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Immerse yourself in the vibrant cultural tapestry and rich heritage of Sri Lanka through our thoughtfully curated “Culture & Community” experiences. Each journey offers a unique opportunity to connect deeply with local traditions, from the ancient art of pottery making to exploring the historic streets of Galle Fort. Whether you’re crafting Kandyan drums in a village steeped in history, cycling through the lush countryside of Galle, or savoring the authentic flavors of Sri Lankan cuisine, these experiences are designed to provide you with meaningful interactions and unforgettable memories.
Discover the art of shaping clay into beautiful creations with the help of a skilled potter from nearby village, specially curated for families with young children who would love a hands-on fun experience. The potter primarily describes the process with stories in his native language, but you are on a capable hand of translator during this creative session. Learn the fascinating and age-old techniques from your host while wheel throwing. You could follow your hosts’ guidance and observe his techniques as together you mould your own masterpiece using traditional and sustainable resources. Add extraordinary touch to your creativity and take-home unforgettable memories from this enriching encounter with traditional craftsmanship which have been passed down from generations.
Explore the southern part of Batticaloa, riding along the beach visiting a fish market. You will meet handloom weavers making colourful sarees and sarongs, sharing with you their ancient knowledge of this traditional craft. You will discreetly observe the mid day prayer at the local mosque and later share lunch with a local family and enjoy a relaxing chat. Later ride through the busy streets of Kattankudy a bustling Muslim town famous for its history and numerous businesses. End the day with a visit to the heritage museum.
Learn some delicious recipes of the East and get in touch with local fishermen willing to share their ancestral way of fishing with you. The excursion involves a visit to a local market, a cooking class, lunch with a local family, a bicycle ride along the enchanting lagoon, a visit to the local Hindu temple and finally a fishing class with a local fisherman.
Lunuganga Estate was the country home of the renowned Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawa. Started in 1947, the garden led Bawa to decide to become an architect. Left to the Lunuganga Trust on his demise in 2003, the gardens are now open to the public and the buildings on the estate are run as a country house hotel. After touring the gardens enjoy a local lunch and take in the breadthtaking views of the gardens.
Ten kilometres inland from Bentota is the Brief Garden. The house, which used to be the home of Bevis Bawa, brother of renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa, has an eclectic range of artwork on display. Bevis created a garden heaven with alcoves and nooks. The garden displays wide lawns, a Japanese garden, ponds, sculptures, and many hidden surprises.
One of the best ways to really get to know a country is through her food. Learn about the culinary flavours of Sri Lanka and how to combine different spices with enhancing aromas and rich flavours resulting in a wonderful array of tasty Sri Lankan rice, curries, sambols, salads and “Fish Ambul thiyal”, Sri Lankan Sour fish which is a signature dish in South Coast of Sri Lanka. Meet your host at his home kitchen for an interactive cooking masterclass. After which you will sit down together and enjoy the meal you have prepared.
Take a leisure boat ride with a naturalist who will identify numerous bird species and aquatic life while drifting in lesser-known area of a fascinating river in southern Sri Lanka. Your naturalist will share his experiences in living by the river. Boat will dock at a coconut husk workshop where you could see how locals use coconut husks to be turned in to various household products. Then take a leisure bike ride into the village that will give you a glimpse into day-to-day life of villagers. Enroute stop at a small vegetable shop located by the road to pick up local vegetables for your cooking lesson. After which ride to reach traditional wattle and daub hut which is your kitchen for the day. Partake the cooking with your host to get to know more about local ingredients, spices, and cooking techniques. Finish your experience after enjoying the Sri Lankan lunch meal prepared by you.
Kayaking lets you explore tranquil lagoons and winding rivers. Experience the natural beauty of your surroundings, from lush mangroves to picturesque coastal landscapes. Enjoy close encounters with local wildlife and observe the vibrant ecosystem from the comfort of your kayak. Whether you’re paddling past pristine beaches or charming villages, kayaking provides a unique and peaceful way to connect with nature.
Join a local resident whose family has lived and worked in Galle for generations, on a guided walk-through Galle’s historic 17th Century Dutch Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wonder the maze of narrow cobblestone paved roadways lined with colonial period buildings still in use and old merchant houses where generations of Moorish families still live. Take a walk along the sturdy ramparts looking out to sea and visit colonial period churches, the lighthouse and museums. Later proceed to learn about the culinary flavours of Sri Lanka and how to combine different spices with enhancing aromas and rich flavours resulting in a wonderful array of tasty Sri Lankan rice, curries, sambols, salads and “Fish Ambul thiyal”, Sri Lankan Sour fish which is a signature dish in South Coast of Sri Lanka. Meet your host at his home kitchen for an interactive cooking masterclass. After which you will sit down together and enjoy the meal you have prepared.
Meet a local family in a rural village and learn the secrets of making authentic buffalo milk curd from the true experts. You can even participate in the process and enjoy the freshly made curd with some sweet kithul treacle for dessert!
Galle was founded by the Portuguese in 16th century in 1598. However, when the Dutch took over in 1640, they destroyed all traces of the Portuguese presence. Finally, the Dutch built the 36-hectare Fort in 1663, which is now a World Heritage Site. Galle is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions. So, the Galle Fort is a visual metaphor for Sri Lankan history. Ancient Sri Lankan culture collides with colonial architecture in ways that can only be described as mystical. The session covers colonial history, its effect on our Sri Lankan people, the comedy that surrounds colonization and a visit to the museum. Be prepared for your tour to be interactive and fun with decidedly less history and a lot more stories with little nooks and crannies that make Galle Fort a home for its many residents from many cultures.
Embark on a journey through Jaffna’s culinary heritage, beginning with witnessing the traditional sesame oil extraction process and trying your hand at pottery making. Experience the warmth of a family-run pottery site as you craft your piece, then delight in a lunch prepared using your freshly extracted sesame oil and handmade pottery. Immerse yourself in the rich culture and flavours of Jaffna, creating unforgettable memories along the way.
Nestled in the northern end of Sri Lanka, the Jaffna District, with its rich cultural tapestry and vibrant history, is a place where tradition thrives. Among its many cultural treasures is a village renowned for its traditional drum-making heritage, gifted by the Kandyan kings. This village has upheld the legacy of crafting Kandyan drums for generations, each beat resonating with the spirit of their forefathers. Using locally sourced materials, the artisans meticulously shape and assemble each drum, preserving the musical and ritualistic traditions of the region. Visitors can witness this intricate process and engage with the craftsmen, gaining unique insights into the cultural significance of these instruments. This village stands as a living museum, celebrating the enduring legacy of Kandyan drums in Jaffna.
As the sun sets over Jaffna, immerse yourself in the enchanting twilight ambiance. Stroll through the fertile lands, surrounded by lush greenery and vibrant flora. Feel the soft earth beneath your feet, breathe in the fresh air, and listen to the symphony of nature – rustling leaves, chirping birds, and the distant hum of village life. Connect with the local communities as you visit farmers, learn about their agricultural practices, and experience their warm hospitality. Savor farm-fresh snacks made from locally sourced ingredients, from crispy vadai to savoury murukku, each bite reflecting Jaffna’s rich culinary heritage. As you enjoy these delights amidst nature’s beauty and community warmth, you’ll create lasting memories long after the twilight fades into night.
An evening city walk through the heart of Kandy with a knowledgeable and personable guide who has deep connections to the city. Ends at the Royal Pub for a drink and a chat.
Rajhu is a half Norwegian half Sri Lankan artist who has been living and working in Sri Lanka more than 30 years. He lives a reclusive, alternative life spending most of his time painting in his private studio. Enjoy a private evening in Rahju’s company at his wonderful hilltop cottage overlooking the Hunas range and receive insider access to his magnificent studio. Discuss art, mysticism, religion, and the cosmos with him over a cup of tea and let him show you how his work has been influenced by these themes and how it has evolved over the years. Later his artist daughter Rudrani will show you around their house, share interesting facts about their cottage and show you her original paintings.
Commence a city tour of Kandy with or without tuk-tuk visiting to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens originally pleasure gardens for Sinhalese Royalty and later turned into a Botanical Garden by the British in 1843. It has an amazing collection of over 300 varieties of orchids, probably the largest collection in Asia. Visit the British Garrison Cemetery and proceed to Suriyakantha Center to discover the magnificent tri-centennial Heritage house which is a representative example of what is commonly known as the “Dutch style,” which was influenced during the partial colonization of the island by the Dutch (1658-1796). Witness traditional furniture, artworks, ancient books, including precious original historical editions, photographs, and postcards, showcasing the encounter between two civilizations, the East and the West. Finish the tour with authentic Sri Lankan lunch at Suriyakantha Center.
This trek starts from Rangala which is a village amidst tea estates. Trek through line houses, pine forests, lowland rain forest, water streams etc. while experiencing the village life. You can refresh yourself by having a bath in a freshwater stream which starts from the Knuckles Mountain Range. Then you’ll walk towards the Heeloya village. Heeloya is a rural, remote agriculture village which is situated in the Kandy district. Along with a unique attraction of understanding how justice meted out in the good old days. Further, the proceedings of hearing a case by the village-headman and the location are still intact.
For flexible and budget friendly tour packages, chat with one of our travel itinerary creators.
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