Haputale

Haputale is a small, peaceful town perched on a ridge at the southern edge of the hill country. On clear days you can see across the plains all the way to the south coast. It's surrounded by rolling tea estates and is one of the best places to experience the history of Ceylon tea, which is closely linked to Sir Thomas Lipton. For those who prefer quiet walks, misty mornings and authentic tea country life, Haputale is a perfect alternative to busier Ella.

Things to do in Haputale

•      Watch the sunrise from Lipton's Seat, where Sir Thomas Lipton surveyed his tea empire, with views over seven provinces on a clear day

•      Tour the Dambatenne Tea Factory, built by Lipton in 1890, and see how tea is made

•      Visit Adisham Bungalow (St. Benedict's Monastery), a Tudor-style English country house with gardens and homemade jams (open on weekends, public holidays and Poya days)

•      Walk through the Thangamale Bird Sanctuary, a forest trail popular with birdwatchers

•      Hike along the railway line to Idalgashinna for spectacular valley views

•      Visit Bambarakanda Falls, the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka at 263 metres

•      Swim in the natural pools at the top of Diyaluma Falls

•      Enjoy the views at Haputale Pass

•      Take the scenic train to Ella or Nuwara Eliya

Walk through tea plantations and meet the tea pluckers