Mandira Bungalows offers luxury accommodations surrounded by nature in Sri Lanka's central highlands. Guests can explore the diverse ecology through activities like tea plantation tours, trekking, and mountain biking. The area is rich in biodiversity and heritage as the birthplace of Ceylon tea. Mandira Bungalows provides a base for experiencing the sights, culture and adventures of the region through comfortable stays in restored colonial-era planters' bungalows.
3. ...you’ve discovered Mandira - your haven high in the
hills is surrounded by beauty and Mother Nature’s
most bountiful and diverse blessings. Up here, all may
seem still and quiet, but there is much to do all around
you - both near and far. Sights to see, sounds to hear,
discoveries to make, journeys to take...
...here is a little glimpse of what’s in store. Come, explore.
4. Tea factory and workers in the early 19th Century - archive photographs
5. ...a lasting legacy
Tea - the humble brew from the plant
‘Camellia Sinensis’ is probably the world’s
most popular beverage today. In the early
19th century, some persevering planters
experimented with tea when their efforts with
coffee ground to a halt, and the first commercial
planting began in 1867. The combination of
elevation and climate proved perfect and the rest
is history. As the world agrees to this day, there
is nothing quite like a cup of pure Ceylon Tea.
...our famous brew...
6. Ancient lianas at Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve - a Unesco Heritage Site
7. ...the rich biodiversity of Sri Lanka
Recognized as one of the 25 Biodiversity hotspots
of the world, Sri Lanka has the highest biodiversity
density in Asia due to its varied climate and
topographical conditions.
Although the country is relatively small in size, a
remarkably high proportion of the species among
its flora and fauna - 27% of the 3,210 flowering
plants and 22% of the mammals - are endemic.
These species are distributed in a wide range of
ecosystems broadly categorized into forest,
grassland, aquatic, coastal, marine and cultivated.
Such diverse ecosystems have resulted in a host
of habitats which contain high genetic diversity. Sri
Lanka has declared 24 wildlife reserves dotted
around the island which are home to a wide range
of native species.
Flora: The natural forests of Sri Lanka are
categorized into eight types, and there are 3,210
flowering plants belonging to 1,052 genera. 916
species and 18 genera are endemic to the island.
Mammals: Sri Lanka is home to around 123
species of mammals, 41 of which are threatened
(9 critically). 16 are endemic, of which 14 are
threatened, including the sloth bear, the endemic
Sri Lanka leopard (Pantheras Pardus Kotiya) and Sri
Lankan elephant and the sambar. Bats have the
highest amount of species (out of 200 mammalian
orders), with 30 different species. The surrounding
waters are home to 28 species of Cetaceans.
Birds: Sri Lanka is home to 227 species of birds
(though some past estimates put it as high as 486)
- 46 of which are threatened (10 critically).
Reptiles & Amphibians: Sri Lanka currently contains
173 species of reptiles, of which 56 are threatened and
103 are endemic. Sri Lanka has one of the richest
diversity of amphibians in the world, containing over 119
species with 109 endemic species - 52 species are
threatened, all but one of which are endemic.
Fish: Sri Lanka contains 93 species of freshwater
fish, and 50 of which are endemic to the country.
28 species are categorized as threatened by
IUCN.[2] There are 8 species of brackish water fish
that also come to freshwater, and 24 introduced
exotic fish species.
Insects: The total number of insect species is about
11,144 with 245 butterflies species recorded of which
24 are endemic. Insects belonging to all 32 orders
except Grylloblattodea have been recorded.
...our country...
8. Sri Lankan sambar deer
(Rusa unicolor unicolor)
Sri Lankan sub-species found
in Horton Plains.
Rich in fauna and flora, the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka
comprising the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, Horton Plains National
Park and Knuckles Mountain Range is the newest recognised world
Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. 51 % of the endemics are found only in
this ecoregion with five strict endemic mammals, five strict endemic
bird species and 20 near endemics. Excursions to these parks are
a must for avid nature lovers, but you don’t have to go far to spot
some of them though - there
are birds and beasts aplenty to observe in your treks around
the locality, and even in our bungalow gardens.
Ceylon Hill White-eye
(Zosterops ceylonensis)
Endemic. Common in
the hills.
Bear Monkey/
Montane Purple-faced Langur
(Trachypithecus vetulus monticola)
Classified as Endangered on
the IUCN Red List - only found
in highland forests of Sri Lanka.
10. African Tulip Tree
(Spathodea Campanulata)
A tall tree common in home gardens
and roadsides with bright orange-red
flowers. An unmistakable feature at
our Craig Appin bungalow.
11. Maha rath mala
(Rhododendron arboreum ssp. zeylanicum)
A rare sub-species of Rhododendron Arboreum
found in the Central Highlands.
With half of Sri Lanka’s endemic flowering plants
restricted to this eco-region, the hills are offer a wealth
of flora to discover. Tropical evergreen forests with tall
trees, broad foliage, and a dense undergrowth of vines
and creepers, subtropical evergreen forests in the
higher altitudes and montane grasslands of Horton
Plains, all provide incredible diversity. Many of the
common hill country flora - from towering Spathodea
trees to tiny Binara flowers - are found in abundance in
the locality, so keep a look out on your walks around
the area. A trip to the wilderness reserves is a must,
however, for the true enthusiast.
Binara/Ginihiriya]
(Exacum trinervium macranthum)
Endemic. Common to the Central Hills.
12. Lush green mountains fade to greater heights in the
misty blue distance; waterfalls cascade and spiral
down. The air is brisk and clean. The heat of the
tropics seems far behind. You are at the very heart of
the ‘tea country’ high on the South central hills of Sri
Lanka - around 4500 ft above sea level. The busy
little outpost of Hatton - the closest town to where we
are, is around 130 km from the capital, Colombo.
14. Strathdon Bungalow :
Wake up to the luxurious charms of the
19th century at Strathdon bungalow - once home
To ‘planters’ who presided over the Strathdon Estate.
Step out across the stately porch on to the platform for a
panoramic view of the distant hills. Sip a strong,
plantation grown cuppa and watch a train move slowly
up the faraway slope, and step back to another era.
17. DickOya Bungalow :
Boasting an illustrious past, DickOya Bungalow was built in
the early 1900’s as a planter’s residence reigning over the
slopes of Dickoya Estate - one of the earliest plantations in
the district. The sprawling bungalow is furnished with
indulgent comfort in mind, and surrounded by 4 acres of
scenic grounds there is much to explore too.
18. Craig Appin Bungalow:
...a little bit of old Scottish country home is reborn at
Craig Appin. From the perfectly manicured lawns you
can breathe in sights of tranquillity and believe that you
have indeed turned back time. The mood may be
yesteryear, but at Craig Appin all the indulgences of
today are never forgotten.
19.
20. Plantation Life - bungalow to bungalow:
Discover your surroundings and experience the
comforts our plantation bungalows. Walk with our
Naturalist guide from one bungalow to another.
Enjoy a packed light meal on an idyllic spot with a
view or a besides burbling stream. Along the way,
admire the colonial influence kept alive in old
architecture, the railways and in the lives of
planters even today. After a delightful high tea at
one of our bungalows, our vehicle will bring you
safely back in time for a well-earned dinner.
...our experiences...
21. All About Tea:
There is no better way to learn the
true art of tea than an iconic ‘Zinc
Tea Experience’ with our expert
guide to take you around the
plantations. You can pluck your own
two leaves and bud and even dress
up in traditional garb if you wish to.
Then, take a tour round the factories
to learn just how the world famous
Ceylon tea is made and enjoy a spot
of tea tasting with the professionals.
22. Mountain Biking:
Try out some awesome rides off the beaten track
with amazing scenery to inspire you to peddle on.
Select your bike at the bungalow and set off to
enjoy the mountain air and explore Dickoya and
the Watawala Valley - 1,200 meters above sea
level. Two routes are marked from each bungalow:
Trail 1 - 5km to 10km (Easy)
Trail 2 - 10km to 30km (Challenging).
Take them on your own or let our Naturalist guide
take you on an exciting tour of discovery.
23. Trekking:
Whether you are an experienced hiker or just want a quiet
walk exploring the scenery, we have some great trails for
you. Meander along green manicured tea gardens,
discover the nearby forests or stroll around the local
villages. End your little adventure with a good cup of
Ceylon tea brewed to perfection at one of our bungalows.
Two standard routes are planned and
marked out from each bungalow:
Trail 1 - 2km to 5km (Easy)
Trail 2 - 5km to 12km (Challenging)
You can trek on your own,
or with our Naturalist
guide to accompany you.
24. Golf in the hills :
Return to the green like the planters of old
for a round or two at one of the oldest clubs
in the world. Founded in 1889, Nuwara Eliya
Golf Club is steeped in tradition with an
ambiance that’s hard to equal. The 18-hole
course has a length of 6075 yards and a
course par of 71 with fairways which are
long and narrow, bordered by tall trees and
dense shrubbery. A constant uphill and
downhill trek with many water hazards
provide some tough challenges whatever
your level of play. Just an hours drive away
from our bungalows, you can indulge in
a happy day of golfing in
the grand colonial style.
25. The tranquil surrounds are ideal for a quiet
Yoga session, or treat yourself to some well-
earned pampering with a private in-room Spa
Therapy treatment. Book your time in
advance, so you can look forward to some
quality ‘me time’ after a day of exploring.
26. Bike & Train Trail:
An authentic ‘Zinc Journey’ to remember.
Two adventures, one unforgettable ride. Take a
scenic train ride
Over the mountains from Hatton to Thalawakele or
Watawala, and return via a connecting bike ride on a
pre-planned route taking in some landmarks of
interest - nature, history and local life, along the way.
Check with us for availability. Early
booking recommended.
To explore the wonderful diversity of Sri Lanka’s ‘Up Country’ further,
talk to us about creating your own expedition...
27. Adam’s Peak:
Sri Pada, also known as Adam’s Peak is a 2,243 m (7,359 ft) tall conical mountain
in the central highlands. Thousands of pilgrims pay homage to its famed sacred
footprint - a 1.8 m (5 ft 11 in) rock formation at the summit revered by Buddhists,
Hindus, Christians and Moslems alike. The view at the top is certainly awe
inspiring - the hill country rises to the east, in the west the land slopes away to the
sea. Colombo at sea level, 65km away, is easily visible on a clear day. However,
the mountain saves its mesmerizing show for a few minutes after dawn. As the
sun rises, the shadow of the peak seems to be projected in from the air and as the
sun rises higher, this eerie triangular shadow on the misty clouds races back
towards the peak, eventually disappearing into its base. One of Mother Nature’s
wonderful mysteries, well worth taking the arduous ascent for.
...sights to see...
28. Nuwara Eliya:
Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain range ‘Pidurutalagala’
looms over the landscape at over 6000 feet, and
nestled in its shadow Nuwara Eliya - the resort
capital of the hills is world away in climate and
in character, The British planters developed it as
their summer retreat creating an exact replica of
an English town. Fondly termed ‘Little England’ it
retains its charm - with abundant colonial
architecture, a stately park, a golf course, racing
track, boating lake and grand period style hotels;
and the chilly climate adds to the overall effect.
29. “...and like phantoms in the mist, they headed across the plains...”
Horton Plains National park:
A protected reserve of montane grassland and cloud forest in
the central highlands at an altitude of 2,100–2,300 metres
(6,900– 7,500 ft), Horton Plains is around 28km from Nuwara
Eliya. The highest plateau in Sri Lanka it ends dramatically
with a sheer drop of 870 m (2,854 ft) called World’s End with
astounding views on a clear day. With many endemics - flora
and fauna the reserve is a vital biodiversity hotspot.
A land of cascades - including the popular Baker’s
Falls, three major rivers of Sri Lanka –
Mahaweli, Kelani and Walawe also
begin their journey here.
30. Mandira Bungalows is managed by Zinc
Journey - a network of exclusive hotels and
resorts around the world, each with an
experiential offering that makes it unique. Zinc
Journey properties have a focus on heritage or
authentic discoveries, delving into the
untouched beauty of unique properties that are
destinations within themselves. Eco-friendly and
culture-conscious, each property that is part of
the Zinc Journey collection pays respect to the
local customs, culture and heritage of the area.
Situated in novel destinations Zinc Journey
offers travel experiences to those looking for a
holiday with a difference.
Zinc Journey is a part of Zinc lnVision Hospitality
- a cutting edge company breaking new ground
through pioneering hospitality products that
stand out for the value and experience they
provide to guests and stakeholders.
...our company...
31. Docket flap:
Inserts to come here.
Photograph of guest
on an expedition
Naturalist’s profile
Maps/Check lists/
other info sheets.
