The Forestry
A slower stay in living green
Set beside a river, The Forestry makes the surrounding landscape part of the stay. Across seven acres, forest, rice fields and organic gardens meet in Belihuloya, creating a retreat shaped as much by its living surroundings as by the room you return to. Lodging ranges from eco-chalets to a treetop cabin and tent deck, built with natural and upcycled materials. Private en-suite bathrooms and open terraces keep the experience comfortable without severing the connection to the outdoors. Meals draw on farm-to-table Sri Lankan cooking, with natural spring water adding another local note. The Forestry suits travelers drawn to green space, quiet and a slower pace rather than a tightly prescribed retreat itinerary. Its appeal lies in the meeting of cultivated land, forest habitat and thoughtful, nature-conscious accommodation.
Highlights
- Seven acres combining forest, rice fields and organic gardens
- A treetop cabin and tent deck among the accommodation options
- Natural and upcycled materials used in the guest spaces
- Farm-to-table Sri Lankan meals and natural spring water
Good for
Setting
Forest, rice fields and organic gardens spread across seven acres beside a river. The grounds give the retreat a distinctly outdoor feel, with the sounds and rhythms of the natural surroundings close at hand.
A typical day
Retreat rhythms vary by booking, so ask the host about scheduled activities and mealtimes before arrival. Leave room for unhurried time among the forest, river and gardens, rather than expecting a fixed meditation timetable.
Accommodation
Stay in an eco-chalet, treetop cabin or tent deck, with buildings made from natural and upcycled materials. Each accommodation has a private en-suite bathroom and an open terrace overlooking the jungle and river.
What to bring
Pack breathable clothing for mild-to-warm conditions, with an annual average temperature of 23.5°C, and a light rain layer, especially for visits in November, January or April. Comfortable shoes are useful for time around the grounds.
How to get there
The Forestry is in Belihuloya. Contact the host through the center's website for the exact address and final approach before setting out.
Nearest airport: Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) (62 km)
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) is approximately 62 km away. Ask the center about transfer options or arrange a taxi for the onward journey.
Nearest city: Mattala
Check the center's website and contact The Forestry directly to confirm availability and make a reservation.
Stays are paid; ask The Forestry for current rates and what each booking includes.
Interested in this center? Check availability and upcoming retreats on their official site.
Visit The Forestry websiteClimate
Climate Zone: Subtropical
Best Months: Jun, Aug, Feb
Avoid: Nov, Jan, Apr
The annual average temperature is 23.5°C, with warmer months around June, July and September and cooler conditions in December, February and January. Rainfall is highest in November, January and April, while June, August and February tend to be drier.
Location
Frequently asked questions
Can I expect a set meditation schedule during my stay?
Ask the host whether your dates include scheduled meditation or other guided activities.
Is The Forestry suitable for someone new to meditation?
Ask the host whether your dates include guidance or sessions suitable for beginners.
How do I reserve a stay, and how long can I book?
Check the center's website and contact the host to confirm availability and stay lengths.
What food is served, and can dietary needs be accommodated?
Farm-to-table Sri Lankan meals and natural spring water are part of the experience. Ask the host about specific dietary requirements.
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