The Octagon Retreat and Tea Garden near Kandy.

Removed from the bustle of Kandy and nestled in a tea plantation, the Octagon was built using sustainable methods by local craftsmen. Conveniently situated close to ancient temples and jungle villages, we are only 45 minutes from Kandy. The Octagon is now fully equipped for self catering with a gas hob, fridge and microwave. . They can also request delicious Sri Lankan meals cooked by Naomi. The cost of lunch/dinner is 800 rupees per meal. There is also a take-away a five minute walk away! The Octagon is a beautiful eight sided building, perched within the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It overlooks its own private tea plantation, and is perfect for nature lovers and those seeking peace and quiet. A perfect spot for yoga, meditation, reading and writing. Set in the midst of a tea plantation, the Octagon is surrounded by beautiful native wildflowers and the call of birdsong will simply take your breath away:) For those seeking a place of seclusion (writers, artists, yogis, spiritualists or plain tea drinkers!) the Octagon is ideal. For those of you seeking evening entertainment and bright lights this is not the place for you perhaps, unless you need somewhere to catch your breath. Many guests have enjoy interesting dinner table conversations with Richard Murphy, well known Irish poet , who resides in his own cottage on the property. Richard has a host of interesting facts and stories about this beautiful Island. When Richard was a boy he was brought here by his father who acted as the last British Mayor of Colombo in 1935. Ancient paths lead adventurous walkers and locals to nearby jungle villages, where you have the chance to interact with the friendly locals and catch a glimpse the 'real' Sri Lanka. Close to The Octagon, one thousand year old temples lie waiting for you to explore alone as you will often find that you are the only tourist lucky enough to have stumbled upon this hidden treasure. The wonderful botanical gardens of Peridinya are twenty minutes away. The origins of the Botanic Gardens date as far back as 1371 when King Wickramabahu III ascended the throne and kept court at Peradeniya near the Mahaweli river. The bussling tourist centre of Kandy, with the famous Temple of the Tooth, is still within 45 minutes drive of our location. The city boasts luxury hotels and spas which are a pleasant stop-gap option en-route to The Octagon, your own rural heaven. Guests have sole access to the Octagon, the surrounding tea plantation plus the all new swinging day bed set amidst the tea leaves:) The Octagon is equipped for self catering and meals can also be purchased from a traditional Sri Lankan take-away right next door. Guests have the luxury of their own quiet and very private space within and surrounding the Octagon. My father and esteemed poet Richard Murphy is living below the Octagon and still has an abundance of enthusiasm and energy when it comes to welcoming guests to his Sri Lankan hideaway. My manager Desmond Rodrigo, who lives next door, manages the Octogan and will look after your daily requirements. The Octagon is set in a very remote location and provides the perfect destination for those looking to enjoy the 'real' Sri Lanka. This is a gorgeous structure, far from the beaten track, with views over the surrounding valley with farmland and wilderness for as far as the eye can see. We are a forty minute drive from the centre of Kandy, tuktuks (local moot-taxis) are easily available. The Octagon is close to many beautiful and rarely visited ancient temples, and is surrounded by native jungle villages, including one village totally devoted to drum-making. There are several local buses and tuktuks which are freely available and can be booked in advance. Bicycles are also available for guests. The wildlife and native landscape in this area has been relatively undisturbed for centuries. Valleys, rivers and mountains make up this pristine wilderness which awaits the more adventurous visitor to Sri Lanka. In July, August or September visitors will have the novelty of experiencing what are known as the 'peraheras', which are local Buddhist festivals. They feature dancers, jugglers, fire-breathers and elephants and are a real must see at this time of year.