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Our Story: Sustainable Ecotourism in Kandy Since 2010
Founded in 2010, Polwaththa Eco Lodges was built on a vision: let travelers experience authentic rural Sri Lankan life while giving back to the local community. After searching for the right location — remote yet accessible, pristine yet welcoming — we found the perfect fit just 19km from Kandy in Wepathana, the founding family's ancestral village.
Launched during the early rise of sustainable tourism, Polwaththa has since earned the TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence for multiple consecutive years, thanks to our dedicated local staff and the guests who champion us along the way.
We believe true hospitality goes beyond a great holiday — it's an experience rooted in genuine connection and shared values, one that benefits guests and community alike. As sustainable tourism keeps evolving, so do we, continually launching new initiatives that support the villages around us.
The project began with the Ellegala family, led by Nihal Ellegala's decades of tourism experience and a lifelong vision for community-driven ecotourism in Sri Lanka. From day one, we've worked hand-in-hand with local villagers — training, learning, and building a genuinely community-rooted eco lodge.
What sets us apart is the close bond between management and the local community. Villagers help shape every new project, and our staff — trained and empowered to lead guest experiences independently — offer visitors a real, personal window into Sri Lankan village life. We're also proud that nearly 30% of our staff are women, a milestone in an industry that has traditionally excluded them — and a number we're committed to growing.
A Family Legacy: Global Vision, Local Roots
Nihal's Dutch wife, Nel, brings an international dimension to Polwaththa through her work in reforestation, new nature trek discovery, and support for local handicrafts. Her passion and dedication have paid off — 70% of the 700+ trees planted since November 2016 are thriving, despite tough weather conditions.
Adding another layer of global perspective are their son, Remon, and his British wife, Freya. Educated in Sri Lanka and the Netherlands (Travel & Tourism), Remon spent 7 years in London's hospitality industry before returning to gradually take over the family property — passed down through generations since the early 1900s. The result is a distinctive blend: Remon's European outlook paired with a deep-rooted Sri Lankan sensibility, striking the perfect balance between international appeal and authentic local culture.
Community-First: Our Commitment to Local Impact
At Polwaththa, 80% of our staff come from Wepathana village and surrounding communities. We offer above-average wages, savings accounts for financial planning, and include local staff and villagers directly in project decisions. Guests are also invited to plant a tree before departure, adding to our ongoing reforestation efforts.
Our community support extends further: funding local schools, education for underprivileged children, community centers, and agricultural projects — alongside conservation work through our Forest Healing Foundation.
Most of our lodges are built from locally sourced materials, and we source all supplies within a 5km radius. We also grow, source, and hand-roast our own organic coffee, empowering local women and farmers — a commitment that led to the 2020 launch of Eko Land Produce, now exporting 10+ spices to Europe and the USA.
Sustainability runs deep: we compost food waste, recycle plastic and glass, and reduce water and electricity use through solar power and well water.
And don't miss our community shop, showcasing local crafts and clothing while providing vital income for talented artisans in our village.
The Snug: Jungle Coworking, Cafe & Bar
The Snug: Jungle Coworking, Cafe & Bar
Welcome to The Snug — Polwaththa's coworking space and jungle cafe/bar, where nature, comfort, and productivity meet. Sip artisan coffee or a fresh juice while soaking in stunning forest views.
Alongside traditional Sri Lankan Rice & Curry, our menu features tasty treats like our signature home-grown mushroom burger.
While we encourage a digital detox, we know reliable internet matters — so we've installed high-speed fiber connectivity in this cozy space. Let nature spark your creativity.
Join us for a one-of-a-kind experience: a true home in the jungle.
Location & Directions: Getting to Polwaththa
Nestled in the jungle just 19km (about 40 minutes) from Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill capital, and roughly 120km from Colombo Airport, Polwaththa Eco Lodges offers a secluded escape close to the action.
The nearest town, Digana, is where we arrange guest pickups, since the final 1km is a steep climb. Please call us at 0704810100 before you travel so we can coordinate your pickup.
For detailed travel routes from popular tourist destinations, click below.
Volunteer With Us at Polwaththa Eco Lodges
Want to join our community? Whether it's tree planting, wall painting, teaching yoga, social media, or documenting our work, we'd love to hear from you! Reach out to Remon at remon@ekoland.lk.
Accommodation
Stay in our Volunteer Space, shared with our yoga teacher — a 6-minute jungle walk from the lodge, complete with its own lounge, kitchen, office, bathroom, and garden. Three local meals a day at the lodge are included.
Volunteer Periods
We welcome volunteers year-round, with placements of 3–12 weeks. Commit to 20 hours/week (4 hours a day, 5 days a week) with flexible scheduling — leaving plenty of time to explore the island.
FAQs: Weather, Packing & Payments at Polwaththa
What's the weather like?
Sri Lanka's rainy season typically runs mid-October to mid-December, though shifting climate patterns make it less predictable — sunny mornings are common even during monsoon season. On rainy days, you may spot small black leeches; they're harmless. Temperatures range from 23°C (evenings) to 26°C (daytime) — pack a light jumper for cooler nights. The warmest months are January–April, with highs up to 30°C, though the forest keeps things naturally cool.
What should I bring?
Pack light, breathable T-shirts and shorts. Since Sri Lankan village culture differs from Western norms, we recommend women wear knee-length shorts and cover swimwear with a T-shirt in public areas. Other essentials: walking shoes, a light rain jacket, a jumper for cool evenings, swimwear, and rubber slippers.
How can I pay?
We accept VISA, Mastercard or a cash in LKR, USD, Euros or GBP.
Do you offer driver accommodation?
We no longer provide driver accommodation on-site, but we're happy to recommend nearby options within 5km, typically Rs 2,500–3,500 per night.