Adisham Monastery: A Slice of England in Sri Lanka's Hill Country

This Tudor-style mansion transports visitors to the English countryside amidst Sri Lanka's tea plantations.

A Colonial Jewel in the Hills

Perched near Haputale at 5,000 feet above sea level, Adisham Monastery is one of Sri Lanka's most enchanting colonial relics. Built between 1927-1931, this 40-room Tudor mansion was originally the country retreat of Sir Thomas Lister Villiers, a British tea baron who named it after his hometown in Kent, England. Today, it serves as a peaceful Benedictine monastery, offering visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka's plantation era history.

Historical Highlights

The Story of Sir Thomas Villiers

• Began as a tea planter in 1905 before becoming chairman of George Steuart & Co.
• Imported English materials and craftsmen to recreate a piece of home.
• The estate once produced world-renowned orange pekoe tea.

Architectural Marvels

Tudor Revival Style:

• Steep gabled roofs
• Mullioned windows
• Rustic stone fireplace (carved with the Villiers family motto)

Landscaped Gardens:

• Rolling lawns with English flowers
• Rose garden with 50+ varieties
• Orchard producing jams (famous monastery product)

What to Experience Today

1. Monastery Tours

• Grounds & Chapel: Open to visitors (silence requested)
• Viewing Hours: 9:00 AM - 4:30 PM (Closed Mondays & Poya Days)
• Donation Entry: ~Rs. 500 (supports the monks)

2. Famous Jam Tasting

Must-Try:

• Strawberry (made from hill-country berries)
• Wood apple (unique local flavor)
• Passionfruit (grown on-site)

Available for purchase at the small gift shop

3. Photography Spots

Best Angles:

• The clock tower facade
• Dormer windows against misty hills
• Stone archways draped in creepers

Visitor Tips

• Dress Modestly - Shoulders/knees covered (monastery rules)
• Morning Visits - Best light and fewest crowds
• Combine With - Lipton's Seat (15 min away)
• Transport - Tuk-tuk from Haputale (~Rs. 800 round trip)

How to Get There

Location: 4km from Haputale town (Bandarawela Road)

• By Car: 3.5hrs from Colombo via A4/A16
• By Train: Alight at Haputale Station (then 20min tuk-tuk ride)

Nearby Attractions

• Lipton's Seat - Iconic tea planter's viewpoint
• Dambatenne Tea Factory - Established by Sir Thomas Lipton
• Bambarakanda Falls - Sri Lanka's tallest waterfall

Book a Heritage Tour

Let Sri Lanka Tour Help craft your perfect hill country itinerary including:

• Private Adisham Monastery visit
• Tea plantation experiences
• Scenic train journeys

Plan your visit: https://srilankatourhelp.org