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Culinary Expedition

Spices In Sri Lanka

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Culinary Expedition

11 Day tour of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka though a renowned leisure destination for its mesmeric hill country, exquisite beaches, and fascinating cultural attraction of ancient cities and shrines is not a destination that readily comes to mind for a golfing holiday. If you look up the Sri Lanka Map you will learn to your delightful surprise that you can easily fit in three fabulous golf courses of all Asia located at three elevations

Highlights

  • World Class – UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
  • Spice Trails – Spice & Herbal Gardens in Matale.
  • Little England – Cold, Scenic Peaks and Cozy Little Towns of Ella & Nuwara Eliya.
  • Misty Mountains – See the nature’s creations at Ella.
  • Into the Wild – Yala National Park.
  • Urban Adventure – Capital City of Colombo.

Itinerary

Negombo - 1 Night

Day 01

After arrival at the Colombo Airport, you will be picked up from the Airport by your Chauffeur Guide from Lakpura. After the introductions, you will be escorted by air-conditioned private vehicle to your hotel in Negombo.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel J
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing Beach
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – The Wallawwa

Dambulla - 2 Nights

Day 02

After breakfast at the hotel check out and proceed to Dambulla. On arrival to Dambulla, check in the hotel and relax. Later that evening, visit the Dambulla Cave Temple.  (Travel Time: 4 to 4½ hrs)

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.

Day 03

After breakfast at the hotel visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

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.

Thereafter proceed to Priyamali Gedara and participate in a Cooking Demonstration and enjoy a lovely farmer’s lunch.  (Travel Time: 15 to 20 mins)

Cooking Demonstration and Lunch at Priyamali Gedara

This experience provides an authentic farm lunch and cooking demo done by an actual local farming family. Learn the ins and outs of Sri Lankan cooking as the farmer’s wife and daughters demonstrate their art. Chat with the farmer to learn more about how the fresh ingredients are obtained from the surroundings. Indulge in a healthy farm meal cooked over wood fires and served on lotus leaves over woven trays. Traditional rice, lentils, fresh local vegetables cooked into fragrant curries, fried fish, and poppadum will play a major role in the meals. Those who are interested can also request the farmer’s wife for some delicious kotthu, which they can purchase separately.

Thereafter proceed to Polonnaruwa and visit Ancient Kingdom.

Ancient Kingdom of 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.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Fresco Water Villa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cinnamon Lodge
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Kandalama

Nuwara Eliya - 2 Nights

Day 04

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and proceed to Matale and visit a spice garden. (Travel Time: 1 to 1 1 ½ hrs)

Matale Spice Tour and the Cooking Class

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 class 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.

On completion proceed to Nuwara Eliya, En-route make a pause at Bluefield Tea factory and get guided tour through the Tea Estate and learn more about the varieties, processing methods and qualities of tea. (Travel Time: 2 ½ to 3 hrs)

Tea Factory Visit

Learn how tea is manufactured in Sri Lanka. You can observe the tea pickers, locally known as ‘tea pluckers’ as they move between the lush green rows along the mountains with their large baskets.Thereafter you will be given a guided tour explaining fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving and the grading of tea. Finish with a tea tasting process and learn of the history, and why Ceylon Tea is considered among the best in the world.

Day 05

After breakfast at the hotel visit a local strawberry farm

Strawberry Farm

Visit a local strawberry farm to experience how strawberries are grown and harvested. Walk through the expansive greenhouse and with their plants yielding the ruby red fruit. Learn more about the climatic conditions necessary for the growth of strawberries. Feast on fine fat strawberries; in the forms of strawberry milkshakes, strawberries with cream, chocolate topped strawberries, pancakes with strawberries, and much more at the farm’s very own shop. Get a chance to purchase some of the fresh fruit to take back with you too.

Thereafter go on a scenic tour in Nuwara Eliya City.

Nuwara Eliya City

Visit the highland city that was the premium holiday resort town of the British in the 19th and early 20th centuries. Enjoy walking through the streets with their pretty little cottages, quaint villas and beautiful mansions. Make a memory in the old red-bricked postoffice as you purchase an inexpensive and colorful postcard to take home or send to your friends. Relax at Queen Victoria Park or on the shores of Lake Gregory

Thereafter proceed to Grand Hotel to enjoy a High Tea Session.

High Tea

Get this chance experience a proper High Tea with all its embellishments at Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya. Sit down for tea at 3:30 sharp in the semi open air tea lounge, or in the lawn. Get served elegant waiters in crisp white livery. Drown your taste buds with delicious little sandwiches, cakes and various varieties of teas, this is an authentic experience passed down from the era of the British.

On completion return to the hotel.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Summer Hill Breeze
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing St.Andrews
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Heritance Kandalama

Bandarawela - 2 Night

Day 06

After breakfast proceed to Ella and explore Ella area (Travel Time: 1 ½ to 2 hrs) After breakfast at the hotel check out and explore misty Ella.

Explore the Marvels of Ella 

Explore Ella’s most interesting places. Pass through bright green tea fields, and tough stretches of rock, and get to see the magical views of Little Adam’s Peak. Walk over the history seeped Nine Arches Bridge and listen to the story of its construction. End your hike at the Demodara Railway station with its unique loop-over track design. This tour gives you the chance to see the best sights of Sri Lanka.

On compleion of the day proceed to Banadarawela and check-in to the hotel (Travel time: 1 to 1 ½ hrs)

Day 07

Morning do a Cookery Course at Koslanda

Cookery Course

These experienced chefs at Koslanda are always delighted to pass on their knowledge of Sri Lankan cuisine through our cookery demonstrations and classes. Learn how to make traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry, string hoppers, hoppers, rotis, pittu, sambals and all manner of regional specialities.

There after Visit the Diyaluma Falls & Rubber Plantation

Visit the Diyaluma Falls & Rubber Plantation

The beautiful Diyaluma falls are just a short drive or walk from hotel. At 220m high, it’s one of the highest waterfalls on the island and a spectacular sight. Afterwards, you may want to visit the nearby rubber plantation and learn about traditional methods for harvesting and processing rubber.

Jungle Trek

Guided trek of our very own stretch of jungle. It’s a great way to get to know the native plants and trees and find out about pepper and coffee cultivation during the colonial era. They will also arrange for you to plant a tree and participate in our forest restoration programme.

On completion return to the hotel.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – 9 Arch
Standard Option (4 Star) – Jetwing Kaduruketha
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Living Heritage

Yala - 1 Night

Day 08

After Breakfast at the hotel proceed to Yala later in the Evening do a safari game drive in Yala national Park.

Halfday Evening Safari in Yala National Park

This amazing Safari offers the opportunity to visit Yala National Park, the second largest in the island based off the Southeastern coast of Sri Lanka. Get a chance to see the famous Sri Lankan leopards, indigenous wild water buffalo, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear and large herds of Sri Lankan Elephants. The park is also home to many other species of mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, fish and invertebrates.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Elephant Reach
Standard Option (4 Star) – Kithala Resort
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Wild

Galle - 1 Nights

Day 09

After breakfast at the hotel check out and go on an educational tour to know how to make buffalo curd.

Visit a Local Village and Learn Buffalo Curd Making Process

If you have ever wondered how the local buffalo curd or even normal yoghurt is made; this is the ultimate experience for you. Get a guided tour to the farmhouses in Tissa Village. Watch the buffalos get milked. Let the experts teach you the process of converting milk to curd. Try your hand at curd making with the assistance of your tutors. Finish up by tasting this delicious dessert topped with Kithul Treacle.

Thereafter proceed to Ahangama and have a great authentic Sri Lankan Sea Fish Lunch at Garton’s Cape hotel. (Travel Time: 3 ½ to 4 hrs)

Enjoy an Authentic Sri Lankan Sea Food Lunch in Ahangama

You will be treated to a delicious and authentic Sri Lankan Seafood lunch; consisting of Jaffna Crab, Negombo Prawn and the South Coast “Ambul Thiyal” (Sri Lankan style fresh fish curry), along with small crispy fried fish and village grown vegetables cooked to perfection. Whilst you are having your lunch you can watch the live cooking show where the chef will demonstrate the cooking methods of the dishes you are enjoying.

After the lovely lunch proceed to Galle and visit Colonial City. (Travel Time: 20 to 30 mins)

Old Colonial City of Galle

Discover the city of Galle, where the Portuguese and Dutch made their headquarters, and its secrets. Visit the Galle Fort which is one of the best preserved fortifications in Asia. View the Maritime Museum, Galle National Museum and the lighthouse. Walk through the cobblestoned streets with their Dutch names as you learn more about their histories.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Amor Villa
Standard Option (4 Star) – Cantaloupe Levels
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Fort Bazaar

Colombo - 1 Night

Day 10

Transfer to the Capital City of Sri Lanka on this day. Go on a lovely boat safari at Balapitiya on your way.

Enjoy a Boat Safari and Visit Cinnamon Makers

Go on a wonderful boat ride down the Madu River with its flourishing ecosystem. Pass through the secretive passages created by the mangroves. See the basking crocodiles and water monitors. Visit one of the small islands with its cinnamon harvesting natives. Enjoy the restorative qualities of the famous fish massage. Observe the water birds in their natural habitats.

Visit small secretive islands that dot the river to find the cinnamon makers. Learn how cinnamon bark is obtained and processed. Learn how the quills are divided according to their qualities. Purchase the freshest top quality cinnamon to take back home, or gift to your loved ones.

Thereafter proceed to Colombo and check in to the hotel and relax.Later in the evening go on street food walk in Galle Face Green

Street Food Walk in Galle Face Green

This experience gives you the chance to try the various varieties of Sri Lankan street food all in one go. Walk along the sandy beaches of Galle Face and stop by the most delicious and stomach friendly food kiosks in this guided foray into the street food world of Sri Lanka. Shock your taste buds with the mouthwatering flavours of egg hoppers, normal hoppers, tempered kadala, prawn vadé, parippu vadé, and kotthu (vegan, chicken, etc.). Enjoy the splendid sunsets of the tropics as you relax with food in hand.

Overnight Stay

Economy Option (3 Star) – Hotel Sapphire
Standard Option (4 Star) – Mount Lavinia Hotel
Luxury Option (5 Star & Boutique) – Cinnamon Grand

Departure

Day 11

After breakfast at the hotel on your final day, proceed to the Colombo International Airport (CMB) and get ready for your departure after spending a memorable time on the Pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Price Starting From:

 USD 890 Per Person

When to go on this trip?

The best time of the year you can enjoy this trip is from December to May. Calm south coast beaches, cool and sunny climate and green sceneries that blend perfectly with the locations you are traveling to.

When to book

We recommend that you book this tour at least 6 months ahead.

What add-ons are available for this trip?

We can arrange for just about any add-on’s on this trip. Have a chat with one of our Tour Consultants to help you decide.

Our Experts are ready to help

For more information or to book this wonderful tour please email our travel experts.

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    Hotel Timing

    Standard Check in time : 1400 hrs.
    Standard Check out time : 1200 hrs.
    The above may differ from hotel to hotel. Speak to your travel expert for more details.
    We are able to arrange early check-in and late check-outs depending on the hotels you choose. However, you may be subject to additional charges.

    Booking Process

    After deciding on which trip you want to go, send us an inquiry with the requested details. If you want to further customize this trip, our travel experts would be glad to help perfect the tour itinerary for you. Once all planning is final, the next step is starting the booking process. We request for a 20% deposit to confirm the booking. On receipt of the deposit, our team will start booking your hotels and the vehicles that were agreed upon. The balance 80% payment can be made 30 to 45 days prior to the date of arrival. For cancellation and refund policies please take a look at the terms & conditions.

    Price

    The price quoted is valid till April 2018. Will be subject to seasonal supplements. Speak to your travel expert to learn more details.

    Packing Essentials

    When packing for Sri Lanka, you only need to remember that this is a tropical country. Sunny weather & warm water. Hence, packing thin cotton clothing is essential. However, if your stay includes places like Kandy, Nuwara Eliya & Ella, we recommend that you pack a few sweaters just in case. You must not forget the following:

    • Effective mosquito repellent.
    • A good sunscreen.
    • (Ladies) Tampons – Nearly impossible to find outside Colombo.
    • Universal power adapter.

    Travel Insurance

    We recommend that you purchase travel insurance before you travel.

    VISA

    Visa can be obtained online via www.eta.gov.lk. You can obtain Visa on arrival as well, however, this option is not available for some countries. Do read more on this topic here.

    Travel Information

    Sri Lanka is a developing nation. Yet, there are many things you must look out for during your travel. For example; when visiting religious sites, it is important that you dress to cover. All key information you need to know before traveling is right here.