South west coast of Sri Lanka is famous for coconut toddy which is a mildly alcoholic drink made from the sap of the coconut flower

The Sri Lankan south west coast line is blessed with an abundance of coconut trees. It is also famous for coconut toddy which is a mildly alcoholic drink made from the sap of the coconut flower. This is a refreshing drink which is popular among the people of Sri Lanka.

Each morning the ‘toddy tappers’ climb up the tall coconut trees and collect the sap from the flower of each tree. These climbers have developed a very unique way of getting from tree to tree where they have tied ropes to link each tree and therefore eliminated the need to keep climbing up each individual tree. Instead they perform a form of areal acrobatic maneuver much like walking an areal tight rope as they walk from one tree to another with the aid of the areal rope network.

The sap itself has a very unique taste and is traditionally served in a coconut shell either at the foot of the tree or at a local toddy tavern. The drink is best enjoyed with freshly boiled and prepared tapioca yams as an accompaniment. You will have the opportunity to meet a toddy tapper and learn more about the art and enjoy some fresh toddy thereafter.