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Memory is a different kind of magic. People do miraculous things to relive it, and Adisham Bungalow is a beautiful example of just how far memory can travel. This Tudor and Jacobean architectural combination is somewhat different from what you usually see in Sri Lanka. It feels closer to you foreigners than to us, and so does the chilly weather here. We borrowed the architecture, but the land is still ours, so it is a win-win situation. Welcome to Adisham Bungalow, the stone-clad hilltop retreat that became a Benedictine monastery.
The Dream of a Homesick Englishman
This is the story time. Once upon a time, in the misted highlands of Haputale, there lived a planter named Sir Thomas Lister Villers. In retrospect, he wanted to recreate his birthplace, Adisham, in Kent, England, right here in Sri Lanka. He named his bungalow, Adisham, after it. This land is perched at an altitude of about 5000 feet above sea level. He chose the site carefully, as even the weather reminded him of his home village. Once you step in, you might sense the same climate symmetry he once felt.
The construction was completed in 1931, and the entire area covers more than 10 acres of land. The bungalow consists of 2 floors and 25 rooms. In addition, the upstairs floor has 12 rooms, and today it serves as the residence for monks and novices in the monastery.
Oh, My! That Immense Beauty…
As you step right beyond the gate, it’s not just clean, calm, and a little bit crowded, but incredibly beautiful. Adisham Bungalow is surrounded by the Tangamale Bird Sanctuary. Tangamale means the “Golden Mountain” in Tamil, and you will understand why when the sun rises over Dambethanna Peak. Allow yourself to soak up the morning sun as everything around you takes on a beautiful golden glow. The mountains and forests gradually transform into a golden valley, even turning the black-haired ladies into blondes. Believe me, it is worth witnessing.
What to See & Do at Adisham Bungalow
If you are an ordinary traveller here for a quick hello and goodbye, the overall experience will take just an hour or two. But if you are a devoted traveller who actually reads my articles, this section is for you.
Exploring Indoor Activities
The architecture resembles a charming slice of ancient Europe. Most of the materials were imported from England and Scotland to give it that authentic European feel. The walls were constructed with stones to add warmth to the inside of the house. You’ll find fireplaces, mantels, wooden beams, and wooden floors that make it comfy. In particular, the roof over the main staircase is supported by four complete oak trunks. Undeniably, it is mesmerizing.
The library is like a treasure chest filled with rare books. Some of them are the only ones of their kind in the whole wide world! Sir Thomas is still observing you from every nook and cranny. The amazing artist David Painter completed his portrait in a 3D shape. The bedroom of Sir Thomas, the living room, and even the bathrooms contain these ancient items that still work great. Specifically, the boiler they used to pump hot water was powered by charcoal at that time.
Visit the time capsule of Adisham at the museum too. It contains the belongings of the people who lived there before. You have to check out the hundreds-of-years-old watercolour paintings of Sir Thomas’ beloved wife, Mrs. Evelyn Hope.
You will find a food outlet where you can taste and buy fresh and organic products like cordials and jam. Mmm… Yum! But believe me, no chemicals or preservatives are added. And the fun fact is that where you’re standing now used to be the garage and the driver’s quarters. Spin around 180 degrees. That sliding door is still in top-notch condition.
Outdoor Adventures Around Adisham
To witness the sunrise, you have to arrive here between 5:30 and 6 a.m. You’ll also hear the dawn chorus of birds, with their lively tweets and chirps filling the air. If you visit on a rainy day in October, the valley of clouds can be the most unforgettable sight. The clouds will seem so close, while the sky above transforms into something truly magical, putting on a spectacular display of colours. If you have permission to enter the bird sanctuary, you can take some brilliant wildlife photographs. And beyond all that, Adisham is surrounded by plenty of nearby attractions to explore.
If you have time, Horton Plains and World’s End pair well with Adisham while you’re up in the hill country.
What’s Nearby Adisham?
| Location | Approx. distance from Adisham Bungalow |
|---|---|
| Thangamale Bird Sanctuary | 1 km |
| Idalgashinna Railway Station | 9.1 km |
| St. Andrew’s Church | 9.9 km |
| Prabhawa Mountain Day View Point | 10.6 km |
| Eagle’s Rock View Point | 13.2 km |
| Lake Richmond | 14.1 km |
How to Get to Adisham Bungalow, Haputale
Adisham Bungalow is situated in serene Haputale, in the Badulla District of Uva Province. It is just a short 4-kilometre drive from Haputale town along the Haputale-Boralanda route.
If you are starting from Nuwara Eliya, the distance to Adisham is around 47 km.
The distance from Ella to Adisham is around 27 kilometres.
If you are coming from Colombo, the distance is more than 200 km. On the other hand, you can reach Haputale in 5 hours by car or 8 hours by train. The train ride is a memorable journey that one can experience in a lifetime in Sri Lanka.
Special note, September 2026: Due to the destruction caused by Ditwa, the train route is still under construction.
If you get on a bus from Colombo to Badulla via Route 99, Haputale is en route.
Opening Hours & Visiting Days
You know this place is a monastery, so we have to ensure the peace of the monks and novices during our visits. As a result, visits are limited to public holidays, school vacations, and Poya days.
This is a friendly heads-up. The doors remain closed on regular weekdays, Good Friday, and Christmas Day too. Additionally, the visiting time is between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.
Please make sure to contact 0572 268 030 before you visit if it’s a normal weekday.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit Adisham Bungalow?
The entrance fee is wallet-friendly. It is just 150 rupees per local adult and 50 rupees per child. For a foreign visitor, it is a reasonable 500 rupees.
You can experience an overnight stay too, but you have to book it in advance. The full-board rate is 5,000 rupees per person, including meals. A room can accommodate up to four people, with a total cost of 20,000 rupees. If you prefer to stay without meals, it is 5,000 rupees for one room, regardless of the number of guests. The accommodation prices are similar for both locals and foreigners.
At night, the view transforms into a spectacular scene when the building is illuminated with warm yellow lights.
As most of the food comes from their own farms and gardens, don’t miss the fresh, natural produce if you decide to stay. Overall, the prices are reasonable, especially considering that the charges help maintain this vast historic building.
Here’s a quick tip: when they call you for tea, don’t dawdle! In no time, the cold weather can turn your hot tea cold. The milk is wonderfully fresh, as it comes from their own dairy farm. They provide hot water, blankets, bed sheets, and towels, but keep in mind that you shouldn’t expect hotel-style facilities here. Alcohol and smoking are not allowed.
Bye-Bye, Adisham!
Finally, I have a little advice for you. This is a monastery, so we should keep our voices down and be mindful not to disturb the monks and novices.
You also need permission to take photographs inside the bungalow. Photography and video recording are not allowed in the museum. The gardens, especially when they are in full bloom, are simply beautiful. But please don’t disturb their beauty by plucking flowers here and there.
Other than that, the wonders of Adisham seem never-ending. Let your own eyes do the talking.
See you there. Soon!
FAQs
What is the history of Adisham Bungalow?
Sir Thomas Villers Lister, a planter, wanted to build this place to remind himself of his birth village, Adisham, in Kent, England. Finally, he found out that this place had a similar climate, so he chose to build his dream palace here and named it after his birthplace.
What time does Adisham Bungalow open?
It opens to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on weekends, school vacations, and public holidays.
