When you stay at Highwalton Estate Heritage Bungalow, you are living inside a story that has been unfolding for over 500 years. What makes our Highwalton Estate Heritage Bungalow truly unique is the ground it stands on; the bungalow is built upon an original foundation from the Portuguese era, between 1505 and 1658. Following its destruction, the Dutch rebuilt the structure on that exact same footprint, introducing the two-storey layout and the mountain-view balcony.
We are also proud to be the birthplace of coffee in Sri Lanka. It was right here in 1740 that Dutch traders first planted coffee, marking the first time the crop was cultivated anywhere outside of Africa. The historical journey didn’t stop there; in the 19th century, the estate became a part of the island’s rubber industry. As you explore the grounds, you’ll find physical echoes of this past, including the ruins of old machinery and the original drainage systems used for processing latex.
To help you feel truly welcome, we invite you to treat the estate as a living home rather than just a hotel. We are a working organic farm, and we love sharing our way of life with guests. You can wander through our spice gardens to see Ceylon cinnamon, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, cardamom, turmeric, and ginger growing naturally, or watch traditional toddy collection to see how Kithul Raa is made. Additional cultivation includes coffee, cocoa, vanilla, fruits, vegetables, and underutilized fruit species, contributing to biodiversity and ecological balance. Whether you’re relaxing by our handcrafted pond, sitting in the summer hut, or enjoying a home-cooked breakfast on the balcony, our goal is to provide a meaningful retreat. With three bedrooms accommodating up to nine guests, we offer a private, pet-friendly space that provides free WiFi, where heritage and nature meet. To honor this deep agricultural legacy, we have our own coffee shop on-site, where you can relax and appreciate the history of the land.
Hello! I am Dilan, Director of Bravo Corporation (Pvt) Ltd, and I’m delighted to welcome you to Highwalton Estate Heritage Bungalow. I have a deep love for nature, and working with plantations and gardens is one of my greatest joys. I enjoy engaging in cultivation, exploring the value of underutilized plants and crops, and sharing their richness with visitors.
Hosting here allows me to open up both the natural beauty and the historical heritage of Highwalton Estate. I love guiding guests around the estate, showing the variety of plants and crops we grow, and sharing stories of its colonial past. Traveling, volunteering, and discovering ways to connect people with nature and history inspire me to create meaningful and memorable experiences for all our visitors.
I hope your stay here will be peaceful, enriching, and a chance to truly experience the harmony of history, nature, and culture in Sri Lanka.
Our guests often tell us they love the neighborhood because it offers a perfect balance of rural peace and central convenience. Highwalton Estate is located in Matale, surrounded by lush greenery and scenic paddy fields. It is a place where you can escape the noise of the city and wake up to a balanced environment where traditional agriculture and natural beauty exist side-by-side.
What makes our location so strategic for travelers is its position in the heart of the island. We serve as a convenient home base for day trips to some of Sri Lanka’s most famous landmarks:
1. Kandy & The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Just a short drive away, you can visit one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world.
2. Sigiriya: The historic "Lion Rock" fortress is easily accessible for a morning climb.
3. Knuckles Forest Reserve: A favorite for hikers and nature enthusiasts looking for incredible biodiversity.
Local Tips & Points of Interest: While the famous sites are a must-see, the immediate area around Matale offers its own hidden gems. The region is the heart of Sri Lanka’s spice industry. Since our estate is a sustainable, organic property, you can experience an authentic version of a spice garden right here without the typical tourist crowds. You can also visit our on-site coffee shop to enjoy a drink while soaking in the estate's atmosphere.
For those planning a longer journey, our location is a great starting point before heading toward coastal destinations like Galle or Negombo. Whether you want to explore ancient history, hike through misty mountains, or simply enjoy a quiet walk through the village paddy fields, the neighborhood around Highwalton offers an authentic slice of Sri Lankan heritage.
Language spoken: English