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Pakistan Karakoram Highway Expedition
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Mandira Bungalows has three refurbished colonial villas, set in the heart of the tea country in southern Sri Lanka. Built in the early 1900’s in the style of that era, it provided a comfortable home to ‘planters’ who presided over the estates. All the bungalows were well appointed, located above 1300-metres above sea level, to enjoy the fresh, cool atmosphere and the lush surrounds. Now owned by Watawala Plantations, each bungalow reflects its old colonial charm and character.
The three Mandira Bungalows are scattered across the Hatton high country, each with four to five spacious bedrooms. All are furnished with four-poster beds, gorgeous restored furniture, black-and-white tiled bathrooms and surrounded with quaint English-style gardens. Opulent dining rooms complete with candelabras provide the setting for a lavish dinner and the verandas offer a more relaxed experience for breakfast, lunch and pre-dinner drinks.
Hill Country is an excellent destination for those who prefer nature and adventure. Mandira Bungalows are well placed to offer a range of activities including treks and cycle rides, accompanied by a naturalist guide. Explore tea plantations, nearby villages or go Bungalow Hopping with meals or tea planned in each. One day, visit a nearby tea factory where you can learn more about tea producing process and then relax with a book on one of the inviting patios in the garden.
Amenities
Bar/PubConciergeCribs/Infant Beds AvailableFamily RoomGardenLibraryMultilingual StaffRestaurantSafety Deposit BoxesWi-Fi AvailableStay Mandira Bungalows has three colonial villas; Craig Appin, Dickoya and Strathdon. All have been tea planter’s bungalows, now restored to their former glory with modern comforts. Expect colonial style furniture, French windows and fire places. Spacious bedrooms have four poster beds, wooden floors and ensuite bathrooms, some with roll tops. Craig Appin has four Deluxe Rooms and one Master Suite, and Dickoya and Strathdon both have three Deluxe Rooms and one Master Suite.
ChildCare Families with children are welcome to stay at Mandira Bungalows but there are no specific facilities available for children. However, Master Suites have a double and twin room so are great for families and young children will love the open spaces and there is much to do here that will keep them occupied.
Dine The inhouse restaurant at the Mandira Bungalows offers the best of both worlds with an extensive menu offering a choice of Western and Eastern dishes. The chef will discuss menu options with guests and each dish is carefully prepared to suit the most discerning tastes. Begin with an English breakfast, followed by light lunch and not-to-be-missed, high tea in the garden. Dinners are more elaborate which include Sri Lankan curries and favourite English dishes.
Relax The gardens surrounding the Mandira Bungalows are extensive with beautiful mountain vistas and the rolling slopes of the tea estates around. There are lots of shady areas to relax in the garden or guests can take leisurely walks in the surrounding tea plantations. Inside, is an elegant sitting room and a covered veranda with comfortable seating.
Experience There are lots of activities available at the Mandira Bungalows. With green rolling hills, slow moving streams with enchanting waterfalls, the area is perfect for trekking and cycling. Guests can take trails through the plantations, accompanied by the bungalows' naturalist and go Bungalow Hopping between the three bungalows, or take a take a train ride to a nearby town and cycle back. One day, visit a tea factory to learn more about the picking and drying process.
Location The Mandira Bunaglows are located in Sri Lanka's Hill Country, near the town of Hatton which is 130km from the capital of Colombo and about 4,500ft above sea level.
Getting there Colombo Bandaranaike (175km away) is the closest international airport. Most guests come by private car, either as part of a bigger exploration around Sri Lanka or arranged by Ceylon Tea Trails. The journey time is 4.5-hours from Colombo.
When to go Sri Lanka is a year-round destination with consistently warm temperatures and lots of sunshine. However, it barely gets unbearably hot in the Hill Country. The months of December to April are probably the best time to visit, when days are warm (around 28C) with cool nights. During the monsoon season from October to December you can expect heavy downpours. June to September are the driest months here when there’s almost no rain at all.
Destination
Central, Sri Lanka
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May 04 - 19, May 19, 2025
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