Ceylon Tea Trails
Colonial plantation house party. Teak four-posters, roll-top baths, billiard rooms, croquet on the lawn, log fires at dusk, and Bed Tea delivered by your butler at dawn. Think Downton Abbey relocated to the Sri Lankan highlands.
Request morning Bed Tea on the veranda — it's the most Sri Lanka thing you'll ever do
Why It Matters
World's first tea bungalow resort. Only Michelin Three-Key property in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's first Relais & Châteaux. Featured on BBC's Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby. Owned and operated by the Dilmah Ceylon Tea family with deep roots in the estate's history.
Ceylon Tea Trails is the world's first tea bungalow resort — five restored colonial-era planters' bungalows spread across 3,500 acres of working tea estate in Sri Lanka's central highlands, at an altitude of 1,250 metres above Castlereagh Lake. It's part of the Dilmah tea family's Resplendent Ceylon group, the first Relais & Châteaux member in Sri Lanka, and the only resort in the country to hold the three-key Michelin distinction. Each bungalow functions as its own private world: dedicated chef, butler, pool, and grounds — with guests free to wander between them on foot or by boat.
Where You'll Stay
9 room types available
Castlereagh Bungalow (Private Buyout)
A century-old bungalow sitting directly on the banks of Castlereagh Lake, offering the closest water views of all five bungalows. Recently refurbished garden suites with a colourful, eclectic aesthetic. A large drawing room opens onto terrace, pool, and jacuzzi. Summerhouses scattered across the grounds.
Dunkeld Bungalow (Private Buyout)
The newest bungalow, with 5 rooms and suites plus the Taylor's Owner's Cottage. Infinity-edge pool positioned high above Castlereagh Lake with what guests routinely describe as the best pool view on the estate. Traditional members-club interiors. Closest to the Dunkeld Tea Factory.
Garden Suite
At 48 sqm, the Garden Suites are a significant step up. King bed, full bathtub, walk-in shower, and a private veranda looking onto gardens and mountains. The Dunkeld versions — Anderson and Clark Garden Suites — are 48 sqm and follow the same layout. At Castlereagh, these have been recently refurbished with a more colourful, eclectic style.
King · 48 sqm
Luxury Room
The entry-level room at Ceylon Tea Trails — and 'entry-level' here means antique furniture, a king-sized bed, and an ensuite bathroom with a bathtub. Each room sits within one of the five heritage bungalows, with views over tea fields or gardens. Named after former estate managers from the colonial era.
Master Suite
The largest standard room category, with a separate spacious living room and a seriously appointed ensuite featuring twin sinks, a freestanding bathtub, and walk-in shower. At Norwood, the Greig Master Suite is the biggest in the bungalow. Four-poster beds appear in several Master Suites across the five bungalows. Some include private garden access.
King (four-poster in some)Norwood Bungalow (Private Buyout)
Norwood has 6 unique rooms and suites, with sweeping views of the eastern Bogawantalawa Valley. A large swimming pool, sun deck, jacuzzi, croquet lawn, and billiards room. Heritage furniture — some with four-poster beds and freestanding bathtubs. Positioned higher on the hills. Good for families or private groups.
Owner's Cottage (Taylor's Cottage)
At 145 sqm, this is a standalone one-bedroom cottage at Dunkeld Bungalow, tucked high up on the hillside among the tea fields. Twin bathtubs, a private heated outdoor jacuzzi with lake views, and a veranda. It's the most private room on the entire estate — your own bungalow-within-a-bungalow, blending seamlessly into the surrounding tea fields.
King · 145 sqmSummerville Bungalow (Private Buyout)
A five-bedroom waterfront bungalow with a country-cottage feel. Infinity pool, croquet lawn, and cosy lounge. Magnificent rolling hills views. The quietest bungalow on the estate. Elegant suites with large four-poster beds and freestanding bathtubs, some with private gardens.
Tientsin Bungalow (Private Buyout)
The oldest residence on the estate, named after the Chinese village from which the original tea seedlings came. 6 rooms and suites. Very British in character — a true historical landmark. Home of the clay tennis court. Higher in the hills with mountain and tea valley views.
The Property
Eat & Drink
5 venues on property
Restaurant
Spa & Wellness
Treatment Menu
On Property
How you'll actually spend your days.
Pre-dawn climb to Sri Pada (Adam's Peak) at 2,250m, sacred to Buddhists, Muslims, and Hindus. The estate packs breakfast for the ascent. Dramatic sunrise and the famous 'Shadow of the Peak' spectacle.
Mountain biking adventures through the Bogawantalawa Valley at 1,500+ metres altitude. Guides lead routes through tea estates and rural highland terrain.
The Kelani River in Kitulgala (1.5 hours from Tea Trails) has seven Class III rapids. Suitable for novices and experienced rafters. Arranged through the estate.
Croquet lawns at Norwood, Summerville, and Dunkeld Bungalows. Very much in keeping with the colonial house-party atmosphere.
Guided tour of the working Dunkeld Tea Factory led by the estate's resident Tea Planter, Bernard Holsinger. Covers tea history, production process from leaf to cup, and flavour crafting. Complimentary daily inclusion. The single most quintessential thing to do at Tea Trails.
Guided tasting session with Bernard Holsinger, the resident Tea Planter. Explores the unique flavour profiles and technical layers of different Ceylon teas. Held in estate settings.
Bait fishing with handmade bamboo poles or cast line rods on the reservoir. Leisurely and immersive.
Alfresco breakfast set within the bungalow gardens — available at Tientsin, Dunkeld, Norwood, or Castlereagh, or in a private garden for Garden and Master Suite guests.
Immersive tea field experience for kids, showing how the tea in their cup is grown and harvested.
Paddle around the lake in hi-spec kayaks. Mornings are the most spectacular as mist lifts off the glassy water.
Scenic cruise on Castlereagh Lake with a fresh, locally sourced breakfast served on board. Surrounded by mountain and tea valley views.
Guided tour into the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, a montane forest ecosystem forming part of the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Led by estate naturalists.
A 300-kilometre curated long-distance walking trail through Sri Lanka's Central Highlands, with 22 stages. Ceylon Tea Trails provides base and guided sections of this route.
Clay court at Tientsin Bungalow — a nod to British planters who played after morning factory rounds. Rackets and equipment available.
Guided walks and hikes through the tea estates and surrounding forest patches with a Tea Trails Naturalist or Trail Guide. Biodiversity includes endemic amphibians, birds, and leopards in the Peak Ridge Forest corridor.
Amenities & Practical Info
The details that matter for planning.
Rates include all meals and most drinks including selected spirits, liqueurs, wines, and beers. Laundry is also included.
Every bungalow has its own chef who personalises all meals daily. Meals and most drinks included in rate.
Each bungalow features a library within its main living space, stocked with books and periodicals.
Each of the five bungalows has its own large swimming pool. Dunkeld, Summerville, and Castlereagh pools overlook the lake; Norwood and Tientsin look out over tea-carpeted mountains. Dunkeld's is infinity-edge and widely considered the finest view on the estate.
Heated jacuzzis at multiple bungalows, scattered across the estate gardens. Owner's Cottage has a private heated jacuzzi.
Billiard rooms at Norwood and Dunkeld Bungalows.
Standalone summerhouses scattered across bungalow grounds — perfect for afternoon reading, tea, or simply taking in the views.
Each bungalow has dedicated butler service. The butler delivers morning Bed Tea and is available throughout the day. Included in all-inclusive rate.
A single clay tennis court at Tientsin Bungalow, shared across the estate.
Guests can travel between lakeside bungalows by boat, in addition to walking trails.
Guests can arrange a seaplane from Colombo directly onto Castlereagh Lake — a 30-minute flight and one of the most dramatic hotel arrivals in Asia.
BUILD YOUR CEYLON TEA TRAILS PLAN
Rooms, dining, spa, and resort experiences — organized into one trip plan.
Start Planning