From Colombo: Sinharaja Kithul Toddy Tasting & Stream Bath

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ID: GYG1133733-1739911
Category:
Country: Sri Lanka

Duration: 11:00 hours


Description

Enjoy a Kithul Toddy tasting, a natural stream bath, and a traditional lunch in the Sinharaja Forest. Witness a Kithul Tapper at work and learn about the process of making Kithul honey.
Escape to the heart of rural Sri Lanka and experience an authentic cultural journey — a Kithul Toddy Tasting and natural water stream bath in the serene Warukandeniya village, nestled at the edge of the Sinharaja rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This all-inclusive experience blends nature, tradition, and local hospitality in one unforgettable day.

Your adventure begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel in Colombo, followed by a scenic drive through lush tea-covered hills and vibrant rainforest landscapes, leading to a private tea estate located within the Sinharaja forest area. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly welcomed with a refreshing drink of freshly harvested coconut or king coconut water — a true Sri Lankan gesture of hospitality.

Soon after, your host will introduce you to the highlight of the experience — Kithul toddy, a naturally fermented, mildly alcoholic beverage tapped from the Kithul palm tree. You’ll be served toddy accompanied by boiled manioc with spicy coconut sambol, a traditional pairing cherished in Sri Lankan villages. As you sip and savour, witness an expert Kithul tapper skillfully climb a towering 40-foot Kithul tree to collect the day’s harvest — a rare and awe-inspiring display of ancestral craftsmanship.

After the tasting, take time to unwind and reconnect with nature in a nearby natural water stream that flows directly from the untouched upper areas of the Sinharaja rainforest. The water is so pure that locals often drink it directly from the stream. You may take a refreshing dip or simply relax to the soothing sounds of flowing water and birdsong — a serene moment in the heart of nature.
Once refreshed, return to the village home where a traditional rice and curry lunch will be served. Prepared with locally sourced ingredients and cooked over firewood, each dish offers a genuine taste of Sri Lanka’s countryside cuisine.
You will also witness the fascinating transformation of Kithul toddy into Kithul honey (treacle) — a golden syrup slowly boiled over firewood, widely used in Sri Lankan sweets and desserts.

On your return journy, you’ll make a stop at the stunning Doovili Ella Waterfall, a hidden gem surrounded by lush greenery and mist.

This immersive experience offers more than just tasting and sightseeing — it connects you to the rhythm of local life, the purity of the rainforest, and the time-honoured traditions that define Sri Lanka’s rural soul.

Perfect for travelers seeking authentic cultural encounters, nature lovers, and adventurous souls alike, this experience invites you to explore the soulful simplicity of Sri Lankan village life set against one of the island’s most breathtaking natural backdrops.

Highlights

  • Savor the taste of Kithul Toddy and traditional Sri Lankan snacks
  • Witness a Kithul Tapper climb a 40-foot tree to collect the day’s harvest
  • Enjoy a refreshing bath in a natural stream from the Sinharaja Forest
  • Learn about the process of making Kithul honey from Kithul Toddy
  • Indulge in a traditional village-style rice and curry lunch

Guiding languages

IMPORTANT INFORMATION
As the experience takes place near the Sinharaja rainforest, please note that leeches are occasionally present, especially after rainfall. We recommend wearing light coloured dresses, and applying leech protection ( will be providing leech protection if needed) or repellant before the forest walk.

Bring a change of clothes and a towel if you plan to bathe in the natural stream.

This activity involves mild walking and some uneven terrain; a basic level of fitness is recommended.

The tour operates in most weather conditions, but in case of heavy rain, certain activities may be adjusted for safety.

Please provide your hotel details in Colombo after booking to confirm your pickup time.
INCLUDED
  • Pickup and drop-off are included from any hotel in Colombo city.
  • Comfortable, air-conditioned transport
  • Visit to private tea land inside Sinharaja Forest
  • Welcome drink of freshly harvested coconut or king coconut water
  • Kithul Toddy tasting
  • Manioc and Coconut Sambol
  • Witnessing Kithul Tapper collecting harvest
  • Natural water stream bath
  • Traditional village style rice and curry lunch
  • Demonstration of making Kithul honey from Kithul toddy
NOT INCLUDED
  • Optional purchases such as Kithul honey (treacle) or other locally made products
  • Additional beverages or snacks not mentioned in the itinerary

When should I book?

To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.


Cancellations

This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.