Ecolodges in Sri Lanka

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'From the inception of Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation (SLEF) in 1998, it has been promoting community based ecolodges which would directly benefit the communities in tourism generating areas in Sri Lanka. If it is an 'ecolodge', it should be eco-friendly, nature, environment and people friendly. SLEF is of the view that the term 'Ecolodge' defined under principles of ecotourism is often being abused by the nature based accommodation developers in Sri Lanka. Any accommodation facility built in and around protected areas, pristine natural locations, using traditional building materials such as wattle and daub, bamboos, thatched with coconut kadjan or illuk, just cannot be called an 'ecolodge'. Unless the ecolodge provides direct economic benefits to the surrounding communities and do not incorporate ecotourism principles it is just 'green washing' to hoodwink ecotourists who are looking for genuine ecotourism experience. SLEF, the pioneer national ecotourism organization in Sri Lanka, has recently launched a novel ecolodge project to educate those who will be embarked in building ecolodges as tourist accommodations.
SLEF is happy to note that some individuals and travel companies which are 'environmentally concern' and 'inclination to share tourism income with surrounding communities' have embarked on real ecolodge projects which are somewhat similar to that of SLEF initiated. These developers are trying to develop their properties based on principles of ecotourism. SLEF is very happy about these developments and 'Yathra Lanka' wishes to publish info about these properties enabling the ecotourists to visit them and experience what a genuine ecolodge is.

NATURE VILLAGE, MATUGAMA….life time experience in a genuine ecolodge!

Owned and operated by Hawk Travels (Pvt) Ltd

Location; in a 30 acre land in South of Colombo, bordering Mathugama, in the village of Ambetenna. 20 KMS from Bentota Beach.

Profile; Nature village lodge is located in a pristine natural surrounding with lush green forests, tea gardens, rubber estates, cinnamon plantations and traditional home gardens of the communities living around. All construction materials used to build accommodation units, lobby, restaurants, and relaxing areas are very traditional.

Accommodation; Available in separate ecolodges for 20 pax at a time. Beds made of wooden with sturdy orthopedic mattresses, cotton bed linen and overhead mosquito nets to ensure good night's sleep.

Activities possible; Adventure trekking (approximately 5 KMS nature trek through dense forest and paddy fields providing opportunities for nature photography, Bird watching, and community interaction) meditation programmes etc.

Food Specialty; Organic vegetable and fruits served to the guests with natural spring water. Food is cooked in earthen vessels over a traditional fire place

Energy Saving; The Ecolodge is provided with Solar Power

Community benefits and environmental conservation methods; Nature Village is focusing on community benefits such as to empower the local community by absorbing them in to the properties workforce such as members of the staff, employing them as cinnamon peeling, tea plucking and rubber tapping. The income generated from the sale of cinnamon, tea and rubber is shared on 50-50% basis between the workforce and the owners thus encouraging and sustaining community well-being. The prime Objective of the Nature Village is to improve and raise the living standards of the local community by maintaining and environment friendly, community based tourism development programmes.

Package costs; Nature Village offers very attractive packages for groups and individuals at an affordable price.

Contact details; Hawk Travels (Pvt) Ltd, No; 20, Regent Building, Colombo 02.

Tel : 011-2323072
Mob : 0777 661111
Email : hawktrav@sltnet.lk / naturevillagematugama@hotmail.com
Web : www.srilankanaturevillage.webs.com