October 2023
Greetings from a warm and sunny Sri Lanka!
Over the last two weeks we have enjoyed beautifully settled weather after a particularly wet start to the month. Our local beach at Kabalana (above) has been at its picture-perfect best and the two lovely families that were here over half-term have left suitably bronzed and relaxed!
'Safari' at Tekanda.....
It's official. The estate is home to a 30 strong marauding herd of Wal Ura (Wild Boar). We have been told this for some time but Charlie and I have never seen so much as a twirly tail disappearing into the Jungle. This all changed when we were recently awoken in the early hours by an extraordinary sound....
So, think that first rustle of leaves before an approaching squall or the rumble of a distant train - sounds that carry just enough impending menace to wake you up and heighten the senses. In a flash we were up and out of bed hanging over our elevated wooden deck, torch scanning the jungle below (well actually Charlie was, I thought the safest place was inside peering from behind the deck doors). The sound got louder and louder until suddenly, like a Sri Lankan remake of Dances with Wolves in that epic Buffalo scene, this seemingly endless mass of honking and grunting wild boar exploded out of the undergrowth and crashed passed underneath us. I only just restrained myself from doing the full Kevin Costner and racing down on my moped to the local village, horn-fingers and all - shouting 'Wal Ura! Wal Ura!!.
Gamata Athak is open!
We had a pretty joyous few days at the start of the month when we opened Gamata Athak our rural empowerment centre. We now have 475 students through the centre each week taking classes from Badminton to Computer Studies and English Conversation to 'Dress-making. Here are a few pictures of the opening ceremony and the first few weeks of daily life.
A few holiday tempters....
So there you are on the sofa watching Strictly. It's dark, wet and a bit miserable outside. The summer health drive went south with the swallows in late September, and the grip of winter looms. Because even the most optimistic can get a little bleak when the clocks go back, here are a few winter sun tempters at Tekanda Lodge.
Families
Last two available 'family' weeks this season (i.e School/Uni holidays):
Sunday February 11th - Sunday February 18th
Saturday March 23 - Saturday March 30th
If you are interested visit the Tekanda Lodge website for more details
OR
GAP Volunteering
In response to an ever growing number of enquiries about Gap Year volunteering options we have now developed an opportunity for volunteers wishing to get involved with the work of the Tekanda Foundation. We have our first volunteers arriving next week. If you are interested in learning more then have a look at our Foundation page where you can also download a Volunteer Brochure.
Please also feel free to contact me directly if you would like to discuss this in more detail.
OR
Short-stay per room per night
We still have lots of space in November which is the last month of the low season prices, but after that only:
3 rooms left 2nd week of January
3 rooms left last week of February
1 room left 1st week of March
If you are interested visit the Tekanda Lodge website for more details
OR
Upcoming Retreats
For those perhaps wanting to indulge yourself in a more structured week we have a few places left on some of our upcoming retreats:
Body and Soul with Lara Swan (24th November-2nd December 2023; 18th February - 25th February 2023)
A week entirely focussed on physical and mental rejuvenation. Days of massage, gentle yoga and sunset Indian Ocean swims and delicious, healthy food to fuel the body and the mind.
Soul and Surf (either 2nd December-9th December or 9th December to 16th December - or both)
Have you ever imagined yourself striding into a tropical 28c ocean, board tucked under your arm and then paddling out to the backline to join the beautiful people? Well this is where it starts! Learn to surf in the warm, idyllic water of Sri Lanka's south coast (no queuing for the car park Cornwall style or forcing yourself into a cold damp wetsuit twice a day). After your sun-drenched surf, return to the gentle arms of Tekanda Lodge for some well-earned rest, refuelling and pampering.
Midlifers Adventure Challenge (30th January - 4th February)
Think 'Eat, Pray, Love' vibes set in two stunning and contrasting locations in Sri Lanka. 2 phases, multiple experiences. Just the feel-good tonic required after January's hard yards. This is actually something a bit special and we have just two spots left.
Island Inspiration with Safiya Sideek (4th-11th February)
New! We have teamed up with super-talented Colombo artist Safiya Sideek to offer an art retreat at Tekanda. Safiya will be your guide as you journey through the unique colours, textures and culture of this island. Suitable for all levels from beginner to advanced.
For detailed information about any of these amazing retreats, visit our upcoming retreats page on the Tekanda Lodge website.
As always, do not hesitate to contact us to discuss either a visit to Tekanda Lodge or for some general pointers on a trip to Sri Lanka.
Our very best wishes,
Richard and Charlie