Planning your stay
The hill country around Haputale and Horton Plains is about six hours from Colombo. Mornings are often clear and afternoons misty, and nights are cool, so bring warm layers.
Things to do nearby
Walk up to Lipton’s Seat, visit Horton Plains for World’s End and Baker’s Falls, or see Diyaluma Falls.
For more ideas, see things to do in Horton Plains, or compare all hotels in Ella.
- Check-in1300 hrs
- Check-out1200 hrs
Accommodation
Two adjoining bungalows hold five cosy rooms with valley views and 19th century style interiors. The spacious, elegant rooms have four poster beds and are named after villages: Appleby, Coniston and Grasmere, plus the Windermere Suite and the Eskdale Suite.
Deluxe Rooms
There are three of these 175 sqm rooms, named Appleby, Coniston and Grasmere. Each has a double bed and a single bed for up to three people, a patio, a private garden area, a CD player, Wi-Fi, a TV, a kettle and a safe.
Image Credit: Ceylon Tea Bungalows
Eskdale Suite
A 234 sqm family suite with a king size bed and two single beds for up to four people. It has a dining area, a microwave, a kettle, a private garden area, a bathtub, Wi-Fi and a TV.
Image Credit: Ceylon Tea Bungalows
Windermere Suite
The Windermere Suite is 195 sqm and sleeps three, with a double bed and two single beds. It has a dining area, a DVD player, a private garden and access to an executive lounge.
Image Credit: Ceylon Tea Bungalows
Facilities
- Indoor and outdoor dining.
- Hiking, mountain biking and badminton.
- Treks up to Lipton's Seat.
- Excursion desk
- Wi-Fi
- Games room
- Free parking
- Garden
- Scenic inland setting
- Private check-in and check-out
Food and drink
Local and Western food is served.
- Dining room with meals cooked to order
- Room service, 24 hours
- Outdoor dining
- Local and international cuisine
How to Get There
Ceylon Tea Bungalows sits on the Hilpankandura tea estate near Bandarawela. The airport at Katunayake is around 205 km away, about 5 hours 45 minutes by car, travelling through Ratnapura and Balangoda, then up the Haputale pass.
From central Colombo the journey is about 195 km and takes about 5 and a half hours.
As of October 2026 the hill country line is closed between Kandy and Nanu Oya after Cyclone Ditwah, so the trip from Colombo is by road. Trains do run between Nanu Oya, Ella and Badulla if you are coming from elsewhere in the hills.
To keep arrival simple, ask us for a private transfer with a chauffeur who meets you outside arrivals. You can keep the car for touring afterwards. Road times are a guide only and can vary with traffic and weather.