Cooking Authentic Sri Lankan Dishes
Food is at the heart of Sri Lankan culture, and there’s no better way to experience it than by cooking traditional dishes yourself. Under the guidance of local chefs, you’ll learn to prepare flavorful curries, fragrant rice dishes, and delicious Sri Lankan hoppers.
Using fresh ingredients sourced from the farm and local markets, you’ll get hands-on experience in the art of Sri Lankan cooking. The best part? You’ll get to enjoy a meal you made yourself, full of authentic flavors and memories.
Learn to Cook with Fresh Ingredients
Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors and rich spices. Our cooking sessions give you the chance to work with fresh, locally sourced produce, including aromatic herbs, organic vegetables, and hand-ground spices.
By the end of the experience, you’ll not only have a delicious meal but also a deeper appreciation for the traditions and techniques that make Sri Lankan food so unique.
Create Handcrafted Souvenirs with Local Artisans
One of the most meaningful ways to experience a new culture is through its traditional crafts, and at Tamarind Gardens, you have the opportunity to create your own handcrafted souvenirs alongside skilled local artisans. From weaving and pottery to intricate wood carving, each craft reflects the artistry and heritage of Sri Lanka. By participating in these workshops, you’ll not only gain a new skill but also take home a unique keepsake that carries the story of the people who made it.
These hands-on experiences offer more than just a creative outlet—they are a way to connect with the artisans, learn about their way of life, and appreciate the craftsmanship that has been passed down through generations. Whether you’re molding clay into beautiful pottery or weaving colorful baskets from natural fibers, each piece you create will serve as a lasting reminder of your time in Sri Lanka.
Craft-Making Workshops with Villagers
Our craft-making workshops provide a rare opportunity to work side by side with local villagers and learn traditional skills that have been practiced for centuries. These workshops are designed to be immersive, allowing guests to interact with the artisans, hear their stories, and understand the importance of handmade crafts in Sri Lankan culture.
The experience is both rewarding and enriching—watching an artisan shape a clay pot with practiced hands or weave a basket with intricate patterns is mesmerizing. Even if you’ve never tried your hand at crafting before, the friendly villagers will patiently guide you through the process, ensuring that you leave with a beautiful handmade souvenir and a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s creative traditions.
Explore the Village and Meet the Community
At Tamarind Gardens, we believe that true travel experiences come from meaningful interactions. Exploring the local village allows guests to step into the daily lives of the community, gaining firsthand insight into the customs, traditions, and simple joys of rural Sri Lanka. As you wander through the village, you’ll see families tending to their gardens, children playing under the shade of mango trees, and artisans practicing their crafts in open workshops.
This experience goes beyond sightseeing—it’s about building connections and understanding the local way of life. You’ll be welcomed with genuine warmth, invited to share conversations, and even join in daily activities like cooking, farming, or weaving. The village is a place where time slows down, where life is lived with intention and harmony, and where every interaction leaves a lasting impression.
Visit Local Markets and Support Small Businesses
A visit to the local markets is a sensory delight and a true cultural experience. These bustling hubs of daily life are filled with vibrant colors, aromatic spices, and fresh produce harvested from nearby farms. Walking through the market, you’ll see vendors selling everything from tropical fruits and fragrant herbs to handcrafted jewelry and traditional fabrics.
Beyond just shopping, supporting local markets means directly contributing to the livelihoods of small-scale farmers, artisans, and traders. By choosing to buy handmade goods or fresh local produce, you’re not only taking home an authentic piece of Sri Lanka but also helping sustain the local economy. It’s a wonderful way to connect with the community while embracing the rhythms of daily life in a Sri Lankan village.
