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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 534 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • I was also just about to email you to thank you and the team for arranging yet again, another wonderful experience.

    Mount Kenya was spectacular and wild - I think I prefer it to Kili in many ways. The entire support team was professional, friendly and all round fantastic in making sure that we were safe, well fed and well looked after. In particular, we would commend Peter the guide as well as Paul one of the porters who doubled-up as his deputy on summit day. Our route was often shrouded in mist and rain that rapidly gathered in the valleys and moorlands, and we were very impressed at how Peter managed to navigate us safely through all of that notwithstanding. In addition, we loved learning about the history of Mount Kenya from him in the evenings. And ofcourse, I was blown away by the lovely birthday surprise at the end complete with balloons and a delicious cake that had journeyed with us from day 1. One thing we might recommend because of the sudden change in weather (it would sometimes get extremely cold and wet) is for the equipment list to be a little bit more detailed in terms of its recommendations e.g. layers to be moisture-wicking, walking boots be waterproof, doubling up on socks to avoid blisters etc.

    El Karama is a beautiful conservancy and the lodge a true labour of love. Great hospitality in a relaxed environment. Delicious, fresh food. We enjoyed the drives, even if we didn't see much wildlife as the heavens opened on us for the last two outings. However, since it was very much geared towards families, I am not sure if I would stay again without kids. That said, I think it was perfect for a 3d/2n stay post mountain, and a much better choice than flying to the masai mara given the limited time we had.

    Our transits were smooth. Samuel the driver was always on time, drove safely and kept the vehicle clean.

    So it was a brilliant experience and one which I certainly will cherish for some time to come. It was great to work with you for a third time, and I certainly hope it won't be the last

    MissingJuhae C reviewing Mount Kenya Sirimon Naro Moru Trek on 01 March 2024

  • Thank you, we had an absolute wonderful time, and everything was well-planned and as described. Carla was crying on the day of our departure from Ants Nest, she didn’t want to go home and for it all to end, and when I asked how much longer she would want to stay, she responded “four weeks”

    MissingLars B reviewing Best of South Africa for Families on 01 March 2024

  • We had the most amazing time. It exceeded all my hopes of what the trip would be. The guides, the hotels - everything was of such a wonderful quality. Thank you for organizing everything. I will absolutely recommend Tourdust and use you again.

    MissingClaudia L reviewing Luxury Desert Holiday on 11 January 2024

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