In Sri Lanka, Ambewela is sincerely termed as ” little New Zealand”, which is a tranquil area with lush, greenery highlands. This jaw-dropping picturesque haven witnesses that it creates a vast opportunity for agricultural purposes, particularly dairy farming. It generates the blend of natural beauty into an undesirable peak of point. This has taken Sri Lankan farming into a distinctive experience with the combination of the efficiency and the quality of the New Zealand pattern of dairy farming.
Geographical splendour of Ambewela.
These Highlands are situated at an altitude of over 6000 feet above sea level and also with the influence of the temperature climate Ambewela is blessed to possess a variety of rich biodiversity. The area has become more iconic with its grass-covered valleys, rolling hills, and crystal-clear streams. This area’s incomparable landscape and unique climatic changes make it perfect for both agriculture and tourism.
The heart of Sri Lanka’s dairy industry.
Ambewela is a reputed dairy farming point that is well-earned. All the farms, which are sprawled with a cool climate and fertile land, bring the exposure to the herds of cows to graze freely, which It resembles the qualities of a New Zealand farm, Which is acceptable for dairy cattle to the contribution of high-quality milk produced.
Milk production process- a blend of tradition and modernity.
The procedure of milk production is comprised of traditional practices as well as modern technology. Before the blushing sun, the farmer’s day begins with the milking of cows at dawn. Cow breeds like Friesian and Ayrshire are essentially treated with utmost care, ensuring their well-being throughout the journey which bounces back to the quality of milk they provide.
Feeding and Grazing.
For the quality production of milk, cows are fed with well- a well-balanced diet, mainly rich in nutrients essential for high-quality milk production. The cows are exposed to graze in the vast pastures where it brings the natural feeding process.
Milking process.
The milking process is done through an automated milking system, which maintains the milk’s freshness and as well as the safety of the animals. Cheese and Butter are also produced on the farm
Quality control
Most of the modern and unique techniques are employed by the farms to check the freshness, clarity, fat content, and other quality parameters
Processing and Packaging.
Once the milk’s quality is approved, it undergoes pasteurization to get rid of any harmful bacteria, and also packaging is done under supervision to ensure that the milk stays fresh and holds on to its natural nutritional value.
Exploring the farms and beyond.
Guests to Ambewela can have guided tours around farms to understand the process of milk production. These insights offer them a unique opportunity to observe and interact with farm animals and to realize the efforts behind dairy farming.
Types of animals in the Ambewela farm
Ambewela mainly targets Milk production the cow is the main animal on the farm four stages can see of these animals
1. Baby Calves – These calves are fed from their mother’s milk using machines Their ages are between 2 -4 weeks
2. Weaned Calves – These calves are older than one month they have practice in getting foods
3. Pregnant Cows – these cows are released from milk processing and released to stay free
4. Stud bulls – Those are the strongest and biggest animals on the farm they are the only four male animals that exist for the whole farm. They are used for taking sperm for the breeding process.
Other animals like goats and Rabbits are also on this farm and those animals are raised to meet all animals have name using a cord and that cord has tag in their ears
Beyond dairy
The Horton Plains National Park, a World Heritage Site, and a famous World’s End viewpoint, extends a vast area to visit for visitors beyond Ambewela Farms.
Accommodations in Ambewela.
Eco-friendly lodges can be easily found in the Ambewela area with a cosy bed and breakfast, where the breathtaking views always offer them. The local and traditional cuisines are delighted with many dishes included with dairy products which visitors can entertain such as a variety of cheeses, creamy yogurts, and fresh milk.
Best time to visit Ambewela.
The perfect time to visit Ambewela is during the cooler months from January to April and August to November when the weather is more comfortable for outdoor activities. Ambewela can be reachable by four- a four-hour drive from Colombo, the capital city of Sri Lanka.
Ticket Prices and tourism around Ambewela farm
Because of the location and the beautiful surroundings, the Ambewela farm is popular among tourists. anyone who wishes to watch the farm should buy a ticket
ticket prices To enter Ambewela Farm – Local Adult R.250/- ($0.78) Foreigners Rs.600/- ($1.85)
Bad side Of the Dairy industry.
Animal Welfare: Ethical considerations regarding the treatment of dairy cows are increasingly coming to light. In many large-scale dairy operations, cows are kept in confined spaces with limited mobility, impacting their physical and psychological well-being. Practices such as the continuous cycle of impregnation and separation of calves from their mothers raise serious animal welfare concerns. Furthermore, selective breeding for higher milk production often leads to health problems in cows, such as mastitis and lameness.
Environmental Impact: The environmental impact of dairy production is one of the most urgent issues. Methane, one of the main greenhouse gases released by the industry and a key cause of global warming, is one of these gases. Due to the large volumes of water needed for milk production and animal care, dairy farms contribute significantly to pollution and water use. The land utilized for feed production and grazing also adds to habitat degradation and deforestation, which exacerbates the decline in biodiversity.
Even though the dairy sector is vital to the world food chain, there are still a lot of issues because of its detrimental effects on the environment, animal welfare, public health, and local communities. To address these problems, industry players, decision-makers, and consumers must work together to transition to more ethical and sustainable dairy production methods.
A visit to Ambewela is not just a glimpse, but it’s an immersive experience that interacts with the hearts of the visitors, reflecting the richness of Sri Lanka’s dairy industry. It’s a beautiful journey that witnesses relaxation, education, and the link between nature and rural life. Ambewela is always open for the ones who seek a peaceful retreat with open meadows, misty hills, and gentle clinking of cowbells in the distance.
Comments