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A Kandyan manor homestay for experiential accommodation

We are happy to include a 185 year old Kandyan Manor turned homestay into our travel itinerary. The manor belongs to a wealthy family and since its conversion into a homestay, they are focused on allowing the patronizing guests to experience the true local lifestyle during their stay at the manor. The venue accommodates both families and travelers looking for some seclusion and privacy with its beautiful and spacious family rooms and basic yet comfortable chalets. While at the manor, you can also take a dip in the private swimming pool of the owner Bhathiya with his consent! The manor is also equipped with a firewood hearth which can be used to prepare many traditional Sri Lankan meals by yourself or you can also opt to have Suzi; the loving wife of Bhathiya to prepare delicious meals after visiting the local market with her where you can purchase your own goods and have her teach you how to cook a local dish or two before you depart.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Our policy in discouraging Animal Cruelty, Tourist Traps and Staged Tourist Shows

Animals Are Friends Too: Discouraging Animal Cruelty, Tourist Traps and Staged Tourist Shows

We at ExJ stay away from tourism experiences that are staged and involve animal cruelty and shopping traps that are contrived to exploit and deceive clients.

Even though some of the popular ‘attractions’ are not included in our programmes due to the above reasons, we have no objections in our clients making their own arrangements with our Drivers to visit these places.

Why we do not promote following attractions

Turtle Hatcheries

As this concept has serious negative aspects in terms of conservation, we do not encourage our visitors to patronize the turtle hatcheries, as not all of them are really turtle-friendly. We instead encourage them to observe turtles in their natural habitats.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

When we became aware that the animal welfare standards there were questionable, we stopped encouraging our clients to visit the orphanage. We are pleased to observe that the Born Free Foundation has now adopted similar measures.

Elephant back rides – Habarana

There’s uncertainty surrounding the attitude of this place towards animal welfare. There may be a few ethical operators, but in general, we are not in agreement with how the place is run. We all would love a photo of us riding an elephant, but is a lifetime of pain caused to these magnificent mammals really worth a few fleeting likes on social media?

Traditional Village Tour with a Canoe Trip and Bullock-Carts – Habarana

This is a tourist trap where a lot of the trip is ‘staged’ for commercial purposes. Such fake touristic experiences will not give our visitors an idea of what life in the country is really like, so join us as we show you the real side of Sri Lanka. And at the end of every vacation, always ask yourself, “Did you feel that your holiday was ethical, eco-friendly, and reduced environmental impacts?”

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