Real Food & Culinary Adventure

The ‘Real Food Adventure’ is the real deal adventure you could ask for! If you’re the kind of traveler who follows your taste buds, this new offering is all you need for your next vacation. The ‘Real Food Adventure’ will give you the perfect blend of authentic Sri Lankan culinary experiences with mouth-watering local cuisine along with the typical travel adventure as you visit different destinations. Sri Lanka is filled with beautiful, exciting and awe-inspiring destinations and experiences you never knew of.

So, here’s to an ultimate travel plunge to a land of unforgettable experiences, where you will witness a fantastic blend of history, culture, traditions, architecture, landscapes and local cuisine at each of our picked destinations. Collect as many one-of-a-kind experiences you can, whilst admiring the soaring peaks of the central hills with valleys weaving through, learning about the ancient kingdoms and the magnificent temples, rock climbs to World Heritage sites with spectacular panoramic views, adrenaline-packed jeep safari into the wilderness and much more. Sri Lanka is home to a bounty of spectacular destinations and scenic attractions, each with a story of its own. Embark on our carefully curated tour with signature experiences from start to finish, exclusively designed with you in mind.

  • 09 Days 08 Nights
Itinerary

Soon after you touchdown in Sri Lanka, an NKAR representative will welcome you at the airport. Here’s to an exciting real food adventure ahead, and your first destination is Negombo – a key fishing town on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka. After a 30 mins drive, you will arrive at your hotel to check-in and today will be a free day at your leisure till you are met by your leader/guide at 4.30 pm in the hotel lobby for the tour briefing.

By 5.30 pm you will proceed for a mouth-watering seafood dinner in a carefully selected small but interesting restaurant in the vicinity. Here you will learn the technique of seafood marination whilst enjoying the buzzing ambience sipping an arrack punch.

Together with the cook, you will prepare a joint seafood barbeque accompanied with salads, breads and soup. You can also indulge in an ample serving of fresh Sri Lankan tropical fruits which will enhance your tropical experience whilst adding more memorability to your first meal in Sri Lanka.

After the delectable dinner, enjoy a relaxing stay at the Goldi Sands Hotel in Negombo.

Overnight stay at the Goldi Sands Hotel in Negombo

You will begin your day with a morning drive to Chilaw for a ‘Toddy Tapping’ and ‘Arrack Tasting’ experience at a chosen estate also visiting the distillery followed by a basic breakfast of a toddy tapper.

Your first Lankan breakfast will consist of Manioc, Sweet Potato, mild Coconut Sambol, thick sun dried fish curry, fried onions, and Kiri Bath (Milk Rice). The breakfast will be a celebration to your taste buds, and no doubt you will have different experience indulging in toddy tapping.
Thereafter you will continue the drive to Anuradhapura and upon arrival, you will meet and interact with the village folks clad in typical village attire.

You will then treat yourself with a freshly cooked and delicious Sri Lankan unusual string hopper lunch served in a banana leaf at a shady corner.

After the hearty lunch, you will check into the hotel to relax before visiting the ruins of Anuradhapura in the evening.

Anuradhapura was made the first capital of Sri Lanka in the 4th century BC, and the longest-serving capital has a fantastic heritage in the ancient and modern times and is one of the eight historical heritage sites in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura is a picturesque town located along a riverbank popular for fascinating ancient ruins and deep-rooted Buddhist culture. You will see the ancient Bo tree – Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi to ancient monasteries and ruins of historical importance.

After learning more about Sri Lankan history during this visit, you will enjoy dinner at a local Chinese restaurant followed by an overnight stay at the Palm Garden Village Hotel in Anuradhapura.

Overnight stay at the Palm Garden Village Hotel

Today you will kick start your day after breakfast at the hotel before proceeding to visit the Mihintale temple.

Mihintale is a mountain peak situated east of Anuradhapura, and is a pilgrimage site with several religious shrines and ruins. The surrounding area is fringed by jungle and rocks, whilst there are many caves that are believed to be used by monks for meditation. After admiring and being fascinated by the ancient stone architecture and monastic complexes you will head for a Sri Lankan lunch at a local restaurant.

Next, you will visit the famous Aukana statue on the way to Polonnaruwa.

You will be amazed to see the masterwork of the colossal buddha statue with a serene expression and gracefully carved robe reflecting supreme spirituality.

After immersing yourself in learning interesting facts of the historical past, you will arrive at Polonnaruwa.

Check -in at the Hotel for Lunch (Biriyani made from Shredded string hoppers, boiled and deep fried egg curry, tank fish, Tomato fry with chucks of Maldives fish) to engage in a Medieval city tour in the evening.

During this exciting tour, you will be exploring Polonnaruwa – the historical city and the second capital of Sri Lanka dating back to the 11th & 12th centuries AD. At this World Heritage Site, you will witness the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya with 4 four splendid statues of the Buddha, statues of King Parakramabahu and the Parakrama Samudraya. After an exciting day, you will then check into the Giritale Hotel in Polonnaruwa. Western Dinner and overnight stay at Polonnaruwa.

Overnight stay at Polonnaruwa

You will start your day with breakfast at the hotel and then visit the local market to buy your and enjoy an authentic experience of village cookery.

Passing the new town of Polonnaruwa, you will reach Kaduruwela, which is famous for paddy cultivation. Then you will cross the Mahaweli River over the Manampitiya Bridge to reach the Manampitiya Village. In Kaduruwela or Manampitiya you will visit the local market, interact with the village vendors and together with the tour guide you will buy your provisions to prepare your lunch.

Next, you will visit the remote village (Ginidamana in Nelumwewa), where you will engage in preparing your village lunch together with village folks.

You will also meet and interact with the village families as they share their lifestyles and stories with you so that you can feel the pulse of the rural people and the village life of Sri Lanka. After relishing your own cooked Sri Lankan style lunch, you will bid farewell to the villagers and proceed to the Minneriya National Park for an exciting afternoon jeep safari in the wilderness.

The Minneriya national park situated 182 km away from Colombo in the North Central Plains of Sri Lanka, is home to a variety of fauna and flora. (Visit Kuadulla/ Eco Park depending on the movement of elephants in different times of the year)

At the massive Minneriya Rainwater Reservoir, (the highlight of the park) you will witness the most awaited elephant gathering. This is a thrilling sight and experience, plus a memory to cherish for the rest of your life. The park is home to 24 species of mammals, over 170 bird species, and 25 species of reptiles out of which 8 are endemic to Sri Lanka. After an exhilarating 3-hour safari in the wilds, you will drive back to the Hotel in Polonnaruwa.

Western Dinner and overnight stay at the Hotel

Your day starts early today, with the climb to the country’s most famous and iconic rock fortress – Sigiriya.

Recognized from miles away, the soaring ‘Lion Rock’ is an archeological wonder and a testament of Sri Lanka’s city planning, water gardens, engineering and fortification in the 5th century AD. The rock peak is home to an incredible blue-green landscape with lush green gardens and advanced irrigation systems. Declared as a world heritage site by UNESCO, you will be thrilled to see the beautiful frescoes and the fascinating mirror wall of the rock fortress. It is undoubtedly the most treasured historical monument in Sri Lanka. Once you climb down the rock fortress, you can enjoy your breakfast packet under a nice shady grove. After absorbing the majestic view, you will proceed to the ‘Hill Capital’ – Kandy.

En-Route to Kandy you will visit the Matale spice garden, one of the best spots for spices on the island.

Here you will be introduced to various spices and be shown how these spices are grown and processed much to your awe. You can then rejuvenate yourself with a free head massage using traditional Sri Lankan herbs and oils (only if you wish to). Following that refreshing break, delight in a Sri Lankan Festive lunch ( Saffron Rice, Brinjal Fry, tempered potato, dhal curry, tomato, onion Sambol, papadum and chutney) and drink it down with the glass of ginger tea. For dessert, you can treat your sweet tooth with Sri Lankan sweets – Lavariya, muscat and ‘Kolikuttu’ banana.

Thereafter, upon reaching Kandy in the evening you will witness a colourful cultural show with an exciting agenda of traditional Sri Lankan dances and pageantry.

You will be captivated by the vibrant event filled with colourful costumes, graceful dances and oriental music, making it an unforgettable experience.

You will be then taken to experience street food of which the famous Kottu with options of Chicken. Fish / Egg / Vegetable Kottu and a traditional gravy for Kottu will be offered, after an exciting ‘Kottu Roti’ dinner with so many Kottu varieties, you can explore more of the Sri Lankan street food. You can then unwind into the night at a local pub, where you can mingle with the locals and experience the local pub happenings firsthand,

Overnight stay at Kandy

Today you will embark on a city tour in Kandy (after breakfast) to visit The Sacred Tooth Relic temple – Kandy‘s key attraction and symbol of sovereignty enshrined in great splendour.

The Esala Perahera held in August each year is a must-see, and this spectacular pageant honours the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. After visiting the tooth relic temple, you will drive around the iconic Kandy lake admiring the serene and stunning landscape.

Next, you will visit the Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, a magnificent 57-hectare garden that treasures the best of tropical flora, aromatic spices and rare medicinal herbs.

Delight in a lunch under the shady orchards while engrossing in the beauty of nature. Thereafter continue drive to Nuwara Eliya and visit the famous Ramboda falls en-route. In the evening, you will engage in the Nuwara Eliya city tour that covers the famous Gregory lake. Nuwara Eliya is a city in the hill country and is one of the key locations for tea cultivation, well known for its chilly climate and for being the coolest area in the tropical island.

The city still preserves its ancient charm with its well-maintained colonial buildings and private homes with English-style lawns and blooming gardens. Whilst absorbing the breathtaking landscape and the beauty of the iconic Gregory lake, you will enjoy a nice arrack punch specially prepared by your Guide.

The day will be completed with a traditional Jaffna styled dinner with a mix of Indian cuisine. So, do treat yourself with a variety of dosas and other delicious preparations.

Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya.

After an early breakfast, you will proceed to Ahangama beach via Weerawila.

You can enjoy a Full English breakfast including a Shepherd’s Pie, completing breakfast enjoy a fresh English breakfast tea from the hills of the tea gardens of Sri Lanka.

On your way to the beach, stop for a Lunch at lovely restaurant near the tank, where you will be served ‘Lampris’ for your lunch. Lampris is Sri Lankan dish that was introduced by the country’s Dutch Burgher population. Say no Thank you to deserts as we will move on to stop by a typical Sri Lankan Curd stall to enjoy a mouth watering very Sri Lankan Curd and treacle desert.

On arrival at the Insight Resort in Ahangama, the resort is blessed with a beautiful beach frontage offering you the perfect island getaway from the busy city life. It is the ideal place to unwind, relax, refresh and experience the heritage, culture, nature and the way of life in southern Sri Lanka, you will engage in a tea tasting experience such as Ginger Tea, Masala Tea, Cinnamon Tea, Yare Tea and Plain Tea with Jaggery.
After check – in you can indulge in a spa treatment or take a dip in the azure pool if you wish, take a break and relax.

You will then join in for a ‘Hopper Fiesta’ Dinner. You will get to try different types of hoppers including egg, milk, plain, jaggery and chopped tomato & onion hoppers, one must try plain hoppers with fish mustard curry and seni Sambol for those who are adventurous try out with hot kata sambol.

Overnight stay at the resort in Ahangama.

Early morning 05.30 A.M transfer to engage in Whale Watching. Depending on the season (If November – April you will be transferred to Mirissa for whale watching at 5.30 AM with packeted picnic Breakfast). Mirissa is on the south coast of Sri Lanka and is a key whale and dolphin watching spot in the country with the most stunning sunrises and sunsets to be enjoyed. Sperm whales, Bryde’s whales, Blue Whale are some of the most common whales that you will encounter, and if you are really lucky, you will be able to catch a glimpse of the killer whales (also known as orcas). Among the species of dolphins, you may see the Bottlenose dolphins, Spinner dolphins, Risso’s dolphins, and Striped dolphins. These playful creatures would swim alongside your boat and jumping out of the water much to your delight!

From the adventure in the sea you will get back to shore at around 09.30A.M thereon you will be trasnfered to galle where you can take part in a city tour by bicycle to witness the charming colonial town on the Southern coast. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has a 300-year-old fort, a maritime museum and a historic lighthouse that you can visit to learn more of Sri Lankan history.

On your way back to the Hotel stop at Talpe Walawaa where you could refresh of Self in a well bath and enjoy a garden lunch sipping a tasty young coconut freshly picked from the own garden of Talpe walawwa.
You will then drive back to the beach resort to relax in the evening and conclude the day with a ‘Rotti Night’ dinner with a lavish spread of egg, mushroom, seafood, avocado and pineapple rotti and a seafood BBQ on the beach.

Overnight stay in Ahangama.

Today is your last day on the paradise isle.

Indulge in a lavish spread of Sri Lankan breakfast (Kola Kanda, Kurakkan pittu with more coconut, plain pittu, kokkis, kevum, roast bread with curries and koppa kiribath) before travelling to Colombo.

En-route to Colombo, you will take part in a Colombo city tour from Fort and Pettah covering the commercial and residential areas of the city whilst sighting the key landmarks – Galle Face Green, old parliament, the lighthouse clock tower, Colombo harbour, Gangarama Temple, Independence Square and the Viharamahadevi Park. After lunch and a quick shopping tour to your heart’s content, you will proceed to the airport for departure.

In Case the departure flight happens to be late in the night an appropriate Sri Lankan Dinner arrangement will be made with a Local Family.
This brings you to the end of an exciting, fun-filled and memorable adventure in Sri Lanka!

Route Map
Included
  • Accommodation on DBL Sharing for 08 Nights from Dinner on Day 01 to Dinner on Day 09 at Hotels Specified or at Hotels of Similar Standard.
  • Lunch throughout the Tour.
  • Toddy Tasting Session and Cocktails as mentioned in the Programme.
  • Cycling Tour in Galle City.
  • Transportation by Air-Conditioned Vehicle with an English-Speaking Chauffer Guide.
  • Government Tax and Service Charge at all the Hotels
Excluded
  • Peak Period Supplements at the Hotels
  • Video Camera and Still Camera permits at the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy
  • Entrance fees to sites not mentioned above
  • Cost of beverage throughout the tour, Expenses of a personal nature
  • Any other services not specified above and Activity Fees to sites.
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