Sri Lanka boasts a diverse range of climatic conditions across its geography, from the misty mountains of the central regions to the sun-drenched coastlines. In response to these varied landscapes, the island’s tea bushes have adapted to thrive in different weather and soil conditions. From the cool, mountainous Nuwara Eliya district to the warmer Ratnapura district, tea continues to flourish, with each region renowned for its unique specialties, from high-grown leaves to lowland teas.
Ragala is celebrated for many things, including its delicious pears, the historic Ravana Rock, and its exceptional tea. Located 1,588 feet above sea level and just over a 30-minute drive from Nuwara Eliya, Ragala serves as the picturesque backdrop for Stafford Bungalow. This charming colonial-style bungalow has been beautifully restored to reflect the lifestyle of its early years in the 1880s. A sophisticated boutique villa equipped with modern comforts, Stafford Bungalow is a place where time seems to stand still, allowing the echoes of old Ceylon to resonate like the gentle ripples in your warm cup of tea.
The journey to Stafford Bungalow is a scenic ascent through the mountains, with each turn revealing increasingly breathtaking views. As you approach Ragala town, characterized by its colorful, sturdy houses that huddle together against the chilly winds, you’ll soon find yourself on a green pathway flanked by lush tea plantations on either side of the winding road.
Continue along the tea bushes until you arrive at the inviting white wooden gate of Stafford Bungalow. The tall green hedges that serve as natural walls on either side of the gate create the illusion of a vertical tea garden, as the bungalow’s walls also define the boundary of Stafford Estate’s tea plantation.
