Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure

12 Days | Take a bite out of Sri Lanka on a food-filled exploration

4.9 out of 5 based on 57 reviews submitted.
Food
From
ZAR  36,979
View dates and book

Hungry for adventure? This food-focused journey through Sri Lanka hits the spot. Explore the fish market in Negombo, take part in a Sinhalese cooking class in a local home in Kandy, tuck into a Tamil family lunch in Haputale and enjoy a cooking demonstration with a fisherman’s family in Mirissa. Lie back on the coast, cool down in the highlands and weave through the streets of the buzzing capital. When you’re not busy eating, you’ll explore the rich culture of Sri Lanka: elaborate temples, ancient fortresses and wildlife-filled countryside. So, what are you waiting for? Dig in!

Trip overview

Map of Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure including Sri Lanka
Start
Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finish
Colombo, Sri Lanka
Theme
Food
Destinations
Sri Lanka
Physical rating
Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
Style
Original
Ages
Min 15
Group size
Min 1 - Max 12
Trip code
HPZM
This trip generates 36 kg of CO2-e per person per day.
We offset these emissions on your behalf. But we know that is not enough, so we also have a carbon reduction target.

Why you'll love this trip
  • Take a look behind closed doors when you’re invited for a home-cooked Tamil lunch in Haputale and feast on a freshly caught meal with a fisherman’s family in Mirissa.
  • Learn the secrets of Sri Lankan cuisine during a cooking class in a Sinhalese home in Kandy and a demonstration in a local home in Bandarawela.
  • Experience some of Sri Lanka’s most remarkable sights, including Lion Rock, the Dambulla Cave Temples, the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, Yala National Park and Galle Fort.
  • Spoil your tastebuds with flavour-filled curries, seriously fresh seafood, sweet desserts, roti, hoppers, dosa, idli and more.
  • Discover Sri Lanka’s favourite beverage when you visit a tea plantation in Bandarawela, meeting local tea pickers, learning about their craft and tasting a freshly brewed cuppa.

Is this trip right for you?
  • The cuisine of Sri Lanka includes a lot of meat and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to Sri Lanka which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.
  • We visit a number of temples on this trip, which requires a certain level of modesty. Please bring clothes that cover the arms and pants/skirts that go past the knees. A light scarf is also a good idea for covering shoulders and arms when it’s hot.
  • Though its equatorial position means fairly constant year-round temperatures, the summer months in Sri Lanka are very hot with short, sharp monsoons in the south-west of the country. Be sure to use adequate sun protection and drink plenty of water.
  • The Rock Fortress – or Lion Rock – of Sigiriya is spectacular. However, those with a fear of (or even an aversion to) heights may wish to sit the excursion out. Scaling the rock involves walking up lots of rough, narrow steps and tight walkways.
  • In September and October, when Yala National Park is closed annually for infrastructure development and rejuvenation, we visit Udawalawe National Park.
  • Yala National Park is a beautiful, but popular tourist attraction. At times of high visitor numbers, we will change our itinerary to visit Udawalawe National Park. This is to minimise our impact on the wildlife and environment. Please refer to the Itinerary for more details.

Itinerary

Map of Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure including Sri Lanka

Inclusions

Meals

10 breakfasts, 7 lunches, 3 dinners

Transport

Private vehicle, train, jeep

Accommodation

Hotel (11 nts)

Activities
  • Negombo - Fish market
  • Madampe - Coconut plantation visit
  • Dambulla - Wholesale Markets tour
  • Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
  • Sigiriya - Chena Cultivation tour by jeep
  • Dambulla - Cave Temples
  • Matale - Spice Garden tour and lunch
  • Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
  • Kandy - Cooking Class in a Sinhalese Home
  • Kandy - Tea factory visit
  • Kandy - Market wander & tastings
  • Bandarawela - Cooking demonstration & local meal
  • Haputale - Tamil family lunch
  • Bandarawela - Hike through tea fields
  • Yala/Udawalawe National Park - Wildlife safari
  • Tissamaharama - Curd and treacle tasting
  • Weligama - Home-cooked meal
  • Mirissa - Fisherman's Cooking Demonstration and Lunch
  • Galle Dutch Fort
  • Galle - Walking tour
  • Colombo - City tour by bus
  • Colombo - Dutch Burgher Lunch
Add on activities
  • Mirissa - Whale Watching (Nov to Mar) - USD70

Dates and availability

Loading trip dates and availabilities...

Important notes

1. A single supplement is available if you’d prefer not to share a room on this trip. The single supplement applies to all nights of your trip and is subject to availability. Please speak to your booking agent for further information.
2. While we endeavour to cater for specific dietary requirements, some meals and food activities are set in advance and may be difficult to adjust. Please advise us of any dietary requirements at the time of booking so that we can ensure you’ll enjoy this trip.
3. Please provide your full name exactly as per passport at the time of booking for train tickets. Fees may apply for adding or amending details within 45 days of departure, and in some cases you will be required to cover the cost of issuing new tickets.

Essential Trip Information

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Read Essential Trip Information

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 based on 57 reviews submitted.
Reviews are from travellers who have completed their trip and want to share their experience. We show all reviews, but may remove any that include profanity or inappropriate content, are unrelated to the trip or reveal personal details.

Filter by rating

Penny Lorraine · Traveled February 2024
The Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure meets all expectations with a cooking demonstration and included lunch or dinner every day which will nourish your body and soul. Vegans, vegetarians and people with allergies and intolerances are well catered for. Save plenty of space in your suitcase for spices and tea but you'll find better prices in the local markets than at the tea factory or spice farm. Accommodation is more than adequate with plenty of pools and bars so bring your swimming costume and plenty of beer money! Whilst other cultural excursions are included to ancient sites, temples, towns and beaches, there is not a lot of time for self exploration so perhaps add some extra days at the beginning or end of your trip. Note: train trips, leopards and elephants are not guaranteed (but excellent food is!)
Review submitted 29 Feb 2024

Craig · Traveled February 2024
A great tour to enjoy and learn. Every day a treat in store.
Review submitted 23 Feb 2024

Nick · Traveled February 2024
Advised to mention that Bandarawela‬ is pointless as there is nothing there and Ella would be better but seeing that most reviews have suggested this and been ignored I wouldn’t hold your breath on it being changed. A good tour, expect to go home heavier than you arrived!
Review submitted 23 Feb 2024

Stephen · Traveled January 2024
It’s a food trip for food lovers, but it’s more with other activities. A chance to see the real Sri Lanka experiencing the countryside and the friendly locals
Review submitted 11 Feb 2024

Jennifer · Traveled January 2024
Sri Lanka is a beautiful and interesting country with welcoming people. It has great food, gorgeous scenery, and a rich culture. This tour was led by an excellent crew of tour leader, assistant and driver. It offers good value for money and unique experiences.
Review submitted 07 Feb 2024
Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure
From
ZAR  36,979