A Foodies Tour 16 Days/15 Nights

This tour has been designed with the foodie in mind. While still covering all the key highlights of the island it will also expose you to the unique cuisine of the island, from where and how produce is sourced and grown, to the best places to get that authentic taste, as well as getting a chance to learn from the experts.

Anyone who loves food or just culture (after all food is such an important part of a culture) will love this journey.

Day 01

Meet on arrival and you will be transferred to your hotel located close to the airport. 

Overnight at Taj Airport Garden, Katunayake Or Jetwing Sea, Negombo

Day 02

Early departure with a packed breakfast to Habarana, enroute make your first stop to witness the Fish Market in Negombo which is called with its unique name “Lellama” which means the place of bargain, bargaining is done in a rhythmic fashion and is unique aspect of Sri Lankan markets.

“Lellama” fish markets are held every day in the week excepting on Sundays. The market is held in the downtown near the Old Dutch Fort Gate. It is at a distance from the main tourist area of Negombo. 

One can find freshly caught fish and sea creatures of all shapes and sizes displayed at the market bought in overnight by the fishing fleet; It is an amazing sight to be sure and well worth the visit. 

Stop at Saru Ketha Kurunagela for Lunch. “ Saru ketha means the well harvest field” This is located in a by the side of a rice field and offers travellers the opportunity to eat the a traditional Sri Lankan lunch using local produce cooked and served in traditional clay pots. 

Thereafter proceed to Habarana and In the evening visit the local vegetable market in Dambulla, you are now in the Sri Lanka’s agricultural heartland and the Dambulla market operates as a hub for farmers to bring their produce to the buyers from all over the country, the market operates day and night with a produce of mainly fruits and vegetables 

Thereafter proceed to Habarana and have the rest of the day free for leisure at the hotel.

Habarana - Located in the north central part of the island, Habarana is a part of Sri Lanka’s dry zone. Thanks to the genius of our ancient kings dating as far as the 05^th Century AD, the Sri Lankan Dry Zone is any thing but dry, with hundreds of lakes and reservoirs which are connected by an elaborate network of canals making up an old but great irrigation system. Aside from the benefit for agriculture and industry, the waterworks of the dry zone provide some of the most breathtakingly beautiful scenery and fertile habitat for the islands incredible bio-diversity. 

Overnight at The Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana

Day 03

After an early breakfast transfer to Hiriwaduna (05 minute transfer) for a 03-hour walk through this archetypal Sri Lankan village. The walk begins along a bund of a Wewa or man made reservoir. The reservoir itself, the surrounding scrub jungle, marshland and village are a hive of early morning activity. The amazing birdlife, butterflies and possible sightings of crocodile only add to the charm of seeing the villagers as they go about their early morning tasks of fishing, or washing clothes at the periphery of the lake. 

You wade through a shallow stream and the sense of adventure heightens when you need to get to a Chena Cultivation via a somewhat wider tributary which needs to be crossed on an obliging farmer’s catamaran!! 

Chena farming is the practice of “slash and burn” agriculture where in the olden days farmers cleared virgin forest and used the land for crops until the soil was depleted of nutrients before they moved on to clear a new section of forest. With modern artificial nutrients “Slash and Burn” is no longer practiced, but the old Chena Farms are still worked by villages.

At the Chena cultivation you will stop to enjoy the farmer’s humble hospitality. Try some fresh fruits whatever is in season.

Also see the simple defense mechanisms employed by the farmers to protect their plots from marauding wild elephants.

The journey of discovery continues through dense shrub forests, home to many forest birds and other wildlife including monkeys, bear, python and even elephant. 

Meet vehicle and return to the hotel in time for lunch.

In the afternoon take an Elephant Back Safari through the forests and villages of Habarana. A wooden platform large enough to hold four people is secured atop an elephant. From this unique perch clients will enjoy Habarana and the surrounding wilderness as the elephant ambles through.

Overnight at The Cinnamon Lodge, Habarana

Day 04

After breakfast explore the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to explore the ruined palace and temple complex. (You will have the option of exploring Polonnaruwa by bike. The bikes available are basic but good enough for the terrain).

Polonnaruwa rose to fame as the capital after the decline of Anuradhapura.  Its period of greatness was from the 10th - 12th centuries AD.  The entire landscape of the region is punctuated by huge man-made reservoirs, veritable inland seas the most famous of which is the Parakrama Samudra or the Sea of Parakrama, larger in size than the Colombo harbour.  The monuments of this medieval city are relatively well preserved and give clear evidence of the glory of Sri Lanka's past. See the Royal Palace complex, the Quadrangle with its concentration of ancient heritage and the spectacular Gal Vihare complex of four massive images of the Buddha, cut from a single slab of granite – a highlight of ancient Sri Lankan rock carving.

Thereafter proceed to your camping location in Minneriya National Park and in the afternoon do a jeep safari in Minneriya National Park.

Located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8,890 hectares of Minneriya National Park consists of mixed evergreen forest and scrub areas and is home to favorites such as sambar deer, leopards and elephants. However the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3rd century AD by King Mahasena). During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants who come to bathe and graze, as well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants and painted storks to name but a few) that come to fish in the shallow waters.

Elephant Gathering:

"As the drought in the Sri Lankan dry zone heightens every year in June and most national parks in the area are parched; there remains only one oasis - "Minneriya National Park".  Here too the magnificent Minneriya Tank reduces in size by more than half giving rise to fresh grassland.  Abundant grazing land and water draw many herds from the surrounding forests, which converge at Minneriya National Park during the months prior to the rains which are expected in September, resulting in an amazing GATHERING of over 300 elephants.  An incredible experience....."

Birds:

Even if you miss out on the Painted Storks, Great White Pelican, Gray Herons, and even the Ruddy Turnstones, be sure to spot Jungle Fowl, Hanging Parrot Brown capped Babbler, and the Gray Hornbill, because Minneriya one of the few place in the world where you might be able to catch a glimpse of these magnificent species.  

Overnight at Luxury Camping Tents 

Day 05

After breakfast head for the east coast for a two-night stay at Trincomalee, which sits on the world’s fifth largest harbor and whose port is recorded in history as far as the 05^th Century BC. When Horatio Nelson sailed in on The Sea Horse, he described is as world’s finest harbour.

From May till October is the ideal season to engage your self in water-based activities in Trincomalee. Sea Bath, Snorkeling, Whale Watching etc

Rest of the day is free for leisure at the beach and dinner at the specialty “Crab Restaurant” at the hotel. The open restaurant is located on the beach and is a must do for every food enthusiasts. The special Eastern recipe for Chili Crab is legendary.

Overnight at Chaaya Blu, Trincomalee

Day 06

After breakfast the whole day is free for leisure or to engage yourself in optional activities.

The early birds will be rewarded with a spectacular sunrise over the eastern horizon. Spend the morning at leisure enjoying the beach or take an Optional whale watching.

• ¥ • Optional whale watching specially for Blue Whale – excursion is only possible between the months of May – October

Whale watching in Sri Lankan was first operated on the east coast off Trincomalee in the early 1980’s. This was very much before the west coast off Mirissa and Kalpitiya was popularized for easy Blue Whale since 2007. 

Or 

• ¥ • Snorkeling at Pigeon Island National Park which is one of Sri Lanka’s best marine reserves and home to incredible reef ecosystems – excursion is only possible between the months of May – October

Or

• ¥ • Visit to the Hot Springs at Kanniyai – a series of hot water springs of legendary importance – these hot springs are believed to be created by the god Vishnu. Wrap yourself in a local lungi or sarong and join the locals as they use small buckets to splash themselves at the tiled ponds in to which the water flows. 

Overnight at Chaaya Blu, Trincomalee 

Day 07

Leave after breakfast for Kandy, stopping en rote in Matale spice growing region for special insight to some unique Sri Lankan agriculture. First stop is at a coconut plantation to learn about the multitude of uses of this fascinating tree; see how the coconut is husked and its fibers used to make rope. Witness the collection of the sweet coconut water for a refreshing drink, the use of the coconut kernel for the extraction of coconut milk which forms the base for most Sri Lankan curries and the production of honey and sweet jaggery from sap collected from the coconut flower.

Proceed to a traditional spice garden where we will learn about the unique uses of spices in Sri Lankan cuisine. Those who would like to may assist in the preparation of some of the local dishes which we will then sample during lunch served out doors using lotus leaves instead of plates. After 04 days in the dry zone you will notice the distinctly different flavours present in hill country cuisine.

Proceed to Kandy and late evening witness the Cultural dance performance in Kandy.

Overnight at The Citadel, Kandy

Day 08

After breakfast explore the city of Kandy including a visit to the Temple of the much-revered Tooth Relic, the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. Apart from being home to the most impressive collection flowers the garden also houses over 20 species of fruit trees. 

Overnight at The Citadel, Kandy

Day 09

After breakfast transfer to Nuwara Eliya by train or by road. (Observation Class Train from Kandy to Nanu Oya – Railway Stopping point in Nuwara Eliya. Can be organized on availability if not we can organize the 02nd Class carriage where it is often overloaded but would give you a truly local experience.

Visit a tea plantation and factory to witness the process of turning the raw green leaf in to the familiar black/brown finished product. Learn how the “Two Leaves and a bud” are carefully picked and of the many processes involved in brining to us a cup of pure Ceylon Tea.

Dinner at The Hill Club, Nuwara Eliya – which is the clubhouse that was started and used by the colonial tea planters. It was recently opened for tourists and visitors. Experience the lavish lifestyles enjoyed by the plantation Raj of Colonial Sri Lanka

Overnight at Tea Factory Hotel, Nuwara Eliya (The Tea Factory Hotel is a unique hotel which built within the walls of an abandoned Tea Factory. Most of the original machinery from the factory has been retained and now make up the interior décor of the hotel).

Day 10

After breakfast do an excursion to Horton Plains for a trek to Worlds End and the beautiful Bakers Falls (02 –03 hrs).

Sri Lanka's highest plateau 7200 ft above sea level in the central mountain country. This ‘Fen” is a very scenic region with an astounding variety of scenery from mountains to grasslands, from marshes to trout streams. Sri Lanka's best teas are grown in the surrounding areas. Spectacular views from 'Worlds End' where the plateau plunges a thousand feet in a straight sheer drop. Cool and bracing climate, excellent for trout fishing and very good hiking country. Distinctive flora (many English field flowers grow on the plains) colourful butterflies and many rare highland birds.

Proceed to your hotel and in the evening take a walk around the town of Nuwara Eliya.

Dinner with a difference tonight, you might like dine in TCK 6685, a former plantation train carriage which has now been lovingly restored to its original condition.

Overnight at Tea Factory Hotel, Nuwara Eliya

Day 11

After breakfast transfer to Yala en route Stop at Ella.

Ella is blessed with some of the most beautiful views, you could find in Sri Lanka.

Only 8 km from Bandarawela, this small town is used as a base for plenty of trekking expeditions to the surrounding countryside.
A taste of the breathtaking scenery of Ella could be had, if you just walk into the Garden of the Grand Ella Motel (Formerly Ella Rest House), where you seem to be standing at the edge of the world, and everything around you seems to disappear at your feet.
Some of the places you could see in Ella are the Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam's Peak and Bambaragala Peak among the other many varied pleasant walks with stunning scenery.

Proceed to your hotel in Yala and in the evening visit Kataragama Temple.

Kataragama (also Katharagama, Katirkamam and Kathirgamam,)is a pilgrimage town popular with Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and indigenous Vedda communities of Sri Lanka and South India. The town has Ruhunu Maha Kataragama devalaya, a shrine dedicated to Skanda-Murukan also known as Kataragamadevio. Kataragama is situated in the Monaragala District of Uva province, Sri Lanka. It is situated 228 km ESE of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka. Although Kataragama was a small village in medieval times, today it is a fast developing township surrounded by jungle in the South Eastern region of Sri Lanka. It also houses the ancient Kiri Vehera Buddhist stupa. The town has a venerable history dating back to the last centuries of BCE. It also was the seat of government of many Sinhalese kings during the days of Rohana kingdom. Since the 1950s the city has undergone many improvements with successive governments investing in public transportation, medical facilities, and business development and hotel services. It adjoins the popular Yala national park.

Overnight at Chaaya Wild, Yala

Day 12

Take a morning and evening jeep safari in Yala National park.

Yala – Sri Lanka’s most known National Park is popular for Elephant, Leopard, Bear, Crocodile and Wild Boar. 97,800 hectares in extent, this is the second largest of Sri Lanka’s National Parks. Its open undulating terrain made it famous for elephants for many years, but recently the park has also received much fame through publicity by National Geographic and the Discovery TV channels, which focused on a leopard research/conservation and identification project. Claims have subsequently been made that Yala National Park has the world’s highest concentration of leopard per square kilometre. Vegetation is primarily grassland and shrub jungle with patches of dense growth while several salt and fresh water lagoons are a haven for a large variety of resident and migrant birds. Areas popular with leopard are rock strewn hillocks with dense shrub in which the animals hide.

Special Wildlife themed “ Bush Dinner” Organized at the forest, which surrounds the property. There is no physical boundary between Chaaya Wild and Yala National park and so the excitement of a possible appearance of a Wild Elephant at the bush dinner will add a special element of adventure.

Overnight at Chaaya Wild, Yala

Day 13

After breakfast transfer to your hotel in Galle / Hikkaduwa on the southwest coast and rest of the day is free for leisure.

Overnight at Light House, Galle / Overnight at Chaaya Tranz, Hikkaduwa

Day 14

From the strong accent on speech to dress, architecture and of course cuisine the south of Sri Lanka has traditionally evolved a distinctly unique culture.  Leave after breakfast for a local villager’s home where you will join in the preparation of a few typically southern dishes

Learn the art or more correctly the science of creating the perfect “Fish Ambul Thiyal”. This is a classical local favorite made of Tuna or similar fish where a potent concoction of spices are used in combination with an interesting method of slow-cooking to create a fish preparation which keeps fresh for many days even without refrigeration or artificial preservatives.  

Also learn how to prepare a curry made of young Jack Fruit which, correctly prepared makes a great substitute for meat and so is a great favorite among Sri Lanka’s vegetarians! The curry powder used for this dish is a unique mix of powdered Coriander, Cumin, Sweet Cumin, Cinnamon, Cardamom, and Cloves!

The afternoon is at leisure to recover from the acute exposure to southern Sri Lankan spices and to relax on the beach.

Overnight at Light House, Galle / Overnight at Chaaya Tranz, Hikkaduwa

Day 15

After breakfast transfer to Bentota and take a boat safari on the Madu River to explore the uncharted mangroves that are placed along the Bentota River. The safaris start at the final part of the broad Bentota River, close upon the Bentota Bridge and cruises inland. The boat men will meander through the islets and mangrove swamps located haphazardly on the river. They would delve into the mangroves and sail amidst the tangled roots under the shelter of shade provided by the trees and vines entangling each other. Get lost amidst these thick growths and spot aquatic birds such as herons, kingfishers, cormorants as well as the monitors and crocodiles that wade through the water.

Thereafter proceed to Lunuganga for Lunch, a unique and intriguing country estate house, is a 15-minute drive inland from the beach resort of Bentota on the west coast of Sri Lanka. Set in rolling, Renaissance-inspired tropical gardens, Lunuganga Estate was the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Started in 1947, the garden led Bawa, a lawyer called to the Bar at the Inner Temple in 1940, to decide to become an architect. As he went on to become Sri Lanka's and one of Asia's most prolific and influential architects, the garden at the Lunuganga estate remained his first muse and experimental laboratory for new ideas. He continued to change and experiment with its spaces and structures throughout his life until his final illness in 1998. Left to the Lunuganga Trust on his demise in 2003, the gardens are now open to the public and the buildings on the estate are run as a country house hotel.

Thereafter proceed to your hotel and later transfer to Beach Wadiya in Wellawatte for Dinner.

The Beach Wadiya is a rustic shack on the beach renowned for good seafood, while far from fine dining many famous diners have eaten here from Princess Anne to the entire Australian cricket team!

The restaurant serves fresh seafood and even discusses the menu with you under a thatched roof on plain wooden tables; weather permitting on the sand outside. Great atmosphere. 

Overnight at Mount Lavinia Hotel

Day 16

After breakfast explore the city of Colombo

Colombo – the trade and commercial capital has long been the traditional gateway to the Orient.  Sri Lanka’s largest city, it is located on the west coast and draws together all the cultures, religions and influences of foreign lands into a pot-pourri of sounds, smells and a kaleidoscope of colour. The original traders and settlers - the Arabs, Portuguese, Dutch and the British have left in their wake churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and food and smatterings of their languages which have been absorbed into the speech of the Sri Lankan. Today, Colombo is a fascinating city - a happy blend of east & west, past & present, with a charm of its own. A less known but amazingly true fact is that Colombo has a superb range of high quality restaurants serving food from all over the world and some of the best shopping opportunities in Asia. The main seaport of Sri Lanka is in Colombo & adjoining it, is Pettah, a local bazaar & trading area.  Other places of interest are the beautiful Buddhist temples, Hindu temples, mosques, the historic Wolfendhal church, (1749) residential areas where you find the stately homes of the affluent, the Colombo Museum, the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall, the New Parliament in Sri Jayewardenepura, the Folk Art Centre, Art Galleries, Parks, Independence Square, the Ceramic Corporation famous for its well known brand “Noritake” and ODEL the renowned shopping centre. 

Thereafter proceed to Nuga Gama Restaurant at Cinnamon Grand, which depicts the model village of Sri Lanka in the bustling city of Colombo. You will be served authentic Sri Lankan Food prepared by true stewards of the art the ladies from the villages.

Thereafter proceed to the airport to take your return flight home.

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