Markets, spices, cooking and stay with a local family
Arrive at the homestay situated on top of a mountain that is surrounded by a profusion of greenery, bird song and an abundance of peace and harmony. In the evening join in the fun preparation of crispy hoppers for dinner (made of fermented rice flour and coconut milk) before retiring for the night in the cosy tree house.
Next morning after an early breakfast, visit the traditional market to purchase vegies, meats, spices, herbs and fruits to be taken to the homestay, where you will witness the preparation of an authentic Sri Lankan meal cooked on a wood fire hearth. Get involved in the enjoyable process of chopping of the veggies, grinding of the herbs, pounding of the spices and scraping of fresh coconut. Watch closely how each dish is prepared using just the right amount of spices and herbs so as to preserve the nutrition and goodness. Interestingly the meal is prepared in a typical outdoor tabletop with the birds, squirrels and even the monkey watching from not too far away. This would be an ideal opportunity to learn more about Sri Lankan cooking, its nutrients and health benefits and of course take back some handy hints and awesome recipes. Sit down to a sumptuous lunch before taking a break for an afternoon siesta.
In the evening you can observe the making of traditional sweetmeats using rice flour, treacle and coconut milk. Try your hand at turning out these delicacies after which you can enjoy the sweetmeats accompanied by freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
At twilight its time to visit the traditional wood-oven bakery situated close by, where the smell of freshly baked bread wafts through the air. Witness this traditional baking process, chat with the baker and his family about the goodness of wood-fire baked bread, its history and more before buying a few loaves for dinner.
Stay overnight in the Tree House. Leave after breakfast
