Meals and drinks, Sri Lanka, Asia

Know Before You Go

© 

Meals & Drinks on Your Sri Lanka Safari

Natural Habitat Adventures sources sustainable food whenever possible. We do this by considering food sourcing, fair labor and ethical harvest, and actively making choices on the most sustainable options for meals. In addition to monitoring current regulations and recommendations, we proactively seek out new opportunities in the world of food sustainability.

While in larger cities, breakfasts are taken at hotels and are generally buffet-style with both Western and local faire. To maximize our wildlife viewing opportunities while in the reserves, we depart quite early in the morning and enjoy picnic-style breakfasts in the park. During these days, breakfasts will usually include eggs, muffins/bread, fruit, coffee, tea and juice. On some days with early morning excursions we may return to our accommodation to have additional breakfast in the later part of the morning. Please let your Expedition Leader know if you would like something to eat before departing the lodge in the morning.

Lunches and dinners vary between buffets serving local cuisine, and a la carte menus offering both Western and local cuisine. While staying in lodges and camps, generally only local cuisine is served. Be prepared for sumptuous lentils, grilled meats, curried fresh vegetables, rice and local bread. Sri Lankan cuisine is traditionally spicier than some Western palates are accustomed to, but we often find that the unique local flavors are enjoyed even by those who do not care for spicy food.

If you have concerns about the spice level of the dishes provided, please let your Expedition Leader know. Keep in mind that although we will try our very best to accommodate any special requests, it can be difficult to completely remove all spice from local dishes, particularly in the more remote areas of the country. As a quick tip, curd (yogurt) and bananas are the best foods to cut the “heat” from any dishes.

Vegetarian and other reasonable special dietary needs can be accommodated, on most occasions, if ample notice is given prior to departure.

IMPORTANT: If you have a nut allergy, you may want to consider bringing your own snacks on the trip, as it can be difficult to find certified nut-free snacks in Sri Lanka.

PUBLIC HOLIDAYS

Sri Lanka observes a number of public holidays, most notably the monthly ‘Poya’ (full moon) days, which are celebrated by Sri Lankan Buddhists. Please note that no meat or alcohol can be sold on a Poya day, and alcohol will not be served at most restaurants and hotels. If your travel dates coincide with a Poya day and you wish to consume alcohol, your Expedition Leader will be happy to assist you in purchasing some the day before. For a complete list of public holidays, go to officeholidays.com/countries/sri-lanka/2023.

TEA & COFFEE

Coffee and tea have also been major drivers of Sri Lanka’s economy for the last two hundred years. Coffee was Ceylon’s main crop until farmers switched to tea in the 1860s due to a coffee blight. In 1867, James Taylor, credited as the father of Ceylon tea, started a plantation at Loolecondera, an hour south of Kandy. His experimental approaches to growing tea transformed the industry.

Throughout the late 1800s, bankrupt coffee estates were being bought up by entrepreneurs such as Sir Thomas Lipton who were soon making fortunes with tea.

To manage this hugely labor-intensive industry, large numbers of workers were brought from southern India. Colorful Hindu temples and small Christian churches in the hills are the legacy of these “plantation Tamils.”

To get access to the hill country, and to get tea out for export, two railway lines were laid during the late 19th century. Today tourists and locals commuting to and from Colombo still use these routes. The line from Colombo to Kandy was opened in 1887 and then extended to Nanu Oya to access Nurara Eliya. A second line branched off at Perideniya, just outside of Kandy.

In most of Sri Lanka tea is a twelve-month operation and remains labor intensive. In 1975 the entire industry was disastrously nationalized but managed to begin a long period of recovery at the turn of the century. Ceylon soon reclaimed a preeminent position and today, 150 years after James Taylor revolutionized tea production, is one of the world’s top exporters with tea contributing over 20% of the country’s export earnings.

Sri Lanka continues to market its tea as Ceylon Tea, and the flavorful teas from the high country around Nurara Eliya match the quality, if not the reputation, of Darjeeling Tea.

Recently, coffee production is on the rise once again, growing from being a marginal cash crop on very small holdings to a boutique industry. The best local production is marketed as Hansa Coffee, and Tusker Coffee.

Admin Note : Repeater Settings
Current Settings: trip
Edit Settings
Know Before You Go

Send Me Travel Emails

Get the Inside Scoop on the

World of Nature Travel

Our weekly eNewsletters highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Me Travel Emails
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Privacy Policy
Thank you for joining our email list

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Get Weekly Updates

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more.

Privacy Policy
We're Proud of the Reputation We’ve Earned
Voted "World's Best Travel Company" by Outside Magazine
Travel & Leisure logo
Voted "Top Tour Operator" in Travel + Leisure World's Best Awards
Newsweek logo
Voted "Best Adventure Travel Company" in Newsweek Reader's Choice Awards
VIEW MORE AWARDS

Request Your 2025/2026 Catalog

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Nathab 2024 Catalog

Together, Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Fund have teamed up to arrange nearly 100 nature travel experiences around the planet, while helping to protect the magnificent places we visit and their wild inhabitants.

Natural Habitat Adventures and World Wildlife Logos
Request Your 2025/26 Catalog
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Continued - Page 2 of 2
To help us customize your catalog request, please tell us more about your travel needs:
Thank you for requesting a catalog
We’ve received your request. If you have any questions about our trips, please feel free to contact an Adventure Specialist today by calling 800-543-8917.

Get Weekly Updatess

Discover the World's Best

Nature Travel Experiences

Our weekly eNewsletter highlights new adventures, exclusive offers, webinars, nature news, travel ideas, photography tips and more. Sign up today!

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Me Travel Emails
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Privacy Policy
Thank you for joining our email list!

Look for a special welcome message in your inbox, arriving shortly! Be sure to add naturalhabitat@nathab.com to your email contacts so you don’t miss out on future emails.

Send Us a Message

Send Us a Message

Have a question or comment? Use the form to the right to get in touch with us.

Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Send Us a Message
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for your message

We’ll be in touch soon with a response.

Refer a Friend

Refer a Friend,
Get $250 Off
Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
Refer a Friend

Earn rewards for referring your friends! We'd like to thank our loyal travelers for spreading the word. Share your friend's address so we can send a catalog, and if your friend takes a trip as a first-time Nat Hab traveler, you'll receive a $250 Nat Hab credit you can use toward a future trip or the purchase of Nat Hab gear. To refer a friend, just complete the form below or call us at 800-543-8917. It's that easy! See rules and fine print here.

Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Thank you for the referral!

We've received your friend's information.

View Our 2025/2026 Digital Catalog

View Our 2025/2026

Digital Catalog

Help us save paper! We offer a digital version of The World's Greatest Nature Journeys. If you'd prefer a mailed copy, please provide your contact details here. To view our digital catalog, please enter your info in the form to the right.
Natural Habitat Adventures Logo WWF Logo
View Digital Catalog
Text Messaging Policy Message and data rates may apply. You can unsubscribe from SMS at any time by texting STOP. Reply HELP for help. 2-4 promotional msgs/month. Informational msg frequency varies.
Happy browsing!

Thanks for requesting access to our digital catalog. Click here to view it now. You’ll also receive it by email momentarily.

Our Trips

Polar Bear Tours

Polar Bear Tours

African Safaris

African Safaris

Galapagos Tours

Galapagos Tours

Alaska Adventures

Alaska Adventures

U.S. National Parks Tours

U.S. National Parks Tours

Canada & the North

Canada & the North

Europe Adventures

Europe Adventures

Mexico & Central America Tours

Mexico & Central America Tours

South America Adventures

South America Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Asia & Pacific Adventures

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Antarctica & Arctic Journeys

Photo Expeditions

Photo Expeditions

Adventure Cruises

Adventure Cruises

Women's Adventures

Women's Adventures

Family Adventures

Family Adventures

New Adventures

New Adventures

Questions? Call 800-543-8917

Contact Us

Have a question or comment?
Click any of the buttons below to get in touch with us.

Hours
Mountain Time

  • 8 am to 5 pm, Monday - Friday
  • 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday
  • Closed on Sunday
Call 800-543-8917
Questions? Click to Chat
Questions? Click to Chat
/know-before-you-go/asia-the-pacific/sri-lanka/expedition-dining/