of all experiences, community visits, hikes and village walks mentioned in the itinerary.
- Service charges at the hotels & applicable taxes by the Sri Lankan Government at the time of booking.
Not Included:
- Any International or Domestic flights.
- Any Visa fee or ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) fee.
- Any additional beverage or food.
- Early Check in or Late Checkout Charges at Hotels.
- Cost of optional activities / sites.
- Tips to the staff.
- Any mandatory supplement by the government.
- Any expenses of a personal nature (telephone, laundry, hotel extra bills, etc.).
- Any other expense, other than those mentioned in the inclusions list above.
- Single room supplement.
About pricing:
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
3 hours
Malé Street Food Experience
Experience Colombo through its colourful, aromatic, multicultural cuisines on this 3-hour evening walking tour.
Malé