Our Journey

Having spent a significant amount of time in the city, we eventually realized that our corporate lifestyle was leading us down a path of monotony and complacency. It became apparent that we were confined to a daily routine riddled with stress and constant exposure to toxins. The repetitive and competitive city life began to wear on us, compelling us to seek change, even if it meant taking small steps.

We embarked on this journey with a focus on addressing our fundamental needs—such as cultivating organic vegetables, accessing clean drinking water, and breathing fresh air—which were sorely lacking in the urban landscape, regardless of the numerous malls and luxury brands surrounding us.

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The inception of The Woods - Guest House and Permaculture Farm brought us immense joy, filling our lives with a sense of purpose and fulfillment. This newfound perspective prompted us to invest in a modest parcel of land in the village of Nikapotha. Situated amidst the vibrant greenery of the Sri Lankan tropical jungle, this innovative eco-based project rests on the threshold of one of the world's most biodiverse regions. Our approach involves a harmonious blend of permaculture design, ecological construction techniques, and bio-dynamic cultivation methods, all of which contribute to the creation of a cohesive and sustainable ecosystem.

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Central to our initiative is the profound desire to reintegrate humanity with the natural world. Since 2017, our mission has revolved around discovering optimal methods to establish a cyclical process that maintains the natural progression of our primary crops—Pepper, Cinnamon, Coffee, Vanilla, and Cardamom. This aspiration drives us to engage in the restoration and transformation of a previously disturbed and mismanaged forest parcel, rejuvenating it into a flourishing, self-sustaining eco-reserve nucleus.

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Taking our project a step further, we are committed to developing a self-sustaining form of tourism. We are strategically employing Permaculture principles to craft a space that embodies creative, interdisciplinary solutions for challenges such as waste management, water sustainability, and the construction of eco-friendly buildings. Currently in the preliminary stages, we are meticulously observing the land and acquainting ourselves with the local ecology. Our goal is to design structures that not only allow us to thrive off the land, but also safeguard and enrich the diverse wildlife, native plant species, and other inhabitants of the area.

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Fast forward to 2023, and we have emerged as pioneers in the field of Permaculture and Agroforestry Training and Demonstration in Sri Lanka. Additionally, we take immense pride in being hosts for Permaculture events. This remarkable journey underscores our commitment to sustainable living, environmental stewardship, and the potential for meaningful change that springs forth from even the smallest of endeavors.

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Our Design & architecture

The Woods stands as the visionary creation of Sri Lankan architect Vijitha Basnayake. With a profound commitment to preserving the environment, Basnayake employed time-honored architectural techniques and unwavering eco-friendly principles in the property's reconstruction. A notable aspect of this endeavor is the predominant use of reclaimed and recycled materials, further exemplifying the ethos of sustainable design.