In central Sri Lanka, 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.

Here in solitude, at an elevation of 4000 feet above sea level, lies Ceylon Tea Trails, 4 classic colonial bungalows built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj. These historic houses have been restored by Dilmah Tea with the co-operation of Bogawantalawa Tea Estates, to offer guests the unique experience of life on a working tea estate. Bungalow sizes range from 4 to 6 rooms; 20 luxurious rooms and suites in all.

You set your own pace while at Tea Trails. Unwind in our beautiful gardens, visit a factory for a gentle education in the art of Ceylon Tea or spend an adventure-filled day biking, trekking and white-water rafting. We promise you an unforgettable holiday that will rejuvenate your spirit in the heart of the magical world of Ceylon tea.

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Accomodation
Each of the four bungalows is different. Summerville with an air of a country cottage, Castlereagh with an eclectic style of its own, the high colonial Tientsin; one of the first planters residences to be built in Ceylon and the more modern Norwood; abounding with 60s character. 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 house comes with its own manager, chef, butler and houseboys and from 4 to 6 luxurious Master Suites, Garden Suites and Luxury Rooms. You can book a room or the entire bungalow.

Follow the Tea Trail from one unique bungalow to the next, staying a night or two at each or just laze in one. Trek and picnic at spectacular locations each day in cool comfort. These four bungalows realise your dreams in a "non-hotel" atmosphere. Heritage with a contemporary style is the hallmark of the Tea Trails experience.

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

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.

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 - its a new day.