Warwick Gardens
The charming luxuriously restored colonial Warwick Gardens is located 6000 feet above sea level in the scenic cool mountain town of Ambewela. It is a 5-hour drive away from the capital of Colombo, on picturesque roads surrounded by tea plantations, waterfalls and scenic mountain landscapes.
For over a century it has been open to the public as a stunning house of hospitality. Before the restoration it was once home to Scottish tea planters who also originally built the estate.
The colonial bungalow consists of five stunning ensuite Edwardian style rooms with either garden views or of the central highlands. Each room is unique. Some come with antique beds and others more modern, but all of them have a very relaxing feel and lots of space. Four of the rooms have working fireplaces so in the cooler months and evenings the staff are on hand to make your room a cosy retreat.
The stunning grounds hold an organic farm that provides a lot of the produce to make the wonderful speciality dishes and fresh salads served at the restaurant. They even have their own bungalow cow named Daisy, and chickens, who are responsible for the milk and eggs for breakfast.
Facilities
A restaurant, bar, terrace, library, lounge and TV lounge with DVD library, an orchard, an organic farm, room service, WIFI in public areas, laundry service, doctor on call, butler service, a living room piano, board games, wheelchair accessible, tours and ticket assistance at the front desk and car rental is available here.
Local Wildlife
Horton Plains National Park is not too far away and the only reserve in Sri Lanka where you can explore certain areas on foot. The park is known for the Sambar deer, among its other residents such as leopards and elephants.
Optional Activities
Explore Horton Plains National Park on foot, take a scenic train journey from the station closeby, visit a local tea factory, take part in cookery demonstrations for a fascinating insight into local cuisine, explore one of the thirteen free guided nature walks on short mountain trails for an adventure around the estate and visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens.
Alan Godwin
Area Specialist
If you have any questions regarding our Sri Lanka tours, please feel free to contact me on +44 (0)1803 866965
Our guide was excellent being knowledgeable, interesting, trustworthy and a good travel companion. I would unhesitatingly recommend him to your future clients. Yala was undoubtedly the highlight of the tour and from a wildlife point of view exceeded our expectations. My wife and I have had a thoroughly enjoyable two weeks in Sri Lanka. Everything ran smoothly and there were no major faults. Astounding scenery and wildlife, friendly people and delicious food.
We will certainly consider using Reef and Rainforest again. Thank you for putting together a wonderful itinerary which covered all our needs in the time available. A return visit to see other parts of the island will be on our list!