Culture and Culinary Expedition (7 Days)

Culture and Culinary Expedition

A land full ofculture and colour, Sri Lanka is blessed with many traditions that our peopleare proud of as a nation. Spending sometime by the beach and experiencing somehigh adrenalin water sports will start off your tour. We take you to the NorthCentral Province which in the centre of the cultural triangle, home to manyheritage sites. Locations include the Elephant Orphanage, Dambulla Cave Templeand the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. A ruralvillage experience offers you the chance to dine with the farmers and enjoyhome cooked meals. Exploring the hill capital allows you to witness a culturalshow and visit some important sites and end the tour in Colombo.

7 Day Tours

1 Night in Negombo

Your stay in Negombo can be memorable since it’s a coastal resort town which is famous for its fishing industry and is also within proximity to the International Airport. You can enjoy the golden sandy beaches of Negombo, the high adrenalin water sports including underwater diving and exploring ship wrecks, colorful corals and the many varieties of fish.

Enjoy the sun on the sandy beaches of Negombo on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka. Watch the flourishing fish industry, which is a centuries-old tradition. Ride an adrenaline high with some fun water sports. Enjoy the corals and underwater life while diving. See the 50 year-old ship-wreck just off the coast, where many varieties of fish make their home.

2 Nights in Sigiriya

Many places are added to this tour itinerary including the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage where you can witness many displaced elephants. Other places include the Dambulla Cave Temple, the ancient city of Polonnaruwa and its well preserved ruins, the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and finally tour a local village where you will learn the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the home for young Elephants who have been displaced or lost from their natural habitat, located at Pinnawala village in Sabaragamuwa province of Sri Lanka. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the best place for an up close and personal experience with the world’s largest land mammals! Today with 70 elephants herein, Pinnawala has become the home to the largest captive group of elephants in the

Dambulla Cave Temple

Enter the historic caves of the Golden Temple of Dambulla, dating back to the 1st century BC. View the ancient murals depicting the life story of Lord Gautama Buddha. Look at the hundreds of figurines of Buddha and other deities scattered throughout the five main caves. Visit the Cave of the Divine King, Cave of the Great King and the Great New Monastery. See the giant golden Buddha Statue just a little distance outside the cave complex.

Polonnaruwa

Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, which was the second major capital of Sri Lanka. Walk through the ruins of the city that flourished between the 10th to the 13th century AD. View important monuments such as Gal Vihara, Vatadage, the lotus bath, Lankathilaka Temple and the statue of King Parakramabahu whose reign was considered the golden age of Polonnaruwa. Get to know more about Sri Lanka’s ancient history.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Climb the 5th century AD rock fortress, Sigiriya, where the King Kasyapa ruled. Walk through the entrance framed by the paws of a lion that is quite appropriate for its name, ‘ the Lion Rock’. View the beautiful unfading murals that brought Sigiriya its fame. Climb the steep staircase to see the terraced gardens and still-working cisterns. Walk through the tunnels leading to the palace as you get a feel for times long past.

Local Village Experience in Sigiriya

Get a chance to go on an oxen cart ride, and experience the world from the view of a village farmer. Have a relaxing catamaran safari through a calm lake. Walk through the golden fields ripe with their harvest of paddy. Watch an enjoyable traditional cooking demonstration that teaches you the basics of Sri Lankan cuisine. Delight your taste buds with a home-cooked lunch; made over a wood-fire and served on fragrant lotus leaves placed over woven trays. Enjoy the life of a Sri Lankan villager, just this day.

2 Nights in Kandy

While in Kandy you will visit a spice garden to learn about the spices and enjoy a cookery demo. Other locations that you will visit include the Royal Botanical Gardens and the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. You will also be able to witness a cultural show that showcases local talent and art forms passed through generations.

Matale Spice Gardens

Do a guided tour of a spice and herbal garden, where you learn about spices, such as coriander, chili, cinnamon, cardamom, and nutmeg; and their uses. Take part in a traditional cooking demonstration that shows you how to make Sri Lankan cuisine while making full use of spices. Learn to make roti or create curry powder from scratch in one of the workshops.

Royal Botanical Garden

Visit the famous Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya, which were formed in the early 19th century. Walk through the vast area containing over 4000 species of plants. Enjoy the learning more about the orchids, spices and medicinal plants. Wander down avenues shaded by large and rare trees, or bordered by flowering plants. Enjoy seeing the cannonball tree, walking over the wobbly suspension bridge and through the short hedge mazes or even climbing the twisty trees that make wonderful jungle gyms.

Cultural Show

The Kandy Cultural Show gives an opportunity to experience some of the traditions of Sri Lanka. Enjoy this hour long extravaganza as some of the most popular art forms of the island take to the stage. Get wowed by fire dancers and sword dancers. Watch the colorful Kandyan dancers take to the air to the thrumming primal beat of the drums.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic a UNESCO World Heritage Site which was built in the 16th century as the place of veneration and protection for Lord Buddha’s sacred tooth. Walk through the beautifully embellished passageways and elaborately painted halls, done in red, cream and black. Lounge against delicately carved pillars and get amazed by the beautiful golden statues. Get an unforgettable experience of history and art.

1 Night in Colombo

To end the tour, you will head back to Colombo and explore the famous landmarks in the commercial hub. You can also visit a few high end shopping malls in the city that caters to a niche clientele. You can also have a night out and party till dawn at some of the most trendiest clubs in the city.

Visit & Get Experience in Colombo

Experience the colorful lights and bright life of Colombo, the capital City of Sri Lanka. Visit historic monuments such as the Old Lighthouse, the Old Parliament, Galle Face Hotel, Galle Face Green, Gangarama Temple, the National Museum and more. Enjoy the malls of Independence Square or the Race Course. Visit boutique shops and designer stores. Enjoy the nightlife as you party till the morn.

Departure

After a relaxed morning and breakfast at the hotel check out and, drive to the Airport for your flight back home.