The Oliphant

The Oliphant is a delightful colonial-period planters bungalow that enjoys a picturesque setting high above Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands in the small village of Shantipura near Nuwara Eliya. Surrounded by lush tea gardens and distant mist-clad mountains, this Bungalow originally belonged to the family of Sir Anthony Oliphant, the eighth Chief Justice of Ceylon, who established one of the first tea estates in Nuwara Eliya in 1840.

The Oliphant was built by his son Laurence Oliphant and following thoughtfully planned restoration, the bungalow has now been brought up-to-date to meet the needs of modern-day travellers whilst retaining its old-world charm, including the antique windows and nearly 150-year-old wooden floors. All seven rooms at The Oliphant have been tastefully decorated in the style of a colonial-era English home and feature a four-poster bed, a small sitting area with a sofa, heater and an ensuite bathroom.

At The Oliphant, tasty Sri Lankan curries and Continental cuisine are served, and guests can choose to dine in the indoor dining room or in the tranquil gardens. Other facilities include a cosy lounge with a fireplace, where pre-dinner drinks are usually served. Activities on offer include tea trail walks and the hike to the World’s End at Horton Plains National Park.