Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
dapper white-suited waiters attending to your needs. What really makes the property stand
out though are the beautiful flower gardens, the surrounding tea estates and stupendous
views.
Bungalows sleep between four and six people, which makes this a real bargain if travel-
ling as a group or family. Meals are also available from a resident cook. Advance bookings
are essential.
Melheim Resort
BOUTIQUE HOTEL
( Colombo 011-585 0227;
www.melheimresort.com
;Lower Blackwood, Beragala;s/d incl breakfast
US$140/150; )
This upmarket lodge, built into and around giant granite boulders, has great views over the
burning lowlands (although not as good as those from Haputale town) and large, very
plush cottages. There's a nice pool, good restaurant and the bath towels are folded and
moulded into towel-art elephants, swans and others which almost make it worth the cost
alone!
It's 8km downhill from Haputale and 2km from the village of Beragala.
Getting There & Away
BUS
Destinations include Bandarawela (Rs 32, one hour) and Nuwara Eliya (Rs 99, 3½ hours).
For Ella change in Bandarawela. To get to Tangalla or Embilipitiya change in Wellawaya
(Rs 93). All buses depart from the town centre opposite the Risara Bakery.
TRAIN
Haputale is on the Colombo-Badulla line, so you can travel directly by train to and from
Kandy or Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya). A 1st-class observation ticket is Rs 1000 for any-
where between Badulla and Nanu Oya and Rs 1250 from Nanu Oya to Kandy. A 2nd-class
reservation is Rs 600 to any of the following locations.
East bound trains to Ella and Badulla leave at 12.05pm and 2.15pm. West bound trains
towards Kandy leave at 10.25am and 2.25pm.
