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.
5th & 6th Nights - Sigiriya
Your culinary adventures in Sigiriya will feature fresh leafy Mallung, freshwater fish and a whole host of seasonal vegetables. The drive down to Sigiriya is quite scenic, and along the way, you are likely to spot many birds and animals, including the iconic Sri Lankan wild elephant. Your destination, Sigiriya, is the home of the famed Sigiriya Rock fortress. Complex water features, landscaped gardens, amazing 360 degree views and many mysteries await you here. The marvels continue at Polonnaruwa too, which you will visit on the following day. This sprawling ancient city is dotted with palaces, shrines, monasteries, pavilions, parks, ponds and irrigation lakes.
After enjoying an early breakfast in Jaffna, continue your Sri Lankan culinary journey with a drive down to Sigiriya, which is in the middle of the Cultural Triangle. After check-in, you can explore the hotel surroundings and enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan lunch with regional specialities. The exploration of the Sigiriya fortress grounds will begin in the late afternoon and the scenic climb up the Lion Rock is timed so that you will be at the top just in time for sunset. After taking in the amazing panoramic views, you will return to the hotel to rest, relax and enjoy an amazing dinner.
The excursion to Polonnaruwa takes place after breakfast and with the route skirting around the Minneriya National Park, wild elephant sightings are on the cards. This 13th century capital city is a sprawling complex featuring multiple water features, temples, buildings and a multi-story palace which can be explored by foot or on bicycle. Your culinary tour to Polonnaruwa includes lunch at a home-style restaurant, with an authentic clay pot meal experience that is packed with delicious Sri Lankan dishes and sweets. At the end of the excursion, you will return to Sigiriya and engage in a culinary lesson with the chef who will teach you to make an absolute Sri Lankan favourite, Kottu!
7th & 8th Nights - Kandy
The journey to Kandy has a couple of interesting excursions on the way which require a stop in the city of Dambulla. The first is modern and involves a visit to one of the biggest fresh produce trading hubs, and the second takes you to a cave temple that dates back to the first century BCE. Kandy, the hill country capital city of the last Sri Lankan King, is full of legends, mediaeval palaces, spice trails and sacred temples. Your culinary adventures here will be a mix of traditional Sri Lankan foods and the popular dish of Indian origin, Biriyani!
A short drive after breakfast will bring you to the Dambulla fruit & vegetable market which is a massive hub for fresh produce trading. After touring the market and sampling various produce, you can head over to the adjacent Dambulla Cave Temple. You can explore the 5 sacred caves of this World Heritage Site and also climb the gently sloping Dambulla Rock to enjoy panoramic views of the surroundings. A delicious Sri Lankan lunch awaits you in Dambulla, after which you will resume your journey to Kandy. Arrive in time for sunset and head over to the hotel bar to enjoy quirky cool varieties of Arrack (alcohol made from the fermented sap of coconut flowers) cocktails!
Soon after breakfast you will be taken to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, one of the most sacred places of worship for Buddhists, to witness the Thewawa which is a daily sacred ritual. Your Sri Lankan gastronomic tour resumes on the Spice Trail, where you will learn about Sri Lankan herbs and spices from the host, who will also treat you to a home cooked lunch. Thereafter, you can explore the royal complex and Kandy Lake at your own pace, returning to the hotel in the evening in time for a culinary lesson with the chef to make one of Kandy’s beloved dishes, Polos curry which is made from young JackFruit.
9th Night - Nuwara Eliya
Freshly brewed teas, strawberries and cream, and piping hot meals await you in the chilly little town of Nuwara Eliya. This popular holiday destination, also known as “Little England”, is more about a relaxed way of life and your exploration here will be at a leisurely pace. The gourmet tour will be dominated by fresh produce that’s grown at higher elevations. Being at the heart of the tea country, you will chat with tea pluckers, get a deep understanding of how the finest tea in the world is made, and taste a variety of Ceylon Tea fresh from the factory.
Your drive further up the hills to Nuwara Eliya is filled with lush green tea estates and waterfalls. Along the way we will meet tea pluckers and locals, and then take a break at a local tea boutique to have a warm cuppa. We will then visit a Hindu temple for blessings, where you will understand the local customs and beliefs. After a delicious lunch at the hotel, you can rest up or explore the locality at your own pace. In the evening, your culinary journey continues with a tea factory tour to understand how Ceylon Tea is made and also engage in some tea tasting.
10th & 11th Nights - Ella
The morning brings a delightful culinary lesson and a visit to a farm in Nuwara Eliya. Then, it’s time to switch up the mode of travel and hitch a ride on a train to your next destination – Ella! The ride is wonderfully scenic and will give you the opportunity to chat and connect with locals, and continue your culinary tour of Sri Lanka by sampling local snacks – samosas, vadeys, kadala, achcharu and more – sold on the train. The Ella region is perched on a cliff and is filled with views for days, spectacular waterfalls, a cool climate and warm, welcoming people. Be prepared for amazing hikes, waterfall bathing, great nightlife and awesome street food!
Your food tour of Sri Lanka continues with a culinary lesson to make Kiribath (Milk Rice) and Seeni Sambol (caramelised, sweetened onions) conducted by the chef at your hotel, followed by a visit to a farm to meet the farming community and learn traditional high elevation cultivation processes. You’ll be dropped off at Nanu Oya station and the train will take you on a scenic ride all the way to Ella, where your chauffeur will be waiting for you. After checking into the hotel, feel free to explore your surroundings, engage in some adventure sports, and check out the vibrant nightlife and varied cuisines in the area.
Your first stop after breakfast will be the highly Instagrammed Nine Arches Bridge. Occasionally, the train pauses on the bridge to give visitors a special photo opportunity, so keep your fingers crossed for that. From there, you’ll be taken for a hike up Little Adam’s Peak where you can see the most spellbinding scenery over the highlands. After the hike you can cool off with a bath at the Kombukara waterfall, and continue your culinary adventures with a delicious meal of Coconut Roti, a spicy onion sambol known as Lunu Miris and freshly brewed tea at a local village shop.
12th Night - Yala
Culinary holidays to Sri Lanka aren’t only about the food, so it’s time to head all the way to the Deep South and the vast jungles of Yala National Park for some exciting sightings! This leg of your journey will introduce you to more wildlife than ever before. Leopards, Elephants, Crocodiles, Sambar, Eagles, Snakes, Peacocks… the list is never ending and the best part is you’ll probably see most of them without even going into the Park! En route to Yala, there will be a stop at a rural village to gain an understanding of traditional village agriculture practices and how it leads to sustainable food production.
After an early breakfast, your culinary journey will take you to an agricultural village, where the rural way of life is still in existence. Here you will learn about the Chena cultivation system, go on a boat ride at the adjacent lake and learn more about rural Sri Lankan cuisine. After enjoying a traditional lunch, made with locally harvested produce, inside a Chena hut, you will be driven to a safari camp bordering Yala National Park. At night you will be treated to an alfresco candle light dinner experience under the stars, and partake in a night walk along the borders of the Park.
13th Night - Galle
It’s time to head out from the deep jungles of Yala, and journey to the culture rich coastal town of Galle. Undoubtedly, the most prominent feature of this town is the famous Galle Fort. This UNESCO World Heritage site was originally built by the Portuguese, extended by the Dutch and modified by the British during their respective colonisations. Today, it is a beautifully eclectic mix of cosy homes, cafes with fusion cuisines that are making waves in food tourism in Asia, intriguing stores, quirky hotels and art galleries frequented by travellers, artists, writers, photographers and designers. The best way to experience it all would be to stay within the Fort, and that is precisely what you will be doing!
Your day will start early with a safari at dawn, and a hearty picnic breakfast will be included to maximise your time in the Park. After the safari, you will be driven to Galle and meet a farmer on the way who will introduce you to the process of making Buffalo Curd. After checking into your hotel, you will be taken on a guided walking tour of the Fort. In keeping with the fusion of cultures, your lunch will introduce you to the world of Lamprais – a Dutch influenced rice dish with many delicious components – and dessert will consist of Wattalappam – a signature dish of Sri Lankan Muslims, made with Jaggery. You are free to explore the Fort thereafter at your own leisure.
Your culinary adventures in Sri Lanka will end with a sumptuous breakfast, and thereafter you will be chauffeured to the airport to catch your departure flight bringing to a close your 14-day curated food tour of Sri Lanka.
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
$ 3,185
1-2 persons
$ 2,558
3-4 persons
$ 2,327
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.
Morning Star Guest House
Set in Negombo, this property is a 2-minute walk from the Negombo beach.
Arachchi Heritage
Arachchi Heritage is located overlooking the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura.
Jaffna Heritage Hotel
Since 2012, Jaffna Heritage Hotel has led the way in Jaffna as the top hospitality provider for guests.
The Other Corner
Situated on a sizable 5-acre property close to the village of Habarana, these chalets are concealed from view, providing seclusion and sanctuary while you...
Viyana Boutique Kandy
Overlooking Kandy, Lake Viyana Boutique Hotel is the ideal starting point for excursions to interesting sites in and around Kandy, or simply to unwind...
Hill Club Nuwara Eliya
The Hill Club is an exclusive members only Club, established in 1876, by the British Planters, and continues as a prestigious destination set in...
Country Homes
Ella is without doubt one of Sri Lanka’s most appealing attractions. Country Homes Ella is a picturesque eco-friendly retreat nestled amidst lush greenery in...
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
Mango House Galle Fort
Mango House, a spacious Dutch colonial-style home in the centre of the famed Galle Fort, combines traditional elegance with a modern, edgy vibe.
Plush
Accommodation
$ 3,823
1-2 persons
$ 3,196
3-4 persons
$ 2,965
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.
Goldi Sands Hotel
Your chance to laze and luxuriate directly on the shore of the Indian Ocean and let balmy ocean rhythms lull you at any time...
Arachchi Heritage
Arachchi Heritage is located overlooking the Tissa Wewa in Anuradhapura.
Fox Resort Jaffna
Fox Resorts Jaffna is a boutique resort nestled among Jaffna's gently swaying palm palms, located near Kokuvil, only 10 minutes outside of Jaffna...
Amaara Forest Sigiriya
Amaara Forest Hotel Sigiriya is ideal for getting away from the city and is nestled in 22 acres of thick forest.
Fox Resort Kandy
Built atop a cliff overlooking the beautiful hill capital of Sri Lanka, Fox Kandy by Fox Resorts offers picturesque views of the verdant hills...
Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
Situated on Nuwara Eliya Hill, adjacent to the Golf Course and surrounded by cool tropical greenery, akin to an English summer, the Grand Hotel...
EKHO Ella
Trip Advisors Travellers Choice Winner for 2020, misty, dreamlike EKHO Ella is located in close proximity to well-known tourist destinations, hiking trails, and many...
Big Game Yala by Eco Team
The Big Game Camp site by Eco Team is located close to the Yala National Park and it takes 15 to 20 minutes to...
The Fort Printers
The Printers building, which dates back to the 18th century, has operated as a college and then as the site of a conventional printing...
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 7,012
1-2 persons
$ 6,385
3-4 persons
$ 6,154
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 Hundira Negombo
Villa Hundira is a private and unique lagoon side villa nestled in the back roads of the Negombo lagoon, located just 20 minutes from...
Ulagalla Anuradhapura
Located off Anuradhapura, Ulagalla has a touch of traditional elegance and royalty.
Mahesha Bawan
Another gem from the Jetwing collection, Mahesa Bawan is the first luxury villa in Jaffna, the island's historic Northern capital.
Water Garden Sigiriya
Explore secret gardens, meditate by a serene lake, or relax in a private plunge pool and take in the breathtaking view of the ancient...
Radh Hotel
A haven of serenity and unrivalled elegance, the Radh Hotel is magnificently set in Kandy's old hill capital and centrally located, making it an...
Langdale Boutique Hotel
Another delightful offering from the boutique collection by Amaya, Langdale Boutique Hotel is a cheerful, laid-back hotel in aon old British colonial-style, 12 kms...
Nine Skies Ella
This elegantly renovated five-bedroom tea bungalow-hotel is serenely situated on a tea-fringed hill close to Ella, promising expansive hill country views.
Mahoora Yala by Eco Team
Part of the Mahoora Camp portfolio by Eco Team, Mahoora puts you closer to Katagamuwa, the less-used entrance to Yala National Park, and on...
Galle Fort Hotel
A trip to Sri Lanka isn't complete without spending a few days (or more) in Galle. Galle Fort Hotel is 6 minutes’ walk from...
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.
5 - 6 Hours
Explore Negombo
Engage in an exciting series of activities in the fishing town Negombo, famous for its golden sandy beaches and lagoon, located just a few...
Negombo
Colombo
6 Hours
Jaffna Food & Community Experience with a Local Host
Experience “Yalpanam” : Northern Capital of Sri Lanka & Dive into the Rich Flavours, Culture and History.
Jaffna
Full day
Jaffna Peninsula Discovery
A Full Day Historical and Cultural Adventure Beyond the City Limits.
Jaffna
4 hours
The Human Family Meets The Monkey Family
Experience a unique and remarkable opportunity to meet the primate actors of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom amidst the remains of the mediaeval capital.
Polonnaruwa
Sigiriya
Dambulla
3 - 4 Hours
Ceylon Tea Experience at a Working Tea Plantation
Experience the art of renowned Ceylon tea-making by visiting a beautiful tea garden and an award-winning factory.
Kandy
Nuwara Eliya
Ella
Knuckles
3 hours
The World’s Greatest Leopard Safari – Yala National Park
Yala National Park is synonymous with Leopard-topia– holding the largest leopard population in the world, per kilometer. Globally recognised as being not just the...
Yala
2 - 3 Hours
Galle Fort with a Storyteller
Discover world heritage Galle Fort with a one-of-a-kind host.
Galle
Tangalle & South Coast
Bentota & West Coast