Tamarind Gardens, a farm-based homestay in Digana, has expanded its community tourism initiatives to accommodate growing visitor interest as Sri Lanka's tourism sector experiences unprecedented growth. The ten-acre property, located in the hills above Victoria Reservoir east of Kandy, has enhanced its cultural immersion programs and dairy farming experiences to meet increased demand from international travelers seeking authentic rural experiences in Sri Lanka's Central Province.
The expansion comes as Sri Lanka's tourism industry achieves historic milestones, with 2025 recording 2,362,521 visitor arrivals, surpassing the previous record set in 2018. The momentum has continued into 2026, with more than 1.1 million arrivals in the first six months alone. The upcoming Kandy Esala Perahera festival, scheduled for August 18-28, 2026, is expected to drive additional visitor numbers to the region, placing increased demand on accommodation options beyond traditional hotels.
Founded by Nalin and Ayesha Perera on a former coconut estate, the property combines chalet accommodation with sustainable farming operations, including a dairy herd, goats, poultry, and extensive fruit and vegetable gardens. The homestay's Live Like a Local program enables guests to participate in traditional cooking sessions, craft workshops with local artisans, and hands-on farm activities, while its dairy products are supplied to regional hotels and restaurants as alternatives to imported products.
"The growth in visitor arrivals presents both opportunities and responsibilities for rural communities around Kandy," said Ayesha Perera, co-founder of the homestay. "By expanding our cultural programs and farm experiences, we can accommodate more guests while ensuring tourism revenue directly benefits local families through employment, skills training, and market opportunities for traditional crafts."
The property has strengthened its social responsibility initiatives through partnerships with international organizations. Planeterra, a non-profit supporting community tourism enterprises, has funded the farm's community food garden program. Additional village initiatives include the Liya Diriya Women's Society, which operates a sewing cooperative and organizes community events such as the Kadala Dansala, serving meals to over 400 local residents.
The expansion aligns with the Sri Lankan government's strategic focus on community-based tourism as a priority for sustainable sector development. Tourism Minister Vijitha Herath has confirmed the government's target of achieving at least three million arrivals in 2026, emphasizing the importance of ensuring visitor spending benefits local communities alongside established resorts.
The homestay's location provides convenient access to both Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, positioning it as an alternative accommodation option for festival attendees and travelers exploring Sri Lanka's cultural triangle. The enhanced programs include expanded dairy farming demonstrations where guests learn about ethical and sustainable farming methods, traditional cheese-making processes, and participate in daily farm operations.
Tamarind Gardens operates as a working farm and homestay in the Kandy District of Sri Lanka, offering accommodation in nature-integrated chalets alongside cultural immersion experiences, dairy farming activities, and community development programs. The property demonstrates a sustainable tourism model that creates environmentally conscious livelihoods in an area where dolomite mining has traditionally been the primary industry.
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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
