What is the weather like?
As Tea Trails is at an elevation of 4000+ feet, the climate is cooler and less humid than in Colombo and on the coast. Typically, cool mornings, warm days and cool evenings. Daytime temperatures are comfortable in the low to mid 20’s Celsius and at night can drop to 10 Celsius hence the fireplaces in all bungalows. There is no air conditioning in the bedrooms.

What is the best season to visit?
Ceylon Tea Trails is a year-round destination. The driest part of the year is between December and May. June/July and October/November are wetter months due to the monsoon. However, the ambience of the bungalows is such that you'd think there's nothing better than curling up in front of a fire with a good book during a shower of rain.

What should we wear?
There is no particular dress code. Bring a light sweater for cool mornings and evenings, sturdy walking shoes to explore and in the monsoon months, a waterproof top.

What is the dress code for meals, especially for dinner?
There is no dress code for meals although many of our guest find it inviting to dress up to celebrate their vacation in style.

Do you provide gluten free meals?
Yes, we can tailor menus based on our guests dietary preferences and restrictions. We ask all our guests to provide us with this information in order to ensure they have a flawless dining experience.

Can I dine at Ceylon Tea Trails if I am not residing at the resort?
Our dining arrangements are dedicated to our in-house guests but we can make case by case arrangements with prior notice.

What is the recommended length of stay?
A minimum 2 night’s stay is required. To fully enjoy the unique Ceylon Tea Trails experience we recommend 3 or 4 nights.

Do Tea Trails suit honeymooners?
The atmosphere at Ceylon Tea Trails is perfect for honeymooners. The beautiful tranquil surroundings, wonderful walking trails, personalised services like breakfast in bed, romantic baths and in-room spa treatments provide a magical setting for the romantic in you.

Which bungalow is the best?
All bungalows have their own unique character and setting. We find that guests who visit other bungalows conclude that their own is the best as it becomes their “home”. Some points of difference:

  • Around the Castlereagh lake where the seaplane lands is the Dilmah Dunkeld tea factory where the Tea Experience takes place.
  • Guests arrive at Summerville which is the easiest to access from Hatton town (railway station and closest main town)
  • From Summerville we offer a 10 minute boat ride across the water to Castlereagh and Dunkeld to save a longer road detour on estate roads.
  • Summerville Castlereagh and Dunkeld have lakes views and are the most central
  • Norwood and Tientsin guests drive direct to their bungalows
  • Norwood is the “mother ship” as it is centrally located between all bungalows. It has lovely mountain views across the valley.
  • Tientsin is further away but the most traditional in design, with beautiful gardens and mountain views.

Are we provided with mosquito nets and repellent?
All rooms are provided with mosquito nets and tea infused mosquito repellents.

What kinds of transport arrangements are available from the airport / Colombo?
Most guests come by private car either as part of a bigger exploration around Sri Lanka or arranged by Ceylon Tea Trails. The journey time is 4.5 hours from Colombo, 2.5 hours from Kandy or 1.45 hours from Nuwara Eliya. We will be happy to arrange any transfers for you. We also have both Sea Plane and Helicopter transfer options available. Most guest find the Sea Plane option to be the preferred and convenient way to transfer to and from Ceylon Tea Trails.

What is the closest railway station and how do I arrange vehicle transfers from there?
Hatton railway station is the closest railway station to Ceylon Tea Trails and our reservations team will be happy to assist you in arranging transfers from the station to the resort.

Do you have accommodation for drivers?
We have secured accommodation for drivers in the area, 6-8km away from the bungalows. We provide this service complimentary, however meals would be charged by the lodging place.

Where does the helicopter land?

The helicopter can land at either the Dunkeld Helipad or Thondaman Grounds. Ground transfers will be arranged on complimentary basis from either location. The Dunkeld helipad will be used if guests are staying at Summerville, Castlereagh or Dunkeld Bungalow and the Thondaman Grounds will be used for guests staying at Norwood.

Dunkeld Bungalow to Dunkeld Helipad - 2.5km 15 minutes

Castlereagh Bungalow to Dunkeld Helipad - 2.7km 15  minutes

Summerville to Dunkeld Helipad - 2.7km plus 7-10 minute boat transfer 23-25 minutes

Norwood to Thondaman Grounds - 5km 20 minutes

Tientsin to Thondaman Grounds - 10km 30 minutes