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Overview of Paradise Farm holiday Bungalow in KitulgalaParadise Farm is inspiring, fascinating and a real breath of fresh air. Hidden deep within the rolling hills, tea and rubber plantations of fertile Kitulgala, the only sounds you’ll hear are birdsong, animal calls and the rustle of leaves, with the occasional ding on an old hub cap to signal a break for the workers on the encircling organic farm.Set up in 1998 by Worldview International Foundation, the farm is designed to train villagers in effective, sustainable agricultural practices and so improve their standard of living, while also inspiring a deeper respect, and love for, organic nature. To help finance the project, it has recently opened its doors to paying guests.Stay in the stunning open-fronted villa, 450 yards up the track from the farmhouse, which looks out across a wide infinity pool to the lush plantations and blue mountains beyond. However, be prepared to share your abode with lots of insects, bats and frogs - part of the charm of the place but not for everyone!AccommodationThree double bedrooms, all with four-poster beds with mosquito nets, attached bathrooms with showers. The third room is newly built and is separate from the main house with its own verandah for alfresco dining, infinity pool and wondrous views across the mountains - a romantic escape. High roofs, terracotta floor tiles, and ceiling fans help to keep the rooms cool and comfortable.RestaurantThere’s no menu as such, just a choice of local, organically-grown Sri Lankan dishes, though they do say the cook can rustle up whatever you’d specifically like. You can eat either in in the mahogany-filled, pink-walled dining room of the old farmhouse with Jagath and his family, or in the privacy of the villa, though the drive up the track with panniers is likely to make things a little cold by the time they get to you. There are, however, imminent plans to build a kitchen right behind it.Brinjal (egg plant/aubergine), coco yam, cassava, sweet potatoes, jack curry, white and red rice, breaded tuna fish, roast chicken, wild brinjal (which look like peas), beans, jackfruit in coconut milk and an interesting herbal salad/relish. Fresh fruit juices and smoothies of passion fruit, mango, papaya, pineapple, rambutan etc are delicious. The natural spring water is boiled and bottled. It is safe to drink but has a rather ugly after taste.Paradise Farm does not have a liquor licence but they invite guests to bring their own. Beer and local Arrack can be bought in Kithulgala but other wines and spirits should be purchased in advance of reaching the hill country.
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