Ella’s Cooking Class with the Amazing Spice Garden Tour offers a unique culinary adventure in Sri Lanka. Guests enjoy the vibrant flavors and traditions of the island nation, discovering over 20 spices and herbs in a lush 2.5-acre garden before crafting authentic curries and rice dishes under the guidance of experienced chefs. With a small group size and rave reviews, this intimate experience promises to transport participants to the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine.
Key Points
- Immersive 4-hour experience exploring a 2.5-acre spice garden and learning to prepare 7 authentic Sri Lankan curries with options for vegetarians and vegans.
- Hands-on cooking class led by experienced chefs using freshly harvested ingredients from the on-site spice garden.
- Knowledgeable guides provide insights into the origins, uses, and cultivation of over 20 spices, herbs, and plants.
- Highly rated experience with an overall 5/5 review score, praised for its value and engaging sessions.
- Flexible start times, on-site parking, and easy access to the meeting point for a convenient customer experience.
Overview of the Cooking Class and Spice Garden Tour
The activity is a cooking class with a spice garden tour located at the Ella Nine Arch Spice Garden in Sri Lanka.
An immersive cooking class and spice garden tour at the enchanting Ella Nine Arch Spice Garden in Sri Lanka.
It lasts 4 hours and is limited to 8 participants. Priced from $30 per person, the experience offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Visitors can reserve and pay later.
During the tour, they’ll explore 2.5 acres of diverse spices, herbs, and plants.
The cooking class is led by experienced chefs, teaching participants to prepare seven curries with rice, including vegetarian and vegan options.
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Highlights of the Experience
Visitors can enjoy the beauty and taste of Sri Lanka through this sensory journey. Explore the 2.5-acre Ella Nine Arch Spice Garden, home to a diverse array of spices, herbs, and other plants. Engage in interactive cooking sessions with experienced chefs, learning to prepare seven curries with rice, including vegetarian and vegan options. The experience offers a perfect balance of exploration and hands-on learning.
| Highlights |
| — | — | — | — |
| Spice Garden Tour | Cooking Class | Vegetarian/Vegan Options | Experienced Chefs |
| Discover over 20 spices, herbs, and plants | Learn to prepare 7 curries with rice | Cater to dietary preferences | Guide interactive cooking sessions |
Exploring the Diverse Spice Garden
What awaits visitors as they explore the expansive 2.5-acre Ella Nine Arch Spice Garden? A vibrant array of spices, herbs, and exotic plants captivates the senses.
Guests wander through lush paths, discovering garcinia, vanilla, cocoa, curry leaves, nutmeg, clove, and cinnamon. The knowledgeable guide shares insights into the origins, uses, and cultivation of these diverse botanicals.
Visitors can touch, smell, and even taste the fragrant leaves and fruits, seeing the rich biodiversity. This interactive exploration sets the stage for the hands-on cooking class, where participants learn to incorporate these freshly harvested ingredients into delectable Sri Lankan dishes.
Interactive Cooking Sessions With Experienced Chefs
After the immersive spice garden exploration, participants are invited to an interactive cooking session led by experienced chefs.
The hands-on cooking class focuses on preparing a selection of seven authentic Sri Lankan curries and rice. Participants learn step-by-step techniques from the experts, combining freshly harvested spices, herbs, and other local ingredients.
The menu offers vegetarian and vegan options to cater to diverse dietary needs. Throughout the session, the chefs share insights into the rich culinary traditions and flavors of Sri Lanka, making it an engaging and informative experience for all.
More Great Tours NearbyAccommodations and Amenities
Though the cooking class and spice garden tour offer a delightful sensory experience, the accommodation at the Ella Nine Arch Spice Garden provides a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation after exploration.
The well-appointed rooms exude rustic charm and comfort, ensuring a restful stay.
Rustic charm and comfort abound in the well-appointed rooms, ensuring a restful stay.
Amenities include:
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Bed & breakfast accommodation
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A tranquil setting for unwinding
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Stunning views of the surrounding landscape
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Thoughtful touches to enhance the overall experience
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Convenient access to the cooking class and spice garden activities
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Exceptional Customer Reviews and Ratings
The Ella Nine Arch Spice Garden’s cooking class and spice garden tour have earned overwhelmingly positive reviews from guests.
With an overall rating of 5/5 based on 112 reviews, the experience is highly praised for its exceptional value.
Guests consistently highlight the knowledgeable guide, who leads an engaging tour of the diverse 2.5-acre spice garden.
They also rave about the hands-on cooking sessions, where they learn to prepare an array of authentic Sri Lankan curries.
Travelers from the UK and Germany alike have described the tour as "amazing" and "really recommend" it, making it a must-do activity in Ella.
Logistical Details and Meeting Point
Customers can check availability for starting times of the cooking class and spice garden tour. The meeting point offers convenient pick-up arrangements at reasonable prices.
Key logistical details include:
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Flexible start times to accommodate guest schedules
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Easy access to the meeting point with transportation options
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On-site parking available for self-driving guests
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Clear directions and signage to guide participants
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Ample time allocated for the 4-hour experience
Over 53 customer photos have been shared by travelers, providing a visual preview of the exceptional cooking class and spice garden tour.
Capturing the Essence of Sri Lanka
Delving into the Ella Nine Arch Spice Garden, participants embark on a sensory exploration that encapsulates the very essence of Sri Lanka.
Meandering through the 2.5-acre oasis, they discover an abundance of spices, herbs, and tropical plants – from fragrant cinnamon to vibrant turmeric.
Meandering through the 2.5-acre oasis, an abundance of spices, herbs, and tropical plants – from fragrant cinnamon to vibrant turmeric.
The interactive cooking sessions led by experienced chefs impart the nuances of Sri Lankan cuisine, teaching participants to prepare an array of flavorful curries.
This immersive experience allows travelers to connect with the land, its ingredients, and the culinary traditions that define the island’s rich cultural tapestry.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Transportation to the Venue Included in the Package?
The package doesn’t include transportation to the venue, but the booking offers pick-up arrangements at reasonable prices. Customers can check availability and arrange transportation separately to get to the Ella Nine Arch Spice Garden for the cooking class and tour.
Can I Customize the Menu to Accommodate Dietary Restrictions?
Yes, the cooking class offers vegetarian and vegan options to accommodate dietary restrictions. Participants can work with the experienced chefs to customize the menu to their needs during the interactive cooking sessions.
Do I Need Any Prior Cooking Experience to Join the Class?
No prior cooking experience is required for the class. The instructors accommodate all skill levels and provide hands-on guidance throughout the cooking session. Participants can enjoy the experience regardless of their culinary background.
Can I Extend My Stay and Book Additional Nights at the Accommodation?
Yes, guests can extend their stay and book additional nights at the accommodation. The well-appointed rooms offer comfort and rustic charm, providing a peaceful sanctuary for relaxation after exploring the spice garden.
Is There an Option to Purchase Spices and Herbs From the Garden?
Yes, visitors can purchase a variety of spices and herbs directly from the Ella Nine Arch Spice Garden. This provides a chance to take home a taste of the flavors explored during the cooking class and garden tour.
The Sum Up
Ella’s Cooking Class with the Amazing Spice Garden Tour offers an immersive Sri Lankan culinary experience. Guests explore a vibrant spice garden, then craft authentic curries and rice under the guidance of expert chefs. With a small group size, this intimate experience earns rave reviews for its authenticity and value, showcasing the essence of Sri Lankan cuisine.
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