Adisham Bungalow- the stone giant in the Uva Highlands
13
Mar
Narmada Wijegunarathne is a devoted traveler and nature lover, deeply passionate about both exploration and writing. Professionally, she excels as a quantity surveyor in the construction field. Her favorite pastime is trekking through breathtaking landscapes, enjoying her love for hiking, camping and nature adventures.
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Adisham Bungalow
Welcome to the Adisham Bungalow, the St. Benedict’s monastery. Do you ever find yourself yearning for the scent of a European castle and chilly weather? I mean, while watching a historical movie? How about sniffing a mix in Sri Lanka? There is no need to wait. Get ready to be the perfect Adisham traveler. Let’s go!
Oh, my! That immense beauty….
As you step into a garden right beyond the gate, it’s not just clean and calm, but incredibly beautiful. See that white fence adorned with a rainbow of roses? Exactly like the castles we fantasized about in our childhood. Adisham is surrounded by the Tangamale Bird Sanctuary, known as the “Golden Mountain” in Tamil. So, you will hear the dawn chorus of birds with loud tweets and chirps. Furthermore, do you want to know why it’s called the golden mountain? Experience the sun rising over the Dambethanna peak, allowing you to soak up the sun with a lovely golden glow. Believe me. It’s worth witnessing how the mountains and forests gradually transform into a golden valley. Lastly, don’t forget to bid farewell to Miss Camelia. Also, gently wipe dewdrops from the princess rose as you make your way to the bungalow.
The dream of a homesick Englishman
Adisham Bungalow, Haputhale, is the dream palace of Sir Thomas Lister Villers. He was a planter who, in retrospect, wanted his birth village, Adisham, in Kent, England, right here in Sri Lanka. He named his bungalow, Adisham, after it. This land is perched at an altitude of about 5000 feet above sea level. Moreover, once you step in, you might sense the climate symmetry he once felt. Come and check it out! The construction was completed in 1931. The entire area covers over 10 acres of land. The bungalow consists of 2 floors and 25 rooms. In addition, the upstairs floor has 12 rooms, and today it serves as the residence for monks and novices.
How do I go to Adisham Bungalow, Haputale?
Adisham Bungalow is situated in the serene Haputale, Badulla District of Uva Province. It is just a short 4-kilometer drive from Haputale town along the Haputale-Boralanda route. If you are starting from Nuwara Eliya, the distance from Nuwara Eliya to Adisham is around 47km. The distance from Ella to Adisham is around 27 kilometers. In addition, if you are coming from Colombo, the distance is more than 200 km. On the other hand, you can reach Haputale in 5 hours by car or 8 hours on a train. The train ride is a memorable journey one can experience in a lifetime in Sri Lanka. If you get on buses from Colombo to Badulla via route 99, Haputale is en route.
As you travel along the Haputale-Boralanda road, keep an eye out for a green board indicating Thangamale Sanctuary. In the same way, you are passing through the Tangamale forest, and the enchanting Adisham Bungalow is in the middle.
The Adisham Bungalow opening times.
You know this place is a monastery. So, we have to ensure the peace of monks and novices during our visits. As a result, visits are limited to public holidays, school vacations, and Poya days.
This is a friendly heads-up. The doors remain closed on regular weekdays, on Good Friday, and on Christmas Day too. Additionally, the Adisham Bungalow opening time for visitors is between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
The Adisham Bungalow price
The entrance fee is wallet-friendly. It is just 100 rupees per local adult and 50 rupees per child. For a foreign friend, it is a reasonable 500 rupees.
If you plan to stay, the full board price is 5000 rupees per person, with meals. A room is spacious for up to four people, with a total cost of 20,000 rupees. If you prefer not to eat meals, it is 5000 rupees for one room, regardless of the number of visitors. The stay prices are similar for both locals and foreigners. At night, the vision transforms into a spectacular scene when they illuminate the building with warm yellow lights.
As most of the food is from their farms and gardens, don’t miss it if you are going to stay. Hence, the overall Adisham Bungalow price is reasonable because they maintain this vast building mostly with these charges.
This is a quick tip. When they call you for tea, don’t dawdle. In the meantime, the cold weather can cool your hot tea if you are late. The milk is very fresh because you get it from their farm dairy products. They provide you with hot water, blankets, bed sheets, and towels. But keep in mind that you can’t expect hotel-serving facilities here.
Outdoor adventures at Adisham
To witness the sunrise, you have to come here between 5.30 and 6 a.m. If you come on a rainy day in October, the valley of clouds will be the most unforgettable sight. The clouds are right here, so close to you. The sky becomes truly magical, showcasing a display of colors. If you have permission to enter the sanctuary, you can take some super-bird pictures. Also, you have to have permission to take photos inside the bungalow.
Exploring indoor activities
The architecture resembles a charming slice of ancient Europe. Most of the materials were imported from England and Scotland to give it that authentic European feel. The walls have been constructed with stones to add warmth to the inside of the house. You’ll find fireplaces, mantels, wooden beams, and wooden floors that make it comfy. In particular, the main staircase’s roof is settled into four complete oak trunks. Undeniably, it is mesmerizing.
The library is like a treasure chest with rare books. Some of them are the only ones in the whole wide world! Sir Thomas is still observing you in every nook and cranny. The amazing artist David Painter completed his portrait in that 3D shape. The bedroom of Sir Thomas, the living room, and even the bathrooms have these ancient items that still work great. Specifically, the boiler they used to pump hot water worked with charcoal power in that period.
Visit the time capsule of Adisham at the museum too. It contains the belongings of the people who lived there before. Oh! You have to check out the hundreds-of-year-old watercolor paintings of Sir Thomas’ beloved wife, Mrs. Evelyn Hope.
You will find a food outlet where you can taste and buy fresh and organic products like cordials and jam. Mmm… Yum! The fun fact is that where you’re standing now used to be the garage and the driver’s quarters. Spin around 180 degrees. That sliding door is still in top-notch condition.
Bye-bye,
Finally, I need to alert you. This place is a monastery. Therefore, we need to be a bit silent and not bother the monks and novices. But apart from that, the amusement is never-ending, my dear friends. You’ve got to visit here to truly grasp what I’m struggling to put into words. My vocabulary is not capable of painting the full beauty of Adisham. Let your own eyes do the talking. See you there! Soon!
FAQs
What is the history of Adisham Bungalow?
Sir Thomas Villers Lister, a planter, wanted to build this place to remind himself of his birth village, Adisham, in Kent, England. Finally, he found out that this place had a similar climate, so he chose to build his dream palace here and named it after his birth village.
What time does Adisham Bungalow open?
It opens to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, school vacations, and public holidays.