We were once professionals, just like many of you. I was busy with my work in the medical profession as a doctor. Attending to home matters of a growing family, while my husband Dasarath was a Manager of several tea estates in Nuwara Eliya distric Unexpected circumstances brought us to Colombo, giving up a peaceful life on the estates, which we enjoyed and still miss.
The years passed and travels across the continents, experiences, events, and people brought us memories that could fill chapters. The busy lives have settled down, and the children have gone away to pursue lives of their own.
"Today that idea has become a much-loved destination for discerning guests who seek total tranquility, peace of mind, privacy and caring hospitality."
- Indira & Dasarath
Having more time on our hands, Dasarath went on to pursue his passion for agriculture by starting cultivating cinnamon in Sellakataragama.
He takes pride in introducing Ceylon Cinnamon to the area, an eco-friendly export crop. Our cinnamon plantation saw more of us and we ended up building a house to stay during our frequent visits as well as to provide a holiday home to our family. We channeled our best efforts to create something unique. Today that idea has become a much-loved destination for discerning guests who seek total tranquility, peace of mind, privacy and caring hospitality. The search stops here.
We welcome you as our guests, and enjoy hosting you. We invite you to come and experience our warm and caring attention for an unforgettable holiday.
For generations, Sri Lanka has been celebrated for its golden beaches, ocean waves, vibrant coastal towns, and lively resort experiences. While the beaches offer their own charm and excitement, there is another side of Sri Lanka waiting to be discovered: a quieter, greener, and more meaningful experience where nature sets the rhythm of life.
Beyond the beaches, in the peaceful village landscape of Mailagama, lies a unique retreat where visitors can reconnect with the natural world. Mailagama Cinnamon Residence offers an escape from the rush and noise of conventional tourism, inviting guests to experience the serenity of cinnamon gardens, paddy fields, wetlands, reservoirs, and regenerating forests that surround this remarkable rural setting.
Unlike the energetic atmosphere of coastal resorts, where the sound of waves and busy activities fill the day, Mailagama offers a different kind of harmony. Here, the melodies of birds welcome the morning, the gentle rustle of leaves creates nature's own symphony, and the rhythmic movement of tree branches swaying in the breeze brings a sense of calm and reflection. The landscape encourages visitors to slow down, breathe deeply, and rediscover the simple pleasures of being connected with nature.
While beach destinations offer breathtaking sunsets over the ocean horizon, Mailagama presents its own unique natural theatre. The bluish waters of the reservoirs mirror the changing colours of the sky, while ancient trees, branching wood formations, and surrounding wilderness create peaceful scenes that transform with every dawn and dusk. These quiet moments become reminders of why mindfulness and time spent in nature are essential for nurturing ourselves and restoring inner balance.
At Mailagama Cinnamon Residence, a holiday is not simply about accommodation; it is about experiencing a living landscape. Through eco-cycling trails, birdwatching journeys, herbal garden walks, sustainable cinnamon cultivation, and encounters with rural village life, visitors discover the connection between conservation, agriculture, culture, and wellbeing.
The sense of peace that envelops Mailagama is not created by nature alone. It is also deeply rooted in the spiritual heritage of the surrounding landscape. Located just a few kilometres from the sacred city of Kataragama, Mailagama lies within a region that has, for centuries, inspired pilgrims, devotees, and seekers of inner peace.
According to ancient legend and a tradition still cherished by millions of devotees, Lord Skanda (Kataragama Deviyo) journeyed from the Indian subcontinent across the sea to the forests of Kataragama. It is believed that he chose this tranquil wilderness as a place of solitude, contemplation, and spiritual awakening. The calm reservoirs, whispering forests, abundant wildlife, and gentle rhythm of village life that continue to characterize the Mailagama landscape today evoke the same atmosphere of serenity and mindfulness that, according to tradition, drew the deity to this sacred region.
This spiritual significance is further reflected in Buddhist history. During the reign of King Mahasen (277–304 AD), the magnificent Kirivehera (Milk Stupa) was erected near the sacred Kataragama shrine. The construction of this revered stupa is traditionally regarded as a mark of profound respect for the sanctity of the area and for the spiritual devotion associated with Kataragama Deviyo. Today, Kirivehera stands as one of Sri Lanka's most venerated Buddhist monuments, symbolizing the harmonious coexistence of Buddhist philosophy, local traditions, and centuries of spiritual reverence.
For today's visitor, this unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual heritage creates an experience that extends beyond sightseeing. Mailagama becomes a place to slow down, reconnect with nature, practice mindfulness, and appreciate a landscape where biodiversity, village life, and spirituality have flourished together for generations.
The journey through Mailagama reveals a rare combination of natural beauty and innovation, from traditional farming practices and indigenous herbal knowledge to conservation-focused land restoration initiatives such as Avian Arcadia. It demonstrates how responsible land management can protect biodiversity while creating meaningful experiences and sustainable opportunities for local communities.
Away from crowded beaches and fast-paced tourism, Mailagama offers a greener way to travel, a place where birdsong replaces noise, where forests and water landscapes inspire reflection, and where every pathway leads to a deeper appreciation of nature. It is an invitation to pause, reconnect, and experience the peaceful relationship between people and the environment.
This is about you as much as it is about us. The story of MCR is born out of an idea and nurtured with passion, love, and meticulous care. Immerse in it and cherish, give time and create lasting memories. With its simple beginnings as a beautiful abode amidst a plantation, we’ve done much over the years to make it what it is today. Our belief of creating a perfect blend of nature, and human endeavor is continuing to this day.
Beyond the continuing years, it’s the dedicated staff who nurture the essence of MCR. It’s their authenticity and commitment that leaves smiles in every guest. Echo yourself on the flora and fauna, fruit trees and herbs, pleasant shades, refreshing breeze and many more treats to the five senses. Find comfort and conveniences indoors and spend time among good company. Peaceful personal times doesn’t get any better than this.
This has been a process of immense learning. Understanding what our guests seek and delivering it with a caring touch were goals we set very early in that process. Offering relaxation, tranquility, and a full sensory experience came through many years of work. Today we treat our guests as guests to our own Residence. To see them smile, sharing their happiness is our biggest achievement.
Choose us for what we create for you. We are here to serve you if you seek tranquility, sights and sound of nature, relaxing cozy spaces, and caring hosts.
Beyond, there is much more: Personalization of every preference, exploring village life, being still—doing yoga or meditation, painting or following literary pursuits, or quiet bonding time with your loved ones, we create the ideal setting!
Cuisine made from produce from our own gardens, rediscovering village cooking, and learning a tip or two will be a delightful treat.
There's much wildlife, birdwatching, ancient heritage in the form of ruins, and tanks to revisit, and be awed!
What better place than the sacred city of Kataragama, to seek higher aspirations? Let your soul searching take you to new discoveries.
What more could you ever want? And for senior citizen folks like us, there will be a lot to share, recollecting past events. We make them want to stay longer and to keep coming back!