Ceylon Tea Trails is an ideal base for two or more nights stay as a postscript to a private tour of Sri Lanka's amazing highlights.
Why you'll love it here
- Historic tea-planter bungalows located in the verdant, lush scenery of Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands
- Three of the bungalows enjoy a lakeside setting and 2 have mountain and tea-estate views
- Bungalows have elegant bedrooms, a cosy lounge and library with a help-yourself bar and stunning views
- Room rates are fully inclusive with all the gourmet treats and refreshments you could think of
- Activities on offer include a tea experience, trekking, cyling, white-water rafting, or just relax by the pool, or at the Spa
Nikhil
Travel Specialist
Your holiday always includes
- Premium lounge passes at UK airports
- VIP meet & greet service at departure
- Private transfers to and from your hotel
- Personal concierge service throughout
- 24/7 assistance when travelling
- The first-hand knowledge of our team
Full accommodation information
Hotel information
As Tea Trails is at an elevation of 4000 feet, the climate is cooler and less humid than in Colombo and on the coast. Typically cool mornings, warm days and cool evenings.
The five bungalows comprising Ceylon Tea Trails are between 4 km and 15 km apart offering between four and six ensuite bedrooms each, offering luxurious comfort in the style of late Edwardian to 1930s decor, reflecting the era when they were built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj Guests can choose to stay in one or even stay in each, experiencing the difference in decor, ambience and setting between them.
Summerville and Castlereagh are situated opposite each other on the shores of the Castlereagh lake, Norwood is at the other end of the valley about 15 minutes away by car and Tientsin is about 30 minutes away in the next valley.
Each bungalow is colonial in style, with beautiful gardens and sweeping lawns. Each property comes with its own manager, chef and butler. Each of the bungalows has a cosy lounge with an open fireplace for the chillier evenings, where pre-dinner drinks can be served, and a television with a selection of DVDs.
All are set in beautiful gardens with stunning views. Norwood has 5 bedrooms and a swimming pool back-dropped by two towering bamboo bushes. Castlereagh has 5 bedrooms and with it's peachy-pink facade has a romantic, feminine charm. Summerville has 5 bedrooms and lovely, sweeping views of Lake Castlereagh. Tientsin, the oldest bungalow has 6 bedrooms, with breathtaking gardens, a swimming pool, tennis court and a lily pond. Dunkeld has 5 rooms and is the closest bungalow to the Dunkeld Tea Factory. One of it’s highlights is it’s curved infinity pool with a heated Jacuzzi
Facilities in each bungalow are available to all Ceylon Tea Trails guests. The bedrooms are individually decorated, spacious and elegantly furnished. All the properties are sold on all inclusive basis – think afternoon tea on the lawn, pre-dinner drinks and post-dinner liqueurs – the food is plentiful and skilfully prepared and presented. Garden dining is optional in all the bungalows, an especially pleasant experience to enjoy breakfast with valley views!
Guests can choose from activities which include cycling and walking trails, white water rafting, a tea tasting experience or a dawn climb to the summit of Adams Peak (Dec-May). Alternatively just enjoy the peace, relax in the gardens with a book or play Scrabble! June and July can be wet months so may hamper outdoor activities.
Room Options
Rooms are individually named after former British estate managers who lived in the bungalow. All the bedrooms are individually decorated with a Colonial feel.
Summerville bungalow
4 room bungalow that enjoys views of the water. Also has a summer house, sunbathing deck, swimming pool and garden dining.Tientsin Bungalow
6 bedroom bungalow opens out onto English gardens, has polished wood flooring and high ceilings, panoramic views of the mountains are also available.Castlereagh Bungalow
Features views of the lake and garden. Also has a summer house, swimming pool, library and garden dining.Norwood Bungalow
Has a view of the eastern end of the Bogawantalawa valley. Features a spacious lounge, library, croquet lawn, a large swimming pool and sun deck.Board Basis
Inclusive meal plan
Morning bed tea, cooked English or Sri Lankan breakfast, lunch (packed lunch if on excursion), afternoon cream tea, pre-dinner cocktails, 4 course gourmet dinner, house wines, name brand house spirits, beer, soft drinks, tea & coffee, laundry, calls within Sri Lanka, bungalow circuit walks and other bungalow amenities.
Rates exclude premium spirits, cigars and international telephone calls.
Sri Lanka travel information
When to visit Sri Lanka
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Best time
Good time
Ok time
- Time zone: +5.5 GMT
- Flight time: 10-13 hours
- Recommended airlines: Emirates, Qatar Airways, SriLankan Airlines, Etihad Airlines
- Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
- Tipping guideline: Discretionary
- Health considerations: There is a risk of dengue. There is no risk of yellow fever in Sri Lanka, however, yellow fever vaccination is required for travellers arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission.
- Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (administrative), Colombo (commercial)
- Population: 21,930,455
- National languages: Sinhalese, Tamil, English
- Electricity and plugs: Type D, M, G, 230V
- Mobile phone coverage: Good
- UK passport visa requirements: You need an ETA for Sri Lanka if you have a British passport - apply online
Want to know more?
Call our Travel Specialists for a chat with our Sri-lanka experts. They'll share their first-hand insights so you can find your perfect holiday.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
Nikhil
Travel Specialist
Sri Lanka travel guides
Want some more help planning your holiday to Sri Lanka? Read our expert guides to find out everything you need to know about where to stay, dine and explore on your Inspiring Travel escape.
Would you like to speak to a Tea Country expert?
Contact our Travel Specialists for a bespoke quote or some first-hand knowledge.
Monday - Friday: 9am - 7:30pm
Saturday: 9am - 5pm
Sunday: 10am - 4pm
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For the latest travel advice from the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office check www.gov.uk/travelaware