Nestled in an untouched grassland surrounded by streams and hills near Sigiriya, Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela (Wild Haven) offers an intimate escape into Sri Lanka’s wilderness. This secluded eco-retreat, set on 7 acres of pristine land, features uniquely designed accommodations including tree houses, boulder cottages, and a family longhouse.
The property, bordered by the crystal-clear Dehigaha ela stream and Kiri Oya river, provides a natural sanctuary where guests can experience authentic wildlife encounters while enjoying sustainable luxury. Located just 8 kilometers from the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress, Wild Haven perfectly balances environmental conservation with comfortable hospitality, offering activities like stream bathing, nature trails, and bird watching.
Their story
Born from a deep love of Sri Lanka’s wilderness, Back of Beyond Dehigaha Ela (Wild Haven) emerged from its founder’s childhood memories of exploring the country’s remote landscapes. After leaving a corporate career, he established this eco-retreat in 2007 near Sigiriya, carefully integrating it into 7 acres of pristine land where the Dehigaha ela stream meets the Kiri Oya river.
Built with minimal impact on the natural environment, the retreat features treehouse lodges and boulder cottages that blend seamlessly with the surrounding forest. Operating entirely on solar power and employing local villagers, Wild Haven serves as a model of sustainable tourism while offering guests an authentic wilderness experience complete with stream baths, nature trails, and close encounters with local wildlife. Read more about them.
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Sustainability actions
Lowest impact construction and operation
- The property operates entirely on solar power and harvests rainwater through collection systems and mini lakes that serve both guests and wildlife.
- Buildings incorporate sustainable materials like rammed earth, illuk thatch, and bamboo, while preserving existing topography and vegetation.
- The retreat maintains less than one room per acre density to protect the ecosystem.
- Local villagers are employed in construction and operations, supporting the community while practicing environmental stewardship.
- Natural ventilation and lighting reduce energy usage, with no air conditioning.
- The property features stream-fed pools and protected forest areas that serve as vital wildlife corridors.
Highest level of energy efficiency
- The eco-lodge features open-space house plans that maximize natural light and ventilation, eliminating the need for air conditioning.
- Solar panels meet all electricity needs, while low-level lighting is used throughout to minimize nighttime disturbance to wildlife and conserve energy.
- The property also utilizes dendro biomass harvested on-site for cooking purposes.
Pioneer in waste management
- They minimize waste through composting organic materials from kitchen and gardens, practice waste segregation, and utilize eco-friendly disposal methods.
- The retreat reduces single-use plastics by avoiding bottled water and emphasizes reusable items.
- Food waste is carefully managed through portion control and composting.
- Recycling initiatives ensure materials like glass, paper and metal are properly sorted and processed.
Using organic and chemical-free products
- The eco-lodge follows strict eco-friendly principles across its operations, utilizing only organic and chemical-free products.
- They maintain natural pest control methods and avoid artificial chemicals in cleaning and maintenance.
- All food preparation uses organic ingredients sourced from local villages and their own chemical-free vegetable gardens.
Actively protects nature and community
- The retreat carefully preserves the 7-acre forest land, building minimally with tree houses and boulder cottages that blend seamlessly with the environment.
- Local villagers are integral to operations – from construction to supplying produce and working as staff.
- Guests are encouraged to explore mindfully through activities like stream bathing, nature walks and bird watching while learning about local culture.
Most Popular Activities Near Back of Beyond, Dehigaha Ela
- Stream bathing and natural fish spa in Dehigaha Ela.
- Nature trails and forest walks with guided wildlife spotting.
- Bird watching with expert naturalists.
- Night “frogging” expeditions with torches.
- Cycling through village roads and farmlands.
- Upstream hiking along natural pools.
- Boulder scrambling and cave exploration.
- Guided safaris to Minneriya National Park.
- Archaeological site visits to Sigiriya and Pidurangala.
- Traditional Sri Lankan cooking lessons.
- Nature art lessons with resident naturalist.
- Picnics and candlelit dinners by the stream.
- Butterfly garden exploration.
- Cultural visits to local temples and villages.
Best Time To Visit Back of Beyond, Dehigaha Ela
- The ideal time to visit Wild Haven is during the dry season from May to September when the weather is most favorable for outdoor activities. The streams and rock pools are refreshing during these warmer months, perfect for natural fish spa experiences and swimming.
- December to March offers pleasant temperatures for hiking and wildlife viewing, though occasional rains may occur.
- The October-November monsoon season brings heavy rains, making access challenging along the property’s red earth roads.
- Early mornings and late afternoons are best for spotting birds and wildlife in the surrounding grasslands and forests.