Touch nature
Grass for your feet
Connect with nature, discover yourself
Happy trails
Walk on the wild side
A creatively designed network of trails give guests access to hundreds of trees and plants that are now carefully nurtured, and kept free of weeds and creepers which threaten to stunt their growth, allowing the keen nature lover ample opportunities to study and research the anatomy of a near perfect miniature dry zone eco-system.
You can enjoy a guided walk with our Naturalist, who will unravel the mysteries of this little universe.
For the child in you
Our secret garden
Two sizeable rainy-weather ponds within the property complemented by the appropriate fruit bearing shrubs have restored the food cycles long lost to this patch of land.
To prove it, one has only to look down at the lawn from that fine vantage point of the upper deck of the villa at midnight for a simple head-count of black naped hare happily nibbling below though their feast lasts only till a fish owl shows up on the nearby “palu” tree!
Peacock and jungle fowl have made this garden their home. Mongoose, bandicoot, giant squirrels and somewhat rarely, fishing cat and spotted deer, are other small fauna you may encounter at Far Cry.
These delightful but timid creatures live in thickets of forest set aside for them, so be sure to walk around quietly and watchfully, to spot them.
Kumbukkali Wewa
Kumbukkali Wewa
A hidden gate at the far end of our forest garden leads the curious guest to the beautiful world of the Kumbukkali Wewa – a jewel of a lake set in the crown of mother nature.
More commonly referred to as Galkadawala wewa today, the lake sustains the agricultural endeavours of the village, as it has done for hundreds, if not thousands of years. Its character changes with the seasons – yet it rarely runs dry.
A walk along the bund will reveal not only the vista of its far catchment, but a wealth of bird life – and sometimes a herd of elephants feeding on lush grasses of the catchment.
From every viewpoint
A bird-watcher's paradise
Attracted by the lush forest cover, and the closeness to water, the forest abounds with endemic and migrant birds. If it is the migratory season you will not be surprised to account for over a hundred species of birds in one go within an hour. Several rare species such as of the northern orange headed ground thrush and the red wing crested cuckoo have been sighted by visitors over the last year.
The Kumbukkali Wewa is home to many types of raptors, and you may witness the drama as a grey headed fish eagle, perched on a dead stump scores off a betraying movement in the clear water beneath. We even have a resident Barn Owl who hunts every night from the vantage point of the roof in dry weather on moonlit nights.
Attracted by the lush forest cover, and the closeness to water, the forest abounds with endemic and migrant birds. If it is the migratory season you will not be surprised to account for over a hundred species of birds in one go within an hour. Several rare species such as of the northern orange headed ground thrush and the red wing crested cuckoo have been sighted by visitors over the last year.
The Kumbukkali Wewa is home to many types of raptors, and you may witness the drama as a grey headed fish eagle, perched on a dead stump scores off a betraying movement in the clear water beneath. Other avifauna abound. We even have a resident Barn Owl who hunts every night from the vantage point of the roof in dry weather on moonlit nights.
A world within a world
Micro life
As you wander through the forest trails at Far Cry, you could easily miss a busy, microscopic world all around you.
In this miniature world, butterflies, bees, wildflowers, mosses and fungi interact as an integral part of the delicate balance of biodiversity
Butterflies, bees and wildflowers evolved together in a perfect relationship. The wildflowers bloom at different times, emerging as butterflies and bees begin to feed and breed. In return, butterflies and bees pollinate the plants as they travel through.
To encourage cross polllination, we have set up several apiaries in the forest. Occasionally, their inhabitants reward us with a gift of honey!
To encourage cross polllination, we have set up several apiaries in the forest. Occasionally, their inhabitants reward us with a gift of honey!
A world within you
The Jhana Grove at Far Cry is the perfect place to begin or continue your journey of spiritual self discovery. This quiet corner has a walking meditation path laid out to ancient specifications. Spaces are also prepared for sitting meditation, if you prefer. Audio CDs for guided meditation, mats, cushions and mosquito nets are available to facilitate your practice. Whether you are a beginner or a practitioner your mind and body will feel refreshed when you immerse yourself in this healing activity for a while.
A world within you
The Jhana Grove at Far Cry is the perfect place to begin or continue your journey of spiritual self discovery. This quiet corner has a walking meditation path laid out to ancient specifications. Spaces are also prepared for sitting meditation, if you prefer. Audio CDs for guided meditation, mats, cushions and mosquito nets are available to facilitate your practice. Whether you are a beginner or a practitioner your mind and body will feel refreshed when you immerse yourself in this healing activity for a while – or book a session with our meditation and yoga instructor.
