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  • Feb 4th, 2005
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Ever since the Scottish planter James Taylor set the first tea sapling in the warm brown earth of Sri Lanka's hill country in 1867, tea plantations flourished on this island, and continue to do so even today. A long with the plantations, the laid back, languid and luxurious lifestyle enjoyed by the planters of yore is very much alive.

A number of plantations are opened to the tourists which enable them to have an experience of the unique luxurious lifestyle of the planters. Some of them are:

THOTALAGALA TEA PLANTATION BUNGALOW:

Thotalagala Tea Plantation Bungalow is located in Haputale, in the middle of what is probably the most famous plantation in the world - the Dumbetenna Estate. Originally built by Sir Thomas Lipton, it was known as the "Lipton Tea Estate". Set at an elevation of 4,500 ft. above sea level, the climate is comfortably cool and known for its health giving properties.

The bungalow offers a breathtaking view of the lush green tea plantations surrounding it. Of the seven beautifully laid out bedrooms, three come complete with a fireplace. The impressive smoking room and sitting room are also kept warm on a chill evening with a crackling log fire.

A fresh water swimming pool in the beautiful garden allows the brave to splash around in clear water straight from a mountain spring. Sightseeing options include the famous Lipton Tea Garden, Lipton Seat and Adisham - a Benedictine Monastery built in the style of Leeds Castle in England.

ST. ADREWS TEA PLANTATION BUNGALOW: Set at an elevation of over 5,000 ft. above sea level in Talawakelle, this is a serene cottage-type bungalow close to the central tea growing district in Sri Lanka. The climate here is pleasantly cool throughout the year.

This bungalow is surrounded by tea plantations and you could relax and observe the familiar sight of colourful tea pluckers at work, as they deftly pick "two leaves and a bud", tossing them over their shoulders into the baskets slung behind them.

Six well maintained bedrooms, a sitting room with a fireplace and elegant dining room complete the layout of this bungalow. From its well-maintained gardens you can enjoy breathtaking views of the majestic St. Claire Waterfalls.

ROSITA TEA PLANTATION BUNGALOW: Rosita is a spacious and lavish colonial property. Located at Kotagala in the Dimbulla Valley, it is set at an elevation of 4,400 ft. above sea level and is surrounded by tea plantations, world renowned for producing the aromatic "Dimulla Tea".

The four large well-furnished bedrooms have attached toilets complete with old world bathtubs with hot and cold water. This luxurious plantation bungalow surrounded by a spacious garden with a variety of flowers and well-manicured lawn comprises a comfortable morning room, a sitting room with a cosy hearth and a well-appointed dining room.

Rosita is located close to the popular holiday resort of Nuwara Eliya, Adam's Peak, and the Great Western Range which is the sixth highest mountain range in Sri Lanka.

KIRCHHAYN BUNGALOW:

The Kirchhayn Bungalow is located on the slopes of Aislaby Tea Estate in Bandarawela, 4,200 feet above sea level. A rudimentary road from Aislaby Tea Estate takes you to driveaway leading to this bungalow which is flanked by immaculate lawns and well maintained flower beds.

The five-bedroomed bungalow is from another day and age - a feeling of perfect calm and peace surrounds you from the moment you enter it.

The Bostock Suite is the Master Suite with a seating area overlooking the gardens. The Pyman Suite, Lushington Suite and Wickwar Suite are deluxe accommodation options with double and twin beds and facilities to add in an extra bed if necessary.

The climate here is cool and crisp, and a log fire is lit in the drawing room every evening in time for cocktails. Breakfast is served in the garden overlooking the rolling green velvet plantations with a vista of mountains in the distance. Lunch is wherever you want it to be and dinner is served with style in the dining room.

Gentle exercise options include a ramble around the tea plantation, which offers magnificent views of the Namanukula and Ella-Hills.

BONNIELAND BUNGALOW: Set in 17 acres of vibrant tropical and subtropical flora and fauna, Bonnieland Bungalow is an idyllic retreat. The entire ambience of the bungalow is in harmony with the natural beauty of the gigantic hills of the Mamunukula (nine peaks) range.

Built in 1907, Bonnieland is a tea planter's bungalow located in an immaculate setting in the peaceful hill country of the Uva Province, 2,200 ft. above sea level. Three double bedrooms, each with a semi attached bathrooms are tastefully decorated in beautiful colonial style.

Breakfast and lunch are served on the verandah from where you could view the lush gardens and look down at the bustling town of Badulla. Dinner by candlelight is served in the dining room after which you could sip your coffee in the drawing room.

Copyright Business Recorder, 2005


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