Thotalagala, Haputale

Thotalagala is characterful 19th century planter’s bungalow, now converted into a charming boutique hotel, located within a collection of tea estates that produces some of the finest tea in the country. The 146-year-old house has now assumed the role of a luxury hotel to give travellers a taste of life on a tea estate. The hotel comprises of seven well-appointed rooms, three junior suites and four suites. The themed suites are based on personalities such as Major Rogers, Sir Thomas Lipton and James Taylor who shaped the history of the province of Uva, one of the island’s foremost tea growing regions. The most recent addition is a lovely heated outdoor pool overlooking the stunning Haputale mountains and valley. Food is served in the warm and inviting dining room, but the hotel also encourages al fresco dining anywhere within the property. Champagne breakfast atop Lipton’s seat or High Tea at next door Dambatenne bungalow can also be organised. Thotalagala is ideally located for hiking, trekking and bird watching due to nearby Lipton’s Seat, Horton’s Plain and Dambatenne road (one of the only places in Sri Lanka where you can technically see fifty percent of the island).