Cranford Villa, Bandarawela, Sri Lanka

Nestled in the hill-country town of Diyatalawa — one of Sri Lanka's most popular holiday destinations — Cranford Villa offers far more than a comfortable place to stay. Surrounded by a lush garden filled with vegetable plots, the property blends colonial charm with homely warmth, making it a natural choice for a weekend getaway or a longer family vacation.

Diyatalawa sits approximately 215 km from Colombo, a journey of around five to six hours by road. It lies in close proximity to the scenic towns of Haputale and Bandarawela and is also home to a military training academy. According to sources, the location was selected around 1885 by the British Army to establish a training facility, and today it draws thousands of spectators each year for the Annual Fox Hill Super Cross races.

Accommodation

Inspired by Sri Lanka's colonial past, the design of Cranford Villa is reminiscent of a bygone era. The property features five newly refurbished bedrooms, each fitted with en-suite bathroom facilities and furnished with teak four-poster beds. Two of these are designated deluxe rooms, distinguished by their own televisions offering a range of local and international cable channels.

Dining and Facilities

The kitchen at Cranford Villa draws on both Eastern and Western culinary traditions, and the chef is able to accommodate most dietary requirements. Dining arrangements are flexible: a candlelit dinner can be arranged for a more romantic setting, while breakfast and afternoon tea can be enjoyed outdoors in the summer hut or on the veranda. Picnics and barbecues can be organised for a minimal extra charge, and room service is available until midnight.

Much of the fruit and vegetables served at the Villa are grown on the property itself, giving guests the pleasure of eating genuinely fresh produce — and the option to purchase some to take away. Beyond the table, the extensive gardens invite leisurely strolls, and guests can relax in the hot-water jacuzzi, enjoy a game of basketball or badminton, or settle in by the fireplace with a selection from the Villa's DVD library. Indoor games such as carom, darts and cards are also available on request.

Excursions from the Villa

The surrounding region is a paradise for nature lovers and curious travellers alike. The picturesque town of Bandarawela, renowned for one of the finest climates in the country, is within easy reach. Haputale town, lying along a mountain ridge on the southern edge of the central highlands, is approximately 13 km from the Villa. Further afield, Diyaluma Falls — the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka — is located 35 km away, while Ravana Ella (Falls) carries a storied connection to the Eastern epic Ramayana. Other places of interest in the area include the Dambatenna Tea Factory, Lipton's Seat, Adisham Monastery, the Ella Gap, and the Horton Plains.