Staying at Tree Tops is an extraordinary adventure, completely immersed in nature. You’ll bath in a freshwater well, forget about electricity, and eat meals cooked on wood fire.
The unfenced lodge provides an awesome viewpoint into jungle life as wild animals come and go as they please and the atmosphere is charged with the noise and energy of the wild. The clay huts are simple and rustic, quite similar to traditional huts of the local area. They combine traditional building methods with fresh ideas on design, strength, and function. The tree huts are inspired by the traditional "chena tree huts". From these huts farmers watch their cultivated plots in safety from wild animals, especially elephants.
Since 1997 the lodge has been a private nature retreat and a base for environmental activism from which the preservation of the remaining forest and its wildlife have been the main priority. From 2002 it also opened for tourists with the same intention to preserve but also to teach and show guests the wonders of nature.
This jungle hide-out is situated in the middle of a main elephant track which in past times formed part of a set of paths used by illegal hunters and loggers. The idea is to try and function as an obstacle for those people who seek the destruction of this beautiful environment, while at the same time helping to generate alternative means of income for local staff.
Property amenities:
Tree Tops Jungle Lodge is a micro ecolodge which can be used as a private villa for a private party. Full service and arrangement incl. Cooking and guided jungle walks. English speaking host and naturalist. Constructed to be functional and a great experience for guests - without electricity. Light in the night from oil lamps and candles.
Without electricity the lodge needs to be run as a very small scale operation to ensure safety. Absence of electricity is a choice because this is the best and only way to co-exist in piece and harmony with wild elephants.
We have constructed two freshwater wells for the lodge, both wells supported by dams and tanks to store water for the dry season. This has made us self sufficient with plenty of water.
Our horticultural practice and landscaping is 100% natural. 9 acres plot of land has been reforested the wild way on our land which was earlier used for slash and burn farming until 2003. This kind of new bush land is a favorite habitat for wild elephants. The vegetation is manicured by the local staff who are used to clear bushland.
Nearby attractions and activities:
The immediate area around the lodge is of great natural beauty and is the attraction. Excursions organized to ancient Buddhist sites and temples. Safari tours to Yala National Park, the best place in Asia to observe leopards.
Location:
9 km from Buttala, 235 from Colombo. One hours drive from Ella.
Policy:
Cancellation policy will be notified with the booking. The lodge has no special facilities for children.
Packages:
A 3 nights package is recommended, cost €200 pp./3 nights all incl.
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