Ellerton, Sri Lanka

Great boutique hotel perched atop a hill on the outskirts of Kandy in the lower central mountains

Built over 100 years ago for the manager of a major tea estate, Ellerton preserves the character and tranquility of colonial days.

Ellerton is close to the geographic centre of Sri Lanka – sitting on its own hill just outside the World Heritage City of Kandy. At 2,400 feet Ellerton combines the best of Sri Lanka's weather. The sun in the day is hot, while the evenings and nights are relatively cool without the stickiness of the coast, nor the distinct chill of the hill country.

The beautiful gardens are full of interesting flowers, butterflies and birds including the the Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot, Golden Oriole, Sunbirds and the Plum Headed Parakeet. The garden also provides vegetables and fruit for the house. The countryside around Ellerton is crossed by many paths and tea estate roads, making walking and biking easy and delightful.

Ellerton is informal and can accommodate most requirements for meals. They even provide free local alcohol with meals! The value here is second to none.

The Main House has a large sitting room furnished with antiques, a dining room which seats 12 and a study where you can watch international news via satellite TV. There are 2 guest bedrooms, one double and one twin, both with their own bathrooms. The twin bedroom has an additional bedroom leading off it with a single bed.

The Valley House is near the swimming pool, and some thirty yards away from the main house. It has spectacular views and has three generous bedrooms, two double and a twin, the double bedrooms have their own bathrooms whilst the twin has a shower. A great advantage of the Valley House is the huge veranda which is a natural place to sit and read. Valley House guests can choose to have their meals here.

A great base for exploring Kandy and the surrounding countryside.