Take a stroll down the narrow paths through paddy fields and small forest patches amid nothing but the sound of nature to reach a charming village where locals live a life in tune with nature. Engage in local village activities, take a rocky ride on a bullock cart, take a catamaran ride, enjoy the scenic beauty of serene surroundings, and indulge in a mouthwatering local buffet. Hands down, this is the best way to feel the rhythm of the simple lifestyle of rural Sri Lanka.

Such village tours in either Sigiriya, Habarana, or Dambulla will give you a look into the laid-back livelihood of the rural locals, leaving you feeling as if you “lived” the authentic Sri Lankan life, even for a few hours.

And here’s a glimpse into what you will experience and encounter during a village tour.

Ride along the rocky-muddy narrow roads surrounded by beautiful lush greenery through paddy fields, views of children playing, and locals going about their daily chores amid the sounds of birds chirping and leaves rustling. One of Sri Lanka’s most ancient modes of transportation and still to this day is used by the locals of rural villages. This bumpy ride on a wooden cart pulled by a single bull is certainly a ride for the books.

Take a slow ride on a catamaran ridden by a local villager, along a gorgeous lake perfused with water lilies and lotus flowers, surrounded by nothing but green and the music of nature. This soul-soothing ride with sightings of water monitors, flocks of birds flying over the lake, and fruits hanging down from branches of trees in the middle of the lake will make you feel like you are living a page out of a storybook.

It is only in rural local villages you would witness the age-old traditional modes and best-kept secrets of local industries. During the village tour, you will learn about the ancient ways dating back to the 3rd century B.C. used for sharpening and carving iron to build tools required for the use of villagers. And, will get a look into how locals weave clothes without the use of electricity, just with the use of a handloom weaving machine. Not only that, but you will also get a chance to take a peek into how locals practice traditional jewelry craftsmanship, pottery, and more.

Farming is a large part of the Sri Lankan livelihood. And this tour will give you all the details about how villagers grow many varieties of vegetables and fruits on acres of land. This is one of the best places to have a chat with the farmers to get a genuine insight into how they continue to live a self-sufficient lifestyle with minimum facilities.

What better way to end a soul-filling village tour other than with a mouthwatering authentic Sri Lankan buffet made with fresh organic local produce, served by villagers at a mud house, with a picturesque view of the landscapes of the village? While the flavors of Sri Lanka take your taste buds on a tour and the hospitality and the tales shared by the local villagers fill your soul, this meal will strike a code in your heart.