Fleewinter

Welcome to Thotalagala, one of the first, and most beautiful 19th century tea planters’ bungalows in Sri Lanka. Having recently been through a masterful restoration, the bungalow has been returned to its former glory, retaining in its every perfect detail, the lush grandeur of its colonial origins; amidst one of the finest tea growing region in the world.

Haputale is ideally located on the trail between Sri Lanka’s lush mountains and the descent towards the south coast and the jungles of Yala and Udawalawe which are a two hour drive away. Across the hills the ancient capital of Kandy lies within a two and a half hour radius. This location between Kandy and the Southern Wildlife parks and beaches makes Haputale an ideal location to sample the best of Sri Lanka’s tea country.

The seven suites serve as opulent tributes to the designs, hues, shapes and concepts that typified the British colonial era in Sri Lanka in the ultimate comfort and luxury.

Sir Thomas Lipton Suite is a 59 m2 suite, includes an en-suite bathroom and a sitting room, as well as a secluded porch overlooking a charming garden. James Taylor Suite is the same size with charming touches, the centre of which is a fascinating floral tribute to the best blooms of Sri Lanka. Rev. Walter Senior Suite features a private living room and fireplace, with a small, well stocked library and a magnificent four poster bed. Major Rogers Suite has a delightful bath and a fireplace area; a stay in this suite directly contributes to the conservation of elephants through The Environmental Foundation Limited. John Duncan Junior Suite is tastefully decorated with a fascinating collection of classic images of the railway in British Colonial Ceylon. George Pilkinton Junior Suite, from palm fronded wall paper to a divan and arm chair upholstered in metallic silver, is a masterful mix of old world charm and stylish comfort. Sam Popham Junior Suite and its en-suite bathroom are wheelchair accessible.

Thotalagala offers an array of exquisite experiences: teak panelled smoking room is the ideal place to retreat to for an after dinner cognac. The dining room itself is with its twenty seater table, a place to savour traditional hearty plantation fare. Breakfast on the lawn in the old fashioned way or as a take-away picnic. A unique BBQ experience in the estate. This is also a working estate and guest will be able to immerse themselves into the traditional lifestyle of a tea planter.

Come and explore true working tea country, walk through endless tea gardens, travel back in time and walk in the footsteps of Sir Thomas Lipton.