Belipola Forest
The Belipola forest estate, away
from the hustle and bustle is a peaceful place to unwind and relax.
Previously a functional tea estate, a group of environmentalists
transformed the land of Belipola into a lush forest garden that is aimed
at conserving biodiversity and promoting sustainable agriculture
production.
The estate caters to the discerning needs of an ecotourist turning it
into a beautiful destination that is complete with an organic farm,
arboretum, training and research centre.
The Belipola estate in Mirahawatte, was created to promote
sustainable agriculture production and conserve biodiversity.
The estate has a number of different functions as an organic farm,
arboretum, training centre and ecotourist destination. Each of these
link together to form a holistic environment in which people can work,
study and relax, surrounded by Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.
 The original estate tea bushes still remain in the forest area, now
organically managed and sold on the local tea market.
In addition, organic herbs are grown and sold to Colombo supermarkets
and Maldivian hotels. Varieties include basil, thyme, oregano,
peppermint, rosemary, chives, lemon balm, marjoram and other mint
varieties such as spearmint, apple, and orange bergamot. In 2007 the
estate became Forest Garden Certified confirming its status as ‘beyond
organic’.
Not only are products organic in origin, they also comply with
social, biodiversity, landscape and carbon criteria.Ecotourism.
The calm estate, off the beaten tourist trail, is a relaxing and
welcoming environment for local and foreign tourists alike. The gentle
forest paths lead guests through the arboretum and take them on a
journey of organic farming and Analog Forestry. It is also a
bird-watchers’ paradise, a symphony of calls greeting visitors as they
wake.
Guests can also take a longer walk and picnic into the nearby
village, learn to cook a traditional meal using ingredients picked from
the estate, sample organic herbal teas including the delightfully sweet
Stevia, or just relax and enjoy the atmosphere.
What better place to research conduct forest and agricultural
research than the very spot that analog forestry was first developed?
The forest garden and arboretum provides a range of rich research
opportunities, with both long and short term accommodation available.
For people to be able to learn effectively, students must feel secure
and comfortable in their learning environment. The Belipola training
centre is a safe and stimulating education hub, in close proximity to
the arboretum and forest garden enabling students to study the practical
applications of Analog forestry and organic farming techniques. |
