Saving Forests with a Taste of Spices

Saving Forests with a Taste of Spices” near Kandy—explore forest gardens, enjoy local cuisine, and support reforestation efforts.

Let’s have a sneak-peek at one of our signature experiences with a Regenerative Travel focus which we have aptly named “Saving Forests with a Taste of Spices”. This is best done as a day tour from Kandy or even better from Digana since it’s closer. It’s perfect for nature lovers and also a much better experience than the “infamous” Spice Gardens which are solely focused on selling spices at exorbitant prices.

After breakfast at your hotel, hop in for a drive to a village near Digana where you arrive at a cozy forest lodge. The lands around here are known as Kandyan Forest Gardens – an ancient agro-forestry practice that creates a diverse mosaic of native trees, fruits and spices. This highly productive landscape grows Pepper, Cloves, Nutmeg, Ceylon Cinnamon, Jackfruit, Coffee and many more.

The guests will be warmly welcomed by the hosts and while they enjoy a cup of their “Wild Coffee” which is fully organic and home grown, the host will start telling the stories about the history of Sri Lankan spices, how spices (especially Cinnamon) played a huge part in attracting colonial masters to invade Sri Lanka back in the days. Discover how this little eco-lodge became a mini spice-exporting business during the Covid-19 pandemic which is a perfect example of resilience.

Next, it’s time to take a wander through the forest gardens as the host will show you different types of spices in their natural glory and explain what they are good for. if production isn’t in full swing, you might get a behind the scenes look at their spice workshop which would definitely be a highlight of this experience for the clients.

Finally, back at the kitchen see how these fresh spices are turned into fragrant Sri Lankan curries before sitting down to enjoy a simple but delicious rice and curry meal.

Feel Good Factor: The tour price already includes a financial contribution to the Forest Healing Foundation which is also a 3-year running Khiri Reach Project which aims at restoring and protecting the forests. If interested, we can also extend the walk into the area which they have used for reforestation. If guests want to plant a tree themselves, just let us know in advance and then we’ll be happy to make it happen!

What to bring: A pair of walking shoes will come in handy since this experience involves walking through a forest garden. Leeches are rarely found unless it rains continuously and natural repellent will be provided but feel free to bring in your own.