Adisham Bungalow: A Tudor Manor in the Hills of Haputale

Adisham Bungalow: An English Manor House in Sri Lanka's Hills

Set amid tea estates near Haputale, Adisham Bungalow is a striking Tudor-style country house built in 1931 by British planter Sir Thomas Villiers. Now home to a small community of Benedictine monks, the estate blends colonial-era architecture with monastic tranquillity, and its gardens and period interiors make it one of the more unusual heritage stops in Sri Lanka's hill country.

1. Tudor-Style Architecture

Best for: Architecture and history lovers

Modelled on an English country house, Adisham's stone facade, chimneys and steeply pitched roofs look strikingly out of place — and yet entirely at home — amid the misty hills of Haputale.

2. Monastery Museum

Best for: A quiet cultural visit

Part of the building has been converted into a small museum displaying period furniture, photographs and personal items from Villiers' era, giving insight into the life of a colonial-era tea planter.

3. Manicured Gardens

Best for: A peaceful stroll

The grounds include neatly kept gardens with a variety of plants suited to the cool highland climate, offering pleasant walking paths around the bungalow.

4. Benedictine Monastic Life

Best for: Cultural and spiritual interest

Since the 1960s, Adisham has been home to a small community of Benedictine monks, and the estate's produce, including jams and cordials made by the monastery, can often be purchased on-site.

Practical Tips

• Best season: Year-round; cooler months suit the hill-country climate.
• Getting there: About 5 km from Haputale town, reachable by tuk-tuk or car along a scenic estate road.
• Getting around: The bungalow and gardens are compact and easily explored on foot.
• Entry/opening info: A small entry fee applies to visit the museum rooms; opening days can be limited, so checking ahead is worthwhile.
• Combine with: Lipton's Seat and the tea estates around Haputale.

Where to Stay near Adisham Bungalow

Haputale has a range of guesthouses and small hotels, many with sweeping views over the surrounding tea country. Browse verified Haputale stays on SLAccommodation for options near the bungalow.

Quick Facts

Frequently Asked Questions

Who built Adisham Bungalow? It was built in 1931 by Sir Thomas Villiers, a British tea planter, in the style of an English Tudor country house.

Is Adisham Bungalow still a working monastery? Yes, it has been home to a community of Benedictine monks since the 1960s, who maintain the estate and produce goods sold on-site.

Can visitors go inside Adisham Bungalow? A section of the building operates as a small museum open to visitors for a modest entry fee, though opening days can be limited.

How far is Adisham Bungalow from Haputale town? It's about 5 km away, reachable by tuk-tuk or car along a scenic road through tea estates.