Hands-On Cooking Class in Anuradhapura-Cook Like a Local
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Hands-On Cooking Class in Anuradhapura-Cook Like a Local

Active
(2 reviews)
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Step into a peaceful village home and learn how to cook like the locals of ancient Rajarata. This hands-on experience is more than just a cooking class – it’s a journey into Sri Lankan culture, tradition, and village life.

Pick Your Own Coconut – Straight from the Tree!
Have fun in the garden as you pluck a fresh coconut and see how it’s used in cooking – from tree to table!

️Grind Spices on a Miris Gala (Stone Grinder)
Smell the amazing aroma as you grind your own spices using a traditional stone grinder. It’s the old way – and it’s the best way!

Scrape Coconut with a Hiramanaya
Try a fun kitchen skill that every Sri Lankan home cook knows! It’s easy to learn and very satisfying.

Cook on a Wood-Fired Stove
Make your meal over a firewood stove, just like our grandmothers did. The smoky flavor makes it extra tasty!

A Taste of Ancient Traditions
Use clay pots, coconut-shell firewood, and fresh ingredients picked from our garden.

❤️ More Than a Meal – A Cultural Journey

Available options

Hands-On Cooking Class in Anuradhapura-Cook Like a Local

What's included

Scrape Coconut with a Hiramanaya Try a fun kitchen skill that every Sri Lankan home cook knows! It’s easy to learn and very satisfying.
Pick Your Own Coconut – Straight from the Tree! Have fun in the garden as you pluck a fresh coconut and see how it’s used in cooking – from tree to table!
Cook Over a Traditional Wood-Fired Stove Prepare your dishes over a firewood stove – just like our grandmothers used to do. The smoky aroma adds a whole new level of flavor and authenticity!
Use clay pots, coconut-shell firewood, and fresh ingredients picked from our garden
️ Grind Spices on a Miris Gala (Stone Grinder) Smell the amazing aroma as you grind your own spices using a traditional stone grinder. It’s the old way – and it’s the best way!
Cook on a Wood-Fired Stove Make your meal over a firewood stove, just like our grandmothers did. The smoky flavor makes it extra tasty!
Lunch /Dinner- Enjoy a freshly cooked village-style lunch or dinner you helped prepare during the class! Each dish is made with love, local ingredients, and age-old recipes.

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
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3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor 5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0

Important information

Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Meeting point

If you have trouble locating our place, please don't hesitate to reach us.

About Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The city is a pilgrimage site for Buddhists and offers a rich cultural and historical experience.

Top Attractions

Sacred City of Anuradhapura

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sacred City of Anuradhapura is home to ancient stupas, temples, and ruins that date back over 2,000 years.

Historical Full day Free

Ruwanwelisaya Dagoba

One of the tallest stupas in the world, this iconic structure is a significant pilgrimage site for Buddhists.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Sri Maha Bodhi

A sacred fig tree that is said to have been propagated from the original Bodhi tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment.

Religious 30 minutes to 1 hour Free

Jethawanaramaya Dagoba

The tallest stupa in Anuradhapura, known for its impressive size and historical significance.

Historical 1 hour Free

Isurumuniya Temple

A beautiful temple known for its rock carvings and serene atmosphere.

Religious 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Kottu Roti

A popular Sri Lankan dish made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or seafood, cooked on a hot plate.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Hoppers

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with eggs or sambal.

Breakfast Vegetarian.

Rice and Curry

A staple Sri Lankan meal consisting of steamed rice served with a variety of curries.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice, meat, and vegetables cooked in banana leaves.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Mihintale Exploring Ritigala Forest Monastery Tea tasting Visiting temples Exploring ancient ruins Attending religious ceremonies Witnessing the Esala Perahera festival

Best Time to Visit

January to March

This is the best time to visit Anuradhapura as the weather is pleasant and dry, making it ideal for exploring the ancient ruins and enjoying outdoor activities.

28-32°C 82-90°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: Sinhala, Tamil
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

UTC+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Anuradhapura is generally safe for travelers, but standard precautions should be taken to avoid petty theft and scams.

Important Precautions:
  • • Keep valuables secure.
  • • Use reputable tour operators.
  • • Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help.

Getting there

By air
  • Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport • 200 km
By train

Anuradhapura Railway Station

By bus

Anuradhapura Bus Stand

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport and cover most areas of the city.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe, Uber

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Sacred City New Town Tuktukaraya

Day trips

Mihintale
12 km • Half day

A sacred mountain site where Buddhism was first introduced to Sri Lanka, featuring ancient ruins and temples.

Ritigala Forest Monastery
30 km • Full day

A UNESCO-listed forest monastery with ancient ruins and a rich biodiversity.

Avukana Buddha Statue
50 km • Full day

A colossal Buddha statue carved out of a single rock, standing 40 feet tall.

Festivals

Esala Perahera • July/August (full moon day) Poson Festival • June (full moon day) Vesak Festival • April/May (full moon day)

Pro tips

  • Visit the Sacred City early in the morning to avoid the heat and crowds.
  • Hire a local guide for a more in-depth understanding of the historical sites.
  • Try local street food for an authentic culinary experience.
  • Respect the religious customs and traditions when visiting temples.
  • Carry a water bottle and sunscreen to stay hydrated and protected from the sun.
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 18-80
1
Childs
Age 5-13
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 5
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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