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The
Kelbourne Tea Estate has a history stretching back to the late
18C. Now cared for by the second generation of the Nadesan
family, Kelburne continues to flourish and its three cute
cottages attract travellers from far and wide. Red Dot has
promoted Kelburne for many years with great success and the
feedback is invariably good for those seeking simple but
comfortable accommodation in a breathtaking location. If you
rise early enough, you can be fortunate to watch pink skies as
the sun rises at dawn, mountain peaks gradually looming
through light mist and, as a dramtic landscape finally
unfolds, a sense that you are at world's end. Breakfast on the
lawn in the crisp cool air as you take in the stirring
landscape of the southern highlands; stroll through the tea
plantation where tea pluckers are busy with their day's work;
take in the burnt orange skies at sunset and, after nightfall,
savour a glass or two of wine by the fireplace. The individual
cottages are undergoing a gradual transformation, each one
being upgraded with additional facilities. Due to safety
reasons, Kelburne is not recommended for children below 12
years.
Location
At the
edge of a mountain ridge in Haputale, with breathtaking views
over five provinces including the southern plains, stand the
three much-loved and homely cottages belonging to Kelburne
Mountain View: Wildflower, Aerie, and Rose Cottage. Set amidst
a 50-acre working organic tea plantation, Kelburne has a
dramatic landscape to stirs the senses. Haputale can be
approached via Nuwara Eliya or Ratnapura and is also en route
to the south coast via Wellawaya.
Facilities
A
staff member is assigned to each cottage and will attend to
room service, housekeeping and information. Meals are served
in the privacy of your own cottage. There is an open-sided
dining area near the main office that accommodates up to ten
people for group dining. Delicious Sri Lankan and Western
dishes are served here including home baked bread, desserts
and fresh juices prepared with fruit and vegetables from their
own home garden. Being a romantic setting ideal for weddings,
Kelburne Mountain View has created special moments for many
couples in the past. The garden is equipped with badminton
nets and a basketball hoop. The main office has a telephone
and fax. The manager, Muttiah, and his staff are always at
hand to ensure that guests are well looked after.
Excursions
The
views from Kelburne extend over five provinces including the
eastern, southern, Sabaragamuva and Uva province which are the
central highlands. On a clear day much time can be spent
identifying the many large water bodies that can be seen at a
distance including the Uda Walawe, Handapangala and
Tissamaharama reservoirs and several mountain peaks including
the highest, Pidurutalagala, which stands 7,400 feet above sea
level. Stroll through the Kelburne Tea plantation with the tea
leaf weighing station just at the entrance to the Cottages.
Visit the tea factory where you will gain insight into the
manufacturing process as well as an opportunity to taste and
purchase the different grades of Ceylon Tea. Take a train
journey from Haputale to Idalgashena and take a walk back
through villages and tea plantations. Enroute visit the
Tangamale Bird Sanctuary home to numerous species of birds and
butterflies. Adisham, a Benedictine Monastery, and several
waterfalls including Dunhinda, Diyaluma, and Ravana Ella are
all located nearby in the towns of Haputale and Ella.
Accommodation
All
three cottages are self-contained with bedrooms, bathrooms,
lounge and a dining area. The bathrooms in all cottages have
been newly refurbished and are fitted with h/w rain showers,
wash basin, and w/c. The rooms are basic but comfortable and
have blankets to keep you warm at night.
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Wildflower
Cottage: Approached by a
flight of stairs that go down in the garden to the edge of
the mountain ridge. Has three very small bedrooms furnished
with twin beds (one has a double bed) with two attached
bathrooms. For one bedroom you need to cross the corridor.
The lounge and dining areas have been recently renovated to
include a cozy fireplace, timber roof and glass French
windows that open out to the terrace where lunch and
breakfast are served.
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Aerie
Cottage: Located close
to the main office on an upper level and has two spacious
double bedrooms with attached bathrooms. These rooms are the
most spacious and are furnished with twin beds which can be
put together. Has a large dining room and the lounge with a
fireplace opens out to the terrace with magnificent views.
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Rose
Cottage - : Located near
the main entrance to the property through landscaped
gardens. Has two double rooms with twin beds and attached
bathrooms. There is a small lounge, dining room and verandah
opening out to the garden.
...Room View...
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