Sri Lanka Food Tour 2027

The Heart of Sri Lanka

March 4 -15, 2027

Discover the flavours and heart of Sri Lanka.

Tour at a Glance

  • Dates: March 4th – 15th 2027

  • Length: 12 days / 11 nights

  • Group size: Small group (minimum 10, maximum 14)

  • Style: This tour is a fully immersive experience of Sri Lanka through food, people & culture.

  • Investment: $8,495 AUD per person (twin share)

  • Deposit: $3,000 AUD per person to secure your place.

This journey is ideal for those who seek meaningful travel, refined experiences, and a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka beyond the ordinary.

Sri Lanka is a land where ancient traditions, rich biodiversity, and vibrant culinary heritage come together in perfect harmony. 

This thoughtfully curated journey has been designed to offer more than just travel—it is an immersive experience that connects you with the island’s soul through its people, flavours, landscapes, and stories.

From coastal fishing villages and bustling markets to misty tea plantations and wildlife-rich jungles, each day unfolds with carefully selected moments that blend authenticity with comfort.

What You'll Experience

From cooking with local families and sunrise climbs of ancient rock fortresses to safari experiences in Yala and scenic train rides through misty tea highlands, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to immerse you in the flavours, warmth and heart of this extraordinary island.

  • Cook alongside a Sri Lankan family in their Gelioya village home
  • Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise
  • Search for leopards on a sunrise jeep safari in Yala National Park
  • Ride the legendary train through misty tea country, crossing the Nine Arch Bridge
  • Blend your own Ceylon curry powder at a private organic spice estate
  • Cruise Negombo’s historic Dutch canals at sunset with cocktails and seafood bites
  • Wander the cobbled streets of UNESCO-listed Galle Fort
  • Walk a working tea plantation and taste Ceylon tea at the source
  • Cruise Negombo’s historic Dutch canals at sunset with cocktails and seafood bites
  • Optional early visit to Negombo’s vibrant Lellama Fish Market 
  • Visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic in the heart of Kandy
  • Shape clay alongside artisans at a traditional potter’s village
  • Toast your journey with a five-course farewell dinner and wine pairings

Wondering if this tour is for you?

I often hear: “I’ve never done a group tour before.” Or the quieter worry: “Will I know anyone? Will we all get along?”

Here’s what I’ve seen time and again. The people who join these journeys are thoughtful, curious, and open. Some come in pairs. Many come solo. But everyone comes for the same reasons: connection, beautiful food, shared experiences, and a little space to breathe again.

These are not packaged tours. They’re small, personal, and built with care. I travel with you, I host the journey, and I’ve watched strangers become friends over meals more times than I can count.

If Sri Lanka has been on your mind and you’re wondering if it’s for you, I hope this helps.

You’d be so welcome. You’d be in the best of company.

Our Itinerary

Day 1–2: Negombo

Your gentle arrival on Sri Lanka’s coast, followed by a beautifully curated day of coastal experiences, including a private cooking experience, sunset lagoon cruise and a warm welcome evening.

Day 3: Habarana

Optional early visit to the fish market, followed by cashew villages and the ancient Dambulla Cave Temple. .

Day 4: Sigiriya & Village Life

Sunrise climb of the iconic Rock Fortress, then drumming and lunch in a paddy-field village.

Day 5: Matale & Heeloya

Spice gardens, your own curry powder blend & traditional sweets with a hill village family.

Day 6: Kandy

Temple of the Sacred Tooth, gem heritage & a home-cooked meal in Gelioya village.

Day 7: Nuwara Eliya

Misty tea country, a Tamil village welcome & a meditative mandala art session.

Day 8: Highlands to Yala

The legendary train ride across the Nine Arch Bridge into wild dry-zone country.

Day 9: Yala National Park

Sunrise safari among leopards & elephants, then live-fire lunch in the bush.

Day 10–11: Galle

Pottery with local artisans, the cobbled streets of Galle Fort & a five-course farewell dinner.

Day 12: Departure

Heading home with a full heart and a notebook of new flavours.

What's included & Pricing

Inclusions

  • 12 days / 11 nights premium accommodation
  • 10 breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners with mineral water
  • Private cooking experience with a Sri Lankan family
  • Sunrise jeep safari in Yala National Park
  • Scenic train journey across the Nine Arch Bridge
  • Guided tours & cultural experiences throughout
  • Airport transfers, entrance fees & national guide

Exclusions

  • Flights to/from Sri Lanka
  • Personal expenses & some leisure-time meals
  • Tips for tour leader & driver (suggested $15 AUD pp/day)
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Sri Lanka e-Visa

Pricing

  • Cost: $8,495 AUD per person (twin share)
  • Single Supplement: $1,985 AUD
  • Deposit: $3,000 AUD per person secures your place
  • Final balance due: 4 January 2027
  • Payment plans available on request

What past travellers say

“Nellie’s tours are warm, beautifully curated and filled with unforgettable experiences. The food, the laughter, the friendships — I’ll treasure it always.”

“This was more than a holiday. It was a true connection to people and culture, led with such generosity by Nellie.”

"Wonderful tour. Superb tour leaders. You will see all of the main attractions plus so much more. You will feel cared for and nurtured."

Frequently asked questions

Not at all. The tour is designed for passionate food lovers and curious travellers of all backgrounds. You don’t need to be a confident cook — just bring your love of food and adventure.

Yes, absolutely — many of our guests join solo. If you are travelling on your own, you will need to book a private room (a single supplement applies). If you’re travelling with a friend, you can of course share a twin room together. Either way, you’ll be part of a warm and welcoming group. Please note – we do not match make for room shares. If you wish to share a room, please book with a partner or friend. Single supplements available for solo travellers and those wanting their own rooms. 

We keep numbers small and intimate so you can really connect with each other and the places we visit. For this Sri Lanka 2027 tour, the tour will run with a minimum of 10 guests and a maximum of 14.

Your tour includes luxury  accommodation 5 star mostly with some 4 star options, all meals (all breakfasts, 9 lunches, 9 dinners), guided tours, transfers (incl. airport transfers), all activities, entrance fees, porter gratuities, and more. Flights and travel insurance are not included.

You’ll enjoy luxury accommodations, mostly 5-star. Each has been carefully chosen for comfort, wow factor, and authenticity.

We do our very best to accommodate dietary requirements. Please let Nellie know at the time of booking so we can confirm what’s possible.

This tour is suitable for people with a moderate level of fitness. There will be some walking and stairs (sometimes on uneven ground).

Australian passport holders do require a visa to enter Sri Lanka. 

March is one of the most rewarding months to explore Sri Lanka. The island is transitioning between seasons, so you get a mix of warm tropical sunshine, lush green landscapes, and generally dry conditions across most of the main travel route. It’s a beautifully balanced time for cultural sightseeing, wildlife encounters, and coastal relaxation. Expect bright days, warm evenings, and only occasional short showers that quickly pass and refresh the air.

A deposit of $3,000 AUD per person secures your place on the tour. As we operate with a small group and confirm a number of arrangements in advance, this deposit is non-refundable.

Final balance is payable by 4 January 2027 and will be invoiced on 4 December 2026. Payment schedule plans are available upon request — please feel free to reach out if you would like to spread payments.

If, for unforeseen reasons, the tour is unable to proceed, all payments made will be refunded in full.

Cancellations after final payment may result in up to 100% of the tour cost being non-refundable (please refer to our full Terms & Conditions for details). Travel insurance is compulsory and will offer peace of mind.

Yes. Travel insurance is required for all guests and should be arranged when you pay your deposit. Your policy must cover medical expenses and emergency repatriation at a minimum.

Ready to Experience

The Heart of Sri Lanka

Join Nellie Kerrison for 12 days of food, culture, and connection on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through Sri Lanka.

From cooking with local families to sunrise safaris in leopard country, every detail has been thoughtfully curated to immerse you in the flavours and spirit of this magical island.

  • Cost: $8,495 AUD per person (twin share)
  • Single Supplement: $1,985 AUD
  • Deposit: $3,000 AUD per person secures your place
  • Final balance due: 4 January 2027

Spots are limited to keep the experience intimate. Book now to avoid missing out.