St Benedict's Monastery - Adisham
St Benedict's Monastery - Adisham
3.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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3.5
277 reviews
Excellent
77
Very good
99
Average
66
Poor
24
Terrible
11
Peter M
Melbourne, Australia1,301 contributions
Jun 2023 • Friends
St Benedict's is located in the Adisham bungalow and was built in 1913,which is named after Adisham a city in the English country of Kent.
Written 30 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Seevali D
Colombo, Sri Lanka8,680 contributions
Jun 2023
Eighteen of us, on a trip with Flamingo Tours, visited the picturesque Adisham bungalow, in the afternoon on 9th June 2023.
After purchasing the entrance tickets, (Rs 100 local, Rs 300 foreign) we entered the most beautifully kept picturesque garden that I have seen for some time. There was a fairly large number of people enjoying the garden and taking photographs and selfies. There were some monkeys too entertaining the visitors with their pranks!
Located 3 km from Haputale town and constructed in 1931, in typical British Tudor style, the bungalow was named after the English village 'Adhisham’, where the owner, Sir Thomas Villiers, was born in. His portrait, painted during 1930s greets you at the main entrance. It is owned by St. Benedict’s Monastery.
The library, stocked with old volumes, and the sitting room are the only areas open to the public. Photographs are not permitted within the bungalow.
The little kiosk by the side of the main building, sells a variety of fresh items from tea and coffee, homemade jams, pickles, and wines.
After we spent about two hours within the premises, we left around 5 pm and walked back downhill to our hotel - about 3 km away.
It was a most enjoyable trip.
After purchasing the entrance tickets, (Rs 100 local, Rs 300 foreign) we entered the most beautifully kept picturesque garden that I have seen for some time. There was a fairly large number of people enjoying the garden and taking photographs and selfies. There were some monkeys too entertaining the visitors with their pranks!
Located 3 km from Haputale town and constructed in 1931, in typical British Tudor style, the bungalow was named after the English village 'Adhisham’, where the owner, Sir Thomas Villiers, was born in. His portrait, painted during 1930s greets you at the main entrance. It is owned by St. Benedict’s Monastery.
The library, stocked with old volumes, and the sitting room are the only areas open to the public. Photographs are not permitted within the bungalow.
The little kiosk by the side of the main building, sells a variety of fresh items from tea and coffee, homemade jams, pickles, and wines.
After we spent about two hours within the premises, we left around 5 pm and walked back downhill to our hotel - about 3 km away.
It was a most enjoyable trip.
Written 14 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
AK G
7 contributions
Mar 2023 • Couples
Did you know that you can stay here...
Yes that's true. We were lucky enough to book two rooms for us and parents and enjoyed the cool weather, fresh air and ofcourse the scenic beauty... Only thing is that you need to get a recommendation letter from a Father of a catholic church. That's it. Whole three meals were provided at an affordable price and they were delicious too... Staff were friendly too.
We really had a memorable stay and this place is most suited for people who like to feel the atmosphere calm and quietly. If you want to witness the sun rise and sun set here, then you must stay here coz this place is open for normal visitors from 9a.m.
You can even watch the museum, buy jams and cordials which they make, watch the Train goes pass through the bushes below....
We recommend a night or two stay for anyone who like calm and peaceful stay and looking forward to visit this place soon again....
Yes that's true. We were lucky enough to book two rooms for us and parents and enjoyed the cool weather, fresh air and ofcourse the scenic beauty... Only thing is that you need to get a recommendation letter from a Father of a catholic church. That's it. Whole three meals were provided at an affordable price and they were delicious too... Staff were friendly too.
We really had a memorable stay and this place is most suited for people who like to feel the atmosphere calm and quietly. If you want to witness the sun rise and sun set here, then you must stay here coz this place is open for normal visitors from 9a.m.
You can even watch the museum, buy jams and cordials which they make, watch the Train goes pass through the bushes below....
We recommend a night or two stay for anyone who like calm and peaceful stay and looking forward to visit this place soon again....
Written 30 March 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Chanaka L
Colombo, Sri Lanka38 contributions
Dec 2022
Location was good and beautiful. The look was so classical . Hand made Jam shop is there. You can buy jams with different flavors.
Written 15 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
newtonjsurg
Colombo, Sri Lanka198 contributions
Jun 2022
Heaven for Nature lovers.
We stayed there for 4 days. it is an archaeological master peace. Built by a Scottish planter Sir Thomas Villiers in 1931, was told he wanted to have the weather as in Scotland. His wife was a painter and his picture painted by her is hanging there. Only part of the building is open to the public now. Beautifully standing with the majestic look on a cliff at the Thangamale National park at Haputhaleee, Sri Lanka.. Currently, it is owned by the Franciscan fathers. They are having a beautiful flower garden.
There is a little chapel with prayers and Holy mass being said and you can participate.
This is heaven for the bird watchers as we have recorded lots of endemic rare birds of Sri Lanka, There is a trade outlet where you can buy all types of jam and Vine made in the monastery itself. Prior booking is needed to stay there.
We stayed there for 4 days. it is an archaeological master peace. Built by a Scottish planter Sir Thomas Villiers in 1931, was told he wanted to have the weather as in Scotland. His wife was a painter and his picture painted by her is hanging there. Only part of the building is open to the public now. Beautifully standing with the majestic look on a cliff at the Thangamale National park at Haputhaleee, Sri Lanka.. Currently, it is owned by the Franciscan fathers. They are having a beautiful flower garden.
There is a little chapel with prayers and Holy mass being said and you can participate.
This is heaven for the bird watchers as we have recorded lots of endemic rare birds of Sri Lanka, There is a trade outlet where you can buy all types of jam and Vine made in the monastery itself. Prior booking is needed to stay there.
Written 27 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NadandNil1909
London, UK322 contributions
Dec 2021
Nice change of scenery with lots of history. Also a nice shop which sells some lovely ice cream, jams and marmalades.
Written 27 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Young explorer
Colombo, Sri Lanka2 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
What a place!
Had a fabulous time with my aunt and uncle walking around on my birthday. The amount of exhibitions and knowledge you can acquire from a place like this is astonishing.
I'd recommend you visit this not in one go as you will be absolutely exhausted as you have to walk alot . You should attempt to visit it in probably 3 days if you want to actually learn anything.
Architecturally speaking, it is fantastic, just shows how great the buildings of old were. Being around for over 100 years and still holding all its glory, really amazes me.
A lot to learn from this place
I cannot wait to come back more times and check the new exhibitions.
Had a fabulous time with my aunt and uncle walking around on my birthday. The amount of exhibitions and knowledge you can acquire from a place like this is astonishing.
I'd recommend you visit this not in one go as you will be absolutely exhausted as you have to walk alot . You should attempt to visit it in probably 3 days if you want to actually learn anything.
Architecturally speaking, it is fantastic, just shows how great the buildings of old were. Being around for over 100 years and still holding all its glory, really amazes me.
A lot to learn from this place
I cannot wait to come back more times and check the new exhibitions.
Written 18 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mohamed ibrahim Lukman
Colombo, Sri Lanka13 contributions
Apr 2021 • Couples
Adisham Bunglaw was built in 1931 by an English aristocrat and planter Sir Thomas Villiers.
Beautiful place with fresh environment not any dust fresh air and tree 🌲 Amazing architecture and Wonderful history.
Do come here if you are in Haputale.
Beautiful place with fresh environment not any dust fresh air and tree 🌲 Amazing architecture and Wonderful history.
Do come here if you are in Haputale.
Written 16 December 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
My Tropical Journal
Colombo, Sri Lanka132 contributions
Feb 2021 • Friends
This is a monastery belongs to the Roman Catholics Church of Sri Lanka. A beautiful bungalow built-in 1931. Located in Haputhale, Badulla district and named after the Adisham a city in the English country of Kent.
Inside there is a small museum that carries old books, coins hand paintings, ornaments and furniture belong to the historical era. ( no videos and photos allowed inside the bungalow). Nothing much to see other than the landscape and beautifully built bungalow.
It's better if there is written information about the bungalow and artefacts in the museum so guests can understand the real value of this place. Washrooms are old and not very much good. Overall a nice experience.
Inside there is a small museum that carries old books, coins hand paintings, ornaments and furniture belong to the historical era. ( no videos and photos allowed inside the bungalow). Nothing much to see other than the landscape and beautifully built bungalow.
It's better if there is written information about the bungalow and artefacts in the museum so guests can understand the real value of this place. Washrooms are old and not very much good. Overall a nice experience.
Written 1 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Ruwanthi Ananda
Colombo, Sri Lanka106 contributions
Feb 2021 • Family
While the architecture is amazing, we are allowed only to see the entrance n his library full of books, some drawings by Mrs.Adisham. There is a guide to explain and give a tour. He also said they allow 6 rooms to be used by guests on reservation as per FB basis.
As this is a monastery, it is open only on weekends and public holidays.
They allowed the vehicle in after paying LKR 700. It was raining so couldn't enjoy the garden. But it well maintained n beautiful.
As this is a monastery, it is open only on weekends and public holidays.
They allowed the vehicle in after paying LKR 700. It was raining so couldn't enjoy the garden. But it well maintained n beautiful.
Written 15 February 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
chethiya Raj S
Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka2 contributions
I want to know it will open on weekdays?
Ruwanthi Ananda
Colombo, Sri Lanka106 contributions
Nope. Only on weekends and public holidays.
chethiya Raj S
Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka2 contributions
I want to know it will open on weekdays?
Rohan Silva
Katunayake, Sri Lanka43 contributions
It's not open on weekdays.
Ravindu Wickremeratne
Matara, Sri Lanka39 contributions
Hi,
can anybody tell me whether there are visiting hours to this place? and at what time during the day is best to visit?
Aruni S
Colombo, Sri Lanka31 contributions
Between 10 and 4pm you are safe. Times may change during Xmas and Easter etc
Paiva1905
11 contributions
Hello!
Is it possible to access the monastery with bus from Haputale?
Thanks à lot for your kind answer
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Frequently Asked Questions about St Benedict's Monastery - Adisham
- Hotels near St Benedict's Monastery - Adisham:
- (0.03 km) Adisham Village Home
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- (0.65 km) Nilowin Glenanore guesthouse
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- Restaurants near St Benedict's Monastery - Adisham:
- (3.03 km) Sunrise Restaurant
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