Nilagama

The Nilagama affair focuses on rural life, the livelihoods of the village-folk, traditional agriculture, and the island’s religious heritage. We start off at Nilagama, a quaint village in central Sri Lanka. We take in its sights and sounds as well as the surrounding area, while seated in a local tuk tuk. A unique mode of transport is up next. A bullock cart, still used for transportation here, takes us through the village community. This traditional ride adds greatly to what is an already authentic village experience.

We’ll meet an immensely skilled traditional blacksmith next. Preserving and playing his ancient trade, he’ll show you the age-old techniques used to sharpen and carve iron in crafting hand-made tools. Try your hand at it, closely guided by him, in creating your own knife or tool in the traditional way. The encounter also involves meeting a traditional Sri Lankan goldsmith at his workshop. Witness first-hand how precious metals such as Gold and Silver are carefully transformed into custom jewellery pieces.

We head to a local farm thereafter. Nilagama Farm is spread across an area of 30 acres and provides high-quality natural fruits and vegetables to the local community. You’ll get a rare chance to engage with farmers, assist them with their daily activities, and spend some quality time with them. Dig into a traditional farmer’s lunch featuring a variety of fresh organic produce, in a traditional mud house. This simple setting is unlike any you’ve seen elsewhere, and it will enhance your meal greatly.

Next up, an ancient tradition that is most rare. Toddy tapping is common here, and you’ll witness the toddy tappers ascending palm trees to retrieve the earthen pots that hang from them. The pots collect the palm sap which is then fermented in creating toddy. The village toddy tappers will explain the process to you, as you sip on some fresh toddy.

We set off on a catamaran ride along scenic Bat Lake, thereafter. From man-made Bat Lake, leisurely take in village life unfolding as well as the diversity of wildlife in the surrounding area.

In ending this experience, we visit Sri Nilagiri Purana Rajamaha Temple. An ancient temple, it is located in a village that is inhabited by the ‘Siththara’ or the temple mural artists. These families have preserved this special artistic tradition for thousands of years. Their work adorns the inner walls of the temple. Covered in murals depicting the life of the Buddha, these walls will leave you overwhelmed with their historic and religious weight.