Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands
Sri Lanka was once a playground for elite British society, ruled by tea barons from the patios of their estate bungalows. Tea Trails is one such former estate, now converted into a one-of-a-kind hotel. Surrounded by mountains carpeted with the world’s finest tea, century year-old bungalows feature fantastic chefs, private butlers and attendants, and beautifully restored rooms with four-poster beds. Owned by Dilmah, a renowned tea company, tours into their tea plantations gives one a new appreciation for the afternoon cuppa.
Length of Trip : 2-3 days
Cost :
Click here for the latest occupancy rates from Ceylon Tea Trails.
Best time to go : Open year round. Peak season is December to April.
Wheelchair friendly : Call ahead to make arrangements
Family friendly : Yes
Where to eat :
Fantastic gourmet breakfast, lunch and dinners are served in your bungalow estate. Think: Moroccan mint tea crusted lamb rump steak with grilled herb polenta and roasted peppers in tamarind sauce.
Official Site :
Ceylon Tea Trails
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Where to Stay :
There are four bungalows on the estate, each with a different vibe. Summerville feels like a country cottage. Castlereagh is somewhat eclectic. Tientsin is grand and colonial, while Norwood is more modern.
Getting There :
The nearest major town is Hatton, which is 20 minutes away from the nearest Tea Trails
bungalow (Summerville) and 45 minutes from the farthest (Tientsin).
There is a railway station in Hatton with services to Colombo, Kandy and Nanu Oya (for
Nuwara Eliya).
If you’re travelling to Tea Trails by car:
From Colombo (140 km), it usually takes 4-4.5 hours via Avissawella, through
Dehiowita, Karavanella, Kitulgala, Ginigathena, Hatton, Dickoya.
Note from Robin :
It's an adventure getting to the Central Highlands, but like a good cup of tea, there's lots to savour. Friendly locals will be waving all along the way, while the views as you get to the mountains are quite extraordinary. Do not pass up the opportunity to visit the tea plantation. You can also enjoy your stay with a clear conscience: Dilmah prides itself on the ethical treatment of its employees.
