Thotalagala

Thotalagala has a spectacular location on Pitaratmalie Estate, part of the large Agarapatana Plantations. It sits above Sri Lanka’s south-eastern plains, on the edge of the Haputale escarpment and between the mountains and the jungle, guaranteeing panoramic vistas.

There are just seven themed colonial-style suites at Thotalagala, each one celebrating a figure central to the history of the Uva province, one of the most significant tea growing regions in Sri Lanka – one is named after Sir Thomas Lipton. Housed in one of the first 19^th-century tea planters’ bungalows in the country, their beautiful interiors feature dark woods and light creams, with four-poster beds, antique furnishings, plush sofas, stylish tiled bathrooms and panoramic vistas over the countryside.

In keeping with the serenity of the location, there are no TVs in the rooms. There is complimentary Wi-Fi, but we recommend taking this opportunity to switch off and relax!

Wake up to a glorious sunrise and enjoy morning breakfast on the lawn, overlooking the mountains: including (of course) a cup of single estate, premium quality tea, served in a china cup, alongside bread fresh from the oven, homemade preserves and fruit from nearby orchards - or have a picnic breakfast by the stream.  

In the afternoon, linger over a classic afternoon tea with scones, finger sandwiches and cakes, and feast on a delicious candlelit barbecue of hearty plantation fare in the evening.

There are plenty of places indoors and outside to relax. Laze on the lawns or relive the lifestyle of the 19^th century in an armchair by the fireplace in the lounge, where you’ll find plenty of books about the area and local tea-growing.  

This working estate is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to learn about tea. Thotalagala borders Dambatenne, one of the few tea estates in the world that Sir Thomas Lipton planted himself. The term Ceylon tea was coined here, and this is where Lipton’s Tea was founded and sold its first pound of tea from the factory which still stands today. Guests have exclusive access to the factory and to Lipton’s home, and you can immerse yourself in the life of a tea planter, and walk through the endless acres of tea gardens. 

For a more challenging walk, hike to Lipton’s Seat, where Sir Thomas would survey his tea plantations. On a clear day you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views over the Uva province and beyond, with mountains and lakes leading to the southern coast. If you prefer a gentler journey, the hotel will drive you up to the viewpoint.

Continuing the tea theme, you can also visit Nuwara Eliya, where some of the world’s finest orange pekoe tea is produced. Excursions can also be arranged to the 720ft-high Diyaluma (‘liquid light’) Falls, one of the highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, which is rich in folklore, and to St. Benedict’s Monastery, which is beautifully preserved and has English country cottage-style gardens and a shop selling renowned jams made by the monks.

Thotalagala sits between Kandy and the southern beaches and wildlife parks, making it an ideal location to explore some of Sri Lanka’s many other gems. The area is wildlife and birdlife-rich - see leopards, langurs and highland birds such as the Sri Lanka white-eye and the flycatcher.