In central Sri Lanka lies the Bogawantalawa Valley, known as the Golden valley of Tea and home to old Ceylon, replete with rolling green hills, plantation bungalows, high tea and exquisite service.

Here in solitude, at an elevation of 4000 ft above sea level, lies Ceylon Tea Trails, 4 classic colonial bungalows built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, These sprawling single storey houses have been sympathetically restored to offer guests the unique experience of life on a working tea estate. The Bungalows range from 4 to 6 rooms; 20 luxurious rooms and suites in all.

Each of the four bungalows are different. Summerville with an air of a country cottage, lakeside Castlereagh with an eclectic style of its own, the high colonial Tientsin and the more modern Norwood; abounding with 60’s character, Summerville and Castlereagh are situated opposite each other on the shores of the Castlereagh lake, while Norwood is at the other end of the valley about 15 minutes away by car and Tiensin is about 30 minutes away in the next valley. Each house comes with its own manager, chef, butler and houseboys and offers 4 to 6 exquisite Master Suites, Garden Suites and Luxury Rooms which can be booked individually or collectively.

Spacious bedrooms with breathtaking views, smooth weathered teak floors, four-poster beds with crisp white sheets. Twenty elegant and charming rooms and suites decorated each in unique style, ranging from neo colonial to classic English. Master suites with separate living room, garden suites with verandahs to private gardens and luxury rooms of great character. En-suite bathrooms of exquisite English elegance for a cool shower or a warm tropical flower bath.

Long teak tables and chairs in old gold. Fine cuisine. Tea infused dishes. Sri Lankan classics. Seafood grills, fresh tropical fruit, rich chocolate cakes, fine wines and vegetables from home grown plots around the estate. A formal dinner or a simple alfresco lunch. All meals, wines and spirits are included, no bills to sign. A butler at your beck and call.

Life in all its variety is played out in the living rooms. Pale tones and natural woods create equilibrium in the midst of a hectic life. Each bungalow has many sitting areas, old wooden desks to write postcards etc, silk cushions, regency stripped footstools, huge spaces warmed by roaring long fires.

Sweeping lawns and swimming pools. English gardens filled with roses. Tea on the lawn with Dundee cake, scones, strawberries and cream or lunch alfresco by the pool, a 180 degree view of the viridian lake and mountains behind, a summerhouse to meditate in or watch the forest wagtail flit from tree to tree. An in-room pampering spa treatment by expert therapists, Tennis, swimming, croquet and classic board games all come together for a leisurely lifestyle.

These four bungalows realize your dreams in a “non-hotel” atmosphere. Heritage with a contemporary style is the hallmark of the Tea Trails experience, so come talk to us ! and include some true luxury living in the hills.