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Amba Estate

Our rating

7/10

Price guide

Highlights

- Farm-stay on peaceful tea estate
- Rural setting with splendid views
- Simple, rustic accommodation
- Hiking, cycling, estate tours

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Overview

Amba Estate is an organic farm and guesthouse in the remote Uva Highlands region of southern Sri Lanka. This rustic and charming property sits in a verdant valley with wonderful views of the iconic peaks of Ella Rock and Lipton’s Seat. The estate offers simple and comfortable accommodation in a picturesque location surrounded by nature and will appeal to travellers seeking an atmospheric stay and an authentic slice of rural Sri Lankan life.

Meals are served communal style, with a focus on traditional Sri Lankan cuisine, using organic ingredients grown on the estate. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner are served daily, with picnics provided upon request. Whilst the property does not hold a licence to serve alcohol, guests are welcome to bring their own alcoholic drinks should they so wish.

Activities include cycling, with complimentary bike hire available, and hiking. The surrounding plantations, hills, and valleys provide a choice of routes, ranging from gentle strolls to more challenging hikes. The estate is home to a variety of bird and wildlife including peacock, humming bird, and kingfisher, plus wild boar, monkey, civet and mongoose, and binoculars are provided for wildlife spotting. Sri Lankan cookery lessons are available, and tours of the estate are offered, including an introduction to artisanal tea processing methods. A selection of books and board games are also provided. Further afield, the spectacular Buddhist statues at Buduruwagala, and the Dowa Rock Temple, are well worth a visit.

Accommodation is spread out across the original farmhouse, the former tea workers quarters, and two newly-built properties. Over a century old, Amba Farmhouse comprises four double or twin rooms, with two shared bathrooms. The ‘line rooms’ originally housed the estate’s tea workers, and comprise three double or twin rooms, all with ensuite bathrooms. Eagle Rock Villa offers one double and one twin room, and a two-room family unit, all with ensuite bathrooms. Last but not least, Clove Tree Cottage has one family suite and one triple room, both with ensuite bathrooms. Each property has its own kitchen, lounge, and dining room, and all have wonderful views across the valley.

Children of all ages are welcome. The cottage and villa both offer family suites comprising interconnecting double and twin bedrooms, a private ensuite bathroom, and a private terrace. Alternatively, the farmhouse, villa, and cottage can each be rented on an exclusive basis, a good option for families or groups requiring additional space and privacy. Due to the rural nature of the property’s location, parents are reminded to keep their children under constant adult supervision.

Suggested Itineraries for Amba Estate

What customers are saying after travelling with Tourdust

Average Rating

based on 529 reviews

(5.00/5)

  • We had a great time - even with the flight between Governors and the coast being two flights and a car! We also experienced a power cut At Nairobi airport on the way home so 2+ hours late taking off. Governors. Wonderful people and dealt with the flight delay very well - taking us back and letting us know that we could stay there if the flight was delayed overnight. The game drives were excellent and our guide (Erick) obviously very experienced and managed to find all the key animals - no rhino in that part of the Masai Mara but everything else in abundance - never seen so many herbivores (many many elephants as well as all the others) as well as two prides of lions. Could not have asked for more. The ‘tent’ was excellent and comfortable and well serviced. The only ‘complaint’ would be that the food - especially dinner - could be improved (I think we got a bit bored of soup as a starter for every meal bar one) and the main courses were not at the same level as Kinondo Kwetu and while all were explained there was no choice offered. The breakfasts were just what was needed after an early game drive. Kinondo Kwetu. What a great location and the welcome when we arrived at just gone 11.00pm was better than you could have ever thought possible - they we’re disappointed that we did not at that time want the full dinner experience! The rooms we’re comfortable. The food was excellent but again no choice was offered - other than for allergy reasons (which we do not have). May be some choice would be nice. Having said that the food we did have was excellent as were the wines (albeit a short list!) and other drinks. There were (as you know) lots of facilities/sports options - but we spent our time relaxing which was exactly what we needed and there were lots of places to do that. Overall. We would go back to both places - perhaps a few more nights at Kinondo Kwetu next time but 3 nights at Governors was perfect for us. Thank you for organising and recommending both places. That you and your colleague for trying to find out about the plane (flat tyre) but communication by the flight company left a lot to be desired (Governors were furious that they were not told and had taken us to the airstrip). Phil

    MissingPhilip R reviewing Masai Mara Safari & Kenya Beach on 01 September 2023

  • It was certainly a holiday of a lifetime for us and we loved every minute!! The standard and location of each accommodation was excellent, as was the variety of each different accommodation type. Our schedule was perfect and we managed to achieve everything on our to-do task list. Your documents were also really helpful, as were the driving directions. We all thank you for making this such a wonderful holiday. Happy to leave a review publicly if you point me the right way. Best Steve

    MissingStephen H reviewing Classic Garden Route & Eastern Cape Safari on 01 September 2023

  • Hi Lisa, Holiday has been a huge success and we have thoroughly enjoyed it all, such a wonderful experience. Many thanks for all your help. Best wishes, Leona

    MissingLeona L reviewing Family Holiday: Inca Trail and Amazon on 18 August 2023

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