Ashburnham Estate is a small boutique hotel set in its own 100-acre tea estate, around an hour north-east of Kandy. The estate boasts stunning waterfalls and far reaching views up to and across the Knuckles Mountains, not to mention around 60 acres of lush tea fields, plucked each day. The house has a funkier edge than most estate bungalows, but still manages to retain its 1930’s planter heritage.
With its terrace views and open fireplace, Ashburnham Estate is a perfect spot at which to be blissfully idle. Those more energetic, though, may fancy taking a trip into Kandy for some sightseeing only 1 hour away. Alternatively there’s plenty to do in and around the estate including exploring the waterfall and plunge pools, guided walks to some beautiful untouched tea estates to see the colourful tea pickers, guided hikes into the Cloud Forest, heading to the tennis court (jugs of Pimms & lemonade on request!), and picnics or sunset drinks in secret spots with stunning views. A highlight of ours is a cooking class with Reggie who has been Ashburnham’s head chef for nearly a decade, whose curries are delicious and memorable.
