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Mandira Dickoya Bungalows

Our rating

8/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Historic, colonial bungalows
- White water rafting, nearby golf club
- Scenic train rides with waterfall views
- Visit Ella and climb Adam's Peak

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Overview

Once a tea planter’s residence in the early 1900s, Mandira Dickoya today comprises a series of 3 characterful bungalows set in four acres of lovely grounds on the Dick Oya Tea Estate in Sri Lanka’s breathtaking hill country. The property boasts exceptional views across magnificent slopes covered with tea plantations and landscaped gardens. Colonial and traditional in feel, the bungalows have pretty lawns, plenty of natural light, attractive ensuite bedrooms and communal dining rooms, along with many modern amenities which make for a comfortable stay.

Each bungalow houses either three or four bedrooms, all with ensuite bathrooms with hot and cold running water and heated towel rails. All bathrooms have walk-in showers and some have bath tubs as well. The bungalows can be booked out exclusively for groups, or guests can occupy individual rooms if they prefer, with use of the communal living room and outdoor terrace included. Sri Lankan cuisine is prepared by chefs and served either in the dining room or al fresco, and ‘English breakfasts’ are available in the mornings. Chefs might even cook an evening BBQ on the terrace on request. All food is prepared on the premises and many of the ingredients come from Mandira Dickoya’s own vegetable garden.

There are plenty of activities to enjoy in the area. Guests can trek or cycle around the tea plantations either by themselves or with an expert naturalist who will explain the history of the area and the art of tea picking. Excursions beyond the property include a tour of the nearby hamlet of Ella, including an optional visit to Adam’s Peak, a 2,234m high sacred mountain visited by pilgrims and tourists alike – there’s a demanding but rewarding 5,200 step climb to the spectacular views at the top. White water rafting is on offer just an hour’s drive away in Kitulgala. For keen golfers, the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, founded back in 1889, lies at the foot of Mount Piduruthalagala and is surrounded by some of Sri Lanka’s finest tea gardens. Scenic train rides from Hatton through surrouding tea plantations, mountains and waterfalls are a delight – although note that they’re really for the purposes of scenic sightseeing rather than as a reliable mode of transport since delays are to be expected! The capital, Colombo, is some six hours away by car.

Children of all ages are welcome at Mandira Dickoya. Baby cots and extra beds are available and although there’s no swimming pool, many of the activities on offer are suitable for children. The climb up to Adam’s Peak, however, might be better suited to older children with stamina. Note that there is no babysitting service and parents are reminded to supervise their children at all times.

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What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 540 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • We had such a good holiday. You did a fantastic job!

    The house in Marrakesh was ridiculous. We effectively had it to ourselves. The accommodation was borderline palatial.

    I actually think that the time we had in Marrakesh was sufficient. We could potentially have done a day by a pool but I think we’d done enough souk-ing by the end of Day Two.

    The hotel in the mountains was a shade more rustic than I was expecting, but all great fun. Stunning views. The guide / mule / cook team were excellent and our guide (Hassan) tailored the treks to our capabilities well. He was superb, and really made an effort with the kids. The second and third day of trekking were particularly good. Such an adventure for the kids.

    All the logistics worked seamlessly. Every aspect went like clockwork. Top marks. The advice on tipping was also much appreciated (I hate thinking that I’m getting mugged off or am potentially not giving enough…).

    From my seven-year-old son:

    I thought it was GREAT. The food was amazing and the culture was very interesting. My favourite bit was scrambling up rocks in the Atlas Mountains.

    In retrospect, I’d probably do the trip in reverse. Flopping on the roof terrace after the rigours of the mountains would have been even more satisfying.

    MissingHenry O reviewing Boutique Marrakech & Atlas Mountains on 05 June 2025

  • We just wanted to thank you for an absolutely amazing holiday. Everything went exactly to plan and we were blown away with the quality of the guides, transport and accommodation. The itinerary was perfect for our family with a great mix of guided and free days and the different destinations complemented each other well. We will definitely be using Tourdust again for our next trip! Particular highlights were the Ha Long Bay cruise, Hanoi, and the morning cycle tour in Siam Reap

    MissingJane P reviewing Complete Vietnam For Families on 14 May 2025

  • We had an extraordinary time. It was magical and we couldn't hav asked or hoped for more. Thank you both so much for all of your time and assistance.

    MissingEmma M reviewing Best of Botswana for Families on 18 November 2024

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