Indulge in an authentic tea plantation stay overlooking the magnificent Castlereagh Reservoir, complete with afternoon tea, croquet and personal butlers
Location: Proudly the world’s first tea bungalow resort, Ceylon Tea Trails is set in Sri Lanka’s stunning hill country overlooking Castlereagh Reservoir. Surrounded by lush tea plantations and distant mountains, the resort offers tranquillity, sweeping views, and easy access to local attractions such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains, and Adam’s Peak.
Rooms: The five restored tea planter residences each have 4–6 bedrooms, named after the original tea planters. Period furnishings, antique touches, and four-poster beds combine comfort with colonial charm. The residences are secluded, feel like private homes rather than hotels, and are complemented by personal butler service. Guests can enjoy a traditional “Bed Tea” to start the day before exploring the estate.
Amenities: Ceylon Tea Trails offers an infinity pool, in-room spa treatments, and cosy log fires for evening relaxation. Afternoon cream tea is served in the gardens, while inventive four-course dinners feature fresh estate-grown produce, herbs, and an excellent wine list. Personalised butler service ensures a seamless and indulgent stay.
Activities: Guests can explore the tea gardens on guided walks, take tea factory tours, cycle through the Bogawantalawa Valley, white-water raft on the Kelani River, or hike Adam’s Peak. Croquet, casual estate strolls, and visits to nearby towns and national parks provide a balance of relaxation and adventure.
Sustainability: The resort preserves the heritage of the estates while sourcing fresh, local produce for dining and maintaining the surrounding environment in harmony with the natural landscape, honouring Sri Lanka’s tea-growing traditions.
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Hill Country Trip Inspiration
When to visit Sri Lanka
Find out the best time to visit Sri Lanka with our month by month guide.
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
January
January is the perfect time to visit different regions in Sri Lanka, temperatures will be warm and basking in sunshine, meaning the cultural triangle, beaches, national parks and hill country could all be visited during January. However, the central hills will be cooler than other regions due to their altitude.
February
February is much like January, with long sunny days and calm seas. Visitors travelling during this month have a higher chance of spotting sperm and blue whales.
March
March is considered the best time to visit the central hills, although cooler than other regions in Sri Lanka there is less chance of rains in March.
April
Typically April, is the hottest and driest month of the year, with temperatures exceeding 35 degrees if you're travelling to Golden Triangle regions. It is a great month to head to Sri Lanka's beautiful beaches, with clear skies and long sunny days.
- Top Tip: when sightseeing visit in the mornings and evenings as you will avoid the hottest part of the day.
May
In May, the south is humid and increasingly hot whilst hill country is cooler with a higher chance of rainfall. We recommend travelling to the North and east of the island during May witnessing the unique history and culture of Sri Lanka.
- Vesak Poya, takes place during the first full moon, celebrating the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.
June
During June, temperatures in the south continue to be increasingly hot and humid as the southwest monsoon blows through the country. Southern regions will experience short sharp showers which tend to pass quite quickly.
July
As the summer holidays commence in July, Sri Lanka is in peak season, with temperatures staying around 30 degrees all month. If you're looking to explore Sri Lanka and visit different areas July is a great time to visit.
August
In August, the warm days continue with temperatures remaining in the high twenties. All in all it is a great month to travel especially if you want to witness culture, between August and September the Kandy Perahera festival takes place, a grand procession celebrating the 'sacred tooth' of Buddha.
September
All in all September is a great month to travel especially if you want to witness culture, between August and September the Kandy Perahera festival takes place, a grand procession celebrating the 'sacred tooth' of Buddha.
October
October brings with it the monsoon rains which affect the whole country, in saying this the weather remains warm and sunny. The monsoon can be unpredictable, rains can be heavy, sporadic or not come at all it is impossible to forecast.
November
In November the monsoon continues, with conditions affecting the whole country.
December
During December the monsoon rains can continue, however the southern and western coasts dry out and become warm and dry. The monsoon rains, means during December the landscapes become lush and full, meaning it is a beautiful time to explore the more rural areas of Sri Lanka.
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