Sri Lanka’s capital, Colombo, is a fascinating mix of Indian, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences, known for its historic architecture and cuisine.
Start your morning with a guided street food tour. Explore markets, tasting fried cassava chips and king coconut water. Meet stallholders and sample tropical fruits like bananas, pineapples, and the unique wood apple, showcasing the diversity of Sri Lankan flavours.
For lunch, visit the Dutch Burgher Union, a century-old institution, to enjoy dishes like lamprais, fish cutlets, and bacon and egg pastries.
In the evening, join your group for a welcome dinner at the renowned Ministry of Crab, a regular on Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants list. Founded by chef Dharshan Munidasa and Sri Lankan cricketers Kumar Sangakkara and Mahela Jayawardena. Savour dishes such as freshwater prawns with garlic and chilli, black pepper crab, and sides of Japonica rice and garlic kankun. Perhaps end with a crisp coconut crème brûlée for dessert.
Ministry of Crab welcome dinner
Set out this morning, leaving the coast behind as you journey to Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle, a region rich in ancient ruins, dramatic landscapes, and captivating history.
Your first stop is Priyamali Gedara Village, where you’ll experience the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality. Watch as locals prepare a traditional lunch in an open-air kitchen. Savour dishes like nelum kole bath (aromatic rice served in a lotus leaf), flavourful curries, and rustic views over rice paddies. End with a sweet treat such as watalappam coconut custard or kiri pani, made with buffalo milk curd and palm sugar treacle.
After lunch, visit the ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s former capital. Explore its historic treasures, including the Vatadage, a circular relic house protecting an ancient stupa, and the vast Parakrama Samudraya reservoir, a feat of engineering from the 12th century.
Continue to the sacred city of Dambulla and check in at Jetwing Lake for a restful evening. Set in the Cultural Triangle’s jungle, this hotel offers serene surroundings and impeccable hospitality, just a short distance from the cave temple complex.
Travel time: Driving – approx. four hours
Begin with a sunrise ascent of Sigiriya Rock Fortress or, for those preferring a less strenuous start, explore the area around the rock at your own pace.
Towering 180 metres above the jungle, Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage site and a marvel of 5th-century Sinhalese architecture. As you climb its 1,200 steps, take in views of the jungle below. At the summit, explore the ruins of the ancient palace, including well-preserved frescoes, the Mirror Wall and the imposing lion’s paws that once marked the entrance.
Descend to your hotel for a well-earned breakfast and rest. This afternoon, discover two more highlights of the Cultural Triangle.
First, visit the UNESCO-listed Golden Cave Temple of Dambulla. This sacred complex, with its five sanctuaries, houses approximately 150 Buddha statues and paintings that span centuries.
Later, embark on an afternoon safari to Minneriya National Park. With your guide, explore this wildlife sanctuary centred around the ancient Minneriya Wewa reservoir, where animals gather to drink and bathe. Spot diverse wildlife, including sambar deer, storks and the park’s renowned herds of Asian elephants.
Return to your hotel for a buffet dinner and time to relax after an exhilarating day.
Travel time: Driving – approx. two hours
Head south today as you journey to Kandy, travelling by coach.
Along the way, stop in Moragaswewa for an immersive culinary experience. Begin with a warm welcome and a drumming or dance lesson before exploring the local villages by motorcycle, tuk tuk, tractor or jeep. Pass through jungle and rice paddies, picking fresh produce while learning about local farming practices. Under the guidance of your hosts, take part in a hands-on cooking class, blending spices and using age-old techniques to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes. Enjoy the fruits of your labour with a shared meal in the tranquil countryside.
Continue southward, pausing at Matale’s fragrant spice gardens. Learn about the cultivation of Sri Lanka’s renowned spices, including cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg and pepper, as well as therapeutic ingredients like turmeric and aloe vera.
Arrive in Kandy, the island’s second-largest city and a revered Buddhist pilgrimage destination. Check in at The Golden Crown Hotel, a boutique retreat surrounded by forest. Relax in your spacious room, unwind by the infinity pool or enjoy the scenic terrace.
This evening, explore Kandy’s markets on a food tour. Sample local favourites like sweet-and-sour achcharu, fresh hoppers and kottu roti with tangy chutneys. Savour South Indian-inspired dishes such as buttery ghee dosa and ulundu vadai fritters, while hearing the stories behind each dish from locals.
End the day with a buffet dinner back at your hotel and enjoy a restful night.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
This morning, embark on a scenic train journey through Sri Lanka’s central hills (subject to availability). Watch as locals tend to the fields, immersing yourself in the sights and scents of the highlands.
Arrive in Nuwara Eliya, a historic hill station nestled at the base of Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain. Check in at The Grand Hotel. With its Elizabethan-inspired architecture, manicured lawns and prime location near Victoria Park, the hotel exudes old-world charm.
For a highland experience, consider enjoying High Tea at the hotel (surcharges apply). Savour pastries, cakes and local tea blends, all served with impeccable service and scenic views from the open-air salon.
This evening, indulge in a buffet dinner at the hotel before retiring for the night.
Travel time: Train and driving – approx. four hours
This morning, delve into the history of Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea at the Pedro Tea Estate near Nuwara Eliya. With over 140 years of heritage, the estate offers a glimpse into the art of tea-making, from plucking fresh leaves in the fields to the preparation and roasting process in the factory.
After learning about the craft, sit down at the estate’s teahouse to enjoy a cup of perfectly brewed Sri Lankan tea.
Later, travel southwest towards Galle, stopping for lunch at The Mountain Heavens in scenic Ella. Arrive at the southern coast by evening for an exceptional dinner at Smoke & Bitters, named one of Asia’s 50 Best Bars for 2024. This relaxed yet innovative cocktail bar and smokehouse is known for its creative use of local ingredients and unpretentious charm.
Sample signature cocktails such as the chai-spiced Old & Smoked or the rum-infused Pamuditha’s Punch. Pair your drinks with dishes like confit leeks with wasabi mayo, smoked cucumber with buffalo curd, or mushroom à la crème.
Continue to Galle and check in at Jetwing Lighthouse, an elegant retreat on the rocky shoreline.
Travel time: Driving – approx. 5.5 hours
Jetwing Lighthouse stay
This morning, explore Galle, Sri Lanka’s oldest seaport and a vital hub of historical trade. Take a guided walk through the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Galle Fort, a 16th-century Portuguese fortification later expanded by the Dutch and British, showcasing centuries of colonial history.
Visit landmarks such as the 150-year-old Galle Lighthouse, the Dutch Reformed Church, the National Maritime Museum housed in a former spice warehouse, and the Galle Clock Tower, standing tall at 25 metres. Conclude your walk with a stroll along the oceanside ramparts, taking in the fort’s stunning coastal views.
By the shore, observe the daily rhythm of Galle’s fishing community as boats arrive with fresh catches. Watch the smiling fishermen at work, offering a firsthand glimpse of Sri Lanka’s thriving seafood culture.
Enjoy a light lunch at The Merchant Galle Fort before continuing your exploration of local life. With your guide’s insights into traditions and customs, gain a deeper appreciation of the vibrant community that thrives within this historic setting.
This evening, dinner is at your leisure.
Jetwing Lighthouse stay
Transfer to Negombo and check in at your beachfront hotel. Spend the afternoon at your own pace, relaxing on the sandy shores or taking a dip in the cooling pool.
On the sun-kissed coast of Negombo, Jetwing Blue combines coastal charm with sustainable luxury. As the flagship property of Jetwing’s hospitality legacy, it leads the way in eco-conscious practices, from off-grid solar power to an onsite glass bottling plant.
This evening, celebrate your journey with a farewell dinner at GINI, Sri Lanka’s premier live-fire dining experience. Led by Melbourne-trained head chef Surith Adhihetty, this stylish restaurant offers an intimate atmosphere where Sri Lankan hospitality shines.
Savour a fine-dining menu showcasing fresh seafood, vibrant vegetables and expertly crafted dishes. Raise a toast with a welcome cocktail as you reflect on the flavours and memories of your Sri Lankan adventure.
Travel time: Driving – approx. three hours
Bid farewell to your fellow travellers as your once-in-a-lifetime culinary journey through Sri Lanka comes to a close. After checkout, you’ll be transferred to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) for your onwards journey.
Departure & Transfers:
Checkout on your final day is at 12pm. Please book your flights to depart from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) after 4pm. The group transfer is included for flights departing between 11pm–1am. Your transfer will meet you at your hotel and take you to the airport.
Outside of these group departure times; guests are required to pay a private transfer surcharge or make their own way to the airport.