Today enjoy a private excursion, driving along the south coast to the fortified town of Galle.
On arrival enjoy a tour of fascinating Galle Fort, travelling in a classic 1972 VW convertible car with a local guide. Galle Fort has a colourful history as it was originally built by the Portuguese and later heavily fortified by the Dutch. It is today a World Heritage site, with a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population living within its walls. Prominent landmarks include the natural harbour, the National Maritime Museum, St. Mary's Cathedral founded by Jesuit priests and an important Shiva temple.
Afterwards enjoy a Cookery Experience. starting at the local market with your host to gather the vegetables, spices and meats for a traditional Sri Lankan lunch. Here you will be introduced to some lesser known vegetables and a large range of staple spices. Then you will take a short drive to the fish market by the ocean, where fishermen gather to sell their catch of the day.
You will then make your way to a private home set in the middle of a rice paddy, with an open-air kitchen and dining area. The preparation and cooking of lunch is done with two village locals and a chef. You will have the opportunity to scrape coconuts in the traditional manner, prepare the vegetables and learn the secrets to making popular curries and side dishes such as chicken curry, dahl, fish balls and coconut sambol. Once the cooking is finished, a leisurely lunch is served overlooking the rice paddy with its lotus pond and large variety of birdlife, before returning to your hotel.