Culinary & Art Tour Sri Lanka

On arrival at the Bandaranaike International Airport, you will be met by your English-Speaking chauffeur guide and transferred to Dambulla.

(Transfer time from Airport to Dambulla: approx. 04 hours)

Check in to the hotel and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

Accommodation:

Overnight for the next three nights at Arika Villa, Dambulla – Deluxe Room on Half Board Basis or similar

This morning you will engage in a Sri Lankan cuisine experience at your hotel. If you wish, you can request to dine-in in their mud house (optional)

Schedule:

• Briefing on Sri Lankan cuisine and the local practices associated with cooking
• Demonstration of Peeling the husk of the coconut
• Preparation of coconut for the use of ‘Pol Sambol’ with the involvement of guests
• Introducing the usage of spices with Sri Lankan cuisine
• Preparation of meals with the involvement of guests

Accommodation:

Overnight at Arika Villa, Dambulla – Deluxe Room on Half Board Basis or similar

This morning you will visit the Dambulla Cave Temple.

Dambulla Cave Temple - This is located in the North Central Province. This UNESCO World Heritage Site which dates back to the 01st century BC is an amazing complex of 05 caves, first used as a refuge by an ancient king who on regaining his throne, commissioned magnificent carved images within the living rock. Later kings made further improvements and the caves contain over 150 images of the Buddha of which the largest is a colossal figure spanning 15 meters. Cave inscriptions from the 2nd Century BC are found and on the walls are many paintings most of which belong to the Kandy period (early 19th century). This temple is a perfect location to view evolution of ancient Sri Lankan art and is an important historical site due to the amalgamation of the material from many eras.

Afternoon join in for a guided village walk and meet with the local villagers.

Accommodation:

Overnight at Arika Villa, Dambulla – Deluxe Room on Half Board Basis or similar

Today you will set off to Kandy.

Kandy - Sri Lanka's hill capital, stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, is our most beautiful town. The focal point of the town is, without doubt, the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa. The highlight of the year is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the relic casket is taken in procession accompanied by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and elephants during ten glittering nights in July/August. Visit Kalapuraya in the beautiful Dumbara valley. There are many shrines and temples, where you will see rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings.

You have the OPTION of visiting the Temple of the tooth before you head to your hotel.

Check in to your hotel.

This evening visit two of the island's best and most captivating artists in the region's countryside. Father and daughter they have their own gallery at their own home.

Well-known for dancing and artwork including religious frescos, Kandy has fascinated and produced a marvelous group of artisans.  For hundreds of years, some of the best national art originates from the emerald Kandyan hills. You will be welcomed with a glass of juice and serene views from your hosts’ veranda before exploring the house and gaining privileged access to this father and daughter’s celebrated artwork.  This is a private experience at your hosts’ own home and their inspiring studio, settled in the leafy hills of central Sri Lanka. Spend the evening drinking tea on the veranda, chatting about philosophy, music and of course art.

Accommodation:

Mahaweli Reach Hotel, Kandy – Deluxe room on Half Board Basis or similar

Enjoy a scenic drive back to the airport. Breakfast included.