Thotalagala

Introduction

Thotalagala is a luxurious seven-bedroom boutique hotel that once served as an abode for many tea planters that supervised tea estates in the central highlands of Haputale. This former planter’s bungalow now offers some of the most exclusive colonial-style accommodation in Sri Lanka's hill country. The bungalow’s two lounge areas, the Morning room and the Main lounge, are decorated in floral prints and complementary colours, creating a warm and cosy ambience. We welcome children 8 years and above.

Thotalagala won the 2017 Condé Nast Johansens Awards for Excellent in the category of Best Destination Hotel.

Accommodation

The seven suites at Thotalagala pays tribute to notable figures such as Sir Thomas Lipton and James Taylor, including others who shaped the history of the tea sector in the Uva province by decorating the individual suites based on their personalities and their preferences which gives an insight to the great lives these men led.

The seven suites are categorised as Junior suites and Suites. The Junior Suites are Sam Popham (30 sqm),George Pilkington (35sq.m) and John Duncan (40sq.m) and the Suites are Sir Thomas Lipton (70 sq .m),Rev. Walter Senior (60 sq.m),Major Rogers and James Taylor (50 sq.m)

All the rooms are furnished with king-sized beds and a writing table with a chair. Suites - Sir Thomas Lipton, Rev. Walter Senior and James Taylor have a sofa which opens out to a bed (if required) for families with 2 adults and up to 2 children below 12 years, or it can be used for a third adult as well.

All seven rooms have ensuite bathrooms. The suite bathrooms have the option of both bathtubs and a walk-in shower with h/w while Junior Suites have the walk-in shower h/w.

The Sir Thomas Lipton Suite and Junior Suites - John Duncan, George Pilkington have access to the beautiful lush gardens that surrounds the bungalow.

Facilities

In addition to the Morning room and Main lounge, Thotalagala also has a Cigar Room. Both the Main Lounge and Cigar Room have fire places making it an excellent place to unwind with a book or sip a hot chocolate on a cold day. The bungalow has one main dining area which is set for communal dining but private dining can be arranged upon request. Thotalagala does not have television facilities but has complimentary Wi-Fi. They also have a swimming pool overlooking the well-maintained gardens and the mountains at a distance.

Why We Like It

Breakfast on the verandah is a treat in this upmarket Southern Highlands option. All suites are excellent but the Lipton Suite is our favourite.

Location

Thotalagala is located approximately 5.5 hrs from the Colombo International Airport, 1.5 hrs from Nuwara Eliya and is about an hour’s drive to Ella.