Camellia Hills

As you walk through the tea estate, you’ll see tea pluckers in the fields, usually groups of women with nimble fingers moving row by row through neatly lined bushes.

Many of them will greet you with a smile. You might also pass tea weighing stations, where the day’s harvest is counted or spot villagers carrying bundles of firewood along narrow paths.

The trails wind through panoramic hills, past small Hindu shrines located under trees and across open landscapes where birds sing and cool winds move through the valley. If you’re lucky, you might see wild buffalo or spotted deer in the distance.

You’ll also hear the natural soundtrack of the hills like leaves moving and wonderful temple bells.

The experience is quiet and grounding, perfect for clearing your head or just slowing down. All trails vary in length and difficulty, so there’s something for everyone, whether you’re up for a gentle morning walk or a longer adventure.

Routes are uploaded on a mobile app so you can explore at your own pace, with turn-by-turn navigation. If you'd rather learn as you go, ask your butler to check if their naturalist is available to join you – he’ll point out interesting plants, bird species and cultural landmarks you might otherwise miss.

Along the way, don’t be surprised if a group of school children runs up to say hello or if someone invites you for a cup of tea. These walks offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who live and work in this region.

It's a simple way to feel the land, connect with the community and enjoy a slower pace, surrounded by some of the most beautiful tea estates in Sri Lanka.

If you enjoy calm mornings and the sound of birds, you’re in the right place. Sri Lanka is home to around 500 species of birds, with 33 of them found only on this island.

The central highlands, where their tea bungalows are located, are some of the best places to spot them. In fact, just stepping out into the bungalow gardens, you’ll likely see a variety of colourful species hopping between trees or calling from the branches.

The cooler climate, dense forest patches and mix of gardens and tea estates create the perfect environment for birds to thrive.

It’s not unusual to see species like the Sri Lanka white-eye, yellow-eared bulbul and the elusive Sri Lanka bush warbler while enjoying your morning tea on the veranda.

If you're someone who enjoys observing wildlife at a slow, relaxed pace, birdwatching here is ideal. You don’t need to go far – many species live right in and around the property.

But if you're keen to see more, there are a few excellent hotspots nearby where both endemic and migratory birds gather. Some of these places are within a short driving distance and can be visited in the early morning or late afternoon, which are the best times for sightings.

To make the most of the experience, you can go with their in-house naturalist, if he’s available. He knows where to look, how to identify birds by sound and behaviour and can guide you through the subtle art of birdwatching without disturbing the creatures.

It’s a calming, immersive way to connect with the natural world and learn a little more about this island’s rich biodiversity. So bring your binoculars or just your curiosity for a peaceful and nature-filled adventure.