Organic Archives

Ben Fogle’s New Lives in the Wild, Sri Lanka

Where was Ben Fogle’s New Lives in the Wild filmed?

Ella, Holiday, Organic, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Where Did Ben Fogle Go in Sri Lanka for His TV Programme?

Ben Fogle’s New Lives in the Wild explores unique lifestyles around the world.

In early 2024, the programme featured Sri Lanka.

The episode highlighted Cliff Lodge in Haputale.

This off grid lodge is set in the hill country.

Some of the Channel 5 crew stayed at GlenMyu Estate before filming.

Together, these locations show adventure and boutique comfort.

Cliff Lodge in Haputale - Ben Fogle’s New Lives in the Wild

Cliff Lodge is located in Sri Lanka’s highlands.

Hosts Naveen and Anke built glass pods on a former tea plantation.

They live off grid, focusing on sustainability.

Guests experience immersion in nature.

Nights under the stars bring peace.

Days are filled with fresh air and mountain views.

Ben Fogle visited to showcase their lifestyle.

The lodge was featured on Channel 5 in February 2024.

It is ideal for travellers seeking authenticity.

GlenMyu Estate Connection to Ben Fogle’s New Lives in the Wild

Before filming at Cliff Lodge, some crew for Ben Fogle’s New Lives in the Wildstayed at GlenMyu Estate.

This boutique villa is located in Sri Lanka’s hill country.

It offers comfort, style, and warm hospitality.

Ben Fogle’s New Lives in the Wild showcased Cliff Lodge in Haputale.

The programme highlighted off grid living in Sri Lanka.

Some crew stayed at GlenMyu Estate before filming.

Travellers can enjoy both adventure and boutique luxury.

This combination delivers the best of both worlds in Sri Lanka’s hill country.

Guests are away from crowds yet close to sights.

A day trip to Ella is possible.

The estate provides plant‑based menus, curated experiences, and animal companionship.

Contact GlenMyu Estate directly by WhatsApp on 00 94 752 999 272 for booking rates.

This ensures personal service and value.

Why These Locations?

Cliff Lodge represents off grid immersion.

GlenMyu Estate offers boutique luxury.

Together, they show the best of both worlds.

Adventure and comfort combine in Sri Lanka’s hill country.

Travellers can enjoy both styles of stay.

This balance creates a memorable journey.

What Can You See Nearby?

Ella is a popular destination near GlenMyu Estate.

Guests can visit Nine Arches Bridge, Ravana Falls, and Little Adam’s Peak.

Tea plantations surround the area. Scenic train journeys are available.

Staying at GlenMyu Estate keeps you close to these attractions.

Yet you remain in a peaceful setting.

It is ideal for those who like being away from crowds.

FAQ Section

Q: Where exactly was Ben Fogle’s New Lives in the Wild programme filmed in Sri Lanka?
A: It was filmed at Cliff Lodge in Haputale.

Q: Did the crew stay anywhere else?
A: Yes, some stayed at GlenMyu Estate before filming.

Q: Why was Cliff Lodge chosen?
A: It represents a genuine off grid lifestyle in Sri Lanka’s hill country.

Q: Can travellers stay at both places?
A: Yes, many combine Cliff Lodge and GlenMyu Estate for variety.

Q: How can I book GlenMyu Estate?
A: Contact via WhatsApp on 00 94 752 999 272 for direct booking rates.

Why stay at GlenMyu?

GlenMyu Boutique Villa offers comfort and tranquillity.

Guests enjoy beautiful surroundings and attentive service.

We are open and ready to welcome holidaymakers. Our team looks forward to caring for guests this season.

To secure the best rates, contact us directly by WhatsApp: 00 94 752 999 272.

Two Lounges where you can relax, chat and enjoy the views

GlenMyu Boutique Villa has two comfortable lounges that have views of the southern hills.

The middle floor have ample seating where you can sit together or separately, if you want some space.

Dining is on the lower floor of the house.

We also have a snug which is an ideal place to have a pre-dinner drink and chat about your day in the Sri Lankan hills.

Three comfortable Bedrooms

We only have three guest bedrooms at GlenMyu Boutique Villa.

The Mahogany and Mango bedrooms are situated on the middle floor and have a communal lounge.

All the beds in the bedrooms look out over the views to the south of the island through floor to ceiling windows.

Our Cinnamon bedroom is on the ground floor of the property and has direct access to the gardens.

The Swimming Pool

Our Natural Spring-Fed Swimming pool at GlenMyu Boutique Villa is located a short walk from the house.

Guests like that fact that it is private and not overlooked by the house.

Surrounded by nature, it is a wonderful place to relax whilst listening to the soundtrack of bird songs.

Food, glorious food!

Our food offering at GlenMyu Boutique Villa is mainly plant based or vegetarian as we are able to source good quality fresh ingredients.

However, we do offer some fish and chicken dishes for our guests.

Breakfast is quite substantial and guests often skip lunch.

We make our dishes freshly to order from the best ingredients we can find.

What we serve to you is important to us and Ru and the team have a good reputation for cuisine with a hint of Sri Lankan flavours.

Amma shows you how to cook Sri Lankan

We offer a complimentary Sri Lankan cookery demonstration at GlenMyu Boutique Villa when our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

The platter consists of six or seven vegetarian dishes and is served with rice or flat bread.

It’s a fun and interesting experience. We love it when our guests try making some of the dishes when they get home.

Ruwanthi's garden tour

There are five acres at GlenMyu Boutique Villa and we grow various fruits, vegetables, and spices.

Ruwanthi is happy to provide a garden tour to interested guests.

Often you will pick some of the ingredients that will be used in the meals that you will eat that evening.

Book directly and save

We recommend contacting us directly via WhatsApp for the best rates.

Message us at 00 94 752 999 272.

We reward guests for finding us directly by offering direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more.

Where was Ben Fogle’s New Lives in the Wild filmed? Read More »

Why We Provide a Substantial, Healthy Breakfast at GlenMyu Boutique Villa

Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate / By Mikeez

Why We Provide a Substantial, Healthy Breakfast at GlenMyu Boutique Villa

A Healthy Breakfast Designed for Adventure

Guests at GlenMyu Boutique Villa often explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Energy is essential for hikes such as Horton Plains or Ella Rock.

Our breakfast is substantial to prepare you for these memorable journeys.

Many guests tackle the Pekoe Trail or the walk from Lipton’s Seat.

A nourishing start ensures you enjoy every step of your adventure.

Fuel for the Hill Country Trails

The Hill Country offers breathtaking scenery and rewarding hikes.

Walking Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock requires stamina and strength.

Our breakfast provides the fuel needed for these challenging treks.

Guests often skip lunch because breakfast keeps them satisfied longer.

This balance allows more time to explore without worrying about meals.

A Leisurely Holiday Experience

Breakfast at GlenMyu Boutique Villa is not only about energy.

It is also a chance to slow down and relax.

A long breakfast creates space for conversation and togetherness.

Guests enjoy lingering over coffee while admiring the estate views.

This leisurely ritual becomes a cherished part of the holiday.

What We Serve Each Morning

Our breakfast begins with fresh fruits from the estate.

Homemade breads and sweet buns are baked daily for guests.

We prepare jams using seasonal produce for authentic flavours.

A Sri Lankan cereal or Kola Kanda adds local tradition.

Organic eggs from our free‑roaming chickens are cooked to order.

Signature Specialities You Will Remember

Ruwanthi’s Egg Hoppers are a favourite among our guests.

Our cinnamon buns are often remembered long after departure.

These treats combine flavour with the warmth of home cooking.

Guests delight in the variety and freshness of our offerings.

Every dish reflects care and attention to detail.

Text including GlenMyu Boutique Villa and

Why Breakfast Matters at GlenMyu

We believe breakfast sets the tone for the day.

A healthy start supports both body and mind during travel.

Our guests appreciate the thoughtfulness behind each meal served.

Breakfast at GlenMyu Boutique Villa is more than food; it is an experience.

It reflects our philosophy of hospitality and wellbeing.

Staying at GlenMyu Boutique Villa

Holidaymakers love the comfort and charm of GlenMyu Boutique Villa .

Our five‑acre estate offers peace and natural beauty.
The villa is perfectly located for Hill Country exploration.

Guests enjoy personalised service and memorable dining experiences.

To secure the best rates, contact us directly by WhatsApp 00 94 752 999 272.

A Breakfast Experience You Will Remember

A substantial breakfast is part of our promise at GlenMyu Boutique Villa.

It prepares you for hikes and enriches your holiday experience.

Guests leave with fond memories of mornings spent together.

Healthy food, beautiful surroundings, and warm hospitality await you.

Choose GlenMyu Boutique Villa for your Sri Lankan holiday.

Why stay at GlenMyu?

GlenMyu Boutique Villa offers comfort and tranquillity.

Guests enjoy beautiful surroundings and attentive service.

We are open and ready to welcome holidaymakers. Our team looks forward to caring for guests this season.

To secure the best rates, contact us directly by WhatsApp: 00 94 752 999 272.

Two Lounges where you can relax, chat and enjoy the views

GlenMyu Boutique Villa has two comfortable lounges that have views of the southern hills.

The middle floor have ample seating where you can sit together or separately, if you want some space.

Dining is on the lower floor of the house.

We also have a snug which is an ideal place to have a pre-dinner drink and chat about your day in the Sri Lankan hills.

Three comfortable Bedrooms

We only have three guest bedrooms at GlenMyu Boutique Villa.

The Mahogany and Mango bedrooms are situated on the middle floor and have a communal lounge.

All the beds in the bedrooms look out over the views to the south of the island through floor to ceiling windows.

Our Cinnamon bedroom is on the ground floor of the property and has direct access to the gardens.

The Swimming Pool

Our Natural Spring-Fed Swimming pool at GlenMyu Boutique Villa is located a short walk from the house.

Guests like that fact that it is private and not overlooked by the house.

Surrounded by nature, it is a wonderful place to relax whilst listening to the soundtrack of bird songs.

Food, glorius food!

Our food offering at GlenMyu Boutique Villa is mainly plant based or vegetarian as we are able to source good quality fresh ingredients.

However, we do offer some fish and chicken dishes for our guests.

Breakfast is quite substantial and guests often skip lunch.

We make our dishes freshly to order from the best ingredients we can find.

What we serve to you is important to us and Ru and the team have a good reputation for cuisine with a hint of Sri Lankan flavours.

Amma shows you how to cook Sri Lankan

We offer a complimentary Sri Lankan cookery demonstration at GlenMyu Boutique Villa when our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

The platter consists of six or seven vegetarian dishes and is served with rice or flat bread.

It’s a fun and interesting expeirence. We love it when our guests try making some of the dishes when they get home.

Ruwanthi's garden tour

There are five acres at GlenMyu Boutique Villa and we grow various fruits, vegetables, and spices.

Ruwanthi is happy to provide a garden tour to interested guests.

Often you will pick some of the ingredients that will be used in the meals that you will eat that evening.

Book directly and save

We recommend contacting us directly via WhatsApp for the best rates.
Message us at 00 94 752 999 272.

Stay at GlenMyu to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Why We Provide a Substantial, Healthy Breakfast at GlenMyu Boutique Villa Read More »

Great knife skills in the kitchen. Gourmet Galle 2026

Gourmet Galle 2026: A Feast for the Senses

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes / By Mikeez

Gourmet Galle 2026: POSTPONED

Unfortunately Gourmet Galle 2026 has been POSTPONED due to commercial reasons!

Please read the following news article and details on their website for further information.

We hope that Gourmet Galle will return in 2027.

Gourmet Galle returns from 26 January to 1 February 2026.

This week-long celebration follows the Galle Literary Festival.

It takes place along Sri Lanka’s stunning southern coastline.

Expect unforgettable dinners, masterclasses, and cultural food experiences.

Angela Hartnett Headlines the Festival

Angela Hartnett, one of Britain’s most respected chefs, joins Gourmet Galle 2026.

She is a Michelin-starred chef and a protégée of Gordon Ramsay.

Angela is known for her Italian-inspired cuisine and restaurants like Murano and Café Murano.

Her dishes reflect simplicity, elegance, and deep culinary heritage.

Meet the Culinary Stars at Gourmet Galle 2026

Gourmet Galle features a stellar lineup of international chefs.

Each brings a unique flavour and story to the table.

Atul Kochhar

Atul Kochhar is an Indian-born, British-based chef and TV personality.

He was one of the first Indian chefs to earn a Michelin star in London.

Atul’s restaurants include Kanishka, Masalchi, and Indian Essence.

He is celebrated for modernising Indian cuisine with global flair.

Darshan Munidasa

Darshan Munidasa is Sri Lanka’s most renowned chef-restaurateur.

He founded Nihonbashi and Ministry of Crab, both ranked in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants.

Darshan blends Japanese precision with Sri Lankan ingredients.

He is a self-taught chef and host of “Culinary Journeys with Dharshan”.

Mark Hix

Mark Hix is an English chef, restaurateur, and food writer.

He is known for championing British cuisine and foraged ingredients.

Mark has authored 12 cookbooks and runs The Oyster & Fish House in Dorset.

His cooking celebrates simplicity and seasonal produce.

Izzeldin Abdul Aziz Bukhari

Izzeldin Bukhari is a Palestinian chef and founder of SacredCuisine.

His cooking is rooted in Sufi traditions and mindfulness.

He promotes vegetarian Palestinian cuisine through supper clubs and food tours.

Izzeldin views cooking as a form of meditation and cultural connection.

Signature Dinners and Masterclasses

Gourmet Galle offers exclusive dinners at venues like Kahanda Kanda and Cape Weligama.

Guests enjoy curated menus and intimate culinary experiences.

Live masterclasses allow you to learn directly from the chefs.

These sessions explore techniques, ingredients, and personal stories.

Stay at GlenMyu Boutique Villa during your holiday in Sri Lanka

GlenMyu Boutique Villa is the perfect base for your Gourmet Galle adventure.

Located in the peaceful hills of Uva Province, just over three and a half hours by car, it offers a relaxing retreat.

The temperatures in the hill country can be quite a relief to those around the island.

As there are only three guests bedrooms on the five acre estate, there is plenty of space to relax.

Before or after the festival, unwind in nature and enjoy delicious home-cooked meals.

Writers and creatives find inspiration in its tranquil surroundings.

Most guests that stay wish they had stayed longer or plan to come back again.

Try our food!

Ru and the team at GlenMyu prepare dishes with locally sourced ingredients.

Some of the produce is grown on the organic five acre estate. During a garden tour you may be asked to pick some of the ingredients for your meal that evening.

The menu is mainly vegetarian or plant based. There are some fish and chicken dishes on the menu.

Reviews from guests say everything about the experience of dining at GlenMyu.

Find out what is on the menu by clicking the link.

Our Sri Lankan Cookery Demonstration

Ru’s mother conducts a relaxed Sri Lankan cookery demonstration when you order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

It’s an informative and enjoyable experience.

See what we grow in the garden at GlenMyu

Ru is happy to provide a garden tour for our guests.

You will see the array of fruits, vegetables and spices that are grown on the five acre estate.

Support Local Communities and Wildlife

Your stay helps support local jobs and living standards.

The five-acre estate promotes biodiversity and sustainable living.

We care for rescue animals including dogs, chickens, ducks, a cow, a calf, and a bull.

Book Direct with GlenMyu for the Best Rates

Contact us via WhatsApp at 00 94 752 999 272 for the best rates.

Booking direct ensures personalised service and exclusive offers.

Combine Food and Tranquillity

Gourmet Galle is a highlight of Sri Lanka’s cultural calendar.

Pair it with a stay at GlenMyu Boutique Villa for a truly memorable holiday.

Enjoy the flavours of the coast and the peace of the hills.

Stay at GlenMyu to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Gourmet Galle 2026: A Feast for the Senses Read More »

Amazing Sri Lankan Hoppers

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes / By Mikeez

The Magic of Sri Lankan Hoppers

🌿 Discover the Magic of Sri Lankan Hoppers — With a Gourmet Twist at GlenMyu Estate

If you’re looking for an authentic Sri Lankan breakfast that’s healthy, flavourful, and unforgettable, look no further than the beloved hopper.

At GlenMyu Estate boutique villa, we’ve reimagined this traditional dish by adding a gourmet twist that delights every guest who walks through our doors.

What Are Hoppers?

🥥 What Are Sri Lankan Hoppers?

Sri Lankan hoppers (known locally as appa) are bowl-shaped, crispy-edged pancakes made from a fermented rice flour and coconut milk batter.

Cooked in a small, curved pan, they strike the perfect balance between chewy centers and golden, crispy edges.

Plant-Based and Gluten-Free Diets

🌱 A Perfect Fit for Plant-Based and Gluten-Free Diets

One of the reasons hoppers have stood the test of time is their versatility.

Made primarily from rice flour and coconut milk, they are naturally gluten-free and ideal for those on a gluten free diet.

We accommodate vegan guests by swapping out the traditional egg with sautéed mushrooms, keeping both the taste and texture delightfully satisfying.

The GlenMyu Twist

🍳 The GlenMyu Twist: Fusion Meets Tradition

We take pride in elevating the humble hopper with rich, flavourful toppings:
– Seeni sambol – a sweet and spicy onion relish full of caramelized goodness
– Fried curry leaves – for a fragrant crunch
– A dash of salt and pepper – to bring out the natural flavors
– Either a Sri Lankan curry sauce or a velvety Hollandaise sauce – creating a fusion that surprises and delights

This unique combo adds depth and indulgence to a classic favourite, turning breakfast into an experience.

A Culinary Encounter

👨‍🍳 Hopper-Making: A Culinary Encounter

Guests often find themselves captivated by the process of making hoppers.

Many wander into our kitchen to watch the technique behind the perfect flip and the golden edge.

Inspired by the simplicity and charm of hopper-making, they frequently leave Sri Lanka with a hopper pan in hand, excited to recreate the magic back home.

Our Sri Lankan cookery demonstration

Discover more about Sri Lankan cooking when you order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Ru and her mother host an entertaining and informative cookery demonstration as they prepare several vegetarian dishes that make up the platter.

You may be asked into the kitchen to help out with preparing the dishes if you are up for the challenge!

A Taste Sri Lanka

🏡 Taste Sri Lanka at GlenMyu Estate

Whether you’re vegan, gluten-free, or a curious foodie, GlenMyu Estate’s take on hoppers offers something truly special.

It’s more than just breakfast—it’s a memory in the making, blending local tradition with modern flavor.

Book your stay at GlenMyu Estate and awaken each morning to a culinary adventure rooted in Sri Lankan culture and personalized to your taste.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Amazing Sri Lankan Hoppers Read More »

Our special Seafood Kottu at GlenMyu Estate

Seafood or Mushroom Kottu

Cookery Courses, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Our Seafood Kottu and our Mushroom Kottu at GlenMyu Estate

🍲 A Flavourful Fusion: Our Seafood Kottu and our Mushroom Kottu at GlenMyu Estate

At GlenMyu Estate boutique villa, our guests don’t just dine—they embark on a culinary journey.

Among the favourites on our menu are two unforgettable interpretations of Sri Lanka’s beloved street food: Seafood Kottu and Mushroom Kottu.

GlenMyu's Seafood Kottu

🦐 Seafood Kottu: A Coastal Symphony on Your Plate

Bursting with the vibrant flavours of Sri Lankan spices, our Seafood Kottu features:
– Tender prawns, squid, and fresh catch of the day
– Finely chopped roti, seared on the griddle with a medley of vegetables
– Aromatic curry leaves, garlic, and chili for a rich, spicy finish

This dish captures the essence of coastal Sri Lanka, elevated with the finesse of boutique-style cooking.

GlenMyu's Mushroom Kottu

🍄 Mushroom Kottu: A Plant-Based Powerhouse

Perfect for vegan and vegetarian guests, our Mushroom Kottu is hearty and packed with umami:
– Locally sourced mushrooms, sautéed to perfection
– Crisped roti shreds tossed with onions, leeks, and Sri Lankan spices
– Optional vegan gravy or a side of coconut sambol to dial up the flavor

This dish is not only full of nutrition—it’s also completely dairy-free and ideal for those following a plant-based lifestyle.

Discover our food Menus

There is much more to choose from on our food menus at GlenMyu Estate.

We source local seasonal produce to make our dishes reflect the best of local Sri Lankan fresh ingredients.

When you arrive, have a chat with Ru and discuss what she recommends from the menu.

Don’t miss our Sri Lankan cookery demonstration hosted by Ru and her mother when you order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy great food in Sri Lanka

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Seafood or Mushroom Kottu Read More »

A view from the middle floor lounge at GlenMyu Estate, Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

The Smartest Way to Holiday in Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Food and Drink, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Reviews from our guests, Sri Lankan Cooking, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

The Smartest Way to Holiday in Sri Lanka

Why Booking All Three Rooms at GlenMyu Estate Is the Smartest Way to Holiday in Sri Lanka

🏡 Your Private Slice of Paradise in the Hill Country

When planning a holiday with family or close friends, privacy, comfort, and shared experiences are key.

That’s why booking all three rooms at GlenMyu Estate, a boutique villa nestled in Sri Lanka’s lush Hill Country, is a brilliant choice.

With exclusive access to the estate, you’ll enjoy the freedom to relax, explore, and connect—without the distractions of other guests.

Perfect for Families and Friends

GlenMyu Estate offers three beautifully appointed en-suite bedrooms—two doubles and one triple—accommodating up to seven guests comfortably.

Whether you’re traveling with extended family or a group of friends, having the entire villa to yourselves means:

– 🍽️ Shared meals and laughter around one table
– 🛏️ No awkward room assignments or shared bathrooms with strangers
– 🧘‍♀️ Freedom to unwind in spacious lounges and garden nooks
– 🐾 Exclusive access to the estate’s resident animals—including friendly rescue dogs, ducks, chickens, and cows

Five Acres of Space to Roam and Relax

Unlike crowded hotels, GlenMyu Estate offers five acres of landscaped gardens, forest trails, and hidden seating areas.

You can explore the spice garden, take a dip in the natural spring-fed pool, or simply enjoy the panoramic views from your room’s floor-to-ceiling windows.

Create Unforgettable Group Memories

Booking all three rooms transforms your stay into a private retreat.

Guests often describe their time at GlenMyu as magical—filled with:

– 🌄 Sunset walks and waterfall visits
– 🍛 Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations hosted by the owners
– 📚 Board games and books in cozy lounges
– 🐒 Wildlife sightings, including monkeys and endemic birds

Visitors rave about the estate’s peaceful atmosphere, gourmet food, and warm hospitality.

Many say they wish they’d stayed longer—and that having the whole villa to themselves made the experience truly special.

Value and Flexibility

Booking all three rooms often comes with special direct rates for longer stays.

It’s a cost-effective way to enjoy luxury, privacy, and personalised service—without the premium price tag of larger resorts.

Ready to Book Your Group Escape?

Whether you’re celebrating a milestone, planning a reunion, or simply craving quality time with loved ones, GlenMyu Estate offers the perfect setting.

It’s not just a place to stay—it’s a place to reconnect, recharge, and make memories that last a lifetime.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The Smartest Way to Holiday in Sri Lanka Read More »

Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations

At GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations are more than just a meal—they’re a warm, interactive dive into the island’s culinary soul.

What to Expect

Guests are invited into the estate’s open kitchen, where Ruwanthi (affectionately known as Ru) and her mother, Summi, lead informal, hands-on sessions.

These demonstrations are free for guests who order the Sri Lankan sharing platter (minimum two people.

You’ll watch, learn, and even take notes as they prepare vibrant dishes using fresh, local ingredients—many grown right on the estate.

Dishes You Might Learn

The menu varies with the season and the chef’s inspiration, but you can expect to see how to make:

– Traditional curries like dhal (lentil), jackfruit, or pumpkin

– Coconut sambol and pol roti (coconut flatbread)

– Aromatic rice dishes and mango chutney

Ru brings a unique twist to the experience.

Hhaving lived in the UK for 15 years, she blends Western, Eastern, and fusion styles into her cooking, making the session both authentic and accessible

A relaxed Vibe

It’s relaxed, friendly, and full of laughter.

Guests often share stories, ask questions, and even snap photos or videos to recreate the dishes back home.

Summi, the estate’s Sri Lankan cuisine expert, loves seeing guests’ reactions and often shares family tips passed down through generations

A Lasting Memory

Many guests leave with more than just a full belly—they gain a deeper appreciation for Sri Lankan culture and cuisine.

Some even send photos of their home-cooked versions after returning from their trip!

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Sri Lankan cooking demonstrations Read More »

Time to breathe

Food and Drink, Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Organic, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Sri Lankan Cooking, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Time to breathe

Taking time out to breathe is something we at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka consider essential.

Nestled in the tranquil embrace of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country, GlenMyu Luxury Boutique Villa offers more than just a place to stay—it provides space to breathe, unwind, and truly disconnect.

In today’s fast-paced world, finding moments to reset is essential for both body and mind.

At GlenMyu, every element is designed to promote relaxation and well-being.

There is nothing like an evening swim in our natural swimming pool.

Often, you can swim alone and enjoy the surrounding natures colours and sounds.

Breathe in the fresh air as you explore the gardens

Surrounded by lush greenery, rolling hills, and the gentle sounds of nature, GlenMyu invites you to slow down and appreciate the simple pleasures.

Ru offers a garden tour so that you can see what we grow in the garden. Many of the fruits, vegetables and spices are used in the meals we prepare.

Time to breathe

The villa’s natural spring-fed pool provides a refreshing escape, allowing you to feel weightless in crystal-clear waters while gazing at panoramic views.

Swimming is known to reduce stress and improve cardiovascular health, making it a perfect way to recharge.

For me, the best times of the day at the pool are in the mornings and evenings as the sun rises and falls. The colours that bounce of the landscape provides me with time too breathe and think.

Nourish your body by eating well

Breathing in the crisp, unpolluted air of the highlands enhances lung function and boosts energy levels.

The villa’s gardens, where fresh ingredients for meals are sourced, offer a chance to reconnect with nature—proven to lower cortisol levels and improve mental clarity.

Dining on wholesome, garden-to-table cuisine nourishes the body while supporting overall well-being.

Making time to breathe - Practice mindfulness

GlenMyu’s intimate setting ensures personalized attention, allowing guests to experience moments of complete relaxation.

Whether meditating on the veranda, watching the mist roll over distant peaks, or simply listening to birdsong, the villa nurtures mindfulness and emotional balance.

Off the beaten track and away from the crowds

Taking time to breathe—away from crowds, noise, and digital distractions—restores both physical and mental health.

At GlenMyu, space to unwind isn’t just a luxury—it’s a necessity.

Here, you’ll rediscover serenity, leaving refreshed, inspired, and ready to embrace life anew.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and breathe in the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Time to breathe Read More »

Anything is better outside

Birdwatching, Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Natural Swimming Pool, Organic, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Sri Lankan Cooking, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Traditional British Sunday Dinner / By Mikeez

Anything is better outside

Anything is better outside!

When Listening to a Tik Tok/Instagram video by A Mug of Life one of the interviewees (Val) said about drinking her cup of tea the “Anything is better outside”

This resonated with me as one of the things I most like about GlenMyu Estate is that we can spend so much of the year outside.

When we lived in London, the weather conditions drove us inside for much of the year.
Living in Sri Lanka in the Hill Country, our lives have changed for the better.

We can live a lot of the year enjoying the five acre estate. It was unexpected as we did think that it rained more here than it actually does.

At the pool

Surrounded by nature, the swimming pool at GlenMyu Estate is a magical place.

The refreshing water which is sourced from a spring on the property, is cool and makes you feel alive.

It is wonderful swimming surrounded by the greenery whilst listening to the birds.

You may even be joined by one of our rescue dogs while you relax and soak up the sun.

Enjoying nature on the five acre estate

When the five acre estate was purchased it has remained fallow for several years.

It took some more time before we moved to Sri Lankan to start work.

The aim was to create an oasis for people and animals. We have planted lots of different plants and trees to attract and feed the wildlife that visits the estate.

Working with the landscape and retaining its’ features has allowed natures beauty to shine through.

Cooking outside

The vegetables, fruits and spices that we grow at GlenMyu Estate are used as ingredients for what we cook for our guests.

Our menu consists of both Sri Lankan and Western fusion dishes. You can see what we offer by reading our menu.

Many of our guests enjoy the Sri Lankan cookery demonstration hosted by Ru and her mother.

It’s complimentary when our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Dining Alfresco

If there is one thing that is better outside, it is eating a delicious meal surrounded by nature.

Dining alfresco when the snow is on the ground in Northern Europe is one of the great memories guests have at GlenMyu Estate.

Is there anything better than eating outside?

Seeing what we grow

Fortunately, the climate in the Sri Lankan hill country means that we can grow a variety of crops at GlenMyu Estate.

Much of the produce is used in the dishes that we serve to our guests. As we do not use any chemicals or pesticides at the estate, you know that you are eating good organic food.

Ru regularly offers a garden tour for guests that are interested. It’s and enjoyable experience out in the fresh air discovering what fruits, vegetables and spices we grow on the estate.

When you need to spend time inside

Living in the Sri Lankan Hill country is amazing as the weather can change often and quickly.

One of the benefits about staying at GlenMyu Estate is that there is plenty of space to relax inside when the weather encourages you in.

We have been surprised on how much better the weather is in the hills. The result is that we have been able to spend a lot more of the year outside.

Fresh air, space, nature ...it's good for you

The combination of fresh air, space and being closer to nature makes you feel good.

We have found that many of our guests at GlenMyu Estate are energised and invigorated when they leave for their next destination.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Anything is better outside Read More »

A New Year's resolution - to swim every day.

Gardening followed by a swim

Holiday, Life in Sri Lanka, Natural Swimming Pool, Organic, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Gardening followed by a swim

After a hard days gardening at GlenMyu Estate, it is great to finish off the day with a swim in our natural pool.

You can imagine that with five acres of land there would be a lot of gardening to do.

We did not realise what we had taken on when we built GlenMyu Estate which is located in the beautiful Sri Lankan hill country.

If I had realised how much work was created by putting in so many grass pathways along with a lawn in front of the house and around the swimming pool, perhaps I would adopted another strategy!

The Garden at GlenMyu Estate

When GlenMyu Estate was purchased by Ru, it was overgrown and had not been touched for many years.
The land had been part of a larger tea estate and subsequently used for sugar cane production.

We didn’t realise that leaving the land fallow for so long would provide great quality topsoil that gave the items we planted a great start in their life.

The garden is still a work in progress. With five acres to manage, I believe it will always be a work in progress!

However, what we have created so far, has gone down very well with our guests.

We have tried to work with the landscape. If we push it too much we believe that nature will bite back. This has created a natural looking landscape which is where the gardens beauty really lies.

Our Swimming Pool at GlenMyu Estate

We love our swimming pool.

Surrounded by nature and for the exclusive use of the guests that stay at the estate, it really is a piece of paradise.

After spending a day gardening, it is a fabulous place to end the day easing the muscles I have used

Sometimes I swim twice a day, early morning and early evening.

It’s a remarkable experience and one that changes everyday. The light and the sounds of the birds is never the same. It’s one of the beautiful things living in the Sri Lankan Hill country where the weather changes so often.

A Healthy Lifestyle - gardening and swimming

I’m sure that my wife would like me to be a bit healthier. I always say that it took many years for me to end up with the body I deserved! It will take several years to get the body that we both would like.

I feel a little bit like the Tortoise in the story of the Tortoise and the Hare.

In the long run I will win!

A Garden Tour

Ru likes to offer a tour of the garden at GlenMyu Estate.

It is one of the things that our guests really enjoy.

You will see a variety of spices, fruits and vegetables that we grow.

Perhaps Ru will ask you to pick some vegetables or leaves that will be used in your evening meal!

I love the feedback after the garden tour. It makes all those hours I spend gardening worth it!

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Gardening followed by a swim Read More »

Jackfruit growing at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes / By Mikeez

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka.

These delicious fruits are a staple dish on our menu at our luxury bed and breakfast in the central hills of Sri Lanka.

I was delighted to return from my UK trip in October to see so many Jackfruits on the trees next to the lawn at GlenMyu Estate.

An island of many seasons

There are several different zones in Sri Lanka which give rise to different climates and growing conditions. Also, there are two major monsoons that affect different parts of the island during the year.

In the Sri Lankan hill country we have two drier seasons and two season where we have some much needed rain.

The weather patterns have changes due to global warming. However we normally have a dry spell from mid-June until mid-September.

Rains were late coming to GlenMyu Estate this year and our Jackfruit trees were quite bare!

When I returned, this is what I saw!

Before I left GlenMyu Estate for the UK at the beginning of October the tree had not delivered Jackfuits for around month.
I could see a few small shoots starting on the tree. But I was pessimistic that we would have a crop for our guests during the peak tourist season from December to April.

I was amazed, and very happy to see the number of fruits that had grown in less then three weeks.

As you can see, we should have plenty of Jackfruits during the season to make delicious dishes for our guests.

Keeping the food miles low

We are lucky to have some mature Jackfruit trees next to the lawn at GlenMyu Estate.

They provide an abundance of fruits which we use in dishes that we serve to our guests.

The food miles are about as low as you can get being around twenty metres from the kitchen!

What do we use Jackfruit for?

We mainly use Jackfruit for a curry which we serve along with the other elements in our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Most guests are surprised at how meaty the texture of the Jackfruit is when it is cooked. It is however a carbohydrate rather than a protein.

Therefore, we make sure that you get your protein from other dishes that are part of the Sri Lankan sharing platter.

We also make a Pulled Jackfruit Burger which is cooked in a barbecue sauce.

Lots of our guests have been surprised that it isn’t pulled pork as it has a similar texture.

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka -How we open the Jackfruit

Jackfruits are huge and heavy.

Once they have been cut from the tree they are a challenge to break open and get to the good stuff inside. There is also a sticky sap which makes it a tricky item to handle.

Sri Lankans are experts when it comes to opening the Jackfruit, as you can see from this video.

The Jackfruits aren't all ours!

Fortunately there are lots of Jackfruit on the tree. There are lots of animals that visit GlenMyu Estate that also love Jackfuit.

Monkeys, birds and squirrels are happy when they ripen.

Luckily there are enough fruits to share with the wildlife.

We have also planted lots of fruit trees on the edge of the estate which will feed the wildlife in the future.

Learn how to cook Jackfruit

When our guests order our Sri Lankan sharing platter, Ru’s mum happily provides a complimentary cooking demonstration.

She has over fifty years experience of Sri Lankan cooking and her food is delicious.

Our guests really enjoy the informal setting and give great reviews of the food after they have eaten their evening meal.

It commences at around 4 p.m and therefore is suitable if you are staying more that one night at GlenMyu Estate.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Jackfruits in Sri Lanka Read More »

Newly opened in 2021 - GlenMyu Resort, Hotel and B & B, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Inspired by Raymond Blanc

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Inspired by Raymond Blanc (and others!)

There are so many elements that inspired us as we developed GlenMyu Estate. Raymond Blanc, Geoffrey Bawa and Peter Kuruvita and many more.

Are there any unique ideas and new thinking? Aren’t most things a spur or inspiration from another idea?

Both my wife and I are humble creatures and are happy to deflect and shine the limelight elsewhere.

However, we do believe that we have created something unique in our little part of the Sri Lankan hill country.

The affect that our little paradise has on so many of our wonderful guests is amazing.
It inspires us to strive harder for everyone who stays with us.

Inspirations that live in my head and dreams

There are so many elements and people that have and continue to inspire us.

Nature now is a main driver as we aim to increase the level of biodiversity at the estate. Growing trees and plants that create a habitat and food for wildlife is our focus.

In order to meet the cost of our ambitions, we have three guest bedrooms that generate the income we require.

I am happy to admit that I have been inspired by Raymond Blanc. However, I’m a little embarrassed that one of the main places drove the inspiration is a place that I have never been.
Perhaps, some things are better left in our dreams.

There are elements of GlenMyu Estate that have been inspired by or influenced by many ideas my wife and I had over the years.

Sri Lanka’s influential architect was also an inspiration and elements of his style can be found at GlenMyu Estate. Again, I have never visited the Kandalama Hotel. I have only seen photos of it in the Bawa books that we own.

Peter Kuruvita is another inspiration for us. We believe that Sri Lankan food is not in the position that it should be as a world cuisine. The beautiful way that Sri Lankan food is presented, in his book Serendip, should be the standard. It would lift the food to another level.

Raymond Blanc - Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons

I just love the whole idea of Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons.

It is one of the reasons why I always tried to stay in the hotel where the reception of the many weddings that I attended over the years. The idea of having a good meal, function or just a good time, and being able to wander up the stairs to bed is my idea of luxury.

I did attend a few weddings where I stayed in a cheap B & B as close to the venue as I could. The frustration of waiting for a taxi to take me to inadequate accommodation was not worth the saving in cost.

At Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons the idea of arriving and having a Michelin Star meal in the early evening. Then retiring to a comfortable room, and knowing that a superb breakfast awaits in the morning is just heavenly.

Not a Michelin Star of Le Manoir aux Quat' Saisons

GlenMyu Estate does not and have, or aspire to achieve, a Michelin Star.

What we want to provide is a comfortable place to stay, with amazing freshly prepared meals. And, of course, a short distance to a comfortable bedroom.

Inspired by a great Sri Lankan architect (and others)

We bought several of Geoffrey Bawa’s books when we were living in London in our small flat.

They were beautiful pieces of art that were not studied, but dipped into from time to time.

As mentioned, I have not been to Kandalama Hotel.

However, you will see that we have incorporated several rocks inside the building at GlenMyu Estate.
Some were inspired by Bawa some were by accident, but Ruwanthi can explain this further when you meet her.

And Sri Lankan food

I say that I was brought up on South Indian and Bangladeshi curries when I was living in London. A staple “British Cuisine” and I loved them all.

However, when I tasted the curries made by my mother in law on my annual trips to Sri Lanka, I was amazed at the difference.

Most Sri Lankan curries use coconut oil as a base rather than Ghee. I feel that Sri Lankan curries have a cleaner taste than the “Indian” curries that I was used to eating in the UK. Rather than being smothered by a sauce (delicious of course) I could really taste the individual dishes in a Sri Lankan curry.

So many tears

Quite often there are tears in the eyes of our guests as they leave us to explore more of the wonderful island.

It’s emotional for us too.
We do get really attached to our guests in a short space of time.
They provide so much colour to our lives sharing their experiences of Sri Lanka, their home and lives.

We were moved recently when two separate German guests sent us messages and photos letting them know that they think back to the experience that they had at GlenMyu Estate.

Experiences reflected in our customer reviews

We are humbled very often by what our guests write about their stay with us.
Whether they have written their review on Booking.com, Airbnb, Tripadvisor or Google.

We are always amazed that they would take the time to write about their experience.
Surely, they have more important things to do!
We are so grateful and soak up the words which provide us with inspiration to make every guests stay as wonderful as we can.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and see what inspired us

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Inspired by Raymond Blanc Read More »

Cashew Sauce Recipe

Ru’s cashew sauce recipe from GlenMyu Estate.

Cashew Sauce Recipe

Our Cashew Sauce Recipe

At GlenMyu Estate we are happy to share our recipes.

Our guests love our cashew sauce.

Dipping our home-made roast paan into the sauce is a delight and taste that you will remember for a long time.

Cashew Sauce Recipe

We normally serve our cashew sauce with our mushroom or prawn dishes at GlenMyu Estate.

If you want to find out more about the food we serve please click on the link for our food menu below.

This is what Ali wrote when he stayed at GlenMyu Estate in July 2024.

Ali lives in Dubai and therefore has a good selection of cuisines at his doorstep. His words make us immensely proud.

“we ate the best food cooked by Ru. The food prepared by this lady is better than many food we have tasted in micheline star restaurants around the world”

(booking.com – July 2024)

Our guests love the food that we serve at GlenMyu Estate.

We are humbled when they write their reviews about their stay and how much they enjoyed what Ru and the team served them to eat. You can read the reviews on Booking.com, Airbnb, Google and Tripadvisor.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and sample our other recipes

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Cashew Sauce Recipe Read More »

Okra Salad Recipe

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, sri lankan recipes / By Mikeez

Okra Salad Recipe

Our Okra Salad Recipe

At GlenMyu Estate we are happy to share our recipes.
One of our guests from the USA loved it so much we published it.

So, if you liked this recipe please think your thanks to Janice from Los Angeles for inspiring us to publish our recipe.

Okra Salad Recipe

We normally serve our Okra Salad as an accompaniment to our Chilli and Garlic Prawns or Sesame Crusted Tuna dishes at GlenMyu Estate.

You can read more about the other food we serve got guests at the following link below.

This is what Ali wrote when he stayed at GlenMyu Estate in July 2024.

Ali lives in Dubai and therefore has a good selection of cuisines at his doorstep. His words make us immensely proud.

“we ate the best food cooked by Ru. The food prepared by this lady is better than many food we have tasted in micheline star restaurants around the world”

(booking.com – July 2024)

Our guests love the food that we serve at GlenMyu Estate.

We are humbled when they write their reviews about their stay and how much they enjoyed what Ru and the team served them to eat. You can read the reviews on Booking.com, Airbnb, Google and Tripadvisor.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and sample our other recipes

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Okra Salad Recipe Read More »

Best food in Sri Lanka

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, Traditional British Sunday Dinner, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Best food in Sri Lanka

The best food in Sri Lanka.

We are humbled by guests at GlenMyu Estate when they write in their reviews that we serve the best food in Sri Lanka.

Best food in Sri Lanka!

My wife and I are a little shy, introverted and don’t really like to blow our own trumpets.

Thankfully our guests at GlenMyu Estate are happy to let the world know what they think of the food that we serve.

Some of our guests have said that they have had the best food in Sri Lanka when they have stayed with us at GlenMyu Estate.

Humbled and immensely proud

We are humbled and immensely proud of the words that they write about us in their reviews.
They also tell their friends and we love it when we get recommendations from our guests.

I'll be back!

Some say that they will stay at GlenMyu Estate again when they visit Sri Lanka again on holiday. And they do!
We look after our returning guests with the best rates as they book directly with us.

Don't believe us?

Of course, it’s easy to write an article to lure you to our little piece of paradise in the Sri Lankan hill country.

However, once you get to know us, you will understand that we are genuine and just love having guests visit and enjoy everything we do at the estate.

Food is an important part of what we do and we believe an essential part of the hospitality at GlenMyu Estate.

Read all about it!

Our guests have no reason to write anything but the truth about their experience at GlenMyu Estate and their views on the food we serve.

We don’t say that we have the best food in Sri Lanka, but some of our guests do.

Snippets from our guests reviews

Here are some snippets from our reviews on Booking.com, Google and TripAdvisor.

Please have a look for yourself at the full reviews on the relevant sites.

Charlotte from the UK

(Booking,com) April 2024

“Some of the best food I’ve had the pleasure of eating ever (special shout to Ru’s coconut cake!)”

“The food was absolutely incredible! We never ate so deliciously during our entire vacation”.

Oleysa from Russia

(Booking.com) March 2024

Deimante – Belgium

(Google Review) April 2024

“Oh and the food! Great traditional food is made using ingredients from the garden”.

“All of the meals were outstandingly good using local fresh ingredients and produce”.

Barbara – UK

(TripAdvisor) March 2024

We don't want to be the best - we want everyone to deliver fabulous food in Sri Lanka

My wife and I ae not particularly competitive people. We love Sri Lanka and the smiles and stories that our guests relay when they arrive at GlenMyu Estate.

We love that they have had a great time and great food at other hotels and restaurants that they have stayed at before arriving here.

Sri Lankan food is delicious and we are really happy that it is getting more exposure from contestants in Masterchef. Both Brin Pirathapan and Savindri Perera have shone a light on Sri Lankan food in the 2024 series in the UK and Australia.

Find our more about what food we serve guests at GlenMyu Estate

As Ru lived in the UK for many years before returning to Sri Lanka and developing GlenMyu Estate, she likes to experiment with her dishes

You will find Egg Hoppers with a twist. Our Sri Lankan sharing platter includes a dish that it local to the area in the hill country

A Chicken Roast dinner - a reminder of back home

Although we do champion Sri Lankan food, we do have guests and residents in Sri Lanka that come to us for their traditional roast dinner.

Some tourists want to have something to remind them of home.

There are also lots of people from the UK living for part of the year in Sri Lanka. They have become regular visitors to sample Ru’s roast dinner. We also offer a plant based option for those that do not want to eat chicken.

An informal complimentary Sri Lankan cooking demonstration.

The dream team of Ru and her mum offer a complimentary informal cooking demonstration when guests order our sharing platter.

It’s a fun and informative experience which is conducted at our outside kitchen (weather permitting!).

As you can hear in this video, there is a lot of laughter accompanying the demonstration.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy our Sri Lankan food offering.

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Best food in Sri Lanka Read More »

Vegan desserts - Cinnamon and Pineapple Sorbet

Vegan friendly hotel in Sri Lanka

Accommodation, Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Vegan friendly hotel in Sri Lanka

A Vegan friendly hotel in Sri Lanka.

At GlenMyu Estate, Beragala, Sri Lanka we continue to develop our Vegan offerings to our guests.

Our menu is not fully Vegan, as we know that all of our guests are not ready for this.

However, as we increase the level of plant based dishes on our menu we find that more guests are selecting these options.

Our ice cream made without dairy and using unrefined sugar (locally sourced Kithul treacle) is becoming a favourite choice.

Inspired by Brin Pirathapan, the winner of UK Masterchef 2024, we are developing a new range of sorbets experimenting with great locally sourced ingredients.

Naturally plant based in Sri Lanka

We feel that we are already at an advantage in Sri Lanka when it comes to Vegan or Plant based food.

Sri Lanka has lots of Plant Based dishes in its’ normally repertoire of dishes.
You will find that lots of the staple Rice and Curries served on the island are vegan, vegetarian or plant based naturally.

We however suggest that you ask whether there is any meat, poultry or fish in the dishes that you order to avoid any hiccups!

GlenMyu Estate is based in the Sri Lanka hill country, just an hours drive from the tourist town of Ella.

Since we opened in 2022, GlenMyu Estate has continued to develop its’ Vegan friendly menu for our guests.

Fresh local ingredients ,make it easier.

This paradise island in the Indian Ocean provide a bounty of produce which makes it easier to provide plant based dishes for our guests.

The coconuts are amazing and are an important ingredient in lots of our dishes.

We are making more varieties of ice cream using coconut milk and our guests love it. Coconuts are sourced locally, some from our neighbours and scrape at least one coconut a day.

Plant based cakes

When our guests arrive in the early afternoon we like to offer them locally sourced organic tea along with a pice of cake.

Bibbikan is a traditional Sri Lankan coconut cake which is plant based. We also only use unrefined sugar making this guest favourite. Locally sourced Kithul Treacle makes this a special cake to enjoy at GlenMyu Estate.

Whats on the menu at GlenMyu Estate?

Our menus are changed and updated regularly.

For our current menu and prices please click on the following link.

Plant based breakfast options

From the local Sri Lankan rice porridge and healthy leaf drink to twists on Sri Lankan fusion dishes, breakfast is always enjoyable at GlenMyu Estate.

We make sure that our guests are set up for the day with a variety of dishes.

Some of our plant based starters and mains

Freshly made soups with homemade breads.

Delicious homemade pastas, Jackfruit dishes with the jackfruit picked from the trees next to the lawn and our sharing platter. Staying several days at GlenMyu Estate will not exhaust the choice of vegan and plant based dishes we have on our menu.

Sometimes you can accompany Ruwanthi in the garden to pick some of the produce that will be used in your meals.

Not just sorbet!

Desserts are an important part of being on holiday.

However, sometimes the only Vegan or Plant Based dessert options are just a sorbet!

We love sorbet and our Cinnamon and Pineapple sorbet is a favourite with guests but we have several other choices for you.

Catering for all our guests, whatever their dietary requirements,

It’s important for us at GlenMyu Estate to provide the best experience we can during their stay in Sri Lanka with us.

We do still offer some fish and chicken dishes on our menu to provide an alternative option.
What we do find, however, is that once our guests have tasted our Plant Based dishes, they are happy to have a meat free stay.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

See sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

Vegan friendly hotel in Sri Lanka Read More »

Sri Lankan Food on Masterchef

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, sri lankan recipes, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Sri Lankan Food on Masterchef

Sri Lankan Food on Masterchef.

Celebrating the success of Brin Pirathapan who won BBC Masterchef 2024, we find more Sri Lankan inspired chefs

Brin Pirathapan won BBC Masterchef 2024. His cooking is influenced by his Sri Lankan heritage.

There have been lots of Sri Lankan chefs compete in Masterchef in the UK and abroad. Australian Masterchef has seen the most number of competitors with Sri Lankan heritage.

Some chefs just love Sri Lankan cuisine and have made inspired dishes.

The food in Sri Lanka is wonderful and it’s great to see it being shown on the world stage through Masterchef.

In recognition of Brin’s success, here are some videos of other contestants and their dishes on Masterchef.

Add Your Heading Text Here

Savindri is another Australian Masterchef contestant who served Sri Lanka food.

You can see from these videos that she is also a great character.

Cooking Sri Lankan food for the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama was served Sri Lankan food by Dani Venn on Masterchef Australia.

You don’t have to be an adult to make Sri Lankan food.

Georgie made spicy Sri Lankan coconut curry in Junior Masterchef, Australia.

You don't have to be Sri Lankan to make Sri Lankan food

Many of the chefs on Masterchef have Sri Lankan heritage, however they are not the only ones to prepare Sri Lankan dishes.

There was an elimination round where the contestants had to identify twenty four ingredients in a Sri Lankan curry.

Dee, on Australian Masterchef, made a Sri Lankan crab curry and pineapple salad.

Enjoying Sri Lankan food on holiday in Sri Lanka

When you visit Sri Lanka you will have the opportunity to sample Sri Lankan food in restaurants, hotels and small cafes.

You may even get the chance to be invited into a Sri Lankan families home to enjoy a home cooked meal. Visiting a homestay during part of your exploration of the island is a good way to support a local family and eat with them.

Sri Lankan Street Food

Food in Sri Lanka is not all about the types of dishes served on Masterchef. Street food can be found all round the island.

Whether it is roti, paratha, egg hoppers or wade’s, you will have a culinary experience to remember.

Experience Sri Lankan cooking at our free cooking demonstration

At GlenMyu Estate, we offer a complimentary informal Sri Lankan cooking demonstration when you order our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

Ru’s mother, who has fifty plus years experience of cooking Sri Lankan food runs the show!

It’s a really enjoyable experience for our guests with the benefit of eating what you have seen made in the kitchen.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel and it will encourage us to post more videos of our cooking demonstrations at GlenMyu Estate.

Holiday in Sri Lanka and enjoy Sri Lankan Cuisine

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Sri Lankan Food on Masterchef Read More »

Freshly Baked Bread in the Morning

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Holiday, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, Traditional British Sunday Dinner, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Freshly Baked Bread in the morning.

One of the special things about staying at GlenMyu Estate on you holiday in Sri Lanka.

Our guests love it.

Ru and the team get up early and make a variety of breads, rolls and sweet buns to tempt you put of bed in the morning.

Something to look forward to on holiday

We find that our guests at GlenMyu Estate really look forward to a relaxing and lazy breakfast.

It’s important to Ru and the team that you get a nutritious start to the day.

If you plan to go out and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country you will be expending a bit of energy. There is nothing better to start you on your way with a great filling breakfast which will give you the energy to tackle your walk.

After eating a healthy and heart breakfast you can probably skip lunch and look forward to a delicious dinner in the evening.

What type of breads do we make and serve?

Sri Lankan Roast Paan (curry bread)

This bread is great for dipping into sauces and therefore is known as a curry bread.

We also serve roast paan with some of our evening meals as it’s great to dip into the sauces for our Chilli & Garlic Prawns or Mushrooms in Cashew Sauce dishes.

Baguettes

Although we are limited on the varieties of flour that we can purchase in Sri Lanka we do make a good quality baguette.

Brioche – our version

One of the things that our French and German guest really enjoy is the brioche that we make at GlenMyu Estate. I love it when I see a French guest dip the brioche into their cup of Sri Lankan coffee.

Rolls and rolls

We make a variety of rolls for breakfast, some with wholemeal flour, some mixed or white baps.

Different days, different breads

It’s great if you are staying two days or more as Ru changes what types of bread she makes each day.

Other breads for other meals

Ru and the team also make ciabatta and focaccia which accompany some of the meals on our dinner menu.

It would not be right to serve an Italian style bread with our homemade Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli or our Mushroom Risotto.

You can see our current food menu by clicking the following link.

What about Sourdough?

Ru does make a sourdough bread occasionally.

If we know a guest has some dietary restrictions and we have enough notice ahead of time we have made sourdough rolls and loafs for our guests.

It's not all about the breads.....but

A stay at GlenMyu Estate is not all about the food we serve, however it’s a really important part of your stay.

If you read our reviews on Google, Booking.com and Airbnb you will regularly see Ru being complimented on her food.

Here is a taste! of what our guests say.

Oh and the food! Great traditional food is made using ingredients from the garden

The smell of fresh baked bread in the morning was enough to get us out of bed, and we looked forward to every evening meal, with ingredients straight from the garden.

the food was seriously divine (I’m still dreaming of the cinnamon scrolls

Stay at GlenMyu Estate, enjoy the food and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Freshly Baked Bread in the Morning Read More »

Amma's Sri Lankan sharing platter. Plant-Based Food

Favourite meal in Sri Lanka.

Cookery Courses, Food and Drink, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

Our guests' favourite meal in Sri Lanka.

Our guests’ favourite meal in Sri Lanka?

I think that this is our guests’ favourite meal in Sri Lanka. There are lots of dishes that we prepare for guests at GlenMyu Estate that we hear sounds of delight and praise.

The food is great. It is mainly prepared with the most local fresh ingredients that we can source. As a result, many of our dishes fall within the plant based, vegetarian and vegan categories.

What is our guests' favourite meal in Sri Lanka?

Well, I think that it is our Sri Lankan sharing platter.

There are lots of reasons why I think that it our guests’ favourite meal in Sri Lanka.

Some of our guests may disagree, as there are so many meals that Ru and the team create that are delicious.

However, maybe I’m a little biased, as I love our Sri Lankan sharing platter so much that I limit how often I eat it!

Why is it our guests' favourite meal in Sri Lanka.

There are several factors that make our Sri Lankan sharing platter special for our guests.

One of the main reasons is the memory you get from the whole experience.

Normally when we prepare the dishes, Ru’s mother offers a free Sri Lankan cookery demonstration.

Ru’s mum has been cooking for so many years that it’s hard to count. Her husband loves her food and that has been one major joy in their relationship. It’s funny when I ask Ru’s father “How was your lunch?” when someone other than his wife was the chef. The normal response is “It’s okay”.

This is not the most positive response!

In the past when Ru has cooked for him, he has been known to say “Ask your mother how you should cook this”.

I have found that there is little tact and diplomacy in Sri Lanka in these matters and straight talking in the norm!

An entertaining afternoon.

Ru’s mums’ Sri Lankan cooking demonstration normally starts around 4.30 p.m.

The other staff help out by preparing some of the ingredients including chopping the vegetables, preparing the coconut milk and grinding the kollu.

The cooking demonstration adds to the experience.

By participating in the Sri Lankan cookery demonstration (yes you may get your hands dirty!) it adds to the overall experience.

Seeing how your food is prepared and cooked before being delivered to the table appears to add to the flavour of the dishes. I think that guests feel part of the experience.

By the way, the Sri Lankan sharing platter is delicious.

Ru’s mum is really a great Sri Lankan cook. The years of experience come out in the dishes she prepares. Not only are the dishes great tasting, they are also a balanced meal providing you with protein, carbohydrates and vegetables.

There is no meat or fish in our Sri Lankan sharing platter unless you want something on the side) and it is enjoyed by both meat and non meat eaters.
The range of flavours and textures in the dishes means that you replay don’t need any meat or fish with this meal.

It is served with either rice or paratha and you will definitely leave the table full!

Make your own mind up!

Perhaps you will disagree with me and your favourite meal in Sri Lanka at GlenMyu Estate will differ from mine.

We hope to see you in Sri Lanka and have the opportunity to let us know.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and enjoy delicious food when you are on holiday.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Favourite meal in Sri Lanka. Read More »

Registration for Veganuary 2024 is open.

Food and Drink, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Plant Based Menu, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking / By Mikeez

Registration for Veganuary 2024 is open.

Exciting new!- Registration for Veganuary 2024 opened on the 5th December 2023!

You can click on the Veganuary website to register.

It’s quick and easy so there are no obstacles for you to not dip your toes in!

What is Veganuary?

Veganuary is a non-profit organisation that encourages people worldwide to try vegan for January and beyond.

The idea was started ten years ago by a couple whilst sitting at their table in a house in Yorkshire, England.

You can watch the video which was recently released “It’ll never catch on”.

Millions of people have signed up to their one-month vegan pledge since 2014.

You can read more about the organisation at theier website.

Are you going to register for Veganuary 2024?

Lots of us like to make New Years Resolutions. I have made many over the years and have failed.

Registering for Veganuary doesn’t mean that you are going to change your food choices to vegan.

Throughout the year, Veganuary encourages and supports people and businesses alike to move to a plant-based diet. It is a way of protecting the environment, preventing animal suffering, and improving the health of millions of people.

Even if you trying Veganuary in 2024 results in you eating more plant based meals during the year, that will be a success.

So, why not register and give it a go?

I don't think I'll like Vegan food.

Maybe you haven’t tried Vegan or plant based food before. There are so many options nowadays compared to when I was growing up.

In the supermarkets there are a lot of ready meals available from companies like Bosh which are worth trying. They even have a TV channel where you can follow some of their recipes.

The Veganuary website has lots of recipes to try.

Browsing the Veganuary website there are lots of tools so that you can try cooking some vegan food yourself at home.

There is a Free Cookbook for you to download, recipes and there are Veganuary Ambassadors who hopefully will provide you with some encouragement and inspiration to try vegan dishes.

Christmas is coming - you can still try plant based food.

You may think that you can’t eat anything but a traditional Christmas Dinner over the festive period.

ASDA supermarket has released ASDA Vegan Christmas Options 2023: A Complete Guide which shows a plant based options for festive period. TESCO, Marks & Spencers Sainsbury’s and ALDI have also released vegan options for the period.

Plant Based Restaurants.

There have been lots of Plant Based restaurants that have opened in recent years providing you with another way to try vegan food.

Also, more restaurants are providing one or two vegan options which means that you can still eat in a normal eatery.

LA.Eater reported that singer “Billie Eilish and her producer brother Finneas, are backing a New Vegan Italian Restaurant in Silver Lake”.

In April 2023 , Formula One racing car driver Lewis Hamilton co-founder of Neat Burger opened its’ first US restaurant in New York City.

You can find a list of the best Vegan friendly restaurants in an article by Plant Based News.

Lots of options - so lets give it a go!

Clearly, there are lots of options for you to give plant based food a try, so we encourage you to give it a go. By registering for for Veganuary 2024 you can make your first step.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and try our plant based food options.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and also try the plant based options we offer on our food menu.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Registration for Veganuary 2024 is open. Read More »

The Veganuary Story

Food and Drink, Organic, Our food menus at GlenMyu Estate, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lankan Cooking, sri lankan recipes, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Vegan, Vegetarian / By Mikeez

The Veganuary Story

The premiere of the “The Veganuary Story” took place on Friday the 17th November 2023.

We watched the video and learnt a lot about where and when the idea for Veganuary came from.
It is amazing of how a an idea discussed at a kitchen table in Yorkshire, England has developed in a moment and an idea that such a large amount of the UK population knows about. Starting with around 3,300 participants in 2013 the numbers now are really phenomenal.

Now an international movement it was great to hear how strong Veganuary is in Germany. The US and South American is a vast market where the Veganuary team is making significant inroads.

Veganuary is supported by a range of well known Ambassadors including musician Sir Paul McCartney, wildlife presenter Chris Packham , Author and Poet Benjamin Zephaniah and Actor Evanna Lynch which helps highlight the cause.

We don’t want to spoil your enjoyment of this video and would recommend that you click on the video below to watch the program for yourself.

Watch the Veganuary Story - YouTube Video

We would also recommend that you subscribe to the Plant Based News You Tube channel as there was subsequently a question and answer session which I am unable to post on this article. There is also the Plant Based Website for more information.

GlenMyu Estate and our Veganuary Story

Like many other mentioned in this video we had an awareness of Veganuary. Well done to the Veganuary team!

Sri Lanka is an easy country to be a Vegan or Vegetarian as much of the local cuisine is plant based.

Having come to Sri Lanka from the UK we were more confident with the sources and quality of the the produce we eat there.
Also, eating meat was convenient, easy and affordable.

We were sceptical about the conditions and the treatment of animals here and we could not be sure that they were free range and organic. Our thoughts were not as a result of seeing evidence of bad practices ourselves and there may well be good organic producers that treat their animals well.

However, the simple solution to this was to reduce our meat, poultry and fish consumption and we moved naturally to a plant based diet.

Ru was able to experiment with the organic produce we grow at the estate. Over time, she has also developed contacts with good suppliers of mushrooms, vegetables (that we can’t grow) and fruits. And, actually Tofu can be delicious if it is cooked the right way.

After a while, we didn’t miss eating meat and really prefer to eat mainly a plant based diet.

One step at a time.

Ultimately, we would really like to only offer Vegetarian and Vegan cuisine.

Our plan is the fully establish the business, have enough guests write reviews about the Vegetarian and Vegan food we serve which will give us enough confidence to remove the fish and chicken items from our menu.

Until then we need to offer alternatives to our guests.

The good news is that when we serve our Vegetarian and Vegan options to our guests they are wowed and happy to choose their next meals from those menus.

Read our articles about our Vegan food and Veganuary.

Find out more about Veganuary

You can find out more about Veganuary and try some Vegan dishes yourself from the recipes on the Veganuary website.

Vegan Social Media Influencer in Sri Lanka.

Recently social media influencer Maya from @FitGreenMind visited Sri Lanka. She travelled around the island and found out more about Vegan cooking and the cuisine in Sri Lanka.

You can watch the interview by Good Life X here.

Holiday in Sri Lanka at GlenMyu Estate.

Ideally located to take day trips to Ella, Nine Arch Bridge, Upper Dityaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Horton Plain National Park and many more.

A luxury Bed & Breakfast with only three bedrooms with spectacular views of the Sri Lankan countryside.

We are listed on Booking.com and Airbnb however, please contact us directly by WhatsApp for our best direct rates. (WhatsApp 94 752 999 272).

The Veganuary Story Read More »

Sleep well on holiday in Sri Lanka in the Mango bedroom

India and Sri Lanka – living with Nature

Holiday, Organic, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Travel / By Mikeez

India and Sri Lanka - living in harmony with nature.

Both India and Sri Lanka have cultures of living in harmony with nature. In addition to providing an excellent experience for our guests, living and being closer with nature is one of our main aims at GlenMyu Estate.

A statement at the UN Biodiversity Summit in 2020.

In an article from the Hindustan Times (Oct 1st 2020) it was reported that Prakesh Javadekar, when delivering a speech at the Biodiversity Summit at the UN, stated that “India has a culture of harmony living with nature”.

He states that “Since time immemorial, India has a culture of not just conserving and protecting nature, but living in harmony with it”.

He added “As enshrined in our Vedic scripts ‘Prakriti Rakshati Rakshita’ that is if you protect nature, nature will protect you” .

Tree cover had been significantly increased and animals had been protected.

Mr Javedekar held the post of Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change at that date.

Restoring degraded and deforested land.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that India aims to restore 26 million hectares of degraded and deforested land and achieve land-degradation neutrality by 2030.

If these targets can be achieved they must be applauded.

We, in Sri Lanka are doing our bit as well.

On a smaller scale there are people and organisations in Sri Lanka working towards restoring environments for nature to thrive and for lands to be restored. Of course not everyone sings on the same hymn sheet and there are huge challenges to make a significant difference.

There is always going to be a battle between conservation and development. We know what side we favour.

Hopefully, a combination of individual effort, awareness and education will encourage others to follow suit.

The concern about Global Warming and the extreme weather and catastrophes we have seen around the planet in recent years means a change in focus is both critical and urgent.

Restoration of the land at an abandoned tea estate.

GlenMyu Estate was formerly part of the much larger Viharagalla Estate. When Ru purchased the land it had been a tea estate and then a sugar cane estate. We understand that the product of sugar cane became unviable and it was abandoned.

There was apparently lots of prospective buyers that looked at the land over the years but did not think it was worth purchasing.

Ru made a brave decision to purchase the 5 acres which was mainly inhabited by Guinea Grass which is used as quick growing cow fodder. There were various trees spread around the land but the Guinness grass was the main resident.

Initially Ru wanted to build a holiday home for herself and the family to use. It was only whilst cleaning selected areas that the land started to reveal what it could become. There were lots of ideas and decisions made and changed before the site for the holiday home would be placed.

What to do with the five acres?

We were fortunate to meet our neighbours, some of wheat been developing their own properties with a view to living with nature. One neighbour has developed a diverse forest over the last thirty years and that were able to give us advice about what to plant and what works in this area. They also provided us with saplings and alerted us to SALT (Sloping Agriculture Land Technology) to secure the slopes and retain our valuable topsoil.

Another neighbour developed an Analog Forest over thirty plus years at Belipola which is around thirty kilometres from GlenMyu Estate. They have developed training programs so that others can follow their example.

Dr Ranil Senanayake gave us great advice on what to plant to encourage the return of wildlife to the land. He was also able to identify what creatures were already residing at the property.

A change of plans.

As the house developed into a larger property than we planned and we also particularly liked the climate here, our plan for GlenMyu Estate changed.

We decided in order to live with nature we would not overdevelop the land and provide a habitat for animal life whilst operating a hotel which could fund the development and maintenance of the estate. The land would become a place where guests could come and reconnect with nature. We realised that having lived in a city for many years that we were detached from nature. The development of GlenMyu Estate would allow us and our guests to reconnect.

Providing food and and a safe habitat for animals became part of the plan. The creation of a food forest on the land, the produce of which would be used to feed ourselves, our guests and the animals.

You will see when you visit GlenMyu Estate that we have planted Jackfruit trees, Mango Trees, Avocado Trees and many other food trees and plants. They are at a distance from the house where we will not be able to harvest the crop and therefore they will be food for the birds, animals and insects that are part of the local biodiversity settles on the land.

It's important that we do not use chemicals.

We do not use any chemicals or pesticides on the land at GlenMyu Estate. Although we do not have certification (as we feel there is no need) you can see from some of the insects that visit the land that we are not using chemicals. We have various, beautiful, dragon flies and in the evenings you will most likely see fireflies lighting up the night sky.

Dragonflies are a good indicator of a clean environment according to a Earthbuddies in their article “Dragonfly, The Environmentally Important Fairy-Like Insect“.

Springer state that “A major cause of the decline (in the number of Dragonflies) has been suggested to be the use of systemic insecticides” in their article “Chlorantraniliprole application differentially affects adult emergence of Sympetrum dragonflies in rice paddy fields”.

How did it turn out?

Have we managed to live with nature?

We have found the the development of the five acres at GlenMyu Estate will always be work in progress rather than something that it completed.

Working with nature means that you will not always plant the right tree in the perfect place for it. A porcupine may visit the land during the night and dig up and destroy some of your work. The unpredictable weather patterns have meant that we were unable to plant saplings when we had planned to. We have realised that you should work with the environment rather than push it. This means that we have to be patient.

Since starting the hotel we have had to take some staff away from working on the land so that they can service our guests.

In summary, we have made a lot of progress and are happy with where we are in our plan, but there is always more to do.

The view from the lounge — The remarkable view from the main lounge at GlenMyu Estate, Beragala, Haputale Sri Lanka.

The views around the Estate - Creativity on holiday — Combining and Off Grid Holiday with a Luxury Stay

It’s Good for the Soul when you wake up to a view like this.

A view of the patio and seating at GlenMyu Estate, Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka. — Al Fresco eating at GlenMyu Estate, Hotel, Bed and Breakfast, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Getting the balance right.

It is a challenge getting the balance right between living with nature and generating income from the hotel. Historically the period between mid December and Mid April has been the peak tourist season in Sri Lanka. During these months our main focus is to provide the best experience for our guests. It is a drier part of the year and therefore not the time to plant around the estate.

As the number of tourists visiting the island reduce and there is more rain we change our main focus towards planting and developing our food forest.

Sri Lanka Tourism has an ambitious target to increase the tourist numbers to seven million by 2030. This is a huge increase from the target of 1.55 million for 2023.

We have seen an increase in tourist numbers outside the normal tourist season.

Sri Lanka is actually an all year round destination as visiting the East Coast and Jaffna is from April to December when the South West Monsoon hits the country.

The beaches on the east side of the country are beautiful and have a different feeling than those on the south and west coasts.

Living with Nature - good for the mind body and soul.

Our guests really enjoy their stay at GlenMyu Estate and especially when Ru takes them around the garden. Reconnecting with nature and getting to know where a large part of the food that they will eat whilst they are here is a joy. Knowing that you are going to eat organic healthy food that has been picked from the garden provides a sense of wellbeing.

We can see that when our guests get closer to nature it really is good for their mind body and soul.

I was reading about the idea behind the Scandinavian word “friluftsliv” and the love of the outdoors and feel that we have inadvertently created this environment for our visitors.

If you want to read about what our guests say about their stay at GlenMyu Estate please read our reviews on Booking.com, Airbnb, TripAdvisor and Google.

A little bit of luxury and getting closer to nature.

We have provided comfortable bedrooms and lounges with spectacular views of the Sri Lankan countryside at GlenMyu Estate. Space to roam and a Natural Spring Fed Swimming Pool to get some exercise surrounded by a sea of green allows you to immerse in nature.

Lots of our guests explore the fabulous sights within an hours drive from the estate. However, many change their plans and stay the whole day at the estate rather than battle with the other tourists to see Nine Arch Bridge.

We love it when guests stay at the estate as it is a reflection of what we have created.

GlenMyu Estate is still a work in progress – and nature will mean that it always will be. We hope that guests that stay with us now will return again and again to see the trees and plants grow and change the landscape. Several of our guests have planted Lemon Trees, Avocado Trees and other species. This allows our guests to be part of the development of the estate.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate and connecting with nature.

You can find our more about GlenMyu Estate at our website and contact us by WhatsApp to inquire about direct booking rates.

We have social media channels where you can remotely see what we are doing at the estate.

India and Sri Lanka – living with Nature Read More »

Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration

Food and Drink, Organic, Recipes, Sri Lanka, Sri Lankan Cooking / By Mikeez

Cooking Holidays in Sri Lanka

At GlenMyu Estate Hotel we offer our guests a free informal Sri Lankan Cooking demonstration. It’s not quite a cooking course however our guests take notes and try some of the recipes out once they get back home.

Sri Lanka is a culinary Paradise!

The local ingredients picked from fertile land, combined with spices brought to the Island by Portuguese, Dutch and British colonists and the influence of Arab, Malay and Indian flavours, over several centuries, has resulted in a special cuisine where there are subtle differences around the Island.

Being a port on the silk route we should not be surprised that traders brought a wide range of produce that has been immersed into the local dishes.

Although the Island is small, (similar inside to Ireland), the growing conditions and local weather in different part of the isle means that the North, South, East and West all have different tastes and interpretations of the food they offer.

It’s not all about chilli peppers!

There are so many spices, fruits and vegetables that grow well in the Island that your plate is not just about getting a hit from one of the variety of chilli peppers grown here

Sri Lanka reputedly grows the best Cinnamon in the World and this is an ingredient that you will find in many dishes.

Cloves, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Pepper, Chillies, and Vanilla are just some of the spices that are grown on the land at GlenMyu Estate and are used in the dishes we offer on our menu.

Here are a few pictures of some of the produce that we are growing in the garden.

To find out more about GlenMyu Estate, Haputale please click on the following link.

Join in with the cooking at GlenMyu Estate

We don’t run an official Sri Lankan Cooking course at the Estate but we have found that many of our guests are interested in Sri Lankan cooking.

We provide an informal Sri Lankan Cooking demonstration where we encourage our guests to join in.

Ruwanthi will take you around the garden to pick some of the organic produce that will be used as ingredients for some of the dishes.

On returning to the kitchen you will be asked to join in preparing the dishes by our dynamic duo Ruwanthi and her mother. We also will have other workers that assist and help with preparing the ingredients and dishes.

Jackfruit is picked from the trees on the estate and is one of the ingredients for the Sri Lankan sharing platter. This is a dish we regularly demonstrate in our informal cookery course.

Our cooking demonstration is informal and you will have the opportunity to watch the dishes being made and Ru will explain about the ingredients we use. Don’t worry, there is no test at the end of the demonstration, just a lovely meal.

It has been known however, for Ru to hand you a pestle and mortar and get you to work helping to prepare a dish!

Our Sri Lankan Sharing Platter - a guest favourite!

The Sri Lankan sharing platter is a vegetarian selection of Sri Lankan curries which vary depending on the availability of fresh produce. We normally run our informal Sri Lankan Cookery course and demonstration when guests order this meal.

Typically it includes a Jackfruit Curry (Great protein!), Aubergine Curry, Plantain Curry, Malum (green healthy leaves) and a salad.

We serve the Sri Lankan Sharing platter with homemade Paratha or with rice for our Vegan guests.

Ru’s mum is a master with the knife and here she is cutting a banana flower which is one of the ingredients of her curries.

Ru lived in London for around sixteen years and is therefore experienced in cooking to a Western palette. She is fully aware that the level of Chillies and Pepper added to the dishes has to be pared down significantly for most of our guests.

However, here is Ru missing her mother putting in a little bit too much chilli during the informal Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration and course!

It's not all about Sri Lankan Curries!

Ru makes her own fresh pasta for another favourite dish of mine and the guests – Roasted Pumpkin Ravioli.

In effect you may end up picking and cooking your evening meal.

We are always delighted if guests want to join in and we encourage them to do so.

If you end up making a dish or two when you get home it really warms our hearts!

Find our more about a stay at GlenMyu Estate

We only have three bedrooms so we can be booked out quite early in certain time of the year so if you wish to book please try to book early.

We are listed on Booking.com and Airbnb however please contact on the WhatsApp button on our website for the best rates.

Sri Lankan Cooking Demonstration Read More »

Vegan Recipes our Guests Love

Cookery Courses, Organic, Recipes, Ru's Recipes, Sri Lanka, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Vegan / By Mikeez

Vegan Recipes at GlenMyu Estate

At GlenMyu Estate we have adapted our menus to reflect our guests tastes and requirements. We have been surprised and delighted that we have had so many guests that are Vegan since we opened in late 2022. Our guests enjoy the Vegan recipes that Ru cooks for them and here are some Vegan Recipes that our guests love.

Why Vegan?

Well, I guess we have to move with the times. In order to care for the planet, use locally produced ingredients and change to a more healthy lifestyle is reason enough.

We don’t profess to be a Vegan venue and will always cater for the range of guests that visit GlenMyu Estate, however, we have found that there is a growing demand for Vegetarian or Vegan food.

It’s amazing that, when we have a pair of guests, one Vegan or Vegetarian and one that eats meat, after sampling the Vegan or Vegetarian food that we serve then often the request is for non meat from then on.

Another reason for concentrating on Vegan and Vegetarian food is that we grow organic produce at the 5 acre estate and we like to serve food with ingredients that is as fresh and tasty as we can.
We don’t have the ability to serve everything we need from the garden however it is important to us to support local producers and help the local economy.

Other options are available!

We still serve fish or chicken if our guests request this. As we are and Island surrounded by water it would be wrong for us not to offer a seafood option.

Our aim at GlenMyu Estate.

Our aim however, if we can make it economically viable is to mainly cater to Vegan and Vegetarian clients in the future. We would hope that our non vegetarian guests would be happy to forego meat as the food is so tasty. So, I guess that it is over to you! If we have mainly Vegan or Vegetarian guests and can make it work we will be able to achieve our aim.

Nevertheless, we aim to make GlenMyu Estate the go-to place in Sri Lanka for fabulous Vegan and Vegetarian food.

Great ingredients in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is a country that is abundant in vegetables, fresh fruits, herbs and spices. That is why Sri Lanka is a great destination choice for Vegans and Vegetarians. Rice and Curry is a staple meal in Sri Lanka.

There are many variations of Sri Lankan Vegetable curry and the ingredients will vary from house to house, restaurant to restaurant and hotel to hotel.

We provide garden tours at GlenMyu Estate so you can see where the ingredients is sourced from.

There are some classic Sri Lankan recipes that you will find on your travels around the Island. You will find that there may be slight differences to recipes and tastes around the country. I have found that Parripu (Dhal Curry/Red Lentil Curry) changes in density and taste depending upon who makes the curry and what additional ingredients they use.

Varieties of Rice

In Sri Lanka there is a large variety of types of rice which also changes the taste of your meal. Back in the UK we would normally buy Basmati Rice, Long Grain or Brown Rice (or Arborio when making Risotto).

In Sri Lanka you will come across healthy Red Rice, Rose Rice and White Rice in most shops.

Varieties include:

Suwendel.
Kuruluthuda wee.
Madathawalu.
Sulai.
Murungakayan.
Pachaperumal.

Each type of rice brings a different texture and taste to your dish.

You can read more about the different types of rice in Sri Lanka in the following link.

Guest favourites at GlenMyu Estate Hotel

Here are some of the Vegan recipes that our guests love at GlenMyu Estate.

Ru keeps experimenting with new recipes from ingredients grown on the 5 acre estate so there will be more exciting meals to sample in the future at GlenMyu Estate.

Sri Lankan Vegetarian Sharing Platter

Although this meal is called Vegetarian, it is actually Vegan.

This is the most popular choice for our guests that stay with us at GlenMyu Estate, whether they are Vegan, Vegetarian or meat eaters.

Ru’s mother is the main chef preparing this meal and she regularly does a complimentary cooking demonstration which our guests love. Some even get involved on the cooking themselves.

The Sri Lankan sharing platter dishes vary depending upon what ingredients are available from the garden and to purchase from local suppliers.

Normally it would include one or two types of Jackfruit curry, Aubergine (Eggplant) curry, Banana curry, Kohlu (a lentil curry), Mallum and a fish tasting salad.

The platter is normally served with Parathas which are wonderful for dipping into the different dishes and soaking up the gravy.

Complimentary Cooking Demonstration.

A guest cooking with Ru’s mother.

Find our more about a stay at GlenMyu Estate Hotel

We are listed on Airbnb and Booking.com.

See our Food menus.

Our food menus are regularly updated on our website.

Please visit our food menus at this link.

Mushrooms in Cashew Sauce

Another favourite dish which has a taste of this Tropical Island.

Abalone or Oyster mushrooms (whatever is available locally and fresh) in a creamy cashew sauce served with green beans and a fresh side salad.

Breads are also served and a delicious soaked in the cashew sauce ensuring the cleanest of plates.

Roasted Pumkin Ravioli.

Handmade Ravioli stuffed with roasted pumpkin served with tile bread and red pepper salsa.

Ru is happy to show you how she makes the Ravioli from scratch.

Ru Making pasta at GlenMyu Estate.
Please subscribe to her channel Ru’s Recipes for more videos and YouTube Shorts.

Vegan Mac and Cheese

Macaroni serves with Cashew Cheese.

Mushroom Risotto

A classic mushroom risotto.

Pulled Jackfruit Burger.

Jackfruit harvested from the garden in a Barbecue Sauce served with chunky chips and fresh crispy salad.

The chips will be made with potato or sweet potato depending upon what is available.

Soups, Soups, Soups

Although we are on a Tropical Island sometimes there is nothing better than a hearty soup.

The temperatures in the Hill Country of Sri Lanka get cooler in the evenings and therefore a warming soup accompanied;anied with freshly made bread is a really comforting light evening meal.

Our favourites are:

Carrot & Ginger – a touch of ginger really adds to that warming taste.

Roasted Pumpkin – we love pumpkin. When it is roasted and blended it makes a delicious soup.

Leek and Potato – another homey staple that is a simple winner with our guests.

We have Vegan Desserts too!

Sometimes you just need sweetness to finish a delicious meal.

Fresh Fruits with Vegan Ice Cream – A simply classical dessert.

Pineapple and Cinnamon Sorbet – Locally sourced Pineapple and Cinnamon from the garden at GlenMyu Estate.

Baked Banana, Banana Sorbet topped with Caramelised Cashew Nuts – naughty be soo, so nice.

Rice pudding with freshly cut oranges – Mandarin oranges sourced from our garden.

We are listed on Airbnb and Booking.com.

Read our reviews - see what our guests think of our food.

Our guests love the food that we serve. Please see our reviews on Booking.Com, Airbnb, Google and TripAdvisor.

Homemade breakfast with freshly baked bread and jam every day in addition to fresh fruit and local specialities. The dinners are simply fantastic and made with love from mostly local ingredients

Food: ....THE FOOD!! Ruwanthi and her mother's cooking is beyond delicious, the best food I've ever had? I think so yes!

The food is exceptional, with products directly grown in the garden.

Vegan Recipes our Guests Love Read More »

Garden Tour

Ayurvedic medicine and plants, Organic, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By Mikeez

Garden Tour around GlenMyu Estate

At GlenMyu Estate we find that one of the highlights for our guests is to enjoy a relaxed and informal garden tour around the 5 acre estate.

We are continuously landscaping parts of the estate and we see it as a forever work in progress. It’s enjoyable experimenting with different fruits, vegetables, spices, trees and other plants to see what works in different areas around the land.

Our aim is to reinstate many endemic plants and trees in conjunction with developing a fruit forest. We want to encourage more wildlife to come and live and forage on the land.

Guests enjoying the garden at GlenMyu Estate.

The fruits, vegetables and spices that we grow on the estate are used as ingredients for the dishes Ru serves to our guests. You will see that we have planted all around the 5 acre estate so that the wildlife can eat some of the produce in a peaceful environment.

It’s amazing how quickly some of the plants grow and some of our Avocado, Jackfruit, Clove and Mango trees have been established over a few years.

We have made pathways around the estate which makes it safe and easy to walk and enjoy the surroundings. There are part of the land which are quite steep so you can get a bit of a workout on your walk during your garden tour.
There are several places to sit, rest and enjoy the surroundings whilst listening to nature provide its’ background music.

A little bit of history to the Land.

GlenMyu Estate was originally part of the much larger Viharaghalla Tea estate and our 5 acres was abandoned many years ago. It was subsequently used as a sugar cane estate. We understand that this ceased when the government started importing cheaper sugar cane making it unviable enterprise for a previous owner of the land.

A lot has changed.

The current owner, Ru (my wife), bought the land almost 20 years ago. It was a real gamble as we could not navigate the 5 acres as it was totally overgrown. It was also raining when we viewed the property and, unprepared for rain, we only ventured in around 200 metres.
Despite not seeing much of the property, the decision was made to go ahead with the purchase, at least to get a foothold in the area.

Although we looked for other lands to buy around the country, something kept bringing us back to Beragala. We eventually fell in love with the area and the search for something better was over.

If you saw the land, overgrown with Guinea Grass (used as cow fodder) and looking like a jungle, you may well have asked “What have you done”.
However Ru felt that the climate, the availability of water and electricity was at least something positive about the land.

There were some large established trees on the land also which were regularly used by monkeys as their playground.

The Climate

What I love about GlenMyu Estate and this little piece of the Hill Country is the climate. Sri Lanka doesn’t have seasons like were experienced in Europe, however it does have 2 monsoon seasons.

Fortunately for GlenMyu Estate, we are located in a place where we don’t experience the full wrath of either monsoon and are in the Inter-Monsoon area.

It you visit one of the many weather websites you can see that Beragala or Viharagala has an average annual temperature in of 21.3 °C (70.4 °F). The annual rainfall is 1652 mm ( 65.0 inch).

You can see the weather forecast for Beragala at Meteologix or for Viharagala at JustWeather.

Why I love it at GlenMyu Estate!

For me, most of the year is like a reasonable English Summer and I can be in shorts and a t-shirt all year round. We do have some rainier periods (Mid-April until Mid-June and Mid-September until Mid-December) which helps with the garden and the planting we do.

Climate change however, appears to have had some affect on the normal wetter and drier periods and we can never be certain when the weather will change.

Developing the garden

My wife and I don’t have much experience of developing a garden. And, we certainly didn’t think we were capable of making something that would be of such interest to our guests.

Fortunately, along with the internet and a few books, we have some wonderful neighbours who held our hands part of the way. Some of our neighbours have been living in the area for 40 years, some are botanists and some have developed forests. We fell we are very lucky to have such an abundance of resources and knowledge locally.

The Plant Nurseries (both private and government run) have also been very helpful in providing advice.
There is also a great Ayurvedic Plant Nursery in Haldumulla who supplied many of the endemic plants we are re-introducing to the land.

Also, you will find that the older generation of Sri Lankans have a good knowledge of plants, where they grow and what benefits (including medicinal) they have.

Sometimes nature tells you what you can plant by establishing certain types of trees and plants in the land. We have learnt by trying something in one place and mother nature lets us know whether it will work or not.

Protecting the top soil and securing the slope

As we are in the hill country and there are periods where the rain can be heavy there can be small land slips. One of the most important things we have done is to secure the slopes by planting trees to ensure that the ground has a strong foothold.
One of our neighbours alerted us to creating hedgerows on the land along contour lines which helps stabilise the land.
You can read more about SALT technology on this article by International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD)

What will you see on the garden tour at GlenMyu Estate?

Well, that depends on who is taking you on our garden tour!
If I take you I always say to guests that you get the second class tour!
The reason being is that my wife has planned and planted most of the garden (with help from the staff off course!).
Therefore, my knowledge is quite a bit less and although I am learning, I’m sure that there are things that I miss.

Ru showing some guest around the garden close to the Pomelo Tree.

My wife, Ru, normally picks salad leaves and other vegetables and fruits from the garden and sometimes includes this as part of her tour. I stay well away from the vegetable garden – it’s her domain!

Here are just some of the fruits, vegetables and spices that you will see on the tour of the garden. (There are many more but Ru will let you know!).

Vegetables
Yams, Jackfruit, Avocado, Lettuce, Cucumbers, Spring Onions, Tomatoes

Spices
Cloves, Cardamon, Cinnamon, Curry Leaf, pepper, coffee,

Fruits
Papayas, Bananas, Mandarin Oranges, Lemons, Mangos, Pomello, Passionfruit, Giant Passionfruit.

I have planted lots of trees myself since being at GlenMyu Estate . If I eat a good Avocado, Mango or Jackfruit, I normally save the seed and plant it somewhere on the land.
The plan is to eventually grow a fruit first which will be good for us, our guests and the animals that visit the property. We want to encourage more endemic species back to the property by providing an environment where they can thrive. We have already seen lots of Crane Flies (daddy long legs), Fireflies and Butterflies visit the property to eat. Occasionally we will see some deer at parts of the property that have been left for the wildlife.
In future we expect to see a large variety of frogs and birds come to GlenMyu Estate to forage.

You will see on your garden tour that lots of the trees I have planted are far away from the property. Therefore we are unlikely to be able to protect and eat the fruits from these trees and they will be a good source of food for the birds, monkeys and squirrels.

An informal garden tour - Don't expect Kew Gardens!

We offer the gardens tours to guests that stay at GlenMyu Estate and it is a relaxed and informal wander around the garden. It’s not a formal garden tour by a botanist or student of the subject. Both Ru and I are enthusiastic and interested in what we are developing on the estate and I’m sure that this will come through on the tour.

I look at our garden tour as similar to our cooking demonstrations – relaxed and informal …. and a bit of fun.

Find out more about a stay in the Sri Lankan Hill Country

If you want to find out more about a stay at GlenMyu Estate please visit our website.

You will also find us on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook (Meta!).

You can readout reviews on Google, Booking.com, Airbnb and Tripadvisor.

Garden Tour Read More »

We got a cow!

Animals that live at our visit GlenMyu Estate., Organic, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu / By Mikeez

We got a cow!

In December 2022 we got a cow.

I didn’t want a cow however, my wife was determined to get a cow, so we have a cow!
If you know my wife, she normally gets her way.

We had several discussions over the last few years about a cow and I was adamant that we would not have a cow at GlenMyu Estate.
I had several concerns about taking on this responsibility. One of the main ones was the terrain which is quite steep in places. I was worried about a cow having a fall and breaking a leg. Also, I was concerned that we would start racking up vet bills if the cow fell ill. Many of our neighbours that have cows (mainly for milking) appear to have the government vet visiting them often.
The other main concern was that it was another level of responsibility that we would be committed to.

Organic Farming and Cows

Cow manure is an important part of organic farming. It has high levels of minerals and nutrients which are one of the best natural fertilisers used in organic gardens. Using cow dung to nourish the soil eliminates the requirement for chemicals and pesticides.
By having a cow at Glenmyu Estate we also do not have to use fossil fuels to transport manures and compost to the property reducing our carbon footprint.

There are many articles providing information on the benefits of uing cow dung/manure in an organic garden or farming. Home Biogas outlines these benefits.

Science Direct provides a good history and data about cow manure.

This cow is not for milking

At GlenMyu Estate we are happy for Malli just to provide us with manure. We just want her to lead a good, stress free and comfortable life. There is no need for Malli to go down the route to provide us with milk. We have plenty of neighbours that have cows where we can buy milk when we want to make ice cream or cheese. As Malli was premature she may not be able to produce milk successfully and we do not want to put her through that stress.

Eating our flowers

Initially we were really pleased with what Malli was grazing on. Having been confined to a small shed before arriving at GlenMyu Estate’s 5 acres, she was fed grains as there was no where to forage. It was like having a smorgasbord with the offerings at the land. She went from place to place sampling new tastes and didn’t stay in one place for too long.

I was pleased as she was eating some grass where I would normally have to strim with my brush-cutter to keep the growth at bay.

She also provided the manure that we were after for our organic garden so all was good.

Well, it was, until she decided that flowers were tasty. She managed to destroy quite a lot of the planting alongside the main lawn at the estate which had been painstakingly maintained by Ru and the gardeners.

Shouts of “Malli No!”became a new sound often heard in the garden.

Imprisoned - for part of the day.

In order to get Malli to concentrate on what we would like her to graze on (and protect our flowers) she is now tied in an area for a few hours a day. She does a good job there and is later released from her bondage to roan freely. There are still cries of “Malli No!”, however, they are getting less frequent.

We have come to the conclusion that losing some flowers is a compromise that is worth making.

Funny Cow anecdotes are starting to pop up

Malli has only been with us a short time but already there are some events that are making us laugh.

Papaya - No it’s for the chickens!

We normally give the leftover or spoilt papaya to our chickens. Malli loves Papaya.
Our Walli Amma was taking some Papaya peelings to the chicken shed but met Malli on the way. It is quite a narrow pathway and therefore is single file only.
Malli wouldn’t let her pass until she had given her some of the Papaya peelings! After a while Walli Amma realised that the chickens would be without their snack if Malli had her way. She dropped some Papaya on the floor and managed to slide past Malli and make her way to deliver the remnants of the fruit to the chickens!

A taste for Jackfruit

Ru was trying to take Malli around the pathway in below the house to graze on some of the foliage there.
As soon as she let go of her rope Malli went tearing off completing the circuit to where one of our staff was taking a Jackfruit off the tree.
Malli loves Jackfruit!
When Ru found her she was just standing by the Jackfruit Tree looking upwards. She wouldn’t move until she was given a chunk of the fruit!

Customer feedback about the cow!

The reaction from our guests so far has been great. They love the story and that she has been rescued from a dangerous situation.
Malli looks great in the environment and adds some additional life and colour to the Estate.

When guests have found out we have a cow they have immediately asked to see her and be “introduced”.

One of our guests had to say a last goodbye when they were leaving.

We have a great picture of one of our guests feeding Malli some Papaya. It was a special experience for both parties!
She is becoming quite a character
Malli has quickly become one of the family here at GlenMyu Estate.

A turnaround

I must admit that I have changed.

Malli is a real asset for the Estate and has become part of the experience for guests at the estate. My fears of Malli destroying large parts of our work and making lots of unwanted noise has not come to fruition. The main issues are whether we can keep “some” of our flowers and whether we can dodge the cowpats before they are picked up and added to the compost.
Unfortunately, during my brush-cutting, I have not seen one of Malli’s fresh offerings and been “splattered” which is not a pretty sight!

My concerns have been lifted

The main reasons why I didn’t want a cow have mainly disappeared.
Malli bounds around the property without fear or concern. I have been really surprised on how she manages to get up to steeper parts of the land when she forages.
She appears to have settled into the climate and environment quite quickly and despite being premature she shows no sign of needing a vet.
It also turns out that one of our staff has experience in looking after cows and he has taken on the main part of this responsibility that I was concerned about.

Early days - don't speak too soon!

We are still in the early days of Malli being at GlenMyu Estate but most of my concerns have been lifted.

Meet Malli, our chickens and our ducks

If you want a holiday with a difference in Sri Lanka, then maybe GlenMyu Estate is the experience for you. To find out more please visit our website or contact Ru on WhatsApp for direct booking rates.

We got a cow! Read More »

The Good Life

Holiday, Organic, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

The Good Life in the 21st Century

Are we living “The Good Life” at GlenMyu Estate, Beragala, Sri Lanka in the 21st Century?
This is something that I have thought about often as I strim the lawns & pathways around the 5 acre estate in anticipation of our next guests.
For me, it’s very important to keep the grass height. At a low level to make a walk around the land an enjoyable experience. It also makes the Estate look fabulous and me particularly proud of the work.

The Good Life - the sitcom

British sitcom “The Good Life” consisted of 30 episodes running from 1975 to 1978. As there were only a few television channels in the UK during the 1970’s and 1980’s the hit series was rerun often.

The Series starts with the midlife crisis of Tom Good, a 40 year old plastics designer. He and his wife Barbara attempt to escape from the “rate race”. The couple try to become self sufficient in their suburban house in Surbiton (a neighbourhood in South West London).

They change their gardens into allotments to grow fruits and vegetables. Tom and Barbara introduce chickens, pigs and goats into their garden. They try to make their own electricity, clothes and sell and barter their produce reducing the amount of money they need.

Their neighbours, Margo and Jerry, are horrified by what Tom and Barbara are doing next door. This is where a lot of the comedy for the series is generated. They are often placated by the Goods very strong homemade wine.

An enjoyable watch.

When I watched the repeats of the sitcom in the UK and I remember finding it a little bit boring and frustrating as a young child who preferred his comedy in the form of cartoons.

The Good Life - GlenMyu Estate, Beragala, Haputale, Sri Lanka

My wife always dreamed of owning her own farm in the mountains, having animals and being self sufficient.

I must admit, I don’t remember her mentioning this to me over the years we have been together, until we settled in Sri Lanka.
We had met in London and I always understood that Ru wanted to move back to Sri Lanka to spend more time with her parents as they get older.
Maybe I wasn’t listening at the right time!

Did you plan this?

I had never aspired to become a farmer however, there appeared to be a movement during ones “middle age” contemporaries of ours moved out of London for a more suburban or rural life.

Every so often I read in various newspapers, magazines and articles about professionals leaving the “rate race” changing career to something more artisan and moving to the countryside.
I read books about people moving to France, Italy or Spain and renovating an old property and starting their own business. I watched YouTube videos of renovations of old farmhouses in France and Spain.

It was an attractive idea but I questioned my confidence to enter into a new venture after being part of an institution and system for so long

A special song.

A song replayed on repeat in the back of my mind which gave me some impetus in part to consider a change. “Rat Race” by the Coventry Ska Band “The Specials” really did resonate over the years.
I was however, very thankful for the experience, lifestyle, opportunities and so many more things that my career had given me. There were lots of good times over the years, great colleagues and clients that made the commitment worthwhile.

Changes made me look for a change

As with most industries, things change and some of that enjoyment (in the good old days) are not there anymore.

I also was aware that if I did not make a change my health would deteriorate.
Every morning I would go to the gym before work, sometimes have a session with my personal trainer and try to change the results of the bad habits I had picked up over the years.
Too many lunches with clients, drinks with colleagues at the end of the day and exploits after playing rugby on a Saturday had taken its toll

Decision made - lets go.

Once the decision was made to relocate to Sri Lanka it was quite a relief that I didn’t have to do the commute to work and all that a day in the office entails.

It was scary. Having been used to the comfort of collecting my monthly salary to having no pay and trying to live off savings it was a large ask. This was the big test. Can we change from being employees to working for ourselves?

Fast forward 6 plus years we have managed the challenges and struggles to create a small business that allows us to pay our way.
The huge task of building a property, managing a 5 acre estate and dealing with all kinds of contractors in a new country was something that nearly broke us. We could see why the couples that built their Grand Designs Homes were under so much stress and endured the levels of frustration trying to build their dream homes.

Challenges - but worth it.

Sri Lanka has had its’ challenges as a country whilst we have been here and it will continue to do so for some years to come until it can get itself back on its’ feet economically

However, we love it here.

Are we living the Good Life?

My wife and I do feel that we are living the good life.

We have a collection of ducks, chickens, dogs along with a cow on the estate.
There are a variety of fruits and vegetables that we are growing that helps to feed ourselves, our workers and the guests.
Any food waste is composted or eaten by the chickens or the dogs.

Let's be creative.

Ru has been very creative in the dishes we eat and serve to our guests using as much as we can from the land. We do not add any chemical and pesticides to what we grow so are as organic as we can be. Our diet has changed to one based a lot on the convenience of meat in the UK to a more plant based diet. We eat some chicken and fish occasionally however are fully satisfied with the delicious vegetarian and vegan dishes we create.

If you look at our food menus you should get a grasp of the idea.

Mainly plant based but....

We do serve chicken or fish dishes to our guests if required but we have found that most people are really happy with the plant based dishes we offer once they have tasted them.

It is great that wee have learnt so much about farming and operating a small bed & breakfast business over the last few years. Howver, we continue to learn.

We love meeting guests which adds so much to our Good Life.

Welcoming guests and getting to know about their lives back in their respective countries adds so much value and interest to our lives. We have met people from different countries that have different and interesting professions that we would not have met in our lives in the UK.

Would we recommend the Good Life?

Well, for us, this was the right time in our lives to make the change. We also think it is inevitable for the benefit of the planet and all who live here. More people will need to carry out some of the concepts we are practising. Some are already doing this. Composting food waste, eating mainly organic, turning to a plant based diet and planting more trees.
Since we have been living in Sri Lanka we have reduced our consumption, partly as a lack of choice available in the supermarkets, but also because we feel that we don’t need as much.

Less consumption is more!

Both of us were never wanting the latest Apple I-Phone, a new car every year or the hippest fashion. The environment where we live has meant that we don’t need new clothes as often due to working on the land and on the farm.
We are too busy for our time to be consumed by the amount of television that we watched in the UK. That being said we do watch some TV and series every so often.
Our wine consumption has reduced as it is quite expensive being imported so we are a little bit more healthy.
We no longer spend hours at a desk looking at a screen as we have work to do around the property. It has the benefit of us feeling physically stronger (especially walking up and down the hills).
My wife used to fly quite a lot for work and this is an experience that she does not miss.
We both have much more interest in the environment, trees, plants and what food we can grow locally.

In conclusion.

So, in conclusion, if you are able and it is the right time for you, we would highly recommend it.

If you are interested in visiting GlenMyu Estate and experiencing the Good Life in the Sri Lankan Hill Country please visit our website to find out more.

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Papaya and Banana Smoothie

Food and Drink, Organic / By Mikeez

Papaya and Banana Smoothie

I love my Papaya and Banana Smoothie in the morning.

I feel that it provides me with a healthy start to the day.

It’s also delicious, so it’s also something that I really look forward to almost every day.

Did you know that there is more than one type of Banana?

We are very luck in Sri Lanka to have a variety of Bananas all of which have their own unique taste. Whilst living in London we only sampled the Cavendish Bananas which were imported fro the West Indies and South America.

It was quite a taste sensation trying out the different types of Banana that are available in Sri Lanka. If you are going to visit I would recommend that you ask your guide to buy a variety of bananas and see what the difference in the tastes are for yourself.

It's never boring!

The good thing about the variety of bananas means that my smoothie never gets boring as the taste changes throughout the year as different type of banana are available.

We pick our Papayas and Bananas from the garden

At GlenMyu Estate both Papayas and Bananas grow really well. All our produce is organic and you can really taste the goodness in our fruits and vegetables.

The Papayas sweetness does vary throughout the year depending on how much rainfall we get.

There are also several different type of Papayas and therefore the taste of my smoothie changes depending what has come off the tree.

What happens when the bananas get too old?

When we get a hand of bananas from our tree there is too much to eat before they go all black and mushy.

Of course we distribute some of the bananas to our friends and family. Also our workers on the estate are provided with bananas when they take a break.

Actually, some are also left near where the monkeys that forage close to the estate eat so some animals also get a share!

Even distributing bananas results in a large amount leftover which would go off.

We peel the bananas and keep them in the freezer so that they can be added to a smoothie when we are out of fresh bananas.

As they are coming from the freezer there is no need to ass ice to the smoothie for that cool taste.

Making a Papaya & Banana Smoothie - It’s so easy!

My method for making a Papaya and Banana Smoothie is quite simple.

Peel and cube half of a Papaya.

Peel and chop two of three bananas, depending upon taste.

Add some water.

Whizz in the blender until there are no lumps and pieces of fruit.

Sit back and enjoy natures goodness!

Other Smoothie recipes that I love

Banana and Rose Apple Smoothie

Rose apples do not have a really strong taste however it’s amazing what it does when you add it to bananas and a little bit of yoghurt to make a smoothie!

The colour turns a lovely shade of pink and It has a taste similar to a strawberry smoothie.

Here are some other recipes that I have found on the web that I like:

Papaya Smoothie Cook Click and Devour

try our Papaya and Banana Smoothie onHoliday in Sri Lanka

If you are holidaying in Sri Lanka and are in the Hill Country near to Ella, Beragala, Haputale and Nuwara Eliya you may want to stay at GlenMyu Estate to experience the smoothies for yourself.

We have three guest bedrooms with spectacular views of the hills leading to the South coast.

The five acre estate is a calm and peaceful place for you to stay and get closer to nature.

Our guests really enjoy a tour around the garden to see what other fruits and vegetables we grow here.

Please click on this link to our website for further details.

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An Egg Hunt ….but it’s not Easter!!!

Accommodation, Holiday, Organic, Our Animals at GlenMyu Estate, Photography, Sri Lanka, The Organic Garden at GlenMyu, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By Mikeez

An Egg Hunt… but it’s not Easter

It’s been a really steep learning curve being new to raising ducks and only being 18 months in

It started with a ......

A spur of the moment birthday present for my wife in late 2019 brought four ducklings to GlenMyu Estate.

We didn’t know at the time that you cannot work out the sex of the duckling until it grows a bit and therefore we were unsure what mix of a batch we had picked from the retailer.

Waiting, waiting and......

We waited with anticipation and we thought that we were lucky as it turned out we had two males and two females. We thought we would have a stream of eggs coming from these pairs in the coming months.

Little did we realise that there is a rule of thumb ratio of one male to four or five female ducks however we were soon to find this out. From the markings we appeared to have two Muscovy Ducks and two ….well we don’t really know what they are!

The dominant Drake would bully the Muscovy Drake and it was pitiful to watch.

One day the Muscovy Drake decided enough was enough and flew away never to be seen again despite and extensive search by us and our team. We often think about what happened to him. Did he manage to survive or was he lunch for a mongoose or one of the other predators that may be hiding in the forests.

Anguish and agony!

The remaining Muscovy female was a little bit lost for a few days however settled into life with her duck house mates.

The Muscovy female decided one day that she was going to sit on her eggs and our egg production was reduced however, we were intrigued to see what would happen

Amazing Mother Nature.

We are amazed by mother nature and how animals, without any training or knowledge, instinctively mate, deliver and care for their offspring.

Been here....done it!

We had witnessed this with our first dog, Clove, who had been on heat whilst we were in Colombo and we missed the boat on getting her spayed to avoid adding to the already large number of dogs in the community.

Clove was so young but delivered, cleaned and fed her seven puppies to our astonishment and admiration. We were disappointed that she decided after three or four weeks feeding them was too much of a bother and handed the responsibility over to us!

Mama Duck.

Mama Duck, as she is now known, also instinctively did what was required to see seven eggs through to the emergence of seven beautiful, cute, and hungry ducklings.

Mama Duck has turned out to be quite prolific and has delivered several batches of new life since.

The Lonely Duckling.

We have one of her offspring who are now sitting on its own batch of eggs and we are awaiting to see if she are as successful as their mother is. Mama Duck is also sitting on eggs so we are expecting lots of new arrivals in late July or early August.

Both females are sitting on eggs in the security of the greenhouse and duck house. This is a first as Mama Duck usually sets up her next near our Temple Rock which is not secure from predators and we have had many nights of lost sleep concerned about her safety. We are sleeping better now knowing that they are better protected and can be locked in at night.

You have to laugh.

We joke that every morning we have to go on an egg hunt to find where the ducks have laid their eggs so we can collect them. They can lay their eggs in the most awkward of places and are really good at hiding them!

Hide and Seek!

One of the other females is now laying and hiding her eggs in anticipation of sitting on them delivering more life to GlenMyu. She has tried a few spots before settling on one place.

Around six thirty this morning I decided I would go open an egg hunt and watch where she went after her morning dip in the stream.

I kept my distance and had an idea of roughly where she was sitting.

At around midday I had a look at the spot and eventually uncovered five eggs well hidden by leaves, grass and other flora. I took a short video showing what I found.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

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