Thomas Lister Villiers come to Ceylon as a trainee on Elbedde Estate, Bogawantalawa in 1890s. It was while he was chairman of George Steuarts that young Thomas commenced building this 52 rooms dream home in the country.

He selected a peaceful site at Haputale, surrounded by beautiful forest called Tangamalai which means Golden Hills. The piece of land was alienated because of its 5,000 feet elevation. Yet it was not a barrier for Sir Thomas. A road was cut through the forest to pave the way to reach the land which commanded views across hills and valleys and the highest mountain ranges of Ceylon. On a clear day, a sightseer will be privileged to view Totapolakanda, Hakgala, Piduruthalagala, the Uda Pussellawa range of mountains known as the sleeping warrior, Diyatalawa Army Camp, Namunukula and numerous other mountains which stretch out for miles on end. The building and garden are on ten acres on land which formed a part of the forest reserve. Cutting the site in preparation for the building commenced in 1929.

The house was designed in the Tudor style, on the lines of Leeds Castle in Kent, with stout granite walls of locally quarried stone, long, narrow turret windows and chimneys. It looked in every detail an Elizabethan country mansion. Villiers imported furniture, linen, carpets, porcelain, silver, and glassware from England for his home. The house give an onlooker a sense solidity, permanence and stability.

Adisham Bungalow is now a Benedictine monastery.

On Google Map, you could clearly see the route to destination, local excursions and tourist interests. To have a clear view click "  " and then un-click "  " irrelevant layers.

About this Monastery tour

Best season : All year around
Available : Only in weekends, Public holidays & school holidays.
Closed : Christmas days & Good Friday
Arranging time needed : 1 day
Hottest month :

Best starting time : 8.30 AM / 2 PM
Starting point : Ella, Bandarawela, Wellawaya
Activity finishing time : 5 PM
Whole touring time : Upto 5 hrs

Restrictions : No flash photography of ancient paintings / Cover your knees and shoulders before enter any temple. / Do not leave plastics behind / Please do not feed wild animals.

Price includes : Selected transportation / Driver guide / Gov taxs

Child price : Aged 6 - 12 is considered a child / Aged 0 - 6 is free of charge.

Feedback us : Our drivers and service providers are advised not to promote any other activities or nudge you for shopping. Please leave your feedback on Google.

Optional : A well-spoken local animal expert / historian could be arranged with an additional fee.

You may bring : Water / Hat and sun glass / Sun cream / Camera

We love holiday planning!

Some videos