The list of authentic travel experiences in Sri Lanka that you should never miss – Be tuned in to the local vibes!

Do an enjoyable ride by tuk-tuk (also called Trishaw) to a tea factory in the beautiful hill country. Many estates have their factory and a tuk-tuk ride with either one or two others along with you (maximum is 03) is a fast and convenient way of getting to the estate. Once there do a trek to learn about the process of blending one of the world's best tea. Get the authentic tea estate experience as you observe the tea pluckers with their nimble fingers and beaming smiles. Complete the tour with a heavenly cuppa served on fine china to realise that a tea factory is one of the best places to visit in Kandy.

Many hotels in Sri Lanka such as Earl's Regency Kandy provide aromatic Sri Lankan culinary delights in their restaurants overlooking picturesque green vistas against bright blue skies. Yet, a night or two doing a homestay with a local family will give the authentic feel of local living and enjoying home-prepared meals. Dining together, getting used to eating rice and curry without cutlery is a novelty and mastering it is a thrill, and you may even try your cooking skills the Sri Lankan way in a local kitchen.

While being in Kandy, the experience of the train ride from Kandy to Ella is a must-do one. This is supposedly the most scenic railway journey in Sri Lanka and one of the most scenic train rides in the world. The terrain covers lush green vegetation, alluring hills, silvery curtains of water, colourful blooms adding colour to the winding tracks and the enigmatic stretches through tunnels add to the excitement of the ride. Although it is about a six-hour ride to Ella, you may split it up in Nuwara Eliya, and do the next stretch after a break. The movements of the train, beautiful scenery and the presence of local people with the hum of their speaking adds to an authentic experience.

A typical Sri Lankan food, hoppers are made out of rice flour and thick creamy coconut milk making it wholesome yet light to eat. Made in a special mini wok style pan by deft hands of locals the rounded edge is crisp and the centre is soft. Try these at local restaurants to titillate your taste buds, the egg hoppers with the sunny side up, sprinkled with salt and pepper eaten hot with delicious seafood or meat curry and a sambol made out of grated fresh coconut or a spicy katta sambol made with onion and dried chillies with a dash of lime. A few plain hoppers along with the egg hopper washed down with a cool beer or a hot ginger tea, makes you feel sated by an authentic Sri Lankan dinner.

Do an arranged walk with a villager to feel the tranquillity and the simple way of life they lead. With only the basic facilities they live a contented life. The womenfolk mostly do some kind of cottage industry such as making products out of reed such as baskets and mats, traditional sweetmeats or selling homegrown fruits. Their innate friendly nature makes it easy to chat with them, enjoy their hospitality by way of a steaming cup of tea. You can purchase their ware as a means of helping the villagers and come away feeling rewarded for having supported them for their perseverance.