The Agri-Stays
Curious about the agri-stays I interviewed?
A social enterprise that sells premium agricultural products and teaches local people to do the same.
AMBA Estate
Since we Sprout
History
Established in 2006 by four friends working in Sri Lanka in economic development. Their mission: to maximise local employment and income by making value-added agricultural products and encouraging locals to do the same.
What we Sprout
Nature
World-renowned for award-winning artisanal teas, and loved for hand-crafted coffees, fruit preserves, chutneys and much more.
When to Stay
Best season
Mid-May to September. While the southwest monsoon hits elsewhere, the Uva Highlands stay dry. The famous "Uva Blow" winds (July–September) create the year's most aromatic tea and clearest mountain views.
Where we Stay
Location
A 120-acre farm with a handful of century-old farmhouses and bungalows, situated in the Uva Highlands, just a 30-minute drive from Ella.
Deep Dive Articles: The Economics · Wildlife Coexistence · Local Sourcing · Empowering Communities · From Coffee to Tea to Coffee
Find more about their social mission, workshops and availability on the official website of AMBA Estate.
A local farm near a lively lake in Yala. Explore organic farming and Sri Lankan cooking in their eco-kitchen.
Go Yala Farm
Since we Sprout
History
Established as a family farm, Go Yala Farm has a few acres of a wide variety of vegetables and fruit trees, with chickens and dogs running around.
What we Sprout
Nature
A highly diverse homestead model producing organic eggs from on-site chickens, and a wide variety of seasonal vegetables and indigenous fruits such as a range of bananas, coconut, mangoes, tomatoes, eggplants and more.
When to Stay
Best season
February to August are the best dry and sunny months, as well as the best ones to spot wild animals.
Where we Stay
Location
Concrete lodges, from luxurious family accommodations to dormitories for backpackers. Located near a lake with water buffaloes and elephants at night. Just outside Tissamaharama, the town to stay when visiting Yala National Park.
Deep Dive Articles: The Economics · Wildlife Coexistence · Local Sourcing
Find more about their accommodations and safaris on the official website of Go Yala Farm.
A regenerative farm that combines value-added products and experiences to achieve true sustainability.
Midigama Fruit Farm
Since we Sprout
History
In 2022, the original plan was to run a simple organic farm. However, to stay financially resilient, the team pivoted toward agritourism. Today they are still a working organic farm, but they've expanded to offer cozy accommodation, educational tours, and hands-on workshops.
What we Sprout
Nature
A wide variety of vegetables and fruits, as well as goats, chickens, cows, a dragonfly garden and bee pots — to be as regenerative as possible.
When to Stay
Best season
December to April, as the sky is clear and the ocean is perfect for swimming and surfing.
Where we Stay
Location
You will stay in comfy dormitories right on the farm, just 5 minutes away from the upcoming surf spot of Midigama beach.
Deep Dive Articles: The Economics · Wildlife Coexistence · Sustainable Lessons
Find more about their workshops, tours and availability on the official website of Midigama Fruit Farm.
A handful of luxury cabanas overlooking 10 acres of diverse trees and crops near the coastal town of Ahangama.
Tekanda Lodge
Since we Sprout
History
The former tea and coconut plantation was bought in 2016 and opened its doors in 2021–2022. Besides the luxurious cabanas, the owners also set up the Tekanda Foundation to give back to the local community.
What we Sprout
Nature
Their 10-acre land is divided into four parts: 1) traditional home garden, 2) Sri Lankan industrial agriculture, 3) botanical garden and 4) wild jungle. From herbs to coconut trees to pepper, everything is organic.
When to Stay
Best season
December to April are the best dry and sunny months, as well as the best ones to swim and surf in the neighbouring beach towns.
Where we Stay
Location
Just 10 minutes from the surf spot of Ahangama, you will stay in one of the luxurious cabanas made out of eco-friendly materials.
Deep Dive Articles: The Economics · Wildlife Coexistence · Local Sourcing · Empowering Communities
Find more about their accommodation, estate and foundation on the official website of Tekanda Lodge.
A luxurious circular accommodation on a hill-top overlooking 12 acres of restored cinnamon plantation.
Trebartha East
Since we Sprout
History
Purchased as an abandoned cinnamon plantation in 2017; after a meticulous five-year land restoration, The Round House officially opened in February 2023.
What we Sprout
Nature
A working 12-acre cinnamon plantation featuring 35,000 newly cultivated plants, alongside a lush garden path winding through banana, pineapple, lime and much more.
When to Stay
Best season
December to April, as the sky is clear and the ocean is perfect for swimming and surfing.
Where we Stay
Location
A striking, award-winning circular timber structure filled with local art, perched atop a cinnamon plantation and located just 10 minutes from the surf haven of Ahangama on the South coast.
Deep Dive Articles: The Economics · Wildlife Coexistence · Local Sourcing
Find more about their design, plantation and availability on the official website of Trebartha East.
A hill-country coffee estate in Sri Lanka offering freshly roasted coffee and charming cottage stays.
Roseland Coffee Roasters
Since we Sprout
History
The land was originally used for tea cultivation before the family gradually developed it into a small accommodation project. Roseland Cottages opened to guests in late 2017 and later expanded with their own coffee roasting operation.
What we Sprout
Nature
The property is located in the hill country near Bandarawela at around 1,200 metres elevation. The land includes tea plants, coffee plants, spices, fruit trees, and patches of forest. Guests can also see the small-scale coffee roasting area on site.
When to Stay
Best season
Mid-May to September. When the southwest monsoon affects much of the island, the Uva Highlands tend to stay comparatively dry.
Where we Stay
Location
Roseland Cottages is located in Ambadandegama near Bandarawela in Sri Lanka's Uva Province. The property is about 30–40 minutes from Ella by car and is surrounded by tea estates and small farming villages.
Deep Dive Articles: A Personal Coffee Story · From Coffee to Tea to Coffee
Find more about their accommodation, estate and coffee business on the official website of Roseland.