Are you looking for a serene and scenic destination in Sri Lanka, away from the crowds and chaos of the city? Do you want to experience the rich history, culture, and nature of the island nation, while enjoying a cup of world-class tea? If yes, then Haputale is the perfect place for you.
Haputale is a small town in the Badulla district of Sri Lanka, situated on a ridge at an elevation of 1,431 meters above sea level. It is part of the Uva province, which is known for its tea production and biodiversity. Haputale offers breathtaking views of the surrounding hills, valleys, and plains, as well as a pleasant and cool climate throughout the year.
Haputale is also a great base to explore some of the most fascinating and beautiful places in Sri Lanka, such as Lipton’s Seat, Adisham Bungalow, Dambatenne Tea Factory, Diyaluma Falls, and Haputale Mountain Forest. These places will not only delight your eyes, but also your mind and soul, as you learn about the history, culture, and wildlife of the region.
In this article, we will share with you the best places to visit and things to do in Haputale, as well as some tips and tricks to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. Whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends, you will find something to suit your interests and preferences in Haputale. So, let’s get started.
Lipton’s Seat: A Breathtaking Viewpoint
One of the most popular and spectacular attractions in Haputale is Lipton’s Seat, a viewpoint named after the famous tea magnate Sir Thomas Lipton. It is said that Sir Lipton used to sit at this spot and admire the panoramic views of his tea estates and the surrounding countryside.
Lipton’s Seat is located about 12 kilometers from Haputale town, at an altitude of 1,970 meters above sea level. It offers stunning views of the hills and valleys of Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Central, and Eastern provinces, as well as the Udawalawe reservoir and the Hambantota coast. On a clear day, you can even see the Indian Ocean in the distance.
The best time to visit Lipton’s Seat is in the early morning, before the mist and clouds cover the view. You can either drive, take a tuk-tuk, or hike to the viewpoint, depending on your budget and fitness level. The entrance fee is 50 rupees per person, and you can also enjoy a cup of tea at the nearby tea shop.
Some of the activities you can do at Lipton’s Seat are:
- Taking photos of the amazing scenery and the tea plantations.
- Enjoying a cup of tea and a snack at the tea shop, while chatting with the friendly locals.
- Hiking to the Dambatenne Tea Factory, which is about 7 kilometers downhill from the viewpoint. You can also take a tour of the factory and learn about the tea production process.
- Visiting the Lipton’s statue, which is a tribute to the man who made Sri Lanka famous for its tea.
Adisham Bungalow: A Colonial-Era Mansion
Another must-see attraction in Haputale is Adisham Bungalow, a former residence of a British planter, now a monastery and a museum. It was built in 1931 by Sir Thomas Villiers, a wealthy and influential tea and rubber planter, who lived there until his death in 1949.
Adisham Bungalow is a masterpiece of colonial architecture, featuring Tudor-style design, stone walls, wooden floors, and antique furniture. It is surrounded by a lush garden, with roses, orchids, and fruit trees. The bungalow also houses a collection of rare books, paintings, and artifacts, as well as a chapel and a library.
Adisham Bungalow is currently owned and managed by the Benedictine monks, who use it as a retreat center and a place of worship. The bungalow is open to the public on weekends and public holidays, from 9 am to 4 pm. The entrance fee is 100 rupees per person, and you can also buy some homemade products, such as jam, cordial, and wine, from the monastery.
Some of the activities you can do at Adisham Bungalow are:
- Exploring the rooms and halls of the bungalow, admiring the architecture and the antiques.
- Visiting the chapel, where you can see the stained glass windows and the paintings of the saints.
- Relaxing in the garden, enjoying the fresh air and the flowers.
- Buying some souvenirs from the monastery, such as jam, cordial, wine, or honey.
Dambatenne Tea Factory: A Tea Lover’s Paradise
If you are a tea lover, you cannot miss the opportunity to visit Dambatenne Tea Factory, one of the oldest and largest tea factories in Sri Lanka. It was established in 1890 by Sir Thomas Lipton, who revolutionized the tea industry and made Ceylon tea famous worldwide.
Dambatenne Tea Factory is located about 10 kilometers from Haputale town, near the Lipton’s Seat viewpoint. It is still operational and produces some of the finest quality tea in the country. You can take a guided tour of the factory and learn about the tea production process, from plucking to drying and grading. You can also taste different varieties of tea and buy some as souvenirs.
The tour of the factory takes about an hour and costs 250 rupees per person. It is available from 8 am to 3:30 pm, except on Sundays and public holidays. You can either book the tour in advance or join a group on the spot. You can also hire a tuk-tuk or a car to take you to the factory and back.
Some of the activities you can do at Dambatenne Tea Factory are:
- Learning about the history and the culture of tea in Sri Lanka, and how Sir Lipton transformed the industry.
- Watching the workers pluck, weigh, and sort the tea leaves, and seeing the machines and the equipment used in the factory.
- Tasting different types of tea, such as black, green, white, and flavored, and finding out the differences and the benefits of each.
- Buying some tea packets or loose tea, as well as some tea accessories, such as cups, pots, and strainers.
Diyaluma Falls: A Spectacular Waterfall
One of the most impressive and beautiful natural attractions in Haputale is Diyaluma Falls, the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, with a height of 220 meters. It is located about 25 kilometers from Haputale town, on the road to Wellawaya. It is formed by the Poonagala Oya, a tributary of the Kirindi Oya, which flows from the Koslanda Plateau.
Diyaluma Falls is a cascading waterfall, with several tiers and pools, surrounded by lush greenery and rocks. It is visible from the road, but you can also hike to the top of the waterfall, where you can enjoy a stunning view of the valley and the plains. The hike takes about an hour and a half, and it is moderately difficult. You will need to cross some streams and climb some steep sections, so make sure you wear proper shoes and clothes.
The best time to visit Diyaluma Falls is during the rainy season, from November to March, when the waterfall is at its fullest and most majestic. You can also visit during the dry season, from April to October, when the waterfall is less crowded and more serene. The entrance to the waterfall is free, but you may need to pay a small fee to park your vehicle or to use the facilities.
Some of the activities you can do at Diyaluma Falls are:
- Swimming in the natural pools at the base or the top of the waterfall, feeling the refreshing and invigorating water.
- Picnicking on the rocks or the grass, enjoying the scenery and the sound of the waterfall.
- Camping near the waterfall, experiencing the nature and the stars at night.
- Exploring the nearby attractions, such as the Diyaluma Ella Cave, the Poonagala Estate, or the Koslanda Gap.
Haputale Mountain Forest: A Nature Lover’s Dream
If you are a nature lover, you will love the Haputale Mountain Forest, a protected forest reserve with diverse flora and fauna, ideal for hiking, birdwatching, and camping. It is located about 5 kilometers from Haputale town, on the way to Bandarawela. It covers an area of about 1,500 hectares, and it is part of the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Haputale Mountain Forest is home to more than 100 species of birds, including some endemic and rare ones, such as the Sri Lanka whistling thrush, the Sri Lanka blue magpie, and the yellow-eared bulbul. It also hosts a variety of mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, such as monkeys, deer, leopards, snakes, frogs, and butterflies. The forest is also rich in plants, with more than 300 species of trees, shrubs, herbs and flowers, such as orchids, rhododendrons, and begonias.
The best time to visit Haputale Mountain Forest is from January to March, when the weather is dry and clear, and the birds are more active and visible. You can also visit from June to September, when the forest is greener and more lush, but you may encounter some rain and mist. The entrance fee is 300 rupees per person, and you need to obtain a permit from the Forest Department office in Haputale.
Some of the activities you can do in Haputale Mountain Forest are:
- Hiking along the trails, enjoying the views and the fresh air, and discovering the different habitats and ecosystems of the forest.
- Birdwatching, using binoculars and a guidebook, and spotting and identifying the various species of birds, as well as listening to their songs and calls.
- Wildlife spotting, using a camera and a flashlight, and observing and photographing the different animals, such as monkeys, deer, leopards, snakes, frogs, and butterflies.
- Camping, using a tent and a sleeping bag, and staying overnight in the forest, experiencing the nature and the stars at night, and waking up to the sounds of the birds and the animals.
Haputale is a hidden gem in Sri Lanka’s hill country, offering stunning views, historical sites, and natural attractions. It is a perfect destination for travelers who want to experience the rich history, culture, and nature of Sri Lanka, while enjoying a cup of world-class tea. Haputale has something for everyone, whether you are a solo traveler, a couple, a family, or a group of friends.
In this article, we have shared with you the best places to visit and things to do in Haputale, as well as some tips and tricks to make your trip more enjoyable and memorable. We hope you have found this article helpful and informative, and that you are inspired to visit Haputale soon.
Thank you for reading this article, and we hope to see you soon in Haputale. Happy travels!