Jungle Tide Bungalow

Staying in a tea plantation was such a wonderful experience, and it's a great area for walks with easy access to the Pekoe trail. Suki and Toffee were the best companions, Rani and Martin were wonderful, and all the meals felt special. The location is absolutely great. I look forward to going back in the near future.

The garden was a lovely spot to unwind, and Gerry, Sally and their team made us feel very welcome. We spent three nights at the unique jungle tide. Kenny, the manager and driver, collected us in Habarana and took us past several sights on a day tour en route, for a very good price. We walked the Pekoe trail straight from the house one day, then caught the local bus to Kandy for a day out. Dinner was excellent curry on two evenings. We usually skip western food on holiday, but Gerry's homemade shepherd's pie was superb and a welcome change.

The walks past small homes were a highlight, with children coming out smiling and waving hello. At Jungle Tide, we also loved Rani's local cooking and the friendly evenings around the dinner table with the other guests. We stayed ten days and I worried that might be too long while travelling around Sri Lanka, but it wasn't. The quiet, peaceful setting and amazing views made it a magical stay, one we'll treasure.

Bring beer and wine with you, since there's nowhere nearby to buy them. The bungalow is tucked away among tea plantations, which makes it a great base for walking holidays. Rani is a must, one of the best local cooks you could hope for, and all the food is home-cooked. The two pet dogs often join your walks and seem better than a sat nav at guiding you safely back. It's the heart of Sri Lanka, where local people smile, wave and say hello.