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The Travel Lounge
Where you'll stay | Kandy, Sri Lanka
Mountbatten Bungalow
A colonial hill retreat above Kandy, with an infinity pool and tea at sunset.
A restored colonial bungalow in the Hanthana hills above Kandy, set within six acres of manicured gardens and tea plantation with panoramic views over forested hills and valleys. It is around 15 to 20 minutes' drive from Kandy city, close to the sights but well away from the bustle. Lord Louis Mountbatten, Supreme Allied Commander in South East Asia during the Second World War, is said to have used the bungalow as a hillside retreat.
Why we love it
What makes Mountbatten Bungalow special
- A heritage colonial bungalow said to have been Lord Louis Mountbatten's wartime hillside retreat
- Just 12 rooms, suites and chalets set in six acres of gardens and tea plantation
- An infinity pool with sunset views over the hills
- Sri Lankan teatime with Ceylon tea and views of the misty mountains
- Naturalist-led walks, with 11 endemic bird species to look out for
Your room on this trip
Garden Chalet
The six Garden Chalets are private wooden chalets set among the gardens, designed for couples who want to be close to nature, and guests may wake to wild deer and monkeys nearby. Each measures 58 square metres, sleeps up to three and has a balcony with forest views, air conditioning, a minibar, a writing desk and a seating area. The wooden-panelled bathroom has a bathtub, with bathrobes, slippers and Ayurveda-inspired Ayurvie toiletries.
Around the hotel
Eating, relaxing and exploring at Mountbatten Bungalow
Facilities and experiences
- Infinity pool overlooking the hills and tea bushes
- T Spa, offering massages, Ayurvedic treatments and holistic rituals inspired by the healing properties of tea
- Dining Room, a Victorian-style banquet hall, open 7am to 10pm
- Bar with a deck, serving single malt whiskies and cocktails, open 9am to 10pm
- Six acres of gardens and tea plantation, with a greenhouse supplying the kitchen
- Butler service
- Doctor on call
Dining
The Victorian-style Dining Room serves traditional Sri Lankan and international dishes made with produce from the estate's own greenhouse, with the option to eat outdoors in the garden when the weather allows. Sri Lankan teatime brings Ceylon tea with sweet and savoury treats, and candlelit dinners for two can be arranged by the pool overlooking the tea bushes or in a private garden.
Location
- About 15 to 20 minutes' drive to Kandy city
- About 15 minutes to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Approximately 3 hours' drive from the airport
Good to know
- Check-in is at 2pm and check-out at 12 noon
- Children under 6 stay free using existing bedding, children aged 6 to 11 pay a supplement and guests aged 12 and over are charged as adults
- Garden Chalets and Bungalow Rooms sleep up to 3 guests and Suites up to 4
- A doctor can be called on request
Your questions answered
Mountbatten Bungalow FAQs
How far is Mountbatten Bungalow from Kandy?
Mountbatten Bungalow is around 15 to 20 minutes' drive from Kandy city, in the Hanthana hills. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is about 15 minutes away, and the drive from the airport takes approximately 3 hours.
Does Mountbatten Bungalow have a pool?
Yes. There is an infinity pool set against the hills and greenery, with sunset views, and drinks can be served by the pool. Candlelit dinners for two can also be arranged poolside, overlooking the tea bushes.
What is a Garden Chalet at Mountbatten Bungalow like?
The Garden Chalets are six private wooden chalets set among the gardens, each 58 square metres with a balcony and forest views. They have a wooden-panelled bathroom with a bathtub and suit couples looking for privacy and nature, where guests may wake to see wild deer and monkeys.
What is the history of Mountbatten Bungalow?
Lord Louis Mountbatten directed Allied forces in South East Asia from Ceylon between 1943 and 1945, and the bungalow is said to have been his hillside retreat during the war. The century-old Victorian residence has been lovingly restored, and the Blue Lily suite is reputedly his own room.
Is Mountbatten Bungalow good for families?
Children are welcome: under 6s stay free using existing bedding and children aged 6 to 11 pay a supplement. Bungalow Rooms and Garden Chalets sleep up to three and Suites up to four, and experiences such as bird watching walks, cycling and cooking demonstrations can be arranged.
Want to stay here? Mountbatten Bungalow is part of our 14-day luxury Sri Lanka tour, and we can also include it in a holiday designed around you.
Where to next?
It starts with a chat. No forms or scripts, just a friendly conversation. Call, email or pop into the Lounge, and one of the team will take it from there.
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