Explore Worldwide has announced the launch of its brand-new small group tour, A Taste of Northern Sri Lanka – Jaffna to Colombo – a 10-day culinary journey designed to showcase the extraordinary flavours, cultures and landscapes of one of Asia’s most exciting emerging food destinations.
*All details correct at time of publish (2 June 2026)
James Adkin, Explore Programme Manager for Asia and the Middle East, said: “This new culinary-focused itinerary has been specifically created for travellers seeking a deeper connection with Sri Lanka through its cuisine, with a particular focus on the lesser-visited north of the island.
“With eight departures operating from March to October 2027, this tour explores the rich contrasts between Tamil and Sinhalese cooking traditions, while also highlighting the influences of Muslim and Burgher communities that have shaped Sri Lanka’s distinctive food culture over centuries.
“Sri Lankan cuisine is celebrated for its vibrant spices, aromatic curry blends, rich coconut milk and fresh seafood. While often compared to South Indian food, it is distinguished by its bold use of heat and deeply layered flavours, with ingredients such as toasted curry powder, pandan leaves and dried fish creating dishes that are both complex and intensely satisfying.
Through authentic local experiences, travellers will discover the incredible diversity of the island’s regional cooking traditions and the stories behind them.”
Throughout the tour, travellers will enjoy carefully curated meals and hands-on experiences that reflect everyday Sri Lankan life and traditions. Highlights include visiting a coconut estate, learning about tea cultivation and packaging, meeting local rice farmers, watching fishermen bring in the day’s catch and enjoying freshly prepared regional dishes in simple, authentic settings.
The trip celebrates the fact that some of Sri Lanka’s finest meals are often found not in high-end restaurants, but in homes, villages and small local eateries where recipes and traditions have been passed down through generations.
The 10-day itinerary includes nine breakfasts, five lunches and four dinners, with prices starting from £1,595 per person (excluding flights).
Direct flights from London to Chennai are available through British Airways, with onward daily connections to Jaffna operated by IndiGo. Alternative arrangements from Colombo can also be arranged.
Michael Edwards, Managing Director of Explore Worldwide, added: “Sri Lanka has always been one of the world’s most rewarding destinations for adventurous travellers, but what makes this new itinerary so exciting is the opportunity to experience the country through its food and regional cultures.
“We know that for many travellers, authentic local cuisine is an essential part of understanding a destination, and this trip has been carefully designed to deliver exactly that. From the Tamil flavours of Jaffna to the seafood traditions of the east coast and the vibrant energy of Colombo, this journey offers a genuine taste of Sri Lanka in all its diversity.
“With tourism to Sri Lanka continuing to grow around the world, now feels like the perfect time to introduce a tour that goes beyond the highlights and showcases another side of this extraordinary country.”
To find out more, visit A Taste of Northern Sri Lanka – Jaffna to Colombo, or to book, visit www.explore.co.uk
