Culinary adventures in Sri Lanka

Arrival at Colombo International Airport. Welcome upon arrival, then transfer to Negombo (approx. 15 min / 8 km).
Known as "Little Rome," this port city is home to one of the largest fishing communities on the island, mostly Catholic. You can see many churches near the shore where fishermen moor their catamarans. Every morning (except Sundays), fishermen sell their catch at the beachfront auction.

Rest of the day free. Overnight in Negombo.

After breakfast, explore the Negombo Fish Market (except Sundays).
Then, head to Sigiriya, with visits to Pinnawala and Dambulla on the way (approx. 4h16min / 176 km).

Visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (approx. 2.5 hours / 107 km). Established in 1975, the orphanage started with seven orphaned elephants. Today, it serves as a sanctuary for abandoned or injured elephants, cared for with love and affection. The elephants bathe daily in a nearby river. Pinnawala has grown into a conservation and educational center, with a breeding program for elephants.

Attend a cooking class in Dambulla. Learn how to prepare traditional Sri Lankan dishes using a variety of spices.

Visit Dambulla and its famous Rock Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This vast rock complex is the largest cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, dating back to the 3rd century. You’ll see an incredible collection of Buddha statues, including a 14-meter-high statue carved into the rock. Overnight in Habarana.

After breakfast, visit Hiriwadunna.
Take a 3-hour walk through this picturesque Sri Lankan village, starting around the artificial Wewa reservoir. You’ll have the chance to spot a variety of birds, butterflies, and perhaps crocodiles. Watch the villagers in their daily fishing tasks.
Enjoy a traditional lunch in a village home.

In the early morning, visit the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982. Sigiriya is a spectacular rock fortress once home to King Kasyapa. The site is known for its graffiti wall and stunning frescoes of maidens. Overnight in Habarana.

After breakfast, depart for Kandy, with a stop at the Matale Spice Garden (approx. 3h10min / 101 km).
Visit the Matale Spice Garden to learn about the origins and uses of various spices grown in Sri Lanka, such as lemongrass, cinnamon, ginger, cocoa, nutmeg, cloves, saffron, and more. You can also buy fresh spices.

Continue to the sacred city of Kandy, situated in the hills of Sri Lanka.
Visit the Temple of the Tooth, a UNESCO World Heritage site, which houses one of Buddhism’s most revered relics, the Tooth of Buddha. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings. The temple is deeply connected to the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Enjoy a traditional cultural performance in the evening. Overnight in Kandy.

After breakfast, depart for Nuwara Eliya, with a visit to the Peradeniya Botanical Garden and a tea plantation (approx. 2h31min / 76 km).
Visit the stunning Peradeniya Botanical Garden, located about 6 km from Kandy, originally a royal pleasure garden. It’s home to more than 5,000 species of trees and plants, including a beautiful orchid collection.

Visit a tea plantation and taste a cup of the famous Ceylon tea.

Continue to Nuwara Eliya, known as "Little England." This town was once the favorite hill station of the British, and they tried to create a typical English village here. Nuwara Eliya is the center of Sri Lanka’s tea production. Overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

After breakfast, explore the picturesque Nuwara Eliya market.
Next, enjoy a cooking class and tasting at a local home before heading to Yala.

Yala, also known as Ruhuna, is a premier national park on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka. It spans 979 km², with 141 km² open to the public. The park is home to a large population of leopards, elephants, crocodiles, wild boar, buffalo, and numerous bird species. It’s one of the best places to see wildlife in Sri Lanka. Overnight in Yala.

After breakfast, head to Galle (approx. 4h / 170 km).
Enjoy a second cooking class in the historic walled city of Galle.

On the way, visit Galle. Once the center of Dutch colonial rule in the 17th century, Galle is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. Explore the Dutch Fort, the Dutch Museum, and the National Maritime Museum. Galle is also famous for its handmade lace and ebony carvings.

Enjoy free time in the evening. Overnight in Galle.

After breakfast, enjoy a free morning. Visit the fish market and the Dutch Market (Green Market), probably the oldest market in Galle. It has been offering fresh local products for over 300 years.

Colombo, Sri Lanka’s dynamic capital, blends old-world charm with modernity. The city features colonial architecture, skyscrapers, and majestic Buddhist temples. Explore the Fort area, the Gangaramaya Temple, and the Galle Face Green promenade by the sea. Overnight in Colombo.

After breakfast, transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport for your return flight (32 km).