HAPUTALE & LIPTON'S SEAT
Haputale and Lipton’s Seat form the heart of Sri Lanka’s high-altitude tea country, offering breathtaking panoramic vistas from the southern edge of the central highlands. It is a world where emerald tea plantations blanket impossibly steep hillsides and colonial heritage still whispers in the mist.
This region is a tranquil escape defined by its cooler climate, spectacular sunrise views, and the legacy of Sir Thomas Lipton, who built his tea empire here. It is a land of serene beauty, ideal for hiking and immersing yourself in the island’s celebrated tea culture.
Most Popular Attractions
Tea & Colonial Heritage:
Lipton’s Seat: The legendary viewpoint where Sir Thomas Lipton would survey his vast tea kingdom, offering a 360-degree panorama of rolling hills and valleys.
Dambatenne Tea Factory: The historic factory established by Sir Thomas Lipton in 1890. It offers tours to see the process of manufacturing Ceylon tea, from green leaf to final product.
Adisham Bungalow: A beautiful, granite Benedictine monastery built in 1931 in the Tudor style, offering a glimpse into the colonial past and housing a stunning garden.
Haputale Railway Station: A charming colonial-era station known for its classic architecture and as a picturesque spot for viewing the surrounding tea estates.
Bandarawela: A nearby, larger town with a strong colonial influence, featuring old hotels and markets, often used as a base for exploring the region.
St. Andrew’s Church, Haputale: A small, picturesque Anglican church dating back to the British colonial period.
Tea Plantations Trails: Countless unmarked trails weaving through the meticulously manicured tea bushes, perfect for leisurely walks and meeting tea pluckers.
Thangamale Bird Sanctuary: A quiet reserve near Haputale, offering good opportunities for birdwatching and gentle hiking through wooded areas.
Scenic Views & Natural Sites:
Diyaluma Falls: One of Sri Lanka’s highest waterfalls, featuring multiple cascades and natural infinity pools at the top (a day trip from Haputale).
Poonagala: A less-visited area with stunning views over the lowlands, especially beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
Ohiya: A tiny village and railway station known for its remote, misty location and starting point for trails towards Horton Plains.
Beragala Viewpoint: A spot on the A4 highway known for offering expansive views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Haputale Gap: The view from the Haputale town area, where the central highlands abruptly drop down to the southern plains, often revealing a blanket of cloud.
Idalgashinna Railway Station: A remote station situated between two hills, offering spectacular views on both sides of the train track.
Koslanda: An area near Diyaluma Falls with dramatic landscapes and hidden nature spots.
Pilkington Point: A lesser-known viewpoint offering views comparable to Lipton’s Seat, requiring a short hike.
Bambarakanda Falls: The tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka (accessible as a slightly longer day trip), known for its dramatic height and powerful flow.
Haldummulla: A historical town nearby, with remnants of an ancient kingdom and scenic surroundings.
Kirigalpotta Trail: A strenuous but rewarding hiking trail to Sri Lanka’s second-highest mountain peak (often accessed from Ohiya or Horton Plains).
Tangamale Forest Reserve: A small, protected forest area near the town offering cooler temperatures and peaceful walks.
Pitaratmalie: A mountain with a view that allows you to see both the highlands and the southern coast on a clear day.
Blackwood: A dense forest patch often shrouded in mist, adding to the region’s mysterious atmosphere.
Activities & Experiences
Hike up to Lipton’s Seat: Begin the ascent early from Dambetenna Tea Factory to reach the panoramic viewpoint where Sir Thomas Lipton surveyed his vast tea estates. Hire a tuk-tuk for part of the way up or down.
Tour the Dambetenna Tea Factory: Take a guided tour of the factory founded by Sir Thomas Lipton to see the full tea production process, from leaf-withering to grading.
Explore the Adisham Bungalow: Visit this historic Benedictine monastery and former colonial mansion, admired for its English country-house architecture and serene gardens. Check visiting hours beforehand as they are limited.
Take a Scenic Train Ride to Ella: Board the famous blue train for one of the world’s most beautiful rail journeys, passing through dense forests, over viaducts, and along sheer mountain slopes.
Trek to Diyaluma Falls (or other local waterfalls): Arrange transport and a guide to visit the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka for a swim in the natural pools at the top or bottom (depending on the trek).
Wander through a Tea Estate: Simply walk through the endless rows of emerald green tea bushes, observing the tea pluckers at work.
Visit the Buduruwagala Temple: Take a day trip to see the magnificent seven rock-cut statues of the Mahayana Buddhist tradition, including a colossal 51-foot standing Buddha.
Hike to Pilkington Point: A lesser-known viewpoint near Haputale that offers stunning views over the lowlands and provides a quieter alternative to Lipton’s Seat.
Stroll the Haputale Town Market: Experience local life at the bustling market, sampling local fruits and sweets and interacting with vendors.
Sunset/Sunrise Viewpoint Visit: Head to a local viewpoint to witness the sunrise or sunset, often accompanied by the famous “rolling clouds” that fill the valleys below.
Learn to Brew the Perfect Ceylon Tea: Attend a local tea preparation session to learn the secrets of brewing different grades of Ceylon tea to perfection.
Local Tips & Transport
Train is the Best Way to Arrive: The train journey to Haputale is an experience in itself, offering breathtaking views that buses or cars cannot match. Book tickets in advance, especially for 2nd or 3rd class, for the best views.
Tuk-Tuks are Essential for Local Travel: For Lipton’s Seat and other local sights, tuk-tuks are the primary mode of transport. Always agree on the price (or fare for a round-trip/waiting time) before getting in.
Buses for Longer Distances: The local bus network is very comprehensive and extremely affordable. They connect Haputale to places like Bandarawela, Ella, and other parts of the Hill Country, but they can be crowded.
Getting to Lipton’s Seat: For the popular Lipton’s Seat trip, a tuk-tuk is the most convenient option to cover the distance from Dambetenna, allowing you to walk the final, scenic stretch. The last 7km are mostly uphill.
Self-Drive Caution: While a rental car offers flexibility, the mountain roads are narrow, winding, and often foggy. Drivers must be highly cautious, especially around large buses.
Dress in Layers and Prepare for Cold: Although Sri Lanka is a tropical island, Haputale is at a high elevation. Temperatures can drop significantly, especially in the early mornings and evenings. A warm jacket and rain gear are essential.
The Fog is Common: Haputale is often covered in a dense mist or fog, particularly in the afternoons. Plan your viewpoint visits, like Lipton’s Seat, for the early morning (around 6-8 AM) for the best chance of clear views.
Dining is Early: Dinner is typically eaten often around 7 PM or 8 PM. You will find fewer restaurant options open late.
Cultural Respect: Sri Lanka is a conservative country. When visiting temples (like Buduruwagala), ensure your shoulders and knees are covered, and always remove your shoes and hats before entering.
Hidden Gems:
- St. Andrew’s Church: A charming colonial-era church in the heart of Haputale town, offering a quiet, historical stop.
- The View from the Hilltop Train Station: Haputale’s railway station is perched on a ridge, offering spectacular views on both sides. Take a moment here even if you are not catching a train.
- Local Roti Stalls: Look for the small local stalls that serve fresh kottu roti or delicious sweet coconut roti for an authentic, cheap, and tasty local meal.
Language: The main languages spoken are Sinhala and Tamil. While English is spoken in tourist establishments, learning a few phrases like Ayubowan (hello/may you live long) and Isthuthi (thank you) will be greatly appreciated.
Tea Pluckers: The tea pluckers are often Tamil women. If you wish to take their photograph, it is considered polite to ask permission first and offer a small tip in return.
Top Restaurants
Risara Bakers & Restaurant [$3-$7] – A popular, highly-rated local spot near the Government Bus Station known for clean, authentic Sri Lankan staples like rice and curry, kottu, and tasty short eats (snacks) and fresh bakery items.
Sunrise Restaurant [$3-$7] – A cozy and unpretentious little eatery on Colombo Road, favored by both locals and travelers for authentic and delicious Sri Lankan and Asian dishes, especially its wide range of decadent curries.
Lettuce and Cabbage by Olives [$4-$8] – A clean, modern cafe near the railway station with excellent views, offering good value for money on Sri Lankan meals, fried rice, and simple Western/Asian dishes.
Royal Top [$3-$7] – Located conveniently near the subway (railway station), this restaurant is appreciated for its low prices and wide range of menu options, including rice and curry and seafood.
V Cafe [$4-$8] – A cute and small local cafe offering simple, delicious lunch and dinner options in a cozy setting. Reservations are sometimes recommended for peak hours.
Glace Pastry & Bakery (Star Hotel) [$3-$6] – Located within the Star Hotel, this is a must-visit bakery known for its oven-fresh buns, pastries, milk tea, and quick bites like pizza bread.
Katu-Ke Roast Paan Cafe [$4-$8] – Located slightly outside the main town towards Beragala, this newer cafe is praised for its great food, especially Sri Lankan staples like roast paan (local bread) and curry, offering a pleasant stop-off point.
Olympus Plaza Hotel Restaurant [$5-$10] – The in-house restaurant of one of Haputale’s larger hotels, serving Sri Lankan, Indian, and Continental cuisine, known for friendly service and a consistent dining experience.
Priyanka Hotel [$3-$6] – A very basic, local-favorite spot in the town center, best for quick and authentic Sri Lankan breakfasts and lunches, offering classic dishes at local prices.
Cafe One [$4-$8] – A small, unassuming cafe where you can find good quality and affordable rice and curry and simple Sri Lankan breakfast options.
New Rest House Restaurant [$4-$8] – A simple local restaurant offering basic but filling rice and curry meals, popular with local drivers and travelers looking for a quick and no-frills meal.
Haputale Food Court (Local Stalls) [$2-$5] – While not a single restaurant, the cluster of street food stalls near the bus stand offers the most affordable and authentic local snacks like vadai, samosas, and egg rolls.
Roti Shop (Near Bus Stand) [$2-$4] – A simple, roadside shack specializing in various types of roti (flatbread), from plain coconut roti to egg roti and vegetable roti with curry, a perfect local snack.
Tea Stall (Various) [$1-$3] – Tiny local shops throughout the town offering the quintessential Sri Lankan experience: strong, sweet milk tea and a few pieces of kimbula banis (crocodile bun) or a savory fish bun.
Olives City Centre [$4-$8] – Another location of the Olives brand in the central area, offering reliable Sri Lankan and simple Western/Asian menu items in a clean environment.
Lipton’s Seat Viewpoint Kiosk [$3-$7] – A very basic, small cafe located directly at the Lipton’s Seat viewpoint, primarily offering tea/coffee and simple Sri Lankan snacks like vegetable samosas and roti with a spectacular view.
Olive Viewpoint [$5-$10] – Located just outside Haputale towards Beragala, this spot offers consistently good food from the Olives brand, coupled with a wonderful viewpoint overlooking tea estates and the southern plains.
Thotalagala Estate Dining [$30-$50+] – The dining experience at this exclusive, luxury heritage tea estate bungalow (if accessible to non-guests) offers high-end, multi-course meals and one of the “Best High Tea in Sri Lanka,” focusing on refined local and colonial cuisine.
Vantage Hills Haputale Restaurant [$8-$15] – The restaurant attached to this guesthouse/hotel offers quality Sri Lankan and Continental food, often available to non-guests, with a stunning panoramic view of the hills.
Belview Guest House Restaurant [$7-$12] – The in-house dining provides satisfying, home-cooked Sri Lankan meals, often served on a terrace with stunning views of the surrounding tea country. It’s a great option for a hearty, traditional rice and curry set meal.
O2 Villa Restaurant [$8-$15] – Part of the O2 Villa guesthouse, the restaurant is known for its excellent views of Lipton’s Seat and offers a varied menu of Sri Lankan and Western dishes.
Adisham Bungalow Kiosk [$3-$6] – Though mainly a monastery/historic site, the small kiosk near the entrance often sells fresh homemade jams, cordials, and simple refreshments, a unique local souvenir.
Clouds Holiday Bungalow Restaurant [$7-$12] – This guesthouse offers simple, home-cooked, and often personalized meals (Sri Lankan/Asian) for its guests, sometimes welcoming outside diners with prior arrangement.
Benjamin Cottage Haputale Restaurant [$6-$10] – Provides simple, warm, and friendly guesthouse dining, focusing on fresh, local ingredients and authentic Sri Lankan flavors.
YaYa Lodge Haputale Dining [$6-$10] – A budget-friendly lodge offering basic but tasty home-style meals and breakfasts, a quiet and convenient option for guests and nearby travelers.
Asha Guest House Dining [$6-$10] – Known for its extremely friendly hosts who prepare fresh, customizable Sri Lankan meals, offering a great local culinary experience in a homely setting.
The Capoe House Restaurant [$10-$20] – The dining at this upper mid-range accommodation offers high-quality meals (Sri Lankan/International) and is recommended for travelers looking for a nicer, more contemporary dining experience.
Top Cocktail Bars and Clubs
Dream Cliff Mountain Resort Bar: Located about a 20-minute drive from Haputale, this luxury resort offers a sophisticated bar with breathtaking mountain views from its elevated position, perfect for a high-end cocktail or a glass of wine to watch the sunset.
Thotalagala Bar: Found on the Pitaratmalie Estate, this restored planter’s bungalow offers an exclusive, old-world charm experience. Their bar is known for its refined atmosphere and a selection of premium spirits, ideal for a quiet, luxurious evening drink.
The Capoe House Bar: Situated in a scenic location near Haputale, this guest house boasts a pool and a bar. It offers a friendly, social atmosphere where guests can enjoy a casual drink after a day of sightseeing.
Vantage hills Haputale Bar: This accommodation offers great views and a tranquil setting slightly outside the main town. The on-site bar provides a comfortable place for an evening beverage with panoramic scenery.
Highcliffe Guest House Bar/Lounge: A highly-rated accommodation in Haputale, featuring a dedicated bar/lounge area. It’s a great spot for guests to wrap up their day with a local or international drink in a cozy environment.
The Mist Holiday Bungalow: Known for its superb views, this bungalow has facilities to offer drinks. It’s an excellent place for a quiet sundowner away from the town center, focused on the natural ambiance.
Amaya View Guest Inn Bar: Close to the train station in Haputale, the owner is highly praised for their hospitality, making the shared lounge/terrace a friendly and accessible place to have a drink and socialize with fellow travelers.
Mountain Paradise Bliss Guest House: Set in a quieter area of Haputale, this guest house features a restaurant that also serves drinks. It offers a calm and welcoming setting for an evening refreshment.
Lord’s Haputale: A hotel known for its good service, providing a relaxed environment where guests can enjoy an evening drink. Its focus is on comfort and tranquility rather than a party atmosphere.
Bel View Guest House: A popular and good-value spot in Haputale where travelers can often be found relaxing on the terrace. It’s a good place to meet other tourists over a few drinks.
Lipton’s Seat Café: While primarily a tea/coffee spot, this café at the summit of Lipton’s Seat offers an authentic experience. On rare occasions or special arrangements, enjoying a flask of Arrack (a local spirit) from a personal stash while savoring the view can be the “cocktail” experience here.
Local Roadside Restaurants/Kiosks: Along the road up to Haputale or within the town center, you can find small, no-frills establishments that may serve beer or local spirits like Arrack. These offer a purely local, no-tourist-focus atmosphere.
Hotel Olinka Bar: Located in Haputale, this hotel provides a practical and comfortable setting for guests to have a drink in the evening.
Blackwood Hotel Bar: Another hotel option in Haputale with a focus on good service and standard amenities, offering a convenient bar for a post-trekking beer or cocktail.
Awinco Haputale: This venue provides basic, clean accommodation and a casual atmosphere where a drink can be enjoyed, particularly popular with budget travelers.