Experience regenerative travel in Digana, Sri Lanka. Trek lush forests, visit villages, and relax by waterfalls while supporting locals.
Digana challenges the usual image many travelers have of Sri Lanka. Instead of heat and dry plains, this hill-country region unfolds in layers of misty forests, lush valleys, and cool mountain air. Located near Kandy, Digana sits on the edge of the Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles Mountain Range, making it a gateway to some of the country’s most biodiverse landscapes. Once known primarily for tea and spice plantations, the area is now increasingly recognized for community-based, low-impact tourism that protects nature while supporting local livelihoods.
The journey begins at Polwaththa Eco Lodges, a secluded hideaway surrounded by tropical greenery and far from the crowds. The lodges invite guests to slow down, listen to the forest, and relax in hammocks while breathing in fresh, cool air. Polwaththa is deeply committed to community empowerment: every staff member comes from the surrounding villages, ensuring tourism directly supports local livelihoods.
From the lodge, the trek leads through dense vegetation, reforestation areas planted by volunteers, and even past a tree-planting area supported by Khiri Reach. Along the path, sweeping views open up over rivers and mountains and — with a bit of luck — playful monkeys appear in the trees, snacking on jackfruit and leaping through the branches.
Guided by a knowledgeable local guide, guests learn about the many plants that thrive in this landscape. As the trail weaves through small villages, everyday life unfolds: friendly neighbors drying cocoa, cinnamon, and cardamom; women sorting coffee beans; and families tending small home gardens. Along the way, the guide introduces a variety of native and cultivated species — including cloves, pepper, jackfruit, rambutan, and more — sharing stories about how each one is grown and used locally.
The trek continues toward the waterfall, with lunch packed in local style. The walk is gentle, occasionally crossing rocks and streams, surrounded by cool forest air and the scent of nature. Eventually, the path reveals a secluded waterfall — peaceful, refreshing, and perfect for resting, enjoying lunch, or taking a dip in the clean, cool water.
After time to relax and enjoy the atmosphere, the guests return to the jeep and back toward the hills, carrying not only memories, but also a deeper appreciation for how nature, culture, and community come together in Digana.
This is regenerative travel in practice — meaningful, responsible, and rooted in real connection. To learn more about this experience or to plan your visit, please contact our Sri Lanka team at sales.srilanka@khiri.com.