10,000+
plastic bottles avoided
annually through refillable glass and clay options.
Our Philosophy
Living Wisdom, Lasting Responsibility
At Experience Udawalawe, sustainability is not just a practice – it is a way of life inherited from generations of Sri Lankans. Every tradition we share, every flavor we celebrate, and every story we tell is designed to protect our environment, honor our culture, and empower our community.
We are committed to:
Caring for Nature
Choosing simple, natural alternatives, reusing what we can, and treating water as the precious resource it is.
Keeping Traditions Alive
Sharing everyday practices and knowledge passed down through generations, so culture remains a living part of the present.
Strengthening Our Community
Creating fair livelihoods and opportunities so that families in Udawalawe grow alongside us.
Growing with Respect
Expanding only in ways that honor the land, its people, and the heritage that makes this place unique.
Sustainability Dashboard 2024
Small Steps, Real Impact
80%
of our ingredients sourced locally
supporting farmers and reducing food miles.
20+
local families supported
directly through food supply, guiding, and cultural sharing.
Water-saving
practices
in our kitchens and gardens to reduce wastage.
0
staged tourism activities
all experiences remain authentic and respectful to nature.
Across Our Experiences
Practices we carry through everything we do
Sustainability is part of every activity we share with our guests. From dining to excursions, each choice is designed to reduce waste, celebrate culture, and support local livelihoods.
Refillable Bottles
Every refill in a glass or clay bottle means one less plastic bottle left behind. Guests stay refreshed, and the rivers and fields of Udawalawe stay clean.
Locally Crafted Utensils & Cutlery
Meals are served in clay, cane, and coconut-shell alternatives that replace plastics. Each piece supports local artisans and keeps dining natural and waste-free.
Plastic-Free Excursions
Our journeys leave memories, not litter. From lake to village paths, every excursion is designed to be completely free of disposables.
Farm-to-Table Dining
The food we share comes from nearby fields and gardens, harvested by local farmers. This keeps meals fresh while strengthening rural livelihoods.
Heritage Practices
Everyday traditions are preserved and shared with care, offering families fair income while keeping culture a living part of the present.
Waste Reduction
What comes from the earth returns to it. Organic kitchen waste is composted back into the soil, nourishing the garden for the next harvest.
Supporting Local Entrepreneurs
We work directly with small-scale farmers, drivers, and craftspeople, ensuring that tourism strengthens local businesses and communities.
At Our Site (Experience Udawalawe)
Sustainability woven into our home in Udawalawe
Our commitment to sustainability begins at home, in the way our site was built and is cared for every day.
No Trees Cut
Not a single tree was removed to make way for us. Buildings curve around the land as it was found, keeping nature at the heart of our space.
Eco-Friendly Design
Upcycled and recyclable materials were chosen to build with care, creating spaces that last while leaving little behind.
Local Interiors
Our interiors draw on batik and other local artistry, blending culture into every corner and reducing dependence on imported materials.
Local Hiring
Our team is rooted in Udawalawe. By offering fair jobs and training, we keep opportunities close to home and ensure families grow with us.
Community Transport
We work with jeep and tuk-tuk owners from the village, so every journey supports local livelihoods while giving guests authentic ways to explore.
Community First
Tourism with people at its heart
Sustainability has many sides. While caring for nature runs through everything we do, we also believe true responsibility means uplifting the people who welcome our guests. Community First is our promise that tourism here strengthens livelihoods, traditions, and dignity in Udawalawe.
Local Hiring & Training
Our team is rooted in Udawalawe. By offering fair jobs and training, we keep opportunities close to home and ensure families grow with us.
Supporting Artisans
From handcrafts to home cooking, we work with villagers who share their talents and earn fair income through tourism.
Women & Youth Empowerment
We create space for women to take leadership roles and youth to gain experience in sustainable hospitality.
Fair Revenue Sharing
Families who guide, host, or cook as part of our experiences are directly rewarded, ensuring tourism benefits are shared fairly.
Cultural Exchange
Guests connect with villagers in authentic ways, creating mutual respect and understanding that lasts beyond the visit.
Deep Dives & Resources
Explore Our Focus Areas
Focus Area
Reduction of Single-Use Plastics
Simple choices today, a greener Udawalawe tomorrow. Discover our journey to eliminate plastic waste.
Learn moreFocus Area
Entrepreneurship Opportunities
Growth rooted in community. See how we support local entrepreneurs and create sustainable livelihoods.
Learn moreFocus Area
Eco-Friendly Construction
Built with care, in harmony with the land. Explore our commitment to sustainable building practices.
Learn moreFocus Area
Community Engagement
Shared journeys, shared futures. Learn about our partnerships with the local community.
Learn moreFocus Area
Contribution to the Global Goals
Authentic Roots, Living Stories aligned with the United Nations SDGs and our impact on global sustainability.
Learn moreOur Promise
Together for Tomorrow
Every choice we make is guided by one belief: sustainability is something we share. When a guest enjoys a meal made the traditional way, learns from our community, or explores Udawalawe with care, the story of this land becomes stronger.
Together with our community and our guests, we are shaping a future that is greener, fairer, and deeply connected to the living stories of Sri Lanka.
Our Promise
Together for Tomorrow
We commit to measurable goals, transparent reporting, and community ownership of our sustainability agenda. Guests are invited to participate, learn, and advocate alongside us—because Udawalawe’s future belongs to those who care for it today.