Sri Lanka Real Food Adventure
Experience Overview
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 – think elaborate temples, ancient fortresses and wildlife-filled countryside.
Highlights
- 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.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2197
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private vehicle,train,jeep
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: HPZM
Starts: Negombo, Sri Lanka
Finishes: Colombo, Sri Lanka
Duration: 12 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (10), Lunch (7), Dinner (3)Accommodation: Hotel (11 nts)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $2,163 ($180 /day)
Itinerary
Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Living up to its nickname of the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, this country is peppered with palm beaches and fascinating ancient sites. It’s also a food lover’s paradise – with Indian, Portuguese, Malay, English, Arab and Dutch influences. Your adventure begins in the seaside city of Negombo, where you’ll meet your local leader and fellow travellers at a 6 pm welcome meeting. Spend your first night on the coastline, getting to know your fellow travellers and watching the fishing boats float by.
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake early this morning to catch the action at the Negombo fish market. Situated at the northern end of a lagoon, the market is renowned for lobsters, crabs and prawns. Continue to a coconut plantation to discover why this super food is so central to life in Sri Lanka. Learn how all parts of the tree play an important role in daily life, sip the water of a king coconut, watch ‘toddy tappers’ extract the palm wine from the coconut sap and taste the results. Enjoy a Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch before heading inland to Dambulla, home to ornate cave temples and surrounded by natural wonders and historic sites. Your evening is free to explore. You may like to join your leader on an optional street food crawl for an introduction to some staple Sri Lankan 'short eats' (snack food), including famous hoppers (bowl-shaped savoury pancakes).
Included Activities:
- Negombo - Fish market
- Madampe - Coconut plantation visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast, make the short drive to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Sigiriya. Here, you can climb to the top of Lion Rock and visit the ancient fortress complex. The 200 m high ancient remains of a defensive capital, Lion Rock houses fifth-century frescos, terraced gardens and fountains. Next, see the age-old traditions at a nearby chena cultivation area, which is one of the oldest forms of agriculture known to humans. It’s particularly popular in the dry zone of the country where it rains for only a few months of the year, and principal crops are tropical vegetables, cereals, grains, yams and corn. Then, feast on tropical vegetables, curry made with tapioca and fried fish caught in the nearby lake for lunch. In the late afternoon, return to Dambulla to explore the wholesale market. Boasting an incredible array of fresh food, much of which is transported to Colombo, this is the perfect place to get a sense of Sri Lanka's agricultural diversity. The rest of the evening is free for your own adventures.
Included Activities:
- Dambulla - Wholesale Markets tour
- Sigiriya - Lion Rock Fortress Visit
- Sigiriya - Chena Cultivation tour by jeep
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Located high on a cliff face are the impressive Dambulla Cave Temples. You’ll have time to explore these this morning and admire the many Buddha images, frescoes and paintings. On the way to the physical and spiritual heart of the country and the former home of the last Sri Lankan king, stop for lunch at a spice garden in the renowned spice-growing region of Matale. Sri Lankans are the masters of spice and here you can learn how spices aren’t just used in food, but also cosmetics and ayurvedic medicine. Smell the cumin, cinnamon and curry leaves before tasting pumpkin curry flavoured with aromatic fenugreek, with a side of dry chilli sambol and the uniquely Sri Lankan coconut roti. Continue to Kandy, home to a lake, old shops, a bustling market and some great restaurants. This evening, observe locals worshipping in Kandy’s Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Tooth), one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred shrines that houses a tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. With your free evening, perhaps follow the sound of rhythmic chopping to watch a chef transform a ball of dough into a huge sheet of wafer-thin roti, skilfully slice, griddle, mix with vegetables and spices and create kottu roti.
Included Activities:
- Dambulla - Cave Temples
- Matale - Spice Garden tour and lunch
- Kandy - Temple of the Tooth
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Kick off the day with a guided walk around Kandy's busy city centre, then visit a tea factory. After, take a tour of the Central Market and samples of local fresh fruits. The rest of the day is free for you to explore. Kandy is home to a National Museum and several monasteries, and there are many scenic walks around town. In the early evening, join a Sinhalese family to get your sugar fix with a Kandyan sweet-filled Sri Lankan dinner and cooking class. Try your hand at crafting string hoppers, pressing a smooth rice dough into noodle-thin strands to form perfect discs (this is an art that takes some practice to master!), try a chicken curry made with spice-infused coconut milk, closer to a Thai curry than a North Indian one. Then fill up on specialty sweets inspired by Dutch and Portuguese dessert traditions.
Included Activities:
- Kandy - Cooking Class in a Sinhalese Home
- Kandy - Tea factory visit
- Kandy - Market wander & tastings
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Have your camera at the ready and take a scenic journey into the highlands to Bandarawela. Journey past waterfalls, villages and up through the mountains on the way to this town in the cool highlands, once popular with British plantation managers. Look down over the bright green tea bushes and vegetable gardens. Tonight, take a look behind closed doors and experience a slice of local life when you’re invited into a local home for a cooking demonstration followed by a traditional dinner.
Included Activities:
- Bandarawela - Cooking demonstration & local meal
- Kandy - Scenic train ride from Kandy to Bandarawela
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Rise early and head to the region's tea plantations. Take a hike through the tea fields, learning about the country’s most important export and meet local tea pickers who will show you their craft and let you have a go at picking and weighing tea. After, travel out to the town of Haputale for a home-cooked lunch with a Tamil family. Tear into traditional Tamil cuisine with dosa (a crispy rice pancake) and idli (a savoury steamed rice cake served with curry sauces or chutneys). Return to Bandarawela in the late afternoon and soak up the rural charm of the town and the beautiful surrounding landscapes.
Included Activities:
- Haputale - Tamil family lunch
- Bandarawela - Hike through tea fields
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Drive out to the wilderness of Yala National Park (or Udawalawe National Park in the off season). Encompassing a variety of diverse ecosystems, the park has an impressive array of wildlife, including sloth bears and lots of birds. In the evening, take a safari and search for the elusive leopards that lounge in trees or stalk through the brush, crocodiles that patrol the river or wild elephants that graze across the grasslands.
Included Activities:
- Yala/Udawalawe National Park - Wildlife safari
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Start the day by discovering one of Sri Lanka's favourite ingredients. Try buffalo curd, served in bright terracotta pots with golden treacle, which is often eaten as a snack or as an accompaniment to meals or as a dessert. On the way to the beach village of Mirissa, have lunch of biryani and watalappam (coconut custard pudding). Spend the rest of the day relaxing or exploring the golden sands of Sri Lanka’s southern coastline. You may like to take a bicycle ride or tuk-tuk to watch colourful fishing boats bring back their loads of fresh fish to sell along the shore.
Included Activities:
- Tissamaharama - Curd and treacle tasting
- Weligama - Home-cooked meal
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Gain a unique insight into local life this morning when you meet with a local fisherman and learn about the craft, and how the lives of fisherman have changed since the tsunami. Enjoy the freshest seafood lunch with a fisherman's family – likely, a crab curry. Continue to the wonderfully preserved township of Galle, with a blend of European architecture and South Asian traditions. In the evening, take a tour of the Royal Dutch Fort, exploring the winding maze of gallery-filled narrow streets and 400 years of rich history. Return to Mirissa for the night.
Included Activities:
- Mirissa - Fisherman's Cooking Demonstration and Lunch
- Galle - Dutch Fort
- Galle - Walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Head north for the final stop on your food adventure, Colombo – Sri Lanka’s commercial heart. This city is a mix of street markets, historic buildings, museums, restaurants and great shopping. Snack your way through on an included city tour around lanes filled with short eats and popular local eateries, finishing at Galle Face Beach, famous for its street food. Enjoy a final Dutch Burgher-influenced meal and celebrate the end of your food adventure with new friends.
Included Activities:
- Colombo - City tour by bus
- Colombo - Dutch Burgher Lunch
- Colombo - Street food
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Your food adventure in Sri Lanka comes to an end this morning. There are no activities planned for this final day and you are free to leave at any time.
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Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Jennifer - Traveled, March 2024
An amazing taste of Sri Lanka! It felt like we touched on the best of this amazing country, seeing many different areas in a short time. The wonderful in home cooking demonstrations were a real high light! I feel like my knowledge of Sri Lanka and it’s people has grown. And our guide, Loch was so amazing! Organised, caring and approachable- she was always thinking of how to make sure we had the best trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 04/06/2024
Sylvia - Traveled, March 2024
Everything was like I hoped it would be. The home-cooked meals were amazing and our group leader showed us a lot of things to see and food to try. Bring clothes a size bigger. You will need it at the end of this trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Marlene - Traveled, March 2024
The Sri Lankan food adventure is certainly value for money. It's a great way to discover Sri Lankan way of life, it's different cultures and foods.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Martin - Traveled, March 2024
Outstanding tour with an incredible selection of foods included. The home cooking demonstrations and meals were exceptional.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/24/2024
Belinda - Traveled, March 2024
What a wonderful way to get a taste of Sri Lanka. The real food adventure introduces you to the Sri Lankan culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Angela Cynthia Olive - Traveled, March 2024
The guide must have more empathy and not indulge in personal cultural differences.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/25/2024
Mui Keng - Traveled, March 2024
Had a wonderful trip, eating delicious home-cooked meals, meeting interesting people, learning about local history, enjoying safaris and traveling with a great group. The tour guide was not great but I've heard others had good experiences with other guides, so this was unlucky.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/14/2024
Mark - Traveled, February 2024
The home-based cooking demonstrations provided a true insight into the real cuisine of this country. The tour encompassed much more than just a food experience and I feel that I completed the tour with a far greater understanding of Sri Lanka, its history, people, culture, religions and of course its food. This tour was a great way to meet and mix with the people of the country.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
Rachael - Traveled, February 2024
Fantastic. Prabarth was personable and knowledge. Highly recommend.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/09/2024
Cheryl - Traveled, February 2024
If you want to experience real people in Sri Lanka and try food prepared by individuals, this is your trip.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/11/2024
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!)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/29/2024
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!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2024
Craig - Traveled, February 2024
A great tour to enjoy and learn. Every day a treat in store.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/23/2024
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
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/11/2024
Stephen - Traveled, January 2024
A trip not just for food lovers. The itinerary gives a good balance of activities and meeting the locals. Lead by a professional and knowledgeable crew. If you like travelling you love this trip; I did.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/06/2024
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.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/07/2024
Lynette - Traveled, January 2024
The ‘Real Food Adventure’ trip more than met our expectations. The meals at local houses were amazing, our tour leader was exceptional and the variety of activities gave us the opportunity to experience the wonderful sights of Sri Lanka.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/15/2024
Trevor - Traveled, January 2024
If you enjoy spicy food this tour is a must. The emphasis is on supporting locals who share their kitchens and recipes. These included coconut sambal, chicken, pumpkin, salmon, green mango, and crab curries. Ingredients are fresh and local. This excellent tour also visits many of the country’s significant landmarks.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/18/2024
Rachel - Traveled, January 2024
I would totally recommend this trip, Upul our tour guide was exceptional. So full of knowledge and was always aware of what is going on around us. We got to see so much of Sri Lanka. a trip I will never forget.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/22/2024
Matthew - Traveled, January 2024
The only problem with the Sri Lanka Food Tour is you will gain a few kilos! Absolutely incredible tour with amazing food. Dodan, our guide, is a credit to the company. Thanks!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 01/12/2024
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