Blogs - Mount Havana

Steep Yourself in Splendour at Mount Havana

Mount Havana Luxury Boutique Villa, is a true hill country getaway. The villa consists of five bedrooms, including two suites. The veranda overlooks the garden and pool and is a wonderful spot for both lounging and dining. The lush, sprawling estate is home to a diverse range of tree and animal species. There is plenty to do and see both within the estate premises, as well as in the town just outside. A property of hSenid Hospitality, it has been in operation since 2012. Dinesh Saparamadu, Chairman and Founder of hSenid talks about what makes Mount Havana so special and why it is the perfect holiday destination

What is Mount Havana? Could you introduce us to the place?

Mount Havana is a 25-acre estate located in the cool climes of Gampola in the Kandy district. The property originally belonged to a Reddi family and the father bequeathed it to his four sons. It was from these four brothers that I bought it over. After acquiring the estate, I renovated the bungalow and converted it into a five-bedroom boutique villa. Over the years I have initiated many improvements and developments to the place, with the main aim of creating a completely eco-friendly holiday getaway. Mount Havana is surrounded by lush greenery and its elevated position offers a picturesque view. On a clear morning it is even possible to see Adam’s Peak from the villa.

The cultivation in this estate is extremely diverse. What are the different crops that are being grown?

There is quite a range on the estate. Tea is the main product cultivated, covering eight acres of the property. We also have spices, including cardamom, clove and nutmeg. The different vegetables and fruits are completely organic and the harvests from these trees are often used in the meals served to our guests. We even grow coffee. Most of these crops were already present when I took ownership of Mount Havana. Our efforts have been focused on developing
this cultivation and increasing the yield.

Enjoy fresh, organic vegetables straight from Mount Havana’s garden during your stay. Stroll through our lush vegetable gardens, learn about organic cultivation, and even try your hand at gardening. Pick your own veggies for a farm-to-table dining experience!

Reforestation and growing trees is one of your passions. What have you done in Mount Havana in this regard?

Well, I want to create a revering forest and towards this end I have already planted around one thousand trees. These are a mix of medicinal plants and tree species that are endemic to Sri Lanka. There is a stream running through which finds its source in one of the many springs in the locality. While this is still a work in progress, there are already a few animal species that have made this emerging forest their habitat. My main goal is to create a rich ecosystem so that a range of animals can thrive.

There are already a number of animals to be seen at Mount Havana. What are the types of fauna one would encounter?

Mount Havana is a bird lover’s paradise. There is a wide variety of bird species that visit the estate, attracted by the fruit trees. Some of the regulars are the Flameback Woodpecker, the Lotons Flowerpecker and the Scimitar Babbler. Early morning, roughly between 6 and 8, is the perfect time to observe these birds. In fact, we have erected a special hut that offers a wonderful vantage point for bird watching.

We are also developing a butterfly garden. There are two types of trees needed for butterflies to flourish – feeding plants and breeding plants – and we have been cultivating both varieties for over a year-and-a-half now. There is already a sizable butterfly population and I hope this will increase in the near future.

Every once in a while, Mount Havana is visited by monkeys. They are very entertaining to watch as their interactions with the tribe are unique. However, they can also make a mess, squashing the fruit and throwing them in all directions.

Enjoy a peaceful nature walk at Mount Havana’s serene forest, home to diverse flora and fauna. Spot birds, butterflies, and wildlife from the summer hut, perfect for strengthening family bonds

What would you say makes Mount Havana special?

The climate in Gampola is relatively cooler and temperate, especially in the mornings and evenings, where the temperature generally drops to around 22 degrees celsius. Minimal light pollution means there are thousands of stars to be seen at night. The environment is serene and tranquil and is perfect for relaxing

So, why Mount Havana? What made you want to acquire the property and why should guests come visit?

Mount Havana is naturally beautiful. When I first saw it I recognised its potential – the fertile soil meant a range of trees and plants could be cultivated and this in turn would help to create a conducive environment for animal habitats. I am very keen on ‘giving back’ to the Earth and in this way playing a role in helping to sustain and revive our planet.

I also want to ensure that our guests have a memorable holiday. Our luxury villa is fitted with many modern amenities and conveniences. There are five rooms in all, including two suites. We source the best ingredients for our food, using vegetables from our own grounds as often as possible. The aim is to create the right atmosphere for our patrons to unwind and relax. In this way, they will be free to indulge in the wonders of the natural beauty that surrounds them. We want to provide them with the pleasures that they are missing in their day-to-day lives.

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