Tamarind Gardens Homestay has announced the expansion of its Live Like a Local cultural immersion program in response to unprecedented demand from international travelers seeking authentic experiences in Sri Lanka's Central Province. The development comes as Sri Lanka reports record-breaking tourism figures, with 2.36 million arrivals in 2025 surpassing the nation's previous all-time high.
The expanded program at the Sri Lankan Homestay near Kandy introduces additional hands-on experiences, including traditional cheese-making workshops, expanded craft sessions with village artisans, and enhanced agricultural activities on the property's working dairy farm. These additions respond directly to growing interest from visitors who seek meaningful connections with local communities rather than conventional tourist experiences.
Sri Lanka's tourism sector has experienced remarkable growth following international recognition from leading travel publications. Wanderlust magazine awarded the country Gold as the Most Desirable Island in the World at its 2024 Reader Travel Awards, while Timeout named Sri Lanka the number one destination for solo female travel. Conde Nast Traveller designated the country among the friendliest in the world and subsequently named it the most family-friendly destination for 2025.
"The surge in visitors seeking genuine cultural engagement reflects a fundamental shift in how people want to experience Sri Lanka," said Ayesha Perera, Co-Owner at Tamarind Gardens Homestay. "Travelers are no longer satisfied with simply observing local life from a distance. They want to participate in daily farming activities, learn traditional cooking methods passed down through generations, and form real connections with village families. Our expanded program addresses this desire while ensuring that tourism directly benefits our local community."
The homestay, established over fifteen years ago in Digana overlooking the Victoria Reservoir, has developed its cultural programs through close collaboration with neighboring villages. Guests participating in the enhanced offerings can now experience authentic Sri Lanka through activities ranging from dawn milking sessions at the dairy farm to evening cooking classes using ingredients harvested from organic gardens. The property's craft workshops connect visitors with local artisans who teach traditional skills, including batik painting, pottery, and palm weaving.
December 2025 marked the strongest monthly tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka's history, with 258,928 visitors, and the government has set ambitious targets of three million arrivals for 2026. The planned introduction of visa-free entry for 47 countries during the first quarter of 2026 is expected to further accelerate growth in the tourism sector.
The expansion at Tamarind Gardens includes infrastructure improvements to accommodate increased participation in cultural activities while maintaining the intimate scale that defines the homestay experience. New workshop spaces have been created for craft demonstrations, and the dairy farm facilities have been enhanced to allow more guests to participate in traditional farming practices.
Tamarind Gardens operates as both a homestay and working dairy farm, producing fresh milk, cheese, and cream used in meals served to guests. The property's commitment to community development includes employment opportunities for local residents and support for the Liya Diriya Women's Society, which organizes community events serving hundreds of village families. The homestay's chalets provide accommodation that blends comfort with nature, allowing guests to wake to bird songs and sunrise views over the Victoria Reservoir while participating in authentic village life.
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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
