The Thambiliwatte Lifestyle: A Return to the Essentials

Slow down. Unplug. Reconnect with the soil.

Escape the noise of the city and immerse yourself in a working organic farm. Located just 150km (approx. 3 hours) from Colombo, Thambiliwatte offers a rugged, authentic stay for those who value nature over luxury and peace over pace.

What will make the experience one of a kind…

At Thambiliwatte, we don’t just offer a place to sleep; we offer a way of life. This is an invitation to step out of the "modern rush" and re-sync your internal clock with the rhythm of the farm.

What makes the Thambiliwatte experience special?

The Luxury of Simplicity: We believe true luxury isn't found in air conditioning or marble floors, but in the sound of the wind through the trees, the taste of a sun-ripened fruit, and the clarity of a star-filled sky.

Off-Grid Connection: Being away from the village and the main road allows for a rare silence. This is a place to disconnect from your devices and reconnect with yourself, your companions, and the earth.

Living with the Seasons: Our lifestyle is dictated by nature. We eat what the season provides, we wake with the sun, and we rest as the farm settles into the night.

A Communal Spirit: From the shared tractor ride to the open verandah living, our space encourages a sense of community and shared stories. You aren't just a guest; for the duration of your stay, you are part of the farm’s ecosystem.

"Come with an open heart and leave the city behind. Thambiliwatte is where life slows down enough for you to actually feel it."

Thambiliwatte Living Environment: What to Expect

We are a working sustainable farm dedicated to off-grid living and immersion in nature. Because we prioritize the environment, our lifestyle is different from a standard hotel or guesthouse.

Please read the following details carefully:

The Journey: We are located away from the main village. The road to the farm is rugged and not suitable for standard vehicles. You will park your car at our designated area and enjoy a 2 km tractor ride to reach the heart of the farm.

Outdoor Living: Our space is designed to keep you connected to the elements. Sleeping arrangements consist of bedding on the open-air verandah or in tents. * Eco-Amenities: To minimize our footprint, bathrooms are provided on a shared basis. The shower is an outdoor facility, allowing you to bathe under the sky.

Our Wild Neighbors: You are entering a thriving ecosystem. It is normal to encounter insects, reptiles, and small wild animals. They are a natural part of the Thambiliwatte experience.

Click here if you want to read more about the Wild Neighbors you may encounter.

The Stay

Rates: USD 50 per night (up to 2 persons) | LKR 15,000/-

We offer a variety of ways to rest, depending on how close to nature you want to be:

  • The Container: Our cozy container conversion, perfect for a couple. 

    Additional LKR 5,000 -  per night for the AC container room

  • The Verandah: Sleep in the open air on comfortable sofa beds (up to 2 persons).

  • The Camp: High-quality tents pitched by the containers for that true "under the stars" feel. (We have ones that are comfortable for 1 or shared with a partner or children).

The Table

We believe in simple, honest food that fuels the soul

Breakfast: A simple, fresh start to your day.

Lunch: A proper, traditional village rice and curry spread.

Dinner: Served around 7:00 PM. as the farm ends their long day

Refreshments: Enjoy fresh juices made on the farm on tap throughout your stay.

Our meals are primarily vegetarian, celebrating the fresh vegetables and fruits harvested from the farm and the surrounding village. Depending on the season and local availability, we may offer non-vegetarian options such as fresh Lake Fish, Dry Fish, or local Game Meat. Because we rely on what nature provides each day, non-vegetarian options are not guaranteed.

We embrace what is available at the moment!

Farm Experiences thru the Day

Rates for up to 4 persons

The Tractor Rumble: An adventurous ride through the terrain.

USD 30 | LKR 7,500/-

The Aranya Walk: A soul-soothing guided walk to the nearby forest hermitage.

USD 20 | 5,000/-

Organic Farm Tour: Get your hands dirty and learn how we grow our food.

USD 20 | LKR 5,000/-

Getting Here

Leave your car at our designated parking area in Knowewa - At Maheshika Kade at the village in Konwewa.

From the village "Kade" (shop), your journey truly begins!

The Arrival: We provide a tractor ride to transport you and your luggage from the shop directly to the heart of the farm.

Please note: Direct transport to the location is not provided; we encourage guests to enjoy the 3-hour drive from Colombo.

Our Sanctuary, Our Rules: Respecting Nature

At Thambiliwatte, we don’t just "use" the land; we live with it. When you visit, you aren't just a tourist; you are a guest of the forest and the farm.

To preserve the peace and purity of this space, we ask all guests to commit to the following:

The Sound of Silence: Leave the speakers at home. Listen to the wind through the trees and the morning bird calls instead.

Zero-Trace Living: What you bring in, you must take out. We have a strict no-littering policy—especially regarding plastics.

Co-existing with Wildlife: You are entering their home. Do not disturb, feed, or harm any creatures you encounter, from the smallest beetle to the wild birds.

Mindful Footprints: Stay on the paths during your Aranya Walk and Farm Tour to protect our soil and saplings.

The Thambiliwatte Pact- We are protective of our way of life. We reserve the right to blacklist and ask guests to leave immediately—without a refund—if they show a lack of respect for nature or our community values. We seek guests who leave the farm exactly as they found it: beautiful and breathing.

The Essentials

  1. Flashlight or Headlamp: Crucial for navigating the farm at night as there is minimal artificial lighting.

  2. Insect Repellent: A must-have for the evening. Natural citronella or DEET-based sprays are recommended.

  3. Power Bank: To keep your phone charged, as plug points may be limited in outdoor sleeping areas.

  4. Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated while helping us keep the farm plastic-free.

  5. Clothing & Footwear

  6. Sturdy Walking Shoes: For the rugged terrain and exploring the farm.

  7. Quick-Dry Clothing: Lightweight cotton or linen is best for the humidity.

  8. Swimwear / Sarong: Useful for the outdoor shower and shared bathroom facilities.

  9. Warm Layers: It can get surprisingly breezy or chilly at night when sleeping outdoors; bring a light sweater or a pair of warm socks.

  10. Flip-flops: Perfect for around the verandah and the shower area.

Health & Hygiene

  1. Personal Toiletries: We recommend biodegradable soap and shampoo to protect our soil and water.

  2. Quick-Dry Towel: More practical for an outdoor setting than heavy cotton towels.

  3. Personal First-Aid: Include basics like plasters, antiseptic cream, and any personal medications.

  4. Sun Protection: A hat and sunscreen for daytime activities.

Optional "Pro-Farmer" Items

  1. Binoculars: For spotting the small animals and birds that share the environment.

  2. A Good Book: For relaxing on the verandah—there's no better place for it!

What to Leave Behind:

  1. Suitcases: We strongly recommend backpacks or soft bags. Hard-shell suitcases are difficult to transport on the tractor and take up too much space in tents.

  2. Flashy Jewelry/Expensive Tech: Stick to the basics to fully enjoy the off-grid experience.

Thambiliwatte packing List

For Agents

We welcome partnerships. A commission of USD 5 is applicable for bookings made through registered agents.