#digana

Kurundu House / Zowa Architects

"Live like a local" enjoying Sri Lankan village customs, whilst staying in a tranquil chalet, with breathtaking views and delectable food 

Forget Tourist Traps - This Remote Sri Lankan Village Welcomes Travelers As Family While Teaching Sacred Traditions

"I never thought I'd find myself milking a cow at sunrise in a remote Sri Lankan village...

While a grandmother in a vibrant sari taught me her secret spice blend that's been passed down for generations, and the local children giggled as I clumsily attempted to fold betel leaves the traditional way.

But that's exactly what happened when I discovered this hidden gem nestled in the misty hills of Digana - 

a place where time seems to slow down and you're welcomed not as a tourist, but as family.

Where you wake up to birdsong and panoramic views of the Victoria Reservoir stretching endlessly before you and spend your days learning ancient crafts from village artisans, cooking authentic curries using ingredients picked fresh from the garden and connecting with a way of life that's remained unchanged for centuries.

It's the antidote to those cookie-cutter tourist experiences that leave you feeling empty - Those superficial "cultural shows" designed for busloads of camera-clicking tourists and those sanitized resort bubbles that could be anywhere in the world.

This is different.

This is real.

This is what happens when two passionate locals decide to open their hearts, their home, and their entire village...

To help conscious travelers experience the TRUE Sri Lanka.

Not through staged photos and tourist traps, but through genuine human connection.

Through breaking bread with local families, learning their stories and becoming part of their community.

Even if just for a little while."

Your Home Away from Home in Digana

Tamarind Gardens offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Digana, where guests can experience the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality. Surrounded by lush greenery and overlooking the stunning Victoria Reservoir, our homestay provides a relaxing environment for travelers seeking a break from the hustle of daily life. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or an adventure in nature, Tamarind Gardens is the perfect base for your stay.

Our cozy chalets are designed to blend comfort with nature, allowing guests to wake up to the sounds of birds and enjoy breathtaking sunrise views. Here, you’re not just a visitor—you’re family, welcomed with open arms and genuine hospitality.

Unwind in Tranquil Surroundings

Escape to a world of peace and tranquility at Tamarind Gardens. With panoramic views of the hills and a refreshing breeze from the reservoir, every moment spent here is an opportunity to slow down and connect with nature. Whether you choose to relax with a cup of Ceylon tea on your veranda or take a gentle stroll through the property, you’ll feel at ease in this serene setting.

For those who love adventure, hiking trails and scenic walks await just beyond your doorstep. Reconnect with nature as you explore the rolling hills, vibrant greenery, and the authentic charm of Digana.

Live Like a Local with Cultural Experiences

At Tamarind Gardens, we believe that the best way to experience a destination is by immersing yourself in its culture. Our “Live Like a Local” program allows guests to step into the daily lives of Sri Lankan villagers. Whether you’re cooking a traditional meal, learning a local craft, or exploring bustling markets, you’ll gain an authentic perspective of life in Sri Lanka.

By connecting with local artisans and farmers, you’ll hear their stories, learn their traditions, and leave with more than just memories—you’ll take home new skills and a deeper appreciation for Sri Lankan heritage.

Hands-On Craft Workshops with Locals

Crafting is an integral part of Sri Lankan culture, and at Tamarind Gardens, you can learn these skills directly from the artisans themselves. From pottery-making to traditional weaving, these workshops allow you to create something unique while supporting the local community. Each piece you make carries a story, a memory, and a piece of Sri Lanka’s rich heritage.

Our workshops are not just about learning a skill; they are about connecting with people, understanding their way of life, and taking home an authentic and personal souvenir.

Farm-Fresh Food and Dairy Products

At Tamarind Gardens, we believe that great food starts with fresh, locally sourced ingredients. Our farm-to-table approach ensures that every meal served is made with love and care, using produce grown on our land or sourced from nearby farmers. From rich, flavourful curries to tropical fruits picked at their peak, every dish reflects the true essence of Sri Lankan home cooking.

Our dairy farm plays a key role in our commitment to freshness. The milk, cheese, and cream we serve are made right here, allowing guests to experience the pure taste of locally crafted dairy products. Whether it’s a warm cup of farm-fresh milk in the morning or a slice of creamy homemade cheese, every bite tells a story of quality and sustainability.

Fresh Milk, Cheese, and More from Our Farm

Our dairy farm is the heart of Tamarind Gardens, where our happy and well-cared-for cows produce some of the freshest milk in the region. Guests can enjoy farm-fresh dairy products straight from our kitchen, including smooth, creamy yogurt, rich homemade butter, and artisanal cheese infused with local flavors.

Beyond just enjoying these delicacies, visitors can also experience the farming process firsthand. Learn about our ethical and sustainable dairy farming methods, see how traditional cheese is made, and even try your hand at milking a cow! It’s an interactive, farm-to-table experience that connects you directly to the food you eat.

Stay in Our Charming Chalets Surrounded by Nature

Tamarind Gardens offers a unique homestay experience, where guests can wake up to the sights and sounds of nature. Our cozy chalets provide the perfect balance of comfort and rustic charm, allowing you to disconnect from the hustle of modern life and reconnect with the beauty of the countryside. Each chalet is designed to blend seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, offering breathtaking views of rolling hills and the tranquil Victoria Reservoir.

Whether you choose to spend your mornings sipping fresh Ceylon tea on your veranda or exploring the nearby trails, our chalets provide a peaceful and rejuvenating retreat. With warm hospitality, delicious home-cooked meals, and a serene environment, you’ll feel right at home in the heart of Sri Lanka

Discover the Beauty of Digana and Beyond

Digana is a hidden gem in Sri Lanka, offering breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and a slower pace of life. The region is perfect for travelers who want to experience the raw beauty of nature, with lush green hills, winding rivers, and panoramic views that stretch for miles. Whether you’re hiking along the scenic Victoria Reservoir, visiting ancient temples, or simply soaking in the peaceful atmosphere, Digana promises an unforgettable experience.

Beyond Digana, guests can explore nearby destinations like Kandy, home to the iconic Temple of the Tooth Relic, or Nuwara Eliya, known for its misty tea plantations. Whether you're seeking adventure, history, or relaxation, Tamarind Gardens is the perfect gateway to some of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting locations.

Our Locations

I feel like I’m falling so far behind on this already. On Thursday we had a late start, and a few of us from the group went out to the Royal Botanic Gardens at Kandy. It was a beautiful, sunny morning. We wandered by some double coconut trees (laden with enormous fruit) and an avenue of wonky pines, traversed a suspension bridge (where we were once again mildly threatened by monkeys), walked beneath some trees housing a huge bat population, who just flew wildly around above us, and went past a bunch of memorial trees, planted by a variety of eminent people (mostly monarchy and leaders) including the likes of Queen Elizabeth II, Yuri Gagarin, and General Tito (in 1957, from memory - before things went sour). The final part of the gardens we visited was the orchid house, which was small, but the flowers were gorgeous.

After the gardens our bus picked us up and we stopped at a lookout over Kandy before heading to our home stay at a town called Digana, slightly to the east of Kandy. It was certainly the least homely (but still excellent) home stay I’ve been to. It had heaps of rooms, for us and another group, a pool, a huge restaurant area, and stunning views over what is usually a fuller river valley. The reason it was more depleted than usual is due to fuel shortages - the government has been using more water for hydroelectricity so the water level was lower than it should’ve been, or at least that’s what Udi told us. It’s also the end of the dry season.

After settling in and lazing about the pool, we were treated to the first rain we experienced so far in Sri Lanka, and boy was it a downpour! Proper summer rain. Some of the group keep referring to any rain we get as the monsoon… I know we’re near the cusp of the monsoon period but we’ve had mostly clear days and very little typical tropical rain, so I’m not convinced it’s turned as yet. I’m also an amateur meteorologist so I won’t be held accountable if I’m proven wrong.

After the rain eased we went for another village walk, had some more herbal tea and jaggery (basically sugar cubes made from palm sap that is eaten straight as a treat here), said hi to some goats, and wandered along what used to be a main town road in the now dammed (and usually flooded) river valley.

Had some free time, hung out, played some cards, watched a little cooking demo (chicken curry, lentil dhal, and coconut sambol), then sat down for dinner. A DJ set up his decks as we were having our meal, and the ‘homestay’ started serving little arrack cocktails (arrack, mango nectar and lime). Cue some hilarious (if danceable) tracks from the DJ, including heavily remixed versions of songs from the backstreet boys, Sean Paul, and ABBA, and a whole heap of other random 90s crap, RnB, and reggaeton.