C E Y L O N F O O D S A F A R I
S R I L A N K A | 10 N I G H T S
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DAY 01 Colombo
Flight TBC Arrives in Colombo TBC
Upon arrival at the airport you will enjoy the VIP arrival service at the Bandaranaike International Airport. Once you have cleared immigration you will be escorted to the Silk Route Lounge.
VIP Arrival with Lounge Access You will be privately escorted off the air plane to the silk route lounge where you can relax, enjoy the refreshments while your luggage will be cleared through customs on your behalf. Free Wi Fi will be available and you will meet your chauffeur / national guide at the lounge. VIP exit to your vehicle through a separate door.
You will be met by our representative and transfer to your hotel in Colombo. Relax the afternoon in the hotel. Around 5.30pm, transfer to Botanik Bar and learn how to make an authentic Sri Lankan Arrack Cocktail.
Tonight enjoy one of the best food journeys in the island – “Culinary Ceylon” – One of our top picks.
The 7 to 8 Course ‘tasting menu’ of delectable, authentic Sri Lankan dishes featuring our island’s greatest culinary hits! A hosted, guided and curated food experience; learn the history behind Sri Lankan cuisine from passionate ‘curators’
The menu will comprise of 7 local culinary hits, broadly based on taking diners on a journey across the island’s multi-ethnic, multicultural and diverse range of dishes that come together to create the foundation of present day Sri Lankan cuisine. Expect to taste dishes such as an original burgher lumpries; a local twist on Indonesian lempur introduced by Dutch colonizers, the island’s favorite street food Kottu roti that originated on the east coast and distinctively flavored northern country style favorites such as thosai, idly and vadai, prepared using family recipes.
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Hotel: Uga Residence Room: Park Suite Meal Basis: Bed & Breakfast Website: http://www.ugaescapes.com/residence/
DAY 02 Colombo
Early morning drive to “Lellama” in Negombo with packed breakfast. This is one of the most authentic fish markets in the island. You would be able to see the overnight boats returning with the fish and how everything is distributed across the country from this small place.
An executive chef will accompany you to the fish market and teach you how to choose the best and fresh fish. Get ready to learn the secrets of selecting the best fish! You will pick up Lobster for your lunch today.
Enjoy a walking tour in the morning with your resident host.
Negombo City Walk - Negombo has been coined as ‘Little Rome’ for centuries, and you will see these beautiful (Gothic) churches towering alongside the road, over the lush trees. We stop over at the largest and Grandest church (It is called Grand Street Church after-all) from the 1800’s. From there on it’s a short drive and stroll through the streets that were in the Negombo Fort area where its housing structure is yet very Dutch in all form and manner. We also see the actual fort walls, the very British little church on the hill and the Bell Tower; although with the last, one has to really use their imagination. Being known for its sea-food, the experience would not be complete until you have visited the fish market; where you know, just by being in their presence the love and dedication they have towards this trade that is just in their blood. The dry-fish market is on the beach adjoining, and the process is quite an interesting one. We will then venture on to a boat ride – but this time on the lagoon… where you get to see little tricks the fisher folk set to bait the fish/crabs and prawns.
After the walk proceed to Wallawwa & learn how to cook a Lobster Pasta lunch with your executive chef
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In the evening enjoy a Tuk Tuk Safari in Colombo.
Tuk Tuk Safari - The Gala Safari is the all inclusive favourite! This is an amazing combination of Colombo’s best seasonal hotspots, all of our amazing local food stops AND lots of drinks are also included (alcoholic and non-alcoholic). The premium tuk tuks offer the best sight seeing in Colombo, with open air convertible rooftops. This Safari runs a bit longer, depending on how the guests are going, so please be prepared for a massive fun filled evening.
Tonight enjoy an authentic Crab String-hopper Kottu. Proceed to the kitchen and learn how to make kottu. One tip in how to make kottu – get mad and use the chop plates.
Hotel: Uga Residence Room: Park Suite Meal Basis: Bed & Breakfast Website: http://www.ugaescapes.com/residence/
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DAY 03 Colombo – Anuradhapura
Drive to Anuradhapura and en route visit Wattura Resort where you would learn how to make Lamprais
En route to Anuradhapura visit the Muneshwaram Kovil.
Muneshwaram Temple - It has been in existence at least since 1000 CE, although myths surrounding the temple associate it with the popular Indian epic Ramayana. The temple is one of the ancient Pancha Ishwarams dedicated to Shiva in the region. The other Ishwaram kovils are - Naguleshwaram in Jaffna, Tiru Ketheeshwaram in Mannar, Koneshwaram in Trincomalee and Tondeshwaram in Mirissa (which is lost in time). The temple complex is a collection of five temples, including a Buddhist temple. The central temple dedicated to Shiva (Siva) is the most prestigious and biggest, and is popular amongst Hindus. The other temples are dedicated to Ganesha, Ayyanayake and Kali. The Kali temple is also popular with Buddhists, who frequent the complex.
Learn the art and secrets of vegetables during your stay at Forest Rock Garden. A vegetarian dinner will be served today. It’s very strange how you would not miss eating meat due to the way they cook the vegetables.
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Hotel: Forest Rock Garden Room: Suite with Plunge Pool Meal Basis: Half Board (Vegetarian) Website: http://www.forestrockgarden.lk/
DAY 04 Anuradhapura
After breakfast enjoy a Backroads cycling journey in the sacred UNESCO city of Anuradhapura with a resident expert.
Hummingbird Anuradhapura Backroads Cycling Journey - The Kingdom of Anuradhapura was the capital of Sri Lanka for more than 1000 years in ancient times. This was one of the greatest human civilizations in Asia. The sacred city was named as a UNESCO World Heritage site as well. A branch from the sacred fig tree under which Lord Buddha attained enlightenment was planted in Anuradhapura in 3rd Century BC and this tree is still alive making it the oldest tree on the face of the Earth with a known planting date. Visit the three temples of Mirisaveti, Jetavana and Ruvanweli which align perfectly with the star constellation Orion’s Belt. The only other places that this happen in the world are with the Great Pyramids of Egypt, Mayan’s Pyramids and in Angkor Wat. Cycle through the back roads with your hosted resident guide who will take you through the Inner City where you will witness an amazing side of Anuradhapura, which no one knows even exists, and definitely out of the tourist crowds.
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Get on board your private jeep and proceed to the Wilpattu National Park where you will enjoy a picnic lunch in the wild. After the lunch, enjoy a Leopard & Bear safari.
Take a jeep ride in the Wilpattu national park in search of the elusive Leopards, Sloth Bears, Wild Elephants, Wild Boar, Sambur Deer, Spotted Deer, Water Buffaloe and many bird species. The park is one of the best places in the world to see leopards. This is the largest national park in the country and is away from all the jeep madness in Yala. We prefer this park over Yala since we don’t believe in taking a guest to a national park to watch a leopard with 50 other noisy jeeps all around. We prefer to provide you with an authentic and peaceful wildlife experience where both you and the animals will be at ease. Early morning and late in the afternoon are the best times to settle in for some leopard and bear sightings.
Enjoy a Jaffna Tamil vegetarian dinner at the hotel.
Hotel: Forest Rock Garden Room: Suite with Plunge Pool Meal Basis: Half Board (Vegetarian) Website: http://www.forestrockgarden.lk/
DAY 05 Anuradhapura – Kandy
After an early breakfast, drive to Dambulla and visit the island’s biggest and most famous Vegetable market.
Today lunch will be at Aluvihare Kitchen which was built by the great architect – Geoffrey Bawa. Do not be surprised by the varieties of curries which you will taste today during lunch! After lunch walk around the premises and see how local women come to this center to create Batik clothes.
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In the evening visit a Spice Garden and learn the secrets of the Sri Lankan spices and what makes the islander’s food much different from the others.
The Spice Gardens in Matale are one of the best places in the country to see how the secrets of the Sri Lankan flavours are made. Witness the birth of pure Ceylon cinnamon, pepper, cloves, cardamom and nutmeg among many others. A dedicated guide will take you around the garden for a short tour and if you like, you can purchase their products as well, which is not mandatory.
Drive to Kandy and check into your hotel. Tonight you will enjoy one of the best dishes in the country who love to eat over and over again – Jaffna Crab Curry! Please talk to your chef about the spice levels, if not this could turn up very spicy.
Hotel: King’s Pavilion Room: Junior Suite Meal Basis: Half Board Website: http://www.kingspavilion.com/
DAY 06 Kandy – Hatton
In the morning visit the Temple of the Tooth.
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Visit the Temple of the Tooth which is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. Since ancient times, the relic has played an important role in local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country.
In the afternoon (with packed lunch) take the scenic vintage train and proceed to Hatton.
Get on board the Vintage local train which is how the British used to travel during the Colonial times in the late 1800’s. You will have reserved seats for you and witness the beautiful ride along forests, villages, waterfalls and tea estates and the train journeys to the sleepy town amidst the hills.
Today you will enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan High Tea experience. The food that you will have today will only be made once a year throughout the entire country during the country’s New Year celebrations in April.
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Ceylon Tea Trails Experience Check into the world’s first tea bungalow resort which is also a Relias & Chateaux member. Comprising of five restored colonial era tea planter residences, the period furnishings, gracious butler service and gourmet cuisine create an ambience that has made Tea Trails the gold standard for luxury bungalows in Sri Lanka. Situated at an altitude of 1250 meters near Hatton in central Sri Lanka, the resort borders the World Heritage Central Highlands and offers breathtaking panoramas of mountains and lush tea fields. Each bungalow is unique and exudes its own exquisite ambiance while offering guests the non-hotel, private house ambience that is the hallmark of the award-winning, "all-inclusive" Tea Trails experience.
Hotel: Ceylon Tea Trails Room: Garden Suite Meal Basis: All Inclusive Website: http://www.resplendentceylon.com/teatrails/
DAY 07 Hatton
In the morning learn how to make string-hoppers with your chef and enjoy the same for breakfast. Afterwards enjoy a Tea factory tour.
In the morning witness hundreds of local village women walking among the tea estates plucking tea leaves (we can arrange for you to experience the tea plucking session as well) to be carried out into the nearby Tea Factory. Visit one of these factories and learn the secrets of the world famous Ceylon Tea through a guided tour. Learn how the same estate produces different grades of tea catering to different types of markets.
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Visit Camellia Hills for a Tea Infused lunch. If you want, you could join in the preparations and learn how to do that as well. Please inform your chauffeur 24 hours prior.
During high tea, listen to your chef explaining how to select genuine Bee Honey and how you can use it in your daily food preparations.
Hotel: Ceylon Tea Trails Room: Garden Suite Meal Basis: All Inclusive Website: http://www.resplendentceylon.com/teatrails/
DAY 08 Hatton – Koggala – Galle
After breakfast, get on board the Cinnamon air flight and proceed to Koggala. Get on to the expressway and drive to Ambalangoda where you will visit one of the unique food shops in the island – Ceylon Pizza! This is authentic Sri Lankan pizzas where the owners use cinnamon sticks to burn the pizzas and try out two of their Signature dishes which you would not be able to enjoy anywhere else in the world. If you want you could learn how to make a pizza from scratch as well!
Drive to Galle and enjoy a Walking tour with a resident expert.
Meet up with an expert resident in the UNESCO Galle Fort who will take you around this magical enclosed living heritage city showing you the hidden gems and explaining about the lifestyles of the people. This will be a real hands on experience where you will get a real idea about how the Portuguese, Dutch and the British have left their mark on Sri Lanka and how their descendants are living inside the Dutch Fort.
Relax the rest of the day in your hotel.
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For your dinner visit a paddy field where you would enjoy a “Rotti Dinner”. Today you will have a dinner with Black Pork Curry which is another very famous dish in Sri Lanka. After dinner watch as a village lady prepare “Konda Kevum” which is one of the not-so-easy to prepare sweet desserts in the island. If you want to try and make one, you would only need to ask.
Hotel: Amangalla Room: Verandah Chamber Basis: Bed & Breakfast Website: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangalla
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DAY 09 Galle
In the morning visit a Cinnamon plantation and learn how the world famous Cinnamon is made. Also you will enjoy a Cinnamon infused lunch as well.
Cinnamon Experience - Cinnamon was discovered in Sri Lanka by Portuguese. They Identified it is a wild tree, researching its benefits and designing method to cultivate and harvest it. In time cinnamon cultivation and export became one of our prime assets as Sri Lanka produces 90% of world's supply of true cinnamon. This spice is used in both and savoury foods, has a highly fragrant aroma and is incredibly beneficial for health, frequently in traditional ayurvedic remedies. Cinnamon isn't as well-known as its tea export counterpart. Many that live in and visit Sri Lanka are sure to see tea plantations and tea pluckers. Cinnamon cultivation is very unique process, also a scarcely known operation. It is truly a one of a kind experience that is both interesting and different.
Explore the Galle Fort on your own in the evening. Best opportunity to shop for gifts!
In the evening enjoy a boat tour and go for some light fishing (about 15 minutes) and proceed to your private garden where you will enjoy the – Ocean to Table Experience. A highly skillful local chef will prepare a mouth-watering seafood menu for your dinner tonight.
Hotel: Amangalla Room: Verandah Chamber Basis: Bed & Breakfast Website: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangalla
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DAY 10 Galle
After breakfast relax the early hours of the morning in the famous in-house – Baths or treating yourself to a spa treatment. Proceed to a local home and enjoy the Cook Like a Local experience where you would learn how to cook Biriyani.
Cook Like A Local - Learn to prepare a delicious meal with a Galle based host whose expertise in cooking has brought her much fame in the area. Whether it’s a Biryani, a seafood feast or hot hoppers with accompaniments, she will take you through an unforgettable culinary journey.
In the evening learn the local art of Toddy Tapping. A natural drink with a punch from the Coconut tree!
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Enjoy an evening of toddy tasting hosted by a local agriculture expert. Toddy is brewed from both the palm flower and the coconut flower. Taste the various toddy cocktails over local snacks and learn the traditions and history about the toddy tappers.
Proceed to Why House for a Hoppers Dinner – Why Not Curry On!
“Why not curry on” - Meet Henrietta, a professional chef who owns Why House villa where you will be visiting to learn the secret receipies of Ceylon. Sri Lankan cuisine playes a vital role in the islanders' life from the most auspicious Sinhala / Hindu New Year to normal day-to-day practices. They make milk rice and special sweets with coconut milk, flour and honey at cultural festivals and it is recognized as one of the 64 types of art - "Siu Seta kalawa". Spices such as Cloves, Cardamoms, Nutmeg & Pepper are found in abundance. The Why House Chicken curry is very famous which is also known as "Madams Curry". You will get the chance to prepare the food under the guidance of Henrietta and enjoy a hopper lunch.
Hotel: Amangalla Room: Verandah Chamber Basis: Bed & Breakfast Website: https://www.aman.com/resorts/amangalla
DAY 11 Galle – Colombo Airport
After breakfast drive to the airport to connect with your flight. VIP fast track assistance will be extended at the airport along with access to the Executive Lounge.
Flight TBC Leaves Colombo TBC
- End of Services -
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H O W T O C U S T O M I Z E F U R T H E R
Different parts of the island have their unique tastes! During the ancient times, the caste system was present in the country which meant that different people had access to different types of food and they created their own flavors. India invaded Sri Lanka so many times, so did the Portuguese, Dutch and the British. Romans, Arabs and Chinese kept visiting the island for trade due to its strategic position.
This means that there’re so many flavors from all around the world that had inspired our cuisines over the centuries, creating so much variety in our food. If you wish to extend your culinary journey, then we have so many other unexplored areas in the country which offers totally different types of food that you can indulge in.
Please talk to our team of experts about how you would like your Food Safari tailor-made and we would be happy to change this program accordingly.
M E E T T H E T E A M
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