Gampaha

Our Gampaha-focused experience offers a close look at the island’s native medicinal traditions; its ample cultural and religious history; her abundant natural heritage; and the lives of local people. We start this unique adventure at the Gampaha Wickramarachchi Ayurveda Hospital. Established in 1929, formerly known as the Siddharyuveda Vidyala, invaluable native knowledge on Ayurveda was spread from here to all parts for decades. A traditional medicine system native to both India and Sri Lanka, you can relax and experience an ayurvedic treatment first-hand and later absorb the fundamentals of the medicinal science of Ayurveda with a teacher.

This local experience moves to Maligatenna Cave Temple thereafter. An old cave temple with a history in excess of a thousand years, its immense historic value prompted the government to recognize it as an Archaeological Protected Site. Its origins are known to go back to the time of the Anuradhapura Kingdom, which flourished between the 4th century BC and 11th century AD.

Then we take a sudden turn to explore some of the island’s natural treasures. Set in an area of land totalling 43 acres, the Henarathgoda Botanical Garden was first established in 1876 by the island’s former British colonists to conduct experiments on the exotic plant varieties found islandwide. Today, the botanical garden is fully engaged in the development of education relating to floricultural and botanical research carried out across the country.

We’ll also make a trip to Guruge Nature Park, the first theme park in Sri Lanka. A theme park with a twist, its attractions offer educational experiences. For example, the park houses a purpose-built Gem Museum which accurately chronicles the island’s long gem mining history. Other exhibits include a representation of a local village closely reminiscent of settings in which our people lived in centuries past; a replica of the island’s fourth-highest mountain Adam’s Peak; a large variety of exotic and colourful animals; and a wave pool for a bit of fun and frolic.

The Gampaha experience is centered around the city of Gampaha in the western part of the country. A unique part of the island, you’ll get to experience once of her rural villages next. Interact closely with the villagers and absorb their way of life. Simplicity is a feature of their contented lives. Taking part in the daily activities of the villagers including the farming of paddy, you’ll begin to appreciate the purity of life here. In ending the experience, you will be closely guided in the preparation of an authentic Sri Lankan meal, which you can relish thereafter.