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Accommodation

Ellerton

Gampola, Sri Lanka
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Ellerton is a much-loved retreat in Sri Lanka’s hill country, set within a serene 9-acre organic tea and spice estate near Gampola and within reach of Kandy, with sweeping views of the surrounding Alagalla Mountains.

This century-old planter’s bungalow has been thoughtfully restored by its British owners, seamlessly combining old-world charm with modern comforts. The property is made up of three distinct spaces: the colonial-style Main House, the Valley House, a separate three-bedroom villa offering panoramic vistas of the Mawanella mountain range and the Garden Room, which looks out over the valley and distant peaks.

Interiors are a carefully curated blend of antique furnishings, contemporary touches, oriental rugs, and evocative murals, creating a relaxed, homely atmosphere that invites guests to slow down and soak in the tranquil beauty of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine and continental dishes are both on offer, prepared using produce from the onsite organic garden. There is a spring-fed outdoor pool in the sweeping grounds.

Luxury hotel gallery image
Luxury hotel gallery image
Luxury hotel gallery image
Luxury hotel gallery image
Luxury hotel gallery image

What we love

    • Ellerton is run by amazing hosts who put their heart and soul into ensuring every guest has a fantastic stay
    • A great option for both families and couples somehow, they manage both brilliantly
    • Great value for money
    • Away from the bustle and noise of central Kandy

It’s a 40-minute drive from Kandy and is nearer to Gampola, so you will need transport to get into the city itself

This isn’t a high-end boutique hotel, so don’t expect completely flawless interiors – it’s charming rather than luxurious

Limited number of rooms; early booking is essential.

Plenty of accommodation options for larger families, complimentary bikes provided to explore the surrounding countryside. Table tennis, volleyball, badminton and croquet all on offer. They offer outdoor movie nights when the weather is conducive and the expansive gardens offer space for outdoor activities.
The estate at Ellerton Bungalow is managed using organic practices, fostering biodiversity and providing a wildlife haven. Water for the hotel is sourced from an on-site well ensuring a sustainable supply. Guests are encouraged to engage with the local community through cooking classes and cultural excursions
Ellerton Bungalow is a three-hour drive from the main airport in Colombo and 40 minutes from Kandy railway station. You are a 30-minute drive from Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and 20 minutes from Orange Field Tea Factory.

What our travellers say

We went to Sri Lanka as a three-generation family of three. The superb trip was organised by Samanthie and the team and it's difficult to see how it could have been bettered.
Roy Wood (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
Red Dot organised the most wonderful 3-week holiday for us. Samanthie built a trip around the amazing sights we had requested visiting, together with her own suggestions and a wide mix of hotels, which gave us the flavours of both traditional Sri Lanka and the sleek, stylish contemporary version of the country. Our Driver made the whole experience incredibly special for us.
Alie C (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor
I can’t thank Cherylle and the Red Dot team enough for their meticulous planning of our family holiday to India travelling through Rajasthan over Christmas. As a family of all adults, every suggestion from daily activities to hotel choices was simply perfect. We travelled through Delhi, Ranthambore (an unforgettable tiger safari!), Jaipur and Agra and I truly feel we experienced the very best of each destination while moving at a relaxed, well thought out pace
Daisy Stanton (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
My partner arranged a holiday trip at fairly short notice to Sri Lanka with Red Dot on a recommendation, Samanthie was so patient & helpful with her suggested itinerary which we followed with some minor amendments. On arrival at Colombo we met Manjula our chauffeur/guide who was absolutely brilliant!
Andrew S (February 2026) Read the whole review here Trip Advisor
Dulmini and the Red Dot Team arranged a fantastic trip for us around Assam and North East India. Faultless service. I cannot recommend them more highly.
Martin Thomas (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
Wonderful company. Our holiday in Sri Lanka was perfect. Local knowledge made all the difference
Sandra Nicholson  (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
We looked up, and communicated with umpteen tour operators. Though Red Dot seemed to have offices in Sri Lanka and the UK, they seemed to have the best reviews. We were fortunate enough to correspond with Cherylle, who not only assured us of the safety of our friend, but created a personalised, and flexible, itinerary which we could not have done ourselves.
Jayant Banerji (February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
A 14-day tour with Red Dot Tours was the perfect antidote to the bleak UK winter. After a glowing recommendation from a friend, we contacted Red Dot Tours and were not disappointed. Our consultant, Lahiru, curated a seamless itinerary. Throughout the planning phase, Lahiru was incredibly responsive; the final itinerary—delivered via a user-friendly 'Guest Portal'—was impressively detailed, covering every hotel stay and excursion.
Phil Blair ( February 2026) Read the whole review here Google
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