SRI LANKA REAL FOOD TOUR
12 Days – 11 Nights
Negombo – Dambulla – Kandy – Bandarawela – National Park – Mirissa – Colombo
Discover the best of Sri Lanka with our curated itineraries. Designed to cover almost all the major attractions in the country and can be easily adapted to fit the plans of both international and local travel agents. Exploring these itineraries before planning your holiday will help you find the best and most affordable options for all types of travelers.
Day 01: Arrive in Negombo
Your tour begins in the seaside city of Negombo, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travelers for a 6 pm welcome meeting. Spend your first night enjoying the coastline, getting to know your fellow travelers, and watching the fishing boats float by. You might want to go out for a meal together to sample Sri Lankan cuisine for the first time.
Day 02: Negombo – Dambulla
Wake early to catch the action at the Negombo fish market, renowned for lobsters, crabs, and prawns. Weave through stalls piled high with seafood and gain insight into local commerce. Next, visit a coconut plantation to learn about the significance of this superfood in Sri Lankan life. Sip the water of a king coconut, watch toddy tappers extract palm wine, and taste the results. Enjoy a Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch before heading inland to Dambulla, home to ornately decorated cave temples and surrounded by natural wonders and historic sites. Your evening is free to explore. You might join your leader on an optional street food crawl to sample some staple Sri Lankan ‘short eats’ (snacks), including famous hoppers (bowl-shaped savory pancakes).
Day 03: Dambulla
After breakfast, drive to Sigiriya to climb Lion Rock and visit its ancient fortress complex. This 200-meter-high site features fifth-century frescos, terraced gardens, and splashing fountains. Next, visit a nearby chena cultivation area, one of the oldest forms of agriculture. Enjoy a lunch of tropical vegetables, curry made with tapioca, and fried fish from the nearby lake. In the late afternoon, return to Dambulla to explore the wholesale market, which showcases an incredible array of fresh food. The evening is free for your own food adventures, with plenty of restaurants around the markets. Your leader can offer tips on where to find the best roti in town.
Day 04: Dambulla – Kandy
This morning, explore the impressive Dambulla Cave Temples, which feature numerous Buddha images, frescoes, and paintings. On the way to Kandy, stop for lunch at a spice garden in the renowned spice-growing region of Matale. Learn how spices are used in food, cosmetics, and ayurvedic medicine. Continue to Kandy, arriving by late afternoon. This pleasant city is surrounded by lush green countryside and is home to a picturesque lake, old shops, a bustling market, and great restaurants. In the evening, observe locals worshiping in Kandy’s Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred shrines.
Day 05: Kandy
Start the day with a guided walk around Kandy’s busy city center, including a tour of the Central Market with samples of local fresh fruits. Visit a tea factory on the way. The rest of the day is free to explore Kandy, home to a National Museum, several monasteries, and many scenic walks. In the early evening, join a Sinhalese family for a Sri Lankan dinner and cooking class. Try your hand at making string hoppers, chicken curry, and specialty sweets inspired by Dutch and Portuguese traditions.
Day 06: Kandy – Bandarawela
Take a scenic journey into the highlands to Bandarawela, passing waterfalls, villages, and mountains. Look down over a vista filled with bright green tea bushes and vegetable gardens. Tonight, experience local life with a cooking demonstration and traditional dinner in a local home.
Day 07: Bandarawela
Rise early to explore the region’s tea plantations. Hike through the tea fields, meet local tea pickers, and learn about tea production. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch with a Tamil family in Haputale, featuring traditional Tamil cuisine. Return to Bandarawela in the late afternoon to soak up the rural charm.
Day 08: Yala/Udawalawe National Park
Drive to Yala National Park (or Udawalawe National Park in the off-season) and take an evening safari tour. Look for leopards, crocodiles, and wild elephants. Note that inclement weather may affect park visits, and alternative activities will be arranged if necessary.
Day 09: Yala – Mirissa
Start the day by trying buffalo curd, a favorite local snack. Travel to the beach village of Mirissa, where you can relax or explore the golden sands of Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. Options include taking a bicycle ride, watching fishing boats, or spotting whales and dolphins.
Day 10: Mirissa
Meet with a local fisherman to learn about the craft and enjoy a seafood lunch with a fisherman’s family. Visit the colonial township of Galle in the evening and tour the Royal Dutch Fort. Return to Mirissa for the night.
Day 11: Mirissa – Colombo
Travel to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial heart. Snack your way around lanes filled with short eats, street food, and local eateries. Enjoy a final meal influenced by Dutch Burgher cuisine and celebrate the end of your food adventure with new friends.
Day 12: Colombo – Onward flight
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight.