Historic tea-planter bungalows
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Embodying the spirit of hospitality and heritage, Ceylon Tea Trail’s five historic tea bungalows are set in the verdant UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands. Here, Sri Lanka’s rich history is brought to life surrounded by rolling tea fields and undulating mountains.
historic planters' bungalows
Five bungalows are scattered across 2,000 hectares. Each bungalow has five or six rooms and is set between 4km and 15km apart, offering its own unique setting and charm.
Norwood Bungalow
Nestled in a tea estate, Norwood offers six rooms with stunning mountain views and a liberating atmosphere. The swimming pool is framed by majestic bamboo, thriving for over 80 years.
Dunkeld Bungalow
Poised high above Castlereagh Lake, Dunkeld Bungalow offers panoramic views across the valley and the spectacular Great Western mountain range.
Castlereagh Bungalow
Nestled into a wooded dell close to the water, this century-old bungalow offers unrivalled views across the spectacular Castlereagh Lake.
Summerville Bungalow
Sitting right on the banks of Castlereagh Lake, Summerville enjoys magnificent views of the water and the rolling hills beyond.
Tientsin Bungalow
Built in 1888, Tientsin is the oldest bungalow in the valley and named after the Chinese village from which the original tea seedlings came.
Norwood Bungalow
Nestled in a tea estate, Norwood offers six rooms with stunning mountain views and a liberating atmosphere. The swimming pool is framed by majestic bamboo, thriving for over 80 years.
Dunkeld Bungalow
Poised high above Castlereagh Lake, Dunkeld Bungalow offers panoramic views across the valley and the spectacular Great Western mountain range.
Castlereagh Bungalow
Nestled into a wooded dell close to the water, this century-old bungalow offers unrivalled views across the spectacular Castlereagh Lake.
Summerville Bungalow
Sitting right on the banks of Castlereagh Lake, Summerville enjoys magnificent views of the water and the rolling hills beyond.
Tientsin Bungalow
Built in 1888, Tientsin is the oldest bungalow in the valley and named after the Chinese village from which the original tea seedlings came.
Old-world charm at Ceylon tea trails
The essence of Ceylon Tea Trails is captured in our historic tea-planters’ bungalows, which are scattered amongst tropical gardens. Inside, elegant bedrooms, a lounge, library, dining room and bar entice guests to slow down and take in the sweeping valleys outside. Each bungalow is adorned with fascinating photographs, antiques and vintage wares for a glimpse into Ceylon’s 20th-century plantation past. When inspiration strikes, abundant gardens, swimming pools, jacuzzis, and a clay tennis court await outside.
Embracing nature’s Bounty
A home away from home approach and a style of luxurious refinement shapes our culinary offerings at Ceylon Tea Trails. Instead of menus and set meal times, our friendly, exceptional chefs will discuss each meal with you personally in advance, suggesting an (inevitably irresistible) daily menu, tailored to individual tastes.
Timeless Elegance in Sri Lanka
Explore Sri Lanka’s verdant Central Highlands, home to our famous Ceylon Tea.
Experience the enchanting majesty of sri lanka
Our island is rich in heritage and natural beauty. It beckons you to discover its charm. Once part of the ancient silk route, Sri Lanka has long attracted explorers and voyagers. Philosophers and poets have also been drawn to its shores. This rich history weaves together tradition and spirituality. It creates a vibrant cultural identity found nowhere else on Earth.
Discover the breathtaking heartland of Ceylon Tea
Explore the heartland of Ceylon Tea with authentic experiences that encompass adventure, wellness, family fun, and a sample of Sri Lankan cuisine and culture.
The Tea Experience
The guided Dunkeld Tea Factory tour, led by our passionate Tea Planter, explores tea’s history, production, and flavor crafting, offering the quintessential Sri Lankan tea experience.
kandy heritage excursions
The UNESCO-listed Sacred City of Kandy, Sri Lanka’s second-largest city, is rich in history and played a key role in Ceylon’s 19th-century tea industry.
nuwara eliya heritage excursions
Nuwara Eliya, 48km from Tea Trails, was shaped by Sir Samuel Baker, who brought English country town features like Hereford cows and a blacksmith after falling for its charm in 1846.
private tea tasting
Join a guided tea tasting with Bernard Holsinger, Tea Trails’ witty resident Tea Planter, and explore the unique flavour profiles of different teas.
adam’s peak ascent
Rise early to climb Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) and witness a spectacular sunrise. The ascent offers breathtaking vistas, making the effort unforgettable.
guided nature excursions
In the company of a Tea Trails Naturalist or Trail Guide, walk or cycle (or both!) through our trails and explore the scenery of Sri Lanka’s tea country.
trekking the trails
A broad spectrum of biodiversity exists in hill country – especially ours – as the plantations are interspersed with forest patches that are home to a variety of biodiversity from endemic amphibians to birds and leopards.
kayaking on castlereagh Lake
Enjoy magnificent views of tea-carpeted mountains as you paddle along the Castlereagh Lake in hi-spec kayaks.
tennis
Play Tennis at Tientsin Bungalow’s clay court, reminiscent of British planters having an afternoon game after a hard morning in the fields and factory.
Whitewater rafting
Your adventure begins in Kitulgala, 1.5 hours from Ceylon Tea Trails. The Kelani River, with its seven class III rapids, offers an exhilarating white-water rafting experience for both novices and seasoned rafters.
al fresco barbeque lunch
Enjoy an Al Fresco Barbeque Lunch by our Relais & Châteaux kitchen, paired with butler service. Relax with a sumptuous meal in a private, scenic spot on a working tea plantation.
Junior Chef
A collection of yummy, interactive and immersive culinary experiences for kids with a local twist, tailored for various age levels.
tea infused dinner
The Tea-Infused Dinner at Tea Trails offers a unique culinary experience, blending the distinct flavours and health benefits of Sri Lankan teas with diverse ingredients and preparation methods.
lake cruise
Enjoy a scenic cruise on Castlereagh Lake, surrounded by misty mountains and tea valleys, with a fresh, locally sourced breakfast on board.
Biking the trails
Ceylon Tea Trails offers thrilling biking adventures through the unspoiled beauty of Bogawantalawa Valley at over 1,500 meters.
spa treatment & luxury baths
A variety of spa treatments, luxury baths and tea infused scrubs await the tired traveller in the privacy and comfort of your room.
Tea Planter’s Tiffin Lunch
The ‘Planters’ Tiffin Lunch” is a plusher version (to Relais and Chateaux standards no less!) served in tiffin boxes in an idyllic setting.
browse our special offers
Experience the best of Sri Lanka and explore our selection of exclusive offers and inspiring itineraries.
Four-Night Discovery Offer
This tailor-made four-night offer is designed to provide an immersive, luxurious journey through the heritage of Ceylon Tea, all in unparalleled style.
Three or Four Nights Offer
Enjoy the old-world charm of Ceylon Tea Trails and save 15% on three or four night stays.
Stay for five nights, pay for four
Enjoy a complimentary fifth night when you book a five-night stay.
Advance Purchase Savings
Book 60 days in advance to enjoy a savings up to 20% on stays at Ceylon Tea Trails. Sri Lanka’s tea country awaits you.
Walking Holiday Offer
Ceylon Tea Trails is offering a special 6-night Walking Holiday, to enjoy these walking experiences at leisure.
Extended Stay Savings
Extend your stay for 6+ nights at Ceylon Tea Trails, save more and enjoy the holiday of a lifetime. Revel in old-world charm and refinement in the picturesque highlands with your own restored private tea planter bungalow at a discounted rate of 25% when you book 6+ nights!
Ten Night Tea Retreat
This tailor-made ten night package is full of specially curated, guided experiences so that you can discover the best of Hatton’s wildlife, history, and local culture in and around Ceylon Tea Trails in unmatched depth and detail.
Summer at Tea Trails
Stay at one of our planters’ bungalows at Ceylon Tea Trails and enjoy quality time with your loved ones, with personalised service, a private chef and butler and a plethora of activities to choose from. Save 15% off your stay, with an additional 30% saving on all spa treatments.
Private Escape Offer
Save up to $1900 by booking a 5-room bungalow at USD 4750 per night, per bungalow for this fully-inclusive private getaway, perfect for a family or a group of friends.
explore our spaces
At Ceylon Tea Trails, our historic bungalows look out over tea-carpeted mountains and the serene Castlereagh Lake. Just a short meander away, meditative summer houses, a tennis court, and heated jacuzzis are scattered amongst thick, emerald-green gardens, designed for wandering and admiring.
Afternoon Cream Tea served in the tranquil surroundings of Tientsin's gardens
Jacuzzi Overlooking Stunning View
High Tea At Summerville Bungalow
Lake Cruise
Afternoon Cream Tea served in the tranquil surroundings of Tientsin's gardens
Jacuzzi Overlooking Stunning View
High Tea At Summerville Bungalow
Lake Cruise
the story of
ceylon tea
Although the cultivation of tea on a commercial scale in Ceylon began in 1867, the first tea seed was brought from China and planted in Ceylon nearly half a century earlier in 1824 at the Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya. In the meantime, indigenous tea was discovered in Upper Assam by Major Robert Bruce, and the Assam tea seed was later received at the Peradeniya Gardens in 1839.
our Journal
Revel in the allure of Sri Lanka through Resplendent Ceylon’s tea, sea and safari themes.
Follow our journey
