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Ambience

Ambience

Life in all its variety is played out in the living rooms. Pale tones and natural wood create equilibrium in the midst of a hectic life. Each bungalow has many sitting areas, old wooden desks to write postcards with real stamps and not just email. Silk cushions, regency stripped footstools, huge spaces warmed by roaring log fires. Mulled wine or the finest spirits, a drink that thrills the heart. Old books, old prints, antique maps, rooms filled with flowers in vibrant colours.

Wide verandahs. Time for relaxing on cushioned cane chairs, waited on hand and foot by the discreet butler. Long expanses of slate to spend long afternoons, with a gimlet, white wine and cucumber sandwiches or fresh roasted cashews. Watch the lake and study the garden bees, while reading Somerset Maugham.

The English love of gardens has left its stamp on the lovely old colonial tea planters bungalows that dot Sri Lanka’s tea country. Tea Trail’s four colonial bungalows are no exception to this legacy. Complementing the magnificent vistas of lakes, hills, valleys and lush tea plantations are the bungalows’ own charming gardens. They are at once very English and yet entrancingly exotic.

Visitors to Tea Trails have the glorious stands of giant bamboo at Norwood to admire, or the profusion of wild banks of Anthuriams, Agapanthus Salvias, Chrysanthemums, Daisies and Lilies that tumble down the slopes of Tientsin.

Trees Include, Spathodias, Eucalyptus, Erythrinia, Cypress, Guava while Ceylon Jungle Fowl. Parrots, House Sparrows, Doves, Coucal, Mynahs, Sunbirds, Honey Suckers, Flower Peckers, Streaked-throated Woodpecker, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Common Kingfisher, Oriental Magpie Robin are some of the birds found in our gardens.

Sri Lanka’s own world famous heritage of gardens – ancient kings who protected forests, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Lunu Ganga, Brief, etc…Ordinary Sri Lankan’s, like the English, are passionate gardens and the island is blessed with an incredible diversity of flora.

Living

Living

Spacious bedrooms, a private space, to unwind after a long trek. Rooms with a view, letting the sunlight in, smooth weathered teak floors, warm clay tiles. Relax in immense four-poster beds, crisp white sheets. Twenty elegant and charming rooms and suites decorated each in an unique style, ranging from neo-colonial to classic English.

Master Suites with a separate living room, Garden Suites with verandahs to private gardens and Luxury Rooms of great character. Ensuite Bathrooms of exquisite English elegance for a cool shower or a warm tropical flower bath. A personal oasis in the heart of the hill country. Wake up to the sound of bird calls and watch the mist rise over the lake, while shafts of sunlight streak through - it's a new day.

The English and Scottish planters who created “a little bit of England” in Ceylon’s “up country” to make way for the island’s tea plantations have long gone but their legacy of meticulously managed tea gardens and the good planters’ life is alive and well with Dilmah Tea Company’s four luxurious Tea Trails bungalows in the Bogowantalawa Valley.

Recognized as one of the world’s top 5 colonial Hideaways along with Palmiet Valley Wine & Country Estate, South Africa, The House of Jasmines, Argentina, Hacienda TEmozon, Mexico and Wharekauhau Lodge in New Zealand, Tea Trails pays homage to the way of life created by British tea planters in the early 19th century. These hardy Englishmen and Scotsmen braved long and arduous steamship journeys, sailing across the Indian Ocean to arrive on the shores of Ceylon, eager to exploit the island’s extraordinary benevolent climate and rich soil.

In their inimitable way, British planters rewarded themselves for the back-breaking work of creating first coffee and then tea plantations in the mountain highlands of Sri Lanka by also creating a comfortable lifestyle that is memorable and unique. The tea planters way of life in Sri Lanka is perhaps one of the few aspects of island life that remains unchanged, offering a glimpse of a by-gone era amidst the pristine natural surroundings and the unchanged rhythms of a tea estate.

Plantation bungalows were generally sprawling colonial structures, with deep bay windows, elegant furniture, roaring wood fires and delectable cuisine turned out by a jealously guarded chef and a retinue of domestic staff who would often be the third or fourth generation to have worked for the same family.

With the groundbreaking “Ceylon Tea Trails” concept, the Dilmah Tea Company has brought to life four impeccably restored British colonial-era bungalows that have set a new trend in luxury accommodation in Sri Lanka, winning accolades from discerning visitors in search of a unique experience.

Each of the four Tea Trails bungalows lies nestled among the hills of the Bogawantalawa region in the Dimbula district. Bogowantalawa is known as “The Golden Valley” on account of its lush, vigorous tea bushes that produce full bodied to light, delicate and fragrant teas throughout the year.

This is perhaps the most famous region for Ceylon Tea and one of the first areas to be planted after tea took over from coffee in Ceylon in the 1870's. The area covers the extensive western slopes of the tea planting districts. The standard definition of this district embraces plantations from around 1,050 meters to 1500 meters above the sea level.

The south west monsoon rains have a significant impact on the quality of Dimbula teas. Cold dry weather from January to March brings about changes that vary creating the right climate for production of its best teas during these dry months. Characteristics of the tea grown in this area include long wiry beautiful leaves that give an exquisite taste, almost oaky, with body and strength.

The four Tea Trails bungalows are located between 4 kms and 15kms from each other. “Castlereagh” and “Summerville” bungalows were built in 1925 and 1928 respectively and are located on Castlereagh Lake. It is here that the crème de la crème of Sri Lanka’s teas – the fragrant and delicately flavoured “high growns” -- flourish.

The original Norwood Bungalow was built in 1890 by the Eastern Produce Company and rebuilt in 1950 after the old bungalow caught fire. The original “Tientsin” bungalow was built where the present sundeck area is located. Planter Irwin Stuart’s mother built the present bungalow for him in 1939.

Other buildings of historic note are the Christ Church Warleigh built by English and Scottish tea planters in 1878 and St. Mary’s Church in Bogowantalawa, where Juliet Margaret Cameron, an early pioneer of black and white photography, is buried. Two of the oldest planters clubs – the Darawella Maskeliya Cricket Club in Dickoya and the Bogowantalawa Planters Club should also definitely be on your itinerary.

Cuisine

Cuisine

Long teak tables and chairs in old gold. Moonlight through the window gently glows in the room, filled with the light of candles. Fine cuisine. Tea infused dishes. Sri Lankan classics. Seafood grills, fresh tropical fruit, rich chocolate cakes, the finest wines and vegetables from organic plots around the estate. A formal dinner or a simple alfresco lunch. Meals, wines and spirits included in your rate, no bills to sign. A butler at your beck and call.

The cuisine at Ceylon Tea Trails takes its cue from the long tradition of dining well at the tea planter’s table: nostalgic flavours of Europe and a tradition of service and pampering unique to British colonial times.

Tea Trails is all about the time-honoured planters’ traditions: Roaring fires and the comfort of a single malt whiskey while the mists roll in or a stiff gin and tonic after a long day’s walk in the tea gardens accompanied by the spicy flavours of Sri Lankan nibbles to stimulate the appetite. Scrumptious afternoon high teas in gardens curiously English and exotic at the same time. A four-course dinner that is at once contemporary and colonial with its garden-fresh ingredients married with good wines, best shared in good company. Or a fabulously aromatic, authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry for lunch -- a definite harbinger of the afternoon siesta.

The day at Tea Trails starts with that wonderful colonial institution, Bed Tea. Served by your butler as part of a gentle wake-up call, this must be the most civilized way to start the day. An early morning walk followed by an English breakfast-with-everything is a must at least once during your sojourn at Tea Trails. A perfectly brewed cup of tea accompanies eggs, bacon, sausages, mushrooms, grilled tomatoes, marmalade, butter, toast, freshly squeezed juice… and anything else you may care to add.

A unique aspect of Tea Trails’ cuisine is the use of fresh, home grown vegetables, herbs and teas from the surrounding gardens. Crunchy baby carrots, luscious purple beetroot, green beans, broccoli, cauliflower, deep red cherry tomatoes, green and yellow zucchini, celery, crisp cucumbers, radish, rhubarb and red, green and yellow peppers. Salad greens – iceberg lettuce, roquette and local red and green varieties -- are freshly picked from the bungalow gardens.

Fresh home-grown herbs such as basil, rosemary, thyme, tarragon, sage, parsley and mint inspire and enliven the chef’s menus every day: Broccoli with roasted almond soup with blue cheese. Keemun tea and fresh tarragon infused roasted chicken with braised curly cabbage and baby carrot. Oyster mushroom soup with garden fresh basil pesto. Moroccan mint tea crusted lamb rump steak with grilled herb polenta and roasted peppers in tamarind sauce. Zucchini and pumpkin frittata with rocket and pine nut salad.

Desserts are unashamedly luscious: Orange and lime cheese cake with cinnamon rhubarb. Apple tart with Assam tea cream anglaise. Cinnamon tea poached pears with butter scotch ice cream. Passion fruit pannacotta with minted citrus fruit salad. Banana and sultana compote served with Hibiscus sorbet.

Traditional English afternoon tea is an intrinsic part of plantation life, a much-appreciated ritual served on the bungalow lawns by immaculately sarong clad “apoos.” High Tea comes replete with a traditional tea service, dainty cucumber sandwiches, scones, fresh cream and strawberry jam.

Leisure Activities

Leisure Activities

Sweeping lawns and swimming pools. English gardens filled with roses, dew-filled agapanthus and spring crocus. 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. A range of pampering in-room spa treatments by expert therapists trained at our own Spa Academy. Tennis, swimming, croquet and indoor board games all come together for a leisurely lifestyle.

Activities

First the "Tea Experience" with our Planter in Residence. Follow the trail of the planters of old Ceylon, as they trekked through the dense jungle looking for the best slopes on which to plant tea. Then on to watch the tea pluckers pick two leaves and a bud with deft hands. A tea factory visit is a must to see the care with which the leaves are dried and processed for the “single origin tea” that Dilmah is famed for. Follow the scratch marks of the Gallus Lafayetii the endemic jungle fowl on a bird watching expedition. Kayaking, rafting on the white water or boating on the lake. A dawn expedition to climb the famed “ Adams Peak ” mountain nearby. Golfing, biking and trekking are some of the exhilarating sports on offer. Trek through some of the most beautiful and scenic country in the island. Tea Trails provides many activities for the adventurous.

• Tea Experience
• Mountain Biking
• Scenic Walks
• White Water Rafting
• Horton Plains National Park
• Adam's Peak (Sri Pada)
• Train & Bike Ride
• Tennis
• Spa Treatments & Baths
• Personal Trainer

Occations

Occations

Weddings
Tea Trails is ideally suited for a small wedding party of up to 25 guests. The nearby Warleigh Church is ideal for the marriage ceremony. Built in 1878 by early British planters out of granite and imported teak, it has beautiful stained glass windows. Situated on top of a tea covered hill overlooking the Castlereagh lake, it is the most stunning location for a wedding in Sri Lanka . A little cemetery surrounds this church where British planters and their loved ones are buried, a reverent reminder to their pioneering spirit.

Honeymoons and Anniversary
The privacy and solitude at Tea Trails is perfectly suited for a blissful honeymoon. Long walks through beautiful tea country, evenings sipping wine in front of a log fire and being pampered by the staff, in room Spa treatments and private dining underneath the stars will make for a memorable honeymoon.

Meetings
Brainstormings and board meetings in total seclusion on a working tea estate, far from the distractions of the city or beach resort. The atmosphere and climate is perfectly suited for crystal clear thinking. Outdoor bonding/team activities can be arranged. Depending on the size of the group one or more of the bungalows can be booked in its entirety. The nearby 100-year old Darrawela Planter's Club also offers facilities for small conferences as well as the usual club facilities such as tennis, snooker, pool, a well stocked bar, badminton as well as Cricket and Rugby grounds. For small resident groups Tea Trails is the premier location for out-of-the-box thinking.

Location

Location

Tea Trails is in central Sri Lanka, in the heart of the Tea Country, at an altitude of 4000 feet.

Just 4 hours from Colombo by car to the Castlereagh Lake, 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.

Accessible by car from major cities on mostly good roads. The road from Colombo is good and travels through beautiful scenery taking approximately four hours. Travel time from Kandy is 2 hours and Nuwara Eliya 1.45 hours. The nearest major town to Tea Trails is Hatton, which is about fifteen minutes away by car.

Distances Colombo Airport 160 km 4 1/2 hours, Colombo 130km 3 - 3 1/2 hours, Nuwara Eliya 48 km 1.45 hours, Kandy 63 km 2 hours.

Summerville Bungalow

Summerville Bungalow

High above the lake at the edge of a tea plantation, Summerville stands sentinel. This four-room bungalow enjoys magnificent views of the water and beyond to tea planted hills in the distance. Some suites open to private gardens and all accommodations have easy access to the cozy lounge where picture windows provide a backdrop to a roaring fire as the evening mist draws in. Summerville offers individual accommodation or the entire bungalow can be booked for a group to enjoy the very personal atmosphere of this great house.

Highlight ; Summer House ,Sunbathing Deck ,Garden Dining
Bungalow Floorplan ;
• Master Suite (Shuttleworth)
• Garden Suites (Garnet, Goddard)
• Luxury Room (Middleton -Twin Room)

Castlereagh Bungalow

Castlereagh Bungalow

Travellers approaching Castlereagh from the road can glimpse tantalizing views across the lake of this magnificent symbol of the glory days of colonial life. Nestled in a wooded dell close to the water, this century old bungalow offers unrivalled water views and superb garden suites to suit every taste. Elegant parquet floors all around with open fireplaces in the dining and drawing rooms, evokes recollections of the life and times of the tea planters who once lived here. In the extensive grounds summerhouses can be found where tea is served and a good book enjoyed until the sun goes down over the water and it's time for sundowners on the terrace.

Highlight ; Swimming Pool ,Summer Houses ,Croquet ,Library , Garden Dining

Bungalow Floorplan ;
• Garden Suites (Baker, Alston, Palmer)
• Luxury Rooms (Jamieson - Twin Room, Tate)

Tientsin Bungalow

Tientsin Bungalow

Step into the world of Tientsin and step back in time. Named after the Chinese village from which the original tea seedlings came, this very British residence is a historical landmark. Six glorious rooms and suites open onto magnificent English gardens still standing loyal to the colonial planters' wives who created 'a little bit of home' in a far away land. Wander the glorious rose terraces and hide away under a leafy arbour to the myriad sounds of the many birds that make their homes there. Each suite too is faithful to the original design with polished wooden floors and high ceilings; some with four-poster beds.

Highlight ;Tennis court , Garden dining, Library

Bungalow Floorplan ;
• Master Suite (Irvine Stewart )
• Garden Suites (Bretherton, Moir)
• Luxury Rooms (Fraser - Twin Room, Brebham, Meares)

Norwood Bungalow

Norwood Bungalow

The bungalow at Norwood commands a fine view of the eastern end of the Bogawantalawa valley and rests in the shelter of one of the finest bamboo stands to be found anywhere. The suites are oversized with imposing colonial style furniture, some with four-poster beds and very elegant bathrooms. A spacious lounge and well-stocked library lead out to a croquet lawn, a large swimming pool and sun deck. It is here where planters of the past invited friends to enjoy the pristine air and glorious outlook. You too can wander the gardens unchanged since yesteryear, soaking up the atmosphere of a time gone by.

Highlight ;Swimming Pool ,Summer House ,Croquet , Library , Garden Dining

Bungalow Floorplan ;
• Master Suite (Hazel)
• Garden Suites (Irvine, Andrews)
• Luxury Rooms (Trevaldwyn -Twin Room, Jeffery )