Adisham Bungalow (St.Benedict’s Monaster)

Adisham Bungalow, also known as St. Benedict’s Monastery, is a beautiful stone house located in Haputale, Sri Lanka. Built in 1931 by an English tea planter named Sir Thomas Villiers, it looks just like a classic country home from England. The house is surrounded by green hills, colorful gardens, and a thick forest. Today, it is a monastery where monks live, but part of it is open for visitors to see the old rooms and enjoy the peaceful views.

📌 Why Should Visit?

✅ Unique History: It is one of the few places in Sri Lanka that feels exactly like the British countryside.

✅ Natural Beauty: The gardens are full of flowers and the views of the mountain ranges are breathtaking.

✅ Peace and Quiet: Since it is a monastery, the atmosphere is very calm and relaxing.

✅ Delicious Products: You can buy fresh jams, jellies, and cordials made by the monks from fruits grown right on the property.

📌 Other Important Details 

↔️ Architecture: The house was built with thick granite walls and features beautiful wood carvings and antique furniture.

↔️ Climate: The weather here is usually cool and misty, so it’s a great escape from the heat.

↔️ Fruit Orchards: The monastery grows its own strawberries, guavas, and oranges.

📌 Things to Do 

🌟 Tour the House: Walk through the living room and library to see how people lived 100 years ago.

🌟 Photography: Take photos of the stunning English-style gardens and the stone exterior.

🌟 Shopping: Visit the small shop to buy famous Adisham jams (the orange marmalade is a favorite!).

🌟 Bird Watching: The surrounding Adisham Bird Sanctuary is home to many rare birds.

📌 How to Get There 

🚂 By Train: Take the train to Haputale station. From there, it is about a 4km drive or a nice walk.

🛺 By Tuk-Tuk: You can easily hire a tuk-tuk from Haputale town to take you directly to the gates.

🚗 By Car: If you are driving, follow the road from Haputale toward the Thangamale Sanctuary.

📌 What Experience Visitors Can Get

Visitors often feel like they have stepped back in time or traveled to another country. It is a very quiet experience where you can appreciate fine craftsmanship and nature. The walk through the forest path leading to the bungalow is refreshing, and the scent of pine trees and flowers makes it feel magical.

📌 Important Tips and Guides 

⚠️ Stay Quiet: This is a place of prayer for monks, so please keep your voice down.

⚠️ Check Opening Hours: It is usually only open on weekends, public holidays, and during school vacations. Always check before you go.

⚠️ Wear Layers: It can get quite cold and windy, even during the day.

⚠️ No Photos Inside: Photography is usually allowed in the gardens but strictly forbidden inside the house rooms.

Adisham Bungalow is a hidden gem in the hills of Haputale. Whether you love history, nature, or just want a quiet place to relax, this stone monastery is a must-visit. Don’t forget to grab a jar of jam before you leave!