Aigburth Manor, Suriyakanda, Sri Lanka

Perched at 3,000 feet above sea level in the cool hills of Rakwana, Aigburth Manor sits on the edge of the Sinharaja rain forest, its rustic stone walls a quiet testament to a vanished era. Built in 1925 during the British Raj by an English tea planter named James T. Allan, the manor has since been fully refurbished while carefully retaining its old-world charm.

The bungalow is offered on a full-board basis and to one group at a time, ensuring complete privacy for every stay. Five spacious bedrooms — four configured for single occupancy and four for double occupancy — each have attached bathrooms with hot and cold water, and two of the rooms are fitted with fireplaces. In total, the manor can accommodate up to 14 guests.

The Manor House

The large lounge overlooks the famous Buluthota Pass, making it a natural gathering place for guests who wish to relax and absorb the quiet and tranquility of the surrounding hills. For warmer afternoons, the swimming pool — fed by natural springs from the Sinharaja rain forest — offers a refreshing retreat. A well-stocked wine cellar, a piano, and a selection of indoor games round out the evening options for those content to stay indoors.

Dining

The resident chef prepares both Sri Lankan and Western cuisine, adapting menus to suit guests from around the world. Guests are welcome to discuss their preferred menu with the manager in advance. The bungalow can also arrange food and beverages for picnics and barbecues in the grounds.

Activities and Excursions

The gardens are large enough to host a game of softball cricket or volleyball, and mountain bikers can explore the surrounding hills along the paths of the adjacent tea estate. A guided tour of a local tea factory reveals the complete manufacturing process and offers the chance to sample teas known locally as the green gold of Sri Lanka.

For those drawn to the forest, guided hikes into the Sinharaja world heritage site provide an excellent opportunity to observe carnivorous plants in their natural habitat, along with the area's abundant bird life and giant moths. Within an hour's drive, guests can also enjoy trekking, river cruises, fishing, birdwatching, cycling, and visits to waterfalls. Udawalawe National Park, famed for its elephants, is approximately one and a half hours away.