Thotalagala

Where wild grasses ripple in the breeze and the scent of tea drifts through the hills

Thotalagala offers an exquisite step back in time—an atmospheric colonial bungalow perched high above Haputale, where the pace is gentle, the service seamless, and the views stretch into legend.

This 150-year-old tea estate bungalow, once part of Sir Thomas Lipton’s original holdings, has been reimagined as a boutique hideaway that honours its roots while quietly elevating the experience. The Dambatenne Tea Factory—founded by Lipton in the late 1800s—still operates just nearby, its story woven into the landscape. From here, Lipton oversaw his vision for a global tea empire, and the echoes of that ambition can still be felt in the polished teak floors and high ceilings of the house he helped shape. Today, Thotalagala invites you to inhabit that same rarefied air—with butler-served tea on the terrace and the hush of the hill country rolling through the open windows.

Surrounding the house are 20 acres of immaculate lawns and wild patana grass, with a 4,000-hectare tea estate climbing above it, up toward the famous Lipton’s Seat and down toward Bandarawela’s softly undulating valleys. In the distance, you’ll hear the occasional sounds of village life—temple bells, wedding music, and sometimes even the celebratory crackle of fireworks. These moments, though fleeting, serve only to remind you that you are in the heart of a living, breathing landscape—one deeply connected to its past, its people, and its place.

Inside, the seven suites are all individually named after prominent colonial figures who played a role in Sri Lanka’s tea history. No two rooms are the same—each one unique in layout, tone, and character, shaped by the contours of the original bungalow. The four larger suites (Sir Thomas Lipton, Rev Walter Senior, Major Rogers, and James Taylor) are generously proportioned and feature both a walk-in shower and freestanding bathtub. Most can accommodate a third guest on a sofa bed—ideal for parents with older children or simply those who like a little more breathing room. The three Junior Suites (Sam Popham, George Pilkington, and John Duncan) are charmingly cosy, each with a king-sized bed, ceiling fan, and an en-suite with walk-in shower. There are no in-room tea or coffee facilities—because there’s no need. Your personal butler will bring it just as you like it, whenever you wish, without you ever needing to lift a finger.

Life at Thotalagala is designed around stillness and indulgence. The board basis is Luxury All-Inclusive, and it truly delivers—from à la carte breakfasts and refined, home-style lunches to elegant four- and five-course dinners served either indoors at the communal table or outdoors under the veranda. The menu changes daily, curated with care by the kitchen team, who check in with you each morning to tailor dishes to your tastes. Wines, spirits, and soft drinks are included; champagne and select premium labels can be arranged at a supplement, though most guests find little need to look beyond what’s already offered.

Rest and rejuvenation comes in the form of a beautiful 14-metre infinity pool, which gazes out over the tea terraces, its edges melting into the landscape. There are shaded loungers for reading, quiet corners for reflection, and cool garden paths to wander with a cup of tea in hand. Those in the mood to explore can walk the estate trails, visit the tea factory, or take a short tuk-tuk ride to nearby Haputale and its railway station—just 15 minutes away.

Children are welcome at Thotalagala, though it’s worth noting that this is a retreat best suited to older children or younger ones under close supervision. The grounds are extensive, with some drops and uneven areas, and there are no formal childcare services on-site. That said, the lawn is vast, the staff wonderfully accommodating, and dishes can be adjusted to suit little ones’ palates with ease. The swimming pool is for supervised use only, and there are no televisions or organised distractions—just space, sky, and the slow rhythm of plantation life.

For those seeking a stay that’s rich in narrative, deeply restful, and subtly grand, Thotalagala is an extraordinary find. It’s a place where stories are held in the walls, where butlers still serve tea with a quiet smile, and where luxury is measured in time, space, and the simple pleasure of a view that has scarcely changed in a century.

Suitability: Thotalagala Hotel welcomes children but please take special note of the information detailed above. Furthermore children must be supervised at all times.

Many of our guests travel to Sri Lanka as part of a wider journey, taking in multiple regions to experience the island’s extraordinary diversity. Thotalagala is often just one stop on a much broader tailor-made itinerary. To explore how this hotel might fit into your own bespoke journey, visit the ‘Tailor-Made Itineraries’ tab or get in touch — we’d be delighted to help you make the most of your time on this vast and varied island.