Samakanda Sri Lanka

      

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Samakanda, Nakiyadeniya

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Location

Samakanda is an ecological lifestyle centre situated in Nakiyadeniya, forty minutes inland from Galle, near the Kotawa rainforest off the Galle-Matara road. During the rainy season it is best accessed by four-wheel drive. It is about four hours from Colombo.

Introduction

Set on an abandoned 60-acre tea estate, Samakanda's gardens have come alive again thanks to its owner Rory Spowers, a dedicated environmentalist who has done much to preserve the biological systems as well as provide employment to surrounding communities. Samakanda prides itself on being a `Bio-versity' - an unconventional learning and living experience for those interested in sustainable lifestyle solutions that have minimal impact on the environment. Samakanda is linked to the `Web of Hope', a movement that promotes sustainable lifestyle solutions that minimize the `ecological footprint'. Organic farms, rainforest habitats, rivers and waterways, endemic fauna and flora, and comfortable accommodation - makes Samakanda a rewarding and adventurous holiday destination. Rental includes one meal a day of your choice. Additional Sri Lankan meals can be arranged at a small additional cost.

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Accommodation

Guests can select from Samakanda's rustic cottage or the old planters' bungalow. Both are comfortably furnished with beds fitted with mosquito netting and overhead ceiling fans; fully-equipped kitchen with an outdoor wood-burning clay pizza oven and own herb garden; and solar-powered hot water, electricity and ceiling fans.

The Cottage - A rustic wattle-and-daub structure with clay-tiled roof and great views over the paddy fields, lake and forest garden from its front verandah. This two-bedroom cottage has one bathroom with an outdoor h/w shower, wash basin, w/c, and kitchen and can accommodate upto three adults or a small family.

The Bungalow - Originally built in the 1920's, this three-bedroom small planters' bungalow has been restored with modern conveniences including a kitchen and internet access. Expansive views over the gardens include the distant ridges of Galle. The Bungalow can accommodate up to six adults or a large family.

Facilities

The river and waterways on the estate are natural swimming pools for guests. An open-sided timber shed, close to the bungalow, is sometimes used for various educational programmes, workshops and discussions. The Banyan Tree located deep within the jungles provides a tranquil meditative space. The organic fruit and vegetable gardens provide most of the daily requirements for meals. Samakanda's staff will shop for basic grocery requirements as well as cook. The owner is also an excellent chef who will be happy to perform upon request. Other staff includes an English-speaking estate manager who can offer conducted tours of the estate.

Excursions

Samakanda is divided into seven interesting zones that guests can explore. These zones cover the newly-grown tea plantation where pluckers are busy at work; paddy fields, coffee & cocoa, vegetable beds, herb spirals, aquaculture ponds, a forest garden; a river walk that passes through dense rainforest habitats; a dense jungle area with caves, grottos, giant boulders and an ancient stone shrine; and a walk through the `biodiversity refuge' preserved for a variety of rare mammals. Mountain Bikes are available for guests. From Jan-April 2008, intensive residential courses will be conducted one week per month at Samakanda to study 'sustainable lifestyle solutions'. Detailed information can be provided upon request.

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