Experiences

Led by your knowledgeable local host, tour Colombo in a tuk tuk to uncover the city’s hidden highlights. Start at the green centrepiece Independence Square, then travel through the city to see three religious buildings of historical significance: the vibrant Gangaramaya Temple, red-and-white striped Jami Ul-Alfar mosque and stately Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar kovil. Afterwards, explore the bustling Pettah Market which showcases Colombo’s centuries as a major merchant city. End with a refreshing drink at a colonial hotel and a viewpoint visit to see the newly constructed port city and sea beyond.

This walking tour, led by a knowledgeable local guide, takes you to some of the most significant corners of Colombo away from the tourist trail. Meet by the floating Seema Malaka on Beira Lake beside Gangarama Temple for an insight into Sri Lanka’s Buddhist heritage. Travel by tuk tuk to the nearby Sri Ponnambalam Vanesar kovil to see its intricate granite carvings and then walk to St. Anthony’s Shrine which is a national Catholic monument. Following a chain of flower garland stalls, stroll through Kochchikade for a glimpse of the lively sights and sounds of Pettah Market and to sample some local street food dishes. The walk finishes outside the Jami Ul-Afar mosque which resembles a pomegranate.

Wander through Colombo as evening draws in and treat your tastebuds to a feast of authentic Sri Lankan street food. Begin with a shot of arrack in a well-worn bar then go on to lively Hulfsdorp Street which is always packed with local diners to try a range of curries and traditional sweet treats. Next, grab a tuk tuk and wend your way through the higgledy-piggledy streets to Galle Face Green where vendors sell street food favourites overlooking the ocean. Bear in mind that we cannot guarantee hygiene standards but we strive to ensure that the food and drink is of the highest quality. You will never be under any pressure to try the cuisine on offer – either way, this is a great way to explore Colombo away from the tourist trail.

Journey to a neighborhood in the heart of Colombo for a hands-on cooking class with a local host. Relish in the satisfaction of making a meal from scratch as you learn new techniques such as cracking a coconut and frying papadum. You host will guide you through each stage, outlining the key ingredients and their role in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Savour the fruits of your labour the authentic way, served on a banana leaf using your fingers to eat. Make sure to collect your recipe card and add these dishes to your at-home repertoire.

Learn the subtleties of brewing, grading and blending from professional tea tasters who regularly attend the Sri Lankan tea auction. This session will expand your knowledge of Ceylon tea, teaching you the differences in grain, texture, colour, strength and flavour that distinguish high-, mid- and low-land teas. You will also gain an understanding of how different teas can be blended to cater to the unique regional preferences of the global tea markets.