Authentic Sri Lankan Experiences Await You

Sri Lankan Home with A Warm Hospitality (Cookery Class)

A cooking experience in a Sri Lankan home is an incredible way to immerse yourself in the local culture, flavors, and traditions of this island nation. These experiences typically go beyond just cooking; they offer insight into family life, the importance of spices, and the art of balancing flavors that make Sri Lankan cuisine so unique.

What to Expect from a Sri Lankan Home Cooking Experience

Warm Welcome and Introduction to Sri Lankan Ingredients: Upon arrival, you’ll often be greeted with warm hospitality. The host will introduce you to the key ingredients used in Sri Lankan cooking, such as coconut, curry leaves, spices (like cinnamon, cardamom, and cloves), and an assortment of fresh vegetables, herbs, and rice varieties.
Learning Traditional Cooking Techniques: Sri Lankan cooking emphasizes techniques like using a miris gala (traditional grinding stone) to make curry pastes, frying spices to enhance their aroma, and using clay pots for a smoky flavor. Hosts often demonstrate these techniques and encourage guests to try them, allowing a hands-on experience.
Preparing Iconic Dishes:
- Rice and Curry: The centerpiece of any Sri Lankan meal. You might prepare a few curries like dhal (lentil curry) and vegetable curry.
- Pol Sambol: A fresh coconut relish made with grated coconut, chili, lime, and onions.
- Hoppers: A bowl-shaped pancake made from a fermented rice flour batter, often served with coconut sambol or an egg in the middle.
Spice Mixing and Balancing Flavors: A big part of the experience is learning to balance spices and flavors. Hosts often teach guests about adjusting the heat, salt, acidity, and sweetness of dishes. Guests can also grind spices and create curry powder blends, which they may even take home as a souvenir.
Sitting Down to a Communal Meal: After cooking, you’ll enjoy the meal with the family or fellow guests. Sri Lankan hospitality includes eating together and learning about the meal's cultural significance, customs, and etiquette, such as using your hand to eat rather than utensils.
Stories and Cultural Insights: Hosts often share stories about Sri Lankan traditions, family life, and food rituals, adding a rich cultural dimension to the experience.

Tips for Enjoying a Sri Lankan Cooking Experience

Come with an Open Mind: Sri Lankan cuisine is often spicy and full of intense flavors. Being open to new tastes will make the experience even more enjoyable.
Dress Comfortably: Cooking over hot stoves and trying new techniques can be an active experience, so dress comfortably.
Ask Questions: Hosts are usually eager to share their culinary knowledge, so feel free to ask about ingredients, techniques, and traditions.

Alagalla Hike (The Potato Mountain)

Overview: Alagalla, also known as "Potato Mountain" due to its shape, stands at about 1140 meters of elevation. Located between Kandy and Kegalle, this scenic mountain offers a moderately challenging hike that rewards trekkers with sweeping views over the Central Highlands and nearby tea estates.
Trail Information: You can start the hike through Pathtampitiya, Rambukkana, and it takes around 3–4 hours to reach the summit, depending on fitness level and pace. The hike difficulty level is moderate, with some steep sections and narrow paths. November to April is recommended for clearer skies, though early morning hikes are generally best to avoid fog and afternoon rain. Guests may even have the opportunity to taste Sri Lankan toddy and learn about its preparation process.

Important Information

Footwear: Good hiking boots with grip are essential for the steep and sometimes slippery paths.
Weather: Sri Lankan weather can be unpredictable, so check with Seasand Holidays for the latest weather updates.
Guides: While the trail is relatively straightforward, hiring a local guide can be helpful, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the area. Contact Seasand Holidays for assistance.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Volunteer Program

Pinnawala is known for its elephant orphanage, housing elephants that have been orphaned, injured, or displaced. It offers volunteer opportunities with a conservation and educational focus. The Pinnawala Elephant Volunteer Program in Sri Lanka allows participants to work closely with elephants while learning about conservation efforts and ethical care practices.

Activities

Food Preparation: Volunteers help prepare food and learn about elephant diets, including the bottle-feeding of young elephants.
Elephant Bathing: Bathing takes place in the nearby river “Ma Oya,” where volunteers may help wash the elephants under staff supervision.
Educational Sessions: Topics include elephant social structures, health issues, and conservation challenges. Volunteers gain insights from mahouts (elephant caretakers) and wildlife experts.

Requirements: Most volunteers need to be at least 18 years old. Programs typically run for about a week. Accommodation can be arranged in the nearby Pinnawala area. Contact us for hotel or guest house bookings.

Children Donation Program

Supporting children's donation programs is a meaningful way to improve the lives of underprivileged children. Whether you're looking to make a one-time contribution or a lasting commitment, Seasand Holidays can help coordinate efforts with the government to find suitable children in need. This program focuses on enhancing their education by providing essential materials, such as school bags, shoes, and other necessities for learning. We hope you will find joy in participating in this program, as it is a rewarding way to give back to the community.