Kananke attractions

Experience whale watching off southern Sri Lanka with Whale Watching Club (WWC) from aboard the Queen Whale, a 60‑ft luxury catamaran that carries up to 55 guests for a comfortable, personalised outing. WWC has operated since 2013, and your trip will be led by Captain Manoj, who has more than 20 years’ sailing experience in the region and 13 years specialising in whale watching. Along the way you may see a range of marine life: dolphins are commonly sighted (about a 90% chance) and whales are seen roughly half the time. Because these are wild animals in their natural habitat, sightings cannot be guaranteed. Even if whales are not seen, you will enjoy a relaxing boat safari on the southern ocean and still have the opportunity to observe incredible marine wildlife. The crew will seek sightings while respecting the animals and following responsible wildlife‑viewing practices.

On a leisurely walk through Galle Fort, you will gain an in-depth understanding of the historical city and its people. As you move through the streets and ramparts, the guide will explain how local life has changed dramatically over the past three decades and share untold stories that you won’t find in guidebooks. The pace is relaxed, so you’ll have time to take in the architecture, atmosphere and everyday life of this living heritage site. Your guide is a licensed national tour guide who grew up in Galle Fort and knows the area well. Being local gives them a strong grasp of how the site evolved into what you see today. Along the way you are encouraged to ask questions; the guide’s extensive knowledge of Sri Lanka is an added advantage and you’ll hear many interesting details about the country as well as the fort.

Snorkeling is the practice of swimming on or through a body of water while wearing a diving mask and a shaped breathing tube called a snorkel. You will float face-down at the surface, using the mask to look below and the snorkel to breathe without raising your head. In cooler waters you may also wear a wetsuit for added warmth and comfort. With this simple equipment you will be able to observe underwater attractions for extended periods with relatively little effort. As you move gently along the surface, the setup will allow you to keep your breathing steady and stay relaxed while watching features beneath the waterline. The experience focuses on easy, surface-level exploration and prolonged observation rather than deep diving.

In Sri Lanka, join a traditional Sri Lankan cooking class and demonstration with Wasantha to explore the island’s favourite dishes. You will visit local markets to pick the freshest ingredients and learn how to blend local herbs, spices and family secrets. Along the way you’ll see how fresh coconut milk is made and how to cook perfect, fluffy rice the Sri Lankan way. In a hands-on session, you will prepare a meal from scratch using the ingredients you sourced. Together you’ll make four colourful vegetable curries and choose either tuna or chicken curry to cook. The experience is rooted in recipes passed down through generations, so you’ll enjoy the aromas, laughter and flavours that make Sri Lankan food special. This session combines demonstration and participation, giving you practical skills and a shared meal to taste at the end.

You will join a cooking lesson led by Sanju at a leading restaurant in Galle Fort. The class takes place in the restaurant’s back outdoor garden, where you will cook in an open-air setting under Sanju’s guidance. Along the way you will practice cooking techniques and follow recipes provided during the session. A free recipe book is included so you can recreate what you learn at home. Fresh spices are available from the stall on site, and many of the vegetables and other ingredients used in the lessons are sourced from a nearby village. This means the ingredients you work with will be locally supplied and often freshly picked.

This experience on the south coast in Mirissa will be one to treasure in your life's diary. You will swim in the clear blue waters around Mirissa and snorkel out into deeper sea areas that form a turtle paradise. As you move through the water, you will explore calm coastal surroundings and enjoy time in a scenic marine setting. Along the way you will have opportunities to take memorable pictures at a scenic photo spot. The setting will lend itself to striking coastal shots and natural seascapes, giving you keepsakes of your time in Mirissa. Overall, the experience combines swimming, snorkelling and a picturesque location so you return with lasting memories.

Join Nona and Indra for an authentic Sri Lankan cooking experience that begins with a trip to buy fresh local ingredients. As you move through the market and their garden, you will learn about the flavours and origins of key ingredients used in everyday Sri Lankan cooking. Back in their kitchen you will choose four dishes to prepare from options such as chicken or fish curry, dhal (lentil) curry, pumpkin curry, green beans curry, aubergine fry, green leaf salad or stir-fry, mushrooms dry curry, potato curry, okra (lady fingers) dry curry and coconut sambol — or another vegetable available that day. Along the way they will teach you techniques and the secrets to cooking perfect rice and curry. All dishes are served with a generous portion of rice and crispy papadams, so you will enjoy your meal straightaway. You will leave with new culinary skills and a greater understanding of Sri Lankan flavours. The hosts welcome you into their kitchen and garden and aim to make the session both hands-on and informative. Come hungry and expect to go home with food to remember and practical tips you can use again.

A local driver will collect you from your hotel in a private tuk‑tuk and take you into Galle to explore its sights and coastal culture. You’ll visit the Galle Dutch Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site well suited to walking, sightseeing and photos. Along the way you’ll stop to see the famous stilt fishermen, a traditional coastal fishing method that offers distinctive photo opportunities. The trip continues with a scenic boat safari on Koggala Lake to Cinnamon Island, where you’ll learn about local cinnamon production. You’ll also visit a traditional jewellery workshop, a Hindu temple, Kaluwella Christian Church, the Dutch Market, an herbal Ayurvedic centre and a historic rock temple as you move through the area. The experience ends at Koggala Beach, where you can stroll the shore, try street food and soak up the tropical atmosphere. At the end of the tour you’ll be returned to your hotel or the original pick‑up point.

In this hands-on jewellery experience you will begin by learning how to tell fake gemstones from genuine ones. After that, you will watch — and may even assist — as raw silver is melted in a small furnace, a traditional part of the process that shows how metal is prepared for shaping. As you move through the workshop, you'll use traditional tools to measure, shape and hammer the silver into the design you choose. You will also take part in the more intricate stages, including soldering and the finishing touches. Along the way an instructor will guide you, so you gain practical skills and an understanding of each step. At the end of the session you will leave with a unique, handcrafted piece of jewellery that you made yourself.

You will attend a cooking demonstration focused on Sri Lankan healthy curries. The session centres on traditional methods of preparation, showing how curries are made in the old, customary way. Along the way, you will see six different curries prepared, one of which is a seafood dish. As you move through the demonstration, you will have the opportunity to learn about Sri Lankan cuisine and how these healthier curry options are put together. The experience will let you observe techniques and recipes rooted in tradition, helping you understand the flavours and approaches that define these dishes. It is a straightforward, hands-on-feel demonstration that aims to introduce you to authentic curry-making practices from Sri Lanka.

You will leave the golden shores of Sri Lanka’s South and travel inland toward the cool highlands of Ella, crossing the wild beauty of Udawalawe where open skies, dry forests and shimmering lakes provide the setting for a classic Sri Lankan wildlife encounter. In a 4×4 safari you will be guided by a local tracker who reads the park’s signs — from elephant tracks to bird calls — with practiced ease. You will watch elephants roaming freely in their natural habitat alongside other wildlife in a calm, authentic setting, and the drive will be complemented by a freshly prepared homemade breakfast or an evening snack served with a warm local touch. As you move on toward Ella you will pass the dramatic Ravana waterfall in comfort. You may choose shared, private, sunrise or signature options, each designed to create meaningful value for both local communities and guests. Connecting the South and Ella since 2018, this offering aims to be a time-efficient journey built on real value and authenticity, combining wildlife viewing, simple local hospitality and scenic travel through changing landscapes.

At Shermila Batiks in Koggala, just a short drive from Galle, you will step into a family-run workshop founded in 1990 and now run by the second generation. The factory and gallery welcome you to view authentic handcrafted clothing, accessories and home décor, all made using traditional techniques. Your visit begins with a guided factory tour where artisans will show how plain fabric is transformed using the wax-resist dyeing method. As you move through the space, you’ll watch each stage—drawing, waxing, dyeing and boiling—and see how colours and patterns come to life on the cloth. Along the way you’ll gain a clear sense of the care and skill involved in this craft. After the tour you will take part in a hands-on workshop. With expert guidance, you’ll design, wax and dye your own piece of batik, creating a unique handmade souvenir. The session offers a direct, practical way to experience the technique and to connect with a living Sri Lankan craft tradition.

This experience takes you to the hill town of Ella and its surrounding highlights. You will explore Lipton’s Seat by tuk tuk safari, then take a one-hour train ride from Ella Railway Station through scenic landscapes — mountains, waterfalls, tea plantations and tropical forests. Along the way you will see the Nine Arches Bridge, a rail viaduct built in nine arches, and visit Rawana Falls. There is a marked path that leads up the mountain, and you will hike Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock as part of the trip. Hotel pick-ups are available, and a representative will meet you and travel with you to Ella. The operator offers a range of tour packages to suit different needs. Wayfarers Sri Lanka organises the visits and transfers described.

In a Sri Lankan village, you will cook traditional dishes using fresh, local ingredients while taking part in a hands-on, communal activity. The session combines practical cooking with cultural storytelling and knowledge-sharing, so along the way you’ll learn the history and significance of the recipes you prepare. As you cook together, you’ll also share the meal you helped make. The experience offers more than cooking techniques. You’ll hear local stories and context for each dish, and there’s a chance to explore the serene paddy fields nearby to see village life at a slower pace. This approach gives you practical skills, cultural insight and a straightforward chance to connect with local life in an immersive setting.

On the south coast in Hikkaduwa, you will swim in clear blue waters and snorkel out into a turtle paradise. The experience takes you into deeper sea areas where colourful marine life gathers. As you move through the water, you’ll have the chance to see turtles up close and enjoy the surrounding reef and open sea views. Along the way you’ll find a scenic photo spot where you can take memorable pictures to keep. The outing is simple and focused on time in the water, with moments for swimming, snorkelling and photography. It offers an easy way to enjoy Hikkaduwa’s coastal scenery and to record the marine life and views you encounter.