Adisham Bungalow (St. Benedict's Monastery)
A historic colonial-era mansion near Haputale, now a Benedictine monastery surrounded by forest and gardens.
At a glance
Plan your site visit
Check the visit effort, entry guidance, and suitable visiting conditions before travelling.
Travel distance
Visit effort
Best visit time
Entry fee
Overview
Adisham Bungalow, also known as Adisham Hall, is a historic country house located near Haputale in Sri Lanka's hill country. It was completed in 1931 for British planter Sir Thomas Lister Villiers and is recognised for its Tudor and Jacobean architectural character.
Designed in Tudor and Jacobean style by architects R. Booth and F. Webster, the mansion reflects traditional English country house design, complete with stone walls, prominent roofs and a formal hill-country garden.
After changing ownership in the mid-20th century, the bungalow was eventually donated to the Benedictine monks in 1963. Today, it functions as the Adisham Monastery of Saint Benedict while preserving much of its original structure and antique interiors.
The monastery is set within a peaceful forest environment with well-maintained gardens, offering visitors a calm and reflective atmosphere. This remains a working religious property rather than a museum with guaranteed access to every room. Visitors may enter only the areas opened by the monastery on the day and must follow current photography and access instructions.
Adisham remains both a functioning monastery and a heritage site, combining colonial history, religious significance, and natural beauty in one location. Opening days, charges, shop availability and accessible rooms can change, so confirm them directly before making a special journey.
Visitor planning
Entry and visitor planning
Check current entry arrangements, site-specific guidance, and the approach before travelling.
- Visiting times and conditions
- Confirm current opening days, Daytime
- Fees and entry
- Visitor days, accessible areas, and charges can change. Confirm current arrangements directly with the monastery before travelling and follow the rules displayed on arrival.
Location
Near Haputale, Badulla District, Uva Province
Getting to the site
- From Colombo (~180 km • ~6 h)
Choose an approach
Select a marker to open that location in Google Maps.
Visitor guidance
Review these site-specific notes before visiting
- Road access is narrow and winding - drive carefully.
- Follow monastery rules and respect religious practices.
- Avoid loud behavior or disturbing monks and visitors.
- Ground can be slippery during rainy weather.
Travel Tips
- Confirm the current opening days and visitor hours directly with the monastery before making the journey.
- Keep noise low and follow instructions because this remains a functioning monastery.
- Ask before taking photographs, particularly inside buildings or near private monastic areas.
- Combine your visit with Haputale viewpoints and Lipton's Seat.
- If the monastery shop is open, locally produced preserves and other products may be available.
Gallery
Where to go next
Continue planning
These suggestions use reviewed itineraries, routes, and travel groupings. Map closeness alone does not prove direct road or trail access, especially across mountain terrain. Check each guide's Access section before combining stops.
