Stafford Bungalow is a boutique luxury tea estate villa set within a private working plantation in Ragala, Nuwara Eliya District, Sri Lanka. The estate has been producing tea since 1884 and offers guests an authentic, immersive highland experience in a historic colonial setting.
Stafford Bungalow is located in Ragala, a quiet highland village in the Nuwara Eliya District of Central Sri Lanka, at approximately 1,200 metres (4,900 feet) above sea level. It sits 20 kilometres from Nuwara Eliya town, surrounded by working tea fields and eucalyptus forest.
Stafford Bungalow offers a rare opportunity to live inside a working tea estate — not just visit one. With personalised service, heritage architecture, curated highland experiences, and genuine stillness, it is ideal for travellers seeking something beyond the typical hotel stay.
Stafford Bungalow offers two distinct stays across 6 rooms:
The Heritage Bungalow — A colonial residence dating to 1884, featuring 4 bedrooms with original period details, working fireplaces, and a home-like atmosphere.
The Owner's Cottage — A more private, contemporary retreat on the estate with its own terrace and secluded setting, housing 2 Premier Suites with unique garden and forest views.
Room types include 2 Deluxe Rooms, 1 Master Suite, 1 Family Suite, and 2 Premier Suites.
Yes. The Family Suite accommodates a family of four comfortably and includes a fully accessible washroom. The Premier Suites in the Owner's Cottage can be configured for families or small groups. The estate also has a Games Room, croquet and mini-golf lawn, and a swimming pool, making it well-suited for guests of all ages.
Yes. The Heritage Bungalow has an accessible main entrance. The Family Suite is the most suitable room for wheelchair users, with a fully accessible washroom. Please contact reservations in advance to arrange the most suitable setup.
Check-in is from 2:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM. Early check-in or late check-out can be requested subject to availability. Guests are encouraged to arrive before sunset to enjoy the estate in the last light of the afternoon.
Most packages include daily breakfast and dinner. An all-inclusive package is also available, covering all three meals and a curated selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages — ideal for a fully immersive plantation experience without the distraction of individual billing.
Yes. The estate caters to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and allergy-specific diets. Please inform the team of any requirements at the time of booking.
Yes. If you share your estimated arrival time and meal preference in advance, the kitchen will have it ready when you arrive — a welcome touch after the journey from Colombo.
Guests can enjoy a range of curated highland experiences, including:
Guided estate and plantation walks
Tea plucking sessions and factory tours
Plantation Tea Experience — from leaf to cup
Cooking demonstrations and nature trails
Heated pool and jacuzzi with valley views
Pekoe Trail hiking (Stages 20, 21 & 22) with guided transport
Most experiences are available at an additional cost.
The Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka's celebrated 300+ kilometre long-distance hiking route through the hill country tea estates. Stafford Bungalow provides direct access to Stages 20, 21, and 22 — considered among the most scenic sections of the trail. Guided hikes include private transport, an in-house host, and snacks, making it a seamless experience.
The surrounding highlands offer Horton Plains National Park (World's End escarpment), Nuwara Eliya town with its 18-hole golf course, Gregory Lake, and colonial architecture, the iconic hill country train journey from Nanu Oya to Ella, tea factory tours, waterfall excursions, and scenic drives through plantation roads.
Yes, the estate is particularly well-suited for anniversaries, proposals, and intimate celebrations. Private garden pavilion dinners, fireside evenings, and a complete absence of crowds make it an ideal setting. Inform the team in advance and arrangements will be made accordingly.
The most comfortable option is a private car hire via Hatton (through tea country) or via Kandy and Rikillagaskada — both approximately 4–5 hours. Alternatively, take the scenic hill country train from Colombo Fort to Nanu Oya station, followed by a short private transfer to the estate. Train reservations are recommended in advance at seatreservation.railway.gov.lk.
Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) in Colombo is the nearest international gateway, approximately 5–6 hours by car. Private transfers from the airport can be arranged on request at an additional cost.
Ragala is approximately 20 kilometres from Nuwara Eliya town, along the Uda Pussellawa Road through Kandapola — a 30 to 40-minute drive. From Ragala town, a one-kilometre estate road leads to the bungalow, accessible by any standard car or van.
Yes. The team can arrange private transfers from Bandaranaike International Airport, Nanu Oya railway station, or any location in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Please provide arrival details in advance. Additional charges apply.
December to April is generally the clearest period for outdoor activities. However, Ragala's highland climate is pleasant year-round, with average temperatures between 14°C and 22°C. The mist rolling across the plantation in the early morning is a highlight in any season.
Bring at least one warm layer regardless of the month — evenings and mornings are cool, and December to February nights can drop significantly. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for plantation walks and trail hikes.
Yes, complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the property. That said, many guests find themselves reaching for it far less than expected — the highland air tends to have that effect.
While there is no enforced minimum (except during the December–January peak season), at least two nights is recommended. Three nights allows guests to fully settle into the rhythm of the estate — guests who stay two nights invariably wish they had stayed longer.
Major credit cards are accepted. Cash in Sri Lankan Rupees is useful for purchases in Ragala town and surrounding villages, where many smaller retailers do not accept card payments. The nearest ATM is in Nuwara Eliya town.
Stafford Bungalow practises energy conservation, responsible waste management, and minimises single-use plastics. The estate also supports the local community through employment, sourcing of local produce, and promoting regional cultural initiatives.
