Historical records of Ulpotha begin 2500 years ago, when Buddhism was introduced into Sri Lanka, and monks began to pen chronicles. Legend states that mendicants travelling from the foothills of the Himalayas believed they had found a sacred site there, associated with Lord Kataragama, an incarnation of the god-child Murugan and the son of Shiva. Stories of secret caves, pleasure gardens, labyrinths, outcast royalty and extraordinary monasteries are an integral part of local lore.

A thriving farming village, Ulpotha had been abandoned for decades when, in 1994, Giles Scott - a London property developer - and Sri Lankans Viren Perera and Mudiyanse Tennekoon began to restore it. Their aim was to revive organic farming and reforestation, promote local crafts and preserve parts of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage. Farming employs traditional methods, such as using buffalo instead of tractors. Yams, bananas, melons, bread fruit and plenty other fresh food fill the sanctuary's organic garden.

Visitors can not only enjoy a life close to nature's rhythms, but may also join in yoga or tai chi classes in the specially-built outdoor studio. They can try herbal steam baths, massages and other traditional Sri Lankan ayurvedic treatments. At night, the village is lit with 200 flaming torches. To cool off, there's a cool lake and the surrounding hills (lush with vegetation and wildlife) can be explored at all times.

For full details and booking information, please visit the Ulpotha website.