






Cook With Nimali — Authentic Sri Lankan Cooking Classes
Discover Sri Lanka Through Its Flavors
Join Nimali for an immersive, hands-on cooking class in Nilaveli (near Trincomalee). You will visit a local market. You will cook and share a full Sri Lankan meal. This class connects you to the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine.
Why Choose This Class?
- All skill levels welcome — Beginners, food lovers, or seasoned home cooks, everyone’s invited.
- Genuine family recipes — Learn traditional dishes passed down through generations.
- Hands-on learning — You don’t just watch — you cook each dish, from prep to plate.
- Small groups — Limited class sizes ensure personal attention and a friendly experience.
Meet Nimali
Nimali is a passionate Sri Lankan home cook who grew up preparing meals for family celebrations and daily life. She combines her deep knowledge of local ingredients with a warm, approachable teaching style. She ensures that cooking becomes fun. It is not intimidating.
Sample Menu (You’ll Make 5–7 Dishes)
Dish | Description / Note |
---|---|
Pol Sambol (Coconut & Chili) | A classic Sri Lankan coconut relish |
Dhal Curry | Comforting yellow split lentil curry |
Fish Curry or Vegetable Curry | Choose according to your preference |
Coconut Sambal & Cucumber Salad | Fresh, cooling side dishes |
Pol Roti or String Hoppers | Sri Lankan flatbread or steamed noodle-like hoppers |
Wattalapam (Dessert, optional) | Traditional Sri Lankan coconut custard pudding |
Vegetarian / kid-friendly options available upon request |
Course Options & Details
Morning Market + Cooking (Best Intro)
- Duration: ~4.5 hours (market tour 45–60 min + ~3 hours cooking)
- Group size: 2–6 people
- Included: Market tour, recipe booklet, ingredients, the cooked lunch, bottled water, tea/coffee
- Price: LKR 9,000 per person (≈ €25)
Half-Day Hands-On Class
- Duration: ~3 hours
- Group size: up to 12 people
- Included: Recipes, lunch, tea/coffee
- Price: LKR 6,500 per person (≈ €18)
Private Family / Custom Class
- Duration: 3–4 hours (flexible)
- Up to 6 people (larger groups on request)
- Custom menu, dietary flexibility, and photography
- Price: LKR 18,000 per group (up to 6)
Virtual Class (Cook from Home)
- Duration: ~2 hours (live via video)
- Includes: Advance shopping list, printable recipes, recording accessible for 48 hours
- Price: LKR 7500 per session (≈ €21)
What’s Included
- All cooking equipment and ingredients
- Printed or digital recipe booklet
- Lunch with the dishes you prepare
- Tea / coffee / bottled water
- Pickup or drop-off can be added for private classes (additional charge)
Location & Logistics
- Meeting Point: Cook With Nimali, 42/1B, 4th Cross Lane, Gopalapuram, Nilaveli 31010
- From Trincomalee: Take the Nilaveli bus or a tuk-tuk (~30 minutes)
- Parking available for those driving
- For private bookings, transport pickup from Trincomalee can be arranged (extra fee)
How to Book
- Choose your preferred class type and date/time
- Book via our website or WhatsApp
- Payment options: cash on arrival, bank transfer, or payment card online
- Cancellation policy: full refund if canceled at least 24 hours before the class starts
FAQ (Quick Answers)
- FAQ (Quick Answers)
- Do I need to bring anything?
- Just yourself (and your curiosity). We provide aprons, ingredients, and all tools. If you enjoy taking notes, bring a notebook.
- Are children allowed?
- Yes — children aged 5+ are welcome, especially in a private or family-style class under supervision.
- Can you accommodate diet preferences?
- Absolutely. Vegetarian, vegan, and mild-spice menus are available — simply share your requirements when booking.
- Is transport available?
- Yes — for private bookings, we can arrange pickups from Trincomalee for an extra fee.
Why Book With Pigeon Island Tours
- Local, registered operator based in Nilaveli
- No third-party commission — you get fair pricing
- Personalized, small-group experiences
- Safety & eco-conscious practices
- Responsive, English-speaking team
Final Call to Action
Ready to cook, taste, and connect with Sri Lanka’s food heritage?
Book your class today and join Nimali for a delicious, memorable journey.
📆 Choose your date → Reserve your spot → Embark on a flavorful adventure
Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned chef, Cook With Nimali offers something for everyone. It’s the perfect activity for families, couples, or solo travelers. Groups looking to explore Sri Lankan cuisine will find it fun and interactive.
Book Your Class Today!
Don’t miss out on this incredible experience in Nilaveli! Book your spot today and embark on a delicious journey through Sri Lankan flavors. We promise you’ll leave with new skills, new friends, and a full stomach!
🌴 Discover the Best of Trincomalee & Beyond with Pigeon Island Tours
Sri Lanka is more than just a tropical island — it’s a living paradise of ocean, wildlife, and culture. And in the heart of it lies Trincomalee, a coastal treasure filled with coral reefs, dolphins, whales, sacred temples, and friendly smiles.
If you’re searching for unforgettable things to do in Trincomalee, Pigeon Island Tours offers everything from snorkeling at world-famous Pigeon Island and Angel Rock to diving, whale & dolphin watching, lagoon safaris, fishing trips, city tours, and wildlife jeep safaris across the island.
Every experience is designed to bring you closer to Sri Lanka’s natural beauty and warm local life. With expert guides, quality equipment, and friendly service, your adventures become not just trips — but memories you’ll carry forever.
🏝️ Pigeon Island Snorkeling — Sri Lanka’s Underwater Paradise
Just a short boat ride from Nilaveli Beach, Pigeon Island National Park is one of the most beautiful marine parks in Asia. The island takes its name from the rock pigeons that once nested on its cliffs, but it’s now more famous for its vibrant coral reefs and colorful fish.
When you snorkel here with Pigeon Island Tours, you’ll explore crystal-clear waters full of tropical life. The shallow reef near the beach is perfect for beginners, while the deeper outer reef attracts adventurous snorkelers and divers.
You might see:
- Blacktip reef sharks (graceful and harmless)
- Green sea turtles grazing among coral gardens
- Schools of parrotfish, surgeonfish, clownfish, and butterflyfish
- Bright blue corals and giant clams glowing beneath the sunlight
Our guides are trained professionals who care deeply about reef protection. We provide high-quality snorkeling equipment, life jackets, and full safety support.
Best time to visit: March to September, when the sea is calm and visibility excellent.
Whether you’re a first-time snorkeler or an experienced diver, Pigeon Island is a must-see natural wonder.
🌊 Angel Rock Snorkeling & Diving — A Hidden Gem
If you love exploring beyond the popular sites, Angel Rock is your next adventure. Located just a few kilometers north of Nilaveli, this incredible underwater rock formation attracts both snorkelers and scuba divers.
The site is named “Angel Rock” because, from above, the coral looks like an angel’s wings spreading underwater. The sea here is slightly deeper and teeming with schools of barracuda, trevally, moray eels, lionfish, and reef sharks.
Our experienced team offers both snorkeling and diving tours to Angel Rock. Beginners can start with shallow snorkeling, while certified divers can descend to explore the deeper coral slopes and caves.
The dive conditions are usually excellent from April to September, and it’s one of the few places near Trincomalee where visibility often reaches 20–25 meters.
If you want a quieter, more private marine experience, Angel Rock is perfect — peaceful, untouched, and incredibly photogenic.
🐋 Whale and Dolphin Watching in Trincomalee
For many travelers, seeing whales in the wild is the highlight of their Sri Lankan journey. The deep waters off Trincomalee Bay are one of the best places in the world to spot Blue Whales, Sperm Whales, and Spinner Dolphins.
Our whale and dolphin watching tours start early in the morning, around 6:00 AM, when the sea is calm and visibility high. As the sun rises, the horizon sometimes fills with playful dolphins jumping alongside your boat, creating a breathtaking show.
With luck, you might also encounter the largest animal on Earth — the Blue Whale — gracefully surfacing for air.
All our tours are eco-friendly. We follow government guidelines to maintain safe distances, avoid loud noises, and protect the animals’ natural behavior. Each trip includes bottled water, light refreshments, and commentary by our experienced marine guides.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience — a true reminder of how majestic nature can be.
🐘 Wildlife Safari Adventures
Beyond the ocean, Sri Lanka’s jungles and national parks are full of life. Pigeon Island Tours organizes private and group jeep safaris to all the major wildlife reserves on the island.
1. Minneriya National Park
Home to the world-famous Elephant Gathering, where hundreds of elephants gather near the Minneriya tank during the dry season (June–September).
2. Kaudulla National Park
Just next to Minneriya, Kaudulla offers close encounters with wild elephants, deer, buffalo, monkeys, and hundreds of bird species.
3. Hurulu Eco Park
A lush forest with rich biodiversity — perfect for travelers who love green scenery and quieter drives.
4. Wilpattu National Park
Sri Lanka’s largest national park, famous for leopards, sloth bears, and wild boars. The park’s natural lakes (known as villus) attract many animals and birds.
5. Yala & Udawalawe National Parks
For travelers heading south, we can arrange custom multi-day safari packages combining wildlife, waterfalls, and beach stays.
All safaris include 4×4 jeep, driver-guide, park entry permits, and bottled water.
🎣 Fishing Tours in Trincomalee
The eastern coast of Sri Lanka is a fisherman’s paradise. Pigeon Island Tours offers half-day and full-day fishing trips for both beginners and experienced anglers.
Our fishing tours use traditional Sri Lankan boats or modern speedboats depending on your preference. You can choose between lagoon fishing, bottom fishing, or deep-sea fishing.
Common catches include tuna, barracuda, trevally, groupers, and red snappers. Early morning and late afternoon are the best times for fishing, and our guides will help you learn local techniques — sometimes even cooking your catch for lunch on the beach.
It’s a fun, relaxing way to enjoy the ocean and local life.
🌅 Lagoon Safari — Explore the Calm Waters of Trincomalee
If you prefer something peaceful, the Lagoon Safari is an unforgettable experience. As the sun rises or sets, you’ll glide through the calm lagoon waters surrounded by mangroves, birds, and local fishermen.
Look out for:
- Colorful kingfishers, herons, and eagles
- Monitor lizards resting on mangrove roots
- Traditional fishing boats bringing in the day’s catch
The lagoon reflects the changing colors of the sky, creating a magical atmosphere perfect for photography and relaxation.
Our lagoon safaris are ideal for families, couples, and nature lovers who want a quiet break between more active tours.
🕌 Trincomalee City Tours
Trincomalee is one of Sri Lanka’s oldest cities, with a history that stretches back thousands of years. Our city tours help you discover its cultural and spiritual landmarks.
Highlights include:
- Koneswaram Temple: An ancient Hindu temple perched on a cliff overlooking the ocean.
- Fort Frederick: Built by the Portuguese in 1623, later used by the Dutch and British.
- Lover’s Leap: A viewpoint with dramatic sea views and romantic legends.
- Commonwealth War Cemetery: Peaceful and beautifully maintained historical site.
- Local Markets: Visit spice stalls, fruit sellers, and handicraft shops.
Each tour is guided by locals who share stories of Trincomalee’s past, colonial history, and daily life.
🧭 Combine Experiences — Design Your Own Adventure
One of the best things about Pigeon Island Tours is flexibility. You can combine experiences to create your own full-day or multi-day packages.
Example Itinerary 1 — Ocean & Food Experience
- Morning: Whale & Dolphin Watching
- Afternoon: Sri Lankan Cooking Class with Nimali
- Evening: Lagoon Safari at Sunset
Example Itinerary 2 — Nature & Culture Escape
- Day 1: Pigeon Island Snorkeling and Angel Rock Diving
- Day 2: Minneriya Safari and Trincomalee City Tour
Example Itinerary 3 — Fisherman’s Day
- Morning: Deep-Sea Fishing Trip
- Afternoon: Cook your catch with Nimali
All packages include transport, experienced guides, and refreshments.
💙 Why Book Direct with Pigeon Island Tours
- Official Local Operator: Registered private company based in Nilaveli.
- No Third-Party Commission: Book directly and save money.
- Personalized Service: Small groups, family-friendly, English-speaking guides.
- Safety First: Licensed boats, life jackets, and experienced drivers.
- Eco-Friendly Commitment: We care for wildlife, coral reefs, and local communities.
From your first inquiry to the end of your tour, our friendly team — led by Chathuranga and Nimali — will ensure your trip runs smoothly.
You can reach us easily via our official website https://pigeonislandtours.com or visit our office at 42/1B, 4th Cross Lane, Gopalapuram, Nilaveli.
🌞 The Spirit of Sri Lanka in Every Experience
Travel is not only about seeing new places — it’s about feeling them. When you snorkel through coral gardens, share laughter during a cooking class, or watch elephants roam freely, you’re touching the soul of Sri Lanka.
At Pigeon Island Tours, we believe every traveler deserves authentic, heartfelt experiences. Whether it’s the thrill of seeing a whale breach the surface, the aroma of fresh curry leaves in Nimali’s kitchen, or the quiet beauty of the lagoon at sunset, each moment tells a story of this magical island.
So come, join us — explore, taste, and feel the real Sri Lanka.
Book your next adventure today and let Pigeon Island Tours make it truly amazing.
Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class
Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class Sri Lankan Cooking Class