Amba Estate

Introduction

Amba Estate is a small organic farm which lies in the picturesque valley of Ambadandenigama in the Southern highlands of Sri Lanka with views across Ella rock. It offers a relaxing holiday experience for those who wish to unwind within a remote and picturesque region of this island. The estate produces a range of artisan teas, coffees, spices and preserves. Go on a tour of the tea estate; visit the tea factory and learn of artisanal tea making; and experience tea tasting (from green teas to lemon grass and black teas). Nature lovers will enjoy bird watching or hiking up to the spectacular pools and rock shelves at the top of Ravana Ella waterfalls. Back at the Estate Bungalow, guests can take in the beautiful scenery, pick your own organic vegetables and learn to cook Sri Lankan curries, or curl up with a good book under a tree surrounded by bird call.

Accommodation

Accommodation at Amba is in a four-bedroom estate bungalow or Clove Cottage, a short stroll away. The simple bedrooms are comfortably furnished and open out to mountain views. Both the bungalow and cottage can be booked by the room or as a whole on a B&B basis. Families with children are welcome. Staff at Amba, from the estate manager to the in-house cook, are all at hand. Amba Estate values environmental conservation and community development and supports several local initiatives.

Amba Estate Bungalow:  This refurbished, century old planter’s bungalow has four bedrooms furnished with double beds. There are two shared bathrooms with h/w showers. Up to eight guests can be accommodated. Families with young children are advice to book the whole bungalow. Meals are served in the dining room or in the garden. There is a living room, study room and kitchen.

Clove Tree Cottage:  A newly built two-storey cottage. Two double rooms with attached bathrooms on the upper floor are rented by the room. The bedrooms open out to a balcony with mountain views. There is also a ground floor living room that can be used as a single or twin room for those booking the entire cottage. Families with children are advised to book the entire cottage.

Note:  Due to the steep staircase leading to the bedrooms at the Clove Tree Cottage, only children 8 years and above can be accommodated at the Cottage. There is no age restriction for the Amba Estate Bungalow.

Facilities

Sri Lankan and western cuisine is served at Amba prepared with herbs and fresh vegetables from their own estate. Food is mainly vegetarian with fish and chicken also available. Freshly baked bread, cakes, and fresh juices are also on offer. Lunch is usually Sri Lankan rice and curries while dinner is a choice of western or local cuisine. There is no set menu at Amba. Discuss your meal preferences with the cook. Packed picnic lunches are available for those going on treks and tours. Guests are welcome to pick their own vegetables and learn to cook Sri Lankan curries.

There are plenty of books and board games at Amba for a rainy day. Two mountain bicycles are available for guests to explore the surrounding valley. For the more adventurous, there are several walks and treks that can be done within the Ambadandenigama valley. There is a charge for the more intensive treks accompanied by an experienced guide. Possible treks include (1) Hike from the Amba Estate to a breathtaking rock pool at the top of the Ravana Ella waterfall where you can have a swim (30 minutes); (2) Hike from Amba to the top of Ella Rock and trek downhill to Ella town (4 hours); (3) Drive to Poonagalla area in Bandarawela and trek 30 minutes to the top of Diyaluma waterfall -Sri Lanka’s second highest waterfall, where there are several natural rock pools for swimming. This area is a nature reserve where you can at times spot wild elephants close up on foot.

Why We Like It

The beauty of a working estate where you can feel at one with the real Sri Lanka.

Location

Amba Estate is perched above the Ravana Ella waterfall that cascades almost 1,000 ft to the Kirinda valley below. Amba Estate is a 40-minute drive along a winding and hilly route from the beautiful hill country town of Ella and can also be accessed via Bandarawela. Ella can be reached travelling from the south via Wellawaya; from Arugam Bay in the south east or via Nuwara Eliya. You can also head to the south coast via a daily sea plane service between Hatton and Koggala.