"Ayubowan" meaning – “Wishes for a long life in Sinhala”
Sri Lanka's tropical climate creates distinct fruit seasons throughout the year. Here's what you can expect during different months:
Mangoes (early varieties begin appearing
Woodapple (Divul)
December to March (Dry Season)
Soursop (Katu Anoda)
Star Fruit (Kamaranga)
Pomegranate (Delum)
April to June (Transitional & Early Monsoon)
Avocado (late season)
Mangoes (peak season with multiple varieties)
Durian (beginning in May)
Jackfruit (peak season)
Pineapple (abundant)
Watermelon
Rambutan
Rambutan (peak season)
Mangosteen (the queen of fruits)
July to September (Southwest Monsoon)
Durian (continues through early months)
Lychee
Passion Fruit
October to November (Transitional Season)
Guava
Banana (available year-round but certain varieties peak)
Custard Apple (Anona)
Sapodilla (Sapota)
Pomelo
Avocado (Early season)
Wood Apple (Divul)
Ceylon Olive (Veralu)
Native Fruits: Treasures of Sri Lanka
These small, purple-black berries have a sweet-tart taste and are often made into jams or enjoyed fresh. They're packed with antioxidants.
These bell-shaped, crisp fruits range from white to deep red and have a mild, refreshing flavor and distinctive rose scent. They're particularly abundant in home gardens.
.
Nelli (Amla/Indian Gooseberry)
These light green fruits are extremely high in Vitamin C. Though very sour when eaten fresh, they're valued for medicinal properties and used in Ayurvedic preparations.
Ceylon Gooseberry (Ketambilla)
Jambu (Rose Apple)
Beli Fruit (Aegle marmelos)
Known as Bengal quince or stone apple, this fruit has religious significance in Buddhist traditions. The pulp is used in traditional medicine and for making refreshing drinks.
.
This hard-shelled fruit contains a dark brown pulp with a unique sweet-sour flavor. Sri Lankans enjoy it as juice (Divul Kiri) or eaten with sugar and coconut milk. The fruit has medicinal properties and is excellent for digestion.
.
Not related to Mediterranean olives, these small, green to purple fruits have a sweet-tart taste when ripe. Locals often enjoy them with a pinch of salt and chili..
.
Bananas (available year-round with peaks during dry seasons)
Papayas (available year-round with peaks during dry seasons)
Fruits Available Year Round
Coconut (both king coconut and regular varieties)
Lime
Commitment to Seasonal Freshness
We take pride in providing our guests with the freshest local fruits available during their stay. Each day, you'll enjoy a selection of seasonal fruits harvested at peak ripeness. Our staff carefully selects these fruits from trusted local sources, ensuring you experience the authentic flavors of Sri Lanka's natural bounty.
Whether it's juicy mangoes during their peak season, refreshing king coconut water year-round, or rare treats like mangosteen and rambutan during the monsoon months, we ensure our guests sample the best fruits the island has to offer at any given time of year.
Preparation of Fruit: The Traditional Way
Fruit Juices: Try fresh wood apple juice (Divul Kiri), passion fruit juice, or king coconut water straight from the shell.
Fruit Salads: Called "Pajjalu" in Sinhala, these mix tropical fruits with a splash of lime and sometimes chili and salt.
Fruit Curries: Unique to Sri Lankan cuisine, unripe jackfruit and breadfruit are prepared in savory curries.
Kalu Dodol: A sticky sweet made with palm jaggery and fruit pulp.
Tips for Visitors
Always wash fruits thoroughly or peel them before eating.
Start slowly with very exotic fruits like durian or wood apple to allow your palate to adjust.
Ask locals for help selecting perfectly ripe specimens.
Consider joining a fruit tasting tour for expert guidance.
Some fruits like durian have a strong aroma – hotels may not allow them in rooms!
Conclusion
Exploring Sri Lanka's fruits offers a sensory journey through the island's biodiversity and culinary traditions. Each season brings its own special harvest, allowing visitors to experience flavors they may never have encountered before. We invite our guests to venture beyond familiar fruits and embrace the exotic tastes of Sri Lanka – it's a delicious adventure your taste buds won't forget!
During your stay with us, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy the freshest seasonal fruits Sri Lanka has to offer, handpicked daily to ensure the most authentic and delightful experience.