A fantastic programme giving you the opportunity to learn to cook the wonderful, unique, varied and extremely healthy cuisine of Sri Lanka. The lessons we organise comes from a highly experienced home cooks, and can be conducted at numerous locations around Sri Lanka based on your itinerary. Cooking classes will not only give you the knowledge to recreate the classic Sri Lankan dishes, but is also an experience of real, traditional Sri Lankan hospitality with all its warmth and fun.

The class will take you through the spices used in Sri Lankan food and general preparation techniques. You will take home a good appreciation of the basics of cooking Sri Lankan food as well as the ability to prepare a few dishes to an excellent standard.

Some of the smaller hotels in the country will also offer ad-hoc cooking lessons and let you get busy in the kitchen alongside the staff. We can suggest places for this if you would rather not book the proper lesson.

The story of Sri Lanka’s arts and crafts comes from within one of the oldest civilizations in the world. It dates back to thousands of years and is firmly rooted in authentic culture. Its colours, sounds, rhythm, and shapes run through the course of history. From the art of puppetry to drum-making, the island’s artistic flair never fails to amaze those who encounter it. Sri Lankan art history that emerged with the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka is the most dominant.

From cave paintings to rock sculptures, the ancient kingdoms of the nation provide stunning evidence of skillful artistry from bygone eras. Sigiriya frescoes, Dambulla cave paintings and sculptures, and stone carvings of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have earned their reputation worldwide. The Kandyan dancers, the folklore masks, handloom fabric, Beeralu lace making, and lacquer work in Sri Lanka are unique to the island. Sri Lanka also holds one of the most popular literature events – the Galle literary festival.

In the heart of Sri Lanka, you’ll find one of the world’s most scenic train trips. The train from Kandy to Ella is a beautiful 7-hour ride through lush tea plantations, rolling rice fields, and endless mountain views. Originally built in 1864 by the colonial British to transport tea from the hills to the capital city, the railway has since become a super affordable way to see the picturesque countryside. Today, the 94-mile train ride is the highlight of any visit to Sri Lanka.

One of many unforgettable things about the scenery is the intensity and variety of the color green. Everything is green and lush, and much of the region is carpeted with the glowing green of the tea plantations. Tea needs a warm climate, altitude and sloping terrain to grow—a perfect description of the Hill Country—and today the region is virtually one big tea plantation.