Digana, Central Province – July 21, 2026 – PRESSADVANTAGE –
Tamarind Gardens, a farm homestay in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, announces expanded cultural immersion experiences and sustainable tourism initiatives as the region prepares for increased visitor arrivals during the upcoming Kandy Esala Perahera festival season and beyond.
The announcement comes as Sri Lanka’s tourism sector experiences record growth, with the country welcoming 2,362,521 international visitors in 2025, surpassing previous records. The momentum continues into 2026, with over 1.1 million arrivals in the first half of the year. The traditional festival periods, particularly the Kandy Esala Perahera scheduled for August, typically drive significant demand for authentic accommodation experiences in the Kandy region.
The ten-acre property in Digana, overlooking Victoria Reservoir, has developed comprehensive programs that connect international visitors with local communities while supporting sustainable rural development. The initiatives include hands-on dairy farming experiences, traditional craft workshops with local artisans, and participation in community events such as the Kadala Dansala, which serves meals to over 400 village residents.
“The Perahera brings the world to Kandy for ten nights, but the villages around the city are part of the same story,” said Ayesha Perera, Co-founder of Tamarind Gardens. “uests who stay with us wake to the farm, cook alongside our team and see directly how their visit supports local families. That connection is often what people remember long after the drummers have gone home.”
The homestay’s Live Like a Local program encompasses traditional cooking classes using ingredients from the property’s organic gardens, guided village walks, and opportunities to learn traditional Sri Lankan crafts. The on-site dairy farm provides guests with insights into ethical farming practices while producing milk, cheese, and cream for both guest meals and local markets, reducing reliance on imported dairy products.
The property operates in partnership with the Liya Diriya Women’s Society, supporting local women’s economic empowerment through craft production and community events. These initiatives align with the Sri Lankan government’s stated priority of developing community-based tourism that ensures visitor spending benefits rural households alongside established tourism businesses.
Recent infrastructure improvements at the property include enhanced chalet accommodations that blend traditional architecture with modern comfort, expanded organic vegetable gardens, and improved facilities for cultural workshops. The farm maintains goats, poultry, and fruit gardens alongside its dairy operations, creating a comprehensive agricultural experience for visitors seeking alternatives to conventional hotel stays.
The location in Digana provides convenient access to both Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, positioning guests to explore the region’s cultural and natural attractions while maintaining a base in an authentic village setting. The property’s commitment to environmental sustainability includes rainwater harvesting systems and organic farming methods that demonstrate alternative livelihoods to traditional industries such as dolomite mining.
Tamarind Gardens operates as a working farm and cultural homestay in Sri Lanka’s Central Province, offering accommodation and immersive experiences that support rural community development. The property combines agricultural activities with cultural programs, providing visitors with authentic insights into Sri Lankan village life while contributing to sustainable local economies.
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For more information about Tamarind Gardens Homestay, contact the company here:
Tamarind Gardens Homestay
Ayesha Perera
+94779071777
Ayesha55555@gmail.com
Tamarind Gardens Homestay
Tamarind Gardens
Aluthgangapitiya, Aluthwatte
Digana
20180
Sri Lanka
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