Sinharaja’s home-style tourism
Increasingly local and foreign tourists are recognising the natural beauty of last viable remnant of virgin tropical rainforest, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, making it a popular tourist destination. The tourists are attracted to Sinharaja’s biodiversity and high number of endemic species.
Kudawa is the main township in the immediate vicinity of the forest reserve, the Sinharaja ‘buffer zone’. It is also the primary entrance into the reserve, making it an ideal resting place for visitors exploring the forest. In December 2003, Kudawa residents approached Sewalanka to seek assistance in establishing home-based tourism enterprises. Home-based tourism provides foreign visitors with an opportunity to be immersed in the rich culture and customs of a Sri Lankan home as locals convert one or two rooms in their family homes to “bed and breakfast” style accommodation.
The community’s interest in providing Bed and Breakfast accommodation was sparked as foreigners walked through the township enquiring about places to stay. On December 23, Sewalanka held a community meeting to discuss the idea further. Residents expressed great enthusiasm but had questions on where to begin and on the type of accommodation that foreigners would expect.
As a result of the communities’ interest and to encourage entrepreneurship, Sewalanka organised a community exchange to Unawatuna on the 8-9 January 2004. Unawatuna is a popular tourist destination on the South Coast that has many established Bed and Breakfast businesses. Eight people attended the exchange and noted with pleasure that foreign visitors do not require elaborate accommodation, just a clean room and friendly service with a smile.
Since returning to Kudawa the residents have formed a Community Development Organisation to assist each other in this new tourism endeavour. Sewalanka is committed to providing ongoing support as they face the challenges and successes of this new enterprise.
