FAQ about the Stafford Bungalow Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Visit to enjoy a holiday in a picturesque surrounding with family

FAQ

• What is Stafford Bungalows unique selling proposition?

  The overall proposition of Stafford Bungalow is to focus on our guest’s leisure experience preference for authenticity, uniqueness, personal enrichment, deep cultural and historical context, and a sense of environmental and social responsibility, in an elegant setting in a ‘home away from home’.

• What is the overall ambience?

  The bungalow is situated within a working tea planation in Ragala, Nuwara Eliya and was built during the 19th century and the architecture of the plantation homes there, mimics that of a British country home. Blessed with salubrious climate, breathtaking views of valleys, meadows, mountains and greenery, it's hard to imagine that Ragala is approximately 190 Km from the hot and humid Colombo.

• What is the exact location, altitude ambiance and temperature there?

  Ragala is a town in the Nuwara Eliya District, in Central Sri Lanka and is a mountain station at 1,662 m (5,456 ft) of altitude, in a splendid landscape. Its geographical coordinates are 7° 0' 28" North, 80° 51' 14"

• What is the Weather like?

  In general, the climate in Ragala is cool. Warm clothing maybe may be needed at night. The average temperature varies between 14°C and 22°C throughout the year, sometimes dropping lower at night during November – January.

• Money Matters

  Major credit cards are widely accepted here. However in Ragala we suggest you have cash, as many of the retail shops may not accept credit cards.

• What are the Tipping Suggestions?

  Tipping is welcomed depending on the service given by our team, and you may wish to leave this in the Gratuity Box available at the bungalow.

• Arrival pre planning

  We suggest you advise us on approximately what time you intend to reach the bungalow. This will assist the staff in preparing for your arrival. We recommend that your arrival to the Bungalow before sunset.

  Your option of your first meal could also be finalized, before arrival to ensure that this is prepared for your arrival.

  It is advisable to provide us with your best contact numbers so that we could keep in touch with you closer to our arrival.

• How far is Ragala from the main town of Nuwara Eliya and how is the accessibility to Stafford Bungalow?

  What is the best route from Nuwara Eliya town to Stafford Bungalow?

  Ragala is on the 20^th kilometre post from Nuwara Eliya town on the Uda Pussellawa Road which is well maintained should normally take approximately 30 to 40 minutes drive from Nuwara Eliya town to the Bungalow.

  From Ragala town there is an estate road of 1 km which takes you to the Bungalow. This is a well-travelled road and motorable by car or van.

  If driving to Stafford Bungalow from Nuwara Eliya town on Monday through Saturday;

  En route from Nuwara Eliya round about, heading on to the Uda Pussellawa Road passing Hawa Eliya, you will reach Kandapola by the 10 km post. Proceed further on the same road and at the 20 km post you will reach Ragala. Just before reaching Ragala main town, with landmarks of People's Bank on the right hand side, bear left towards the Post Office and climb on this side road. You will pass Sri Lanka Telecom (SLT) and Ragala Police Station on this road which is on the left. Driving further along this road, you will come to the upper end of the Ragala town with the landmark of the large Hindu Temple slightly towards your left. Carry on down the main road and just before the end you will notice the Singer Showroom and New Ragala oil center on your Right hand side. In front of, and opposite New Ragala Oil Center there is a road bearing to your left which is the Manthrithanna Road or otherwise known as Stafford Road. Drive down this road and passing the Ragala Hindu School on your right hand side, and following the direction marked to Stafford Bungalow, & in around 5 minutes look out for the white gate of Stafford Bungalow on to your right.

  Routing to Stafford Bungalow from Nuwara Eliya town on Sunday;

  En route from Nuwara Eliya round about, heading on to the Uda Pussellawa Road passing Hawa Eliya, you will reach Kandapola by the 10 km post. Proceed further on the same road and at the 20 km post you will reach Ragala. As there is a Sunday fair on the regular road which is used as noted for Monday to Saturday is closed for this.

  Hence, going further down the road, you would come to the Ragala HNB on your right hand side, turn to your left with the petrol shed. There is a left turn here with a climb through the Bazaar. Once you reach the T junction, turn left. Do not go up the main bazaar road as you will immediately notice a road turning right which is the Manthrithanna road or otherwise known as Stafford Road. Drive down this road and passing the Ragala Hindu School on your right hand side, and following the direction marked to Stafford Bungalow, in around 5 minutes look out for the white gate of Stafford Bungalow on to your right.

• How is it best to get to Stafford Bungalow from Colombo?

  A car hire is the common way to get to Stafford Bungalow, and there are 2 routes, one being through the Hatton Road, and the other through the Kandy Road.

  There is a scenic train journey from Colombo Fort to Nanu Oya railway station. For this you have to reach Colombo Fort railway station to get the train (with a prior reservation of seats). For information on train tickets and reservations you may check on the below mentioned website.
  https://onlinebooking.exporail.lk/exporail/online.htm

  From Nanu Oya railway station to Stafford Bungalow, we could arrange a pick up to Stafford Bungalow.

• Who would be there for assist in cooking, cleaning and other assistance needed?

  There is a full time Chef and Butler service, along with support staff at the Bungalow. The Estate Superintendent and his team is also on hand, should there be any assistance needed.

• Are the Bungalow equipped with heaters and fans?

  The bungalow is equipped with heaters and fans in each bedroom. The bungalow is built in solid stone, many with very thick walls and thus the interior maintains a pleasant temperature. There are also 2 operating fireplaces in the main Bungalow itself and another fireplace in the Games room.

• Is there any times for meal service?

  We give the guests flexibility on all meal times. We would however prefer the closing of the Kitchen by 10.30 pm so that the team could be fully rested for the next day.

• Can I contact you if there is a problem with my booking?

  You can contact us by email - reservations@staffordbungalow.com or call us on 4731307. Please be aware that Sri Lankan office hours apply. The direct estate office could also be contacted at 0555 65287

• Can I have meals ready at the bungalow in readiness for my arrival?

  Before you arrive, you could request a pre-ordered meal .

• Can we occupy the bungalow before 2 pm on the day of arrival? Can we vacate the villa later than
  the confirmed time of 11 am?

  To allow time for cleaning (especially during high season), we would ask you to arrive by 2pm at the earliest and depart by 10.00 am. If your arrival / departure are delayed please contact Stafford bungalow on 0522265287 immediately.

  Should there be no back to back bookings, we could arrange for an earlier check in or a later check out.

• Can you arrange additional services, e.g. Tea Factory visit, sightseeing, etc. for me?

  We are more than happy to try and arrange any additional services for you. We offer amongst others, Tea factory visits, , Tea plucking and tea tasting experience as standard services. For extra services such as Golf booking etc. , it is strongly recommended that these extra services are booked well in advance of your holiday to avoid disappointment. A minimum of 1 week is recommended.

• Do you have suitable for wheelchair access?

  We offer rooms suitable for wheelchair access. Please contact our office for more information.

• What is the minimum stay at a bungalow?

  In general, we recommend a minimum 2 night stay and with 3 nights stay you would fully appreciate the property.

• What services and facilities are available for families?

  Stafford bungalow holidays are a popular choice with families. So we provide a cot and a highchair at the bungalow, free of charge. If you require more facilities, please advise us at the time of booking and we will do our best to accommodate.