2024 Guide To The 10 Best Things To Do In Haputale

Introduction

Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka and seeking a destination off the beaten path? Look no further than the picturesque town of Haputale. Haputale offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventurous experiences. 

Haputale is a small town situated on the Hillside of Sri Lanka and it is not a very popular place compared to Ella, Nuwara Eliya, or Kandy. Haputale is also known as Little Ella. Most tourists love to stay in Ella rather than visit the small town of Haputale. Although there are many places to visit in Ella, but makes Haputale worth visiting – it has unexplored beauty, charm and it is closer than Ella to some of the best attractions in the area. Despite being a small town, there are plenty of exciting things to do in Haputale, Sri Lanka.

So, in this travel guide, we’ll explore the top things to do in Haputale, ensuring an unforgettable journey filled with exploration and wonder.

Top 10 Best Things to Do in Haputale

1.Admire the Breathtaking Views from Lipton’s Seat

One of the most iconic attractions in Haputale, Lipton’s Seat offers panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations and valleys. Named after Sir Thomas Lipton, the Scottish tea magnate who frequented the area, this viewpoint provides an unparalleled vantage point to witness the stunning sunrise or sunset.

The sunrise at Lipton’s seat is one of the best things to do in Haputale and you should not miss it. To witness the mesmerising sunrise start early in the morning. You can opt for Tuk-Tuk and drive to the viewpoint.  The entry ticket to Lipton’s seat is 500 rupees per person and 100 rupees extra for a tuk-tuk or 250 rupees for a car or van. 

Hiring a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka depends on the places you want to explore. It might be a little costly compared to local transportation but it is very comfortable to travel within the town and nearby just need some bargaining skills.

The View from the Lipont’s Seat is so spectacular. You can witness lush greenery until your eyesight and with calm and peaceful atmosphere around you. Experiencing the mesmerizing sunrise and surroundings is the best thing to do in Haputale, Sri Lanka.

2. Walk on Tea fields from Lipont’s Seat

Haputale is renowned for its tea fields, and taking a leisurely walk through these fields is a must-do activity in Haputale. After witnessing the beautiful sunrise at Lipton’s Seat, it’s highly recommended to take a walk back down through the tea plantations and visit the Dambatenne tea factory.

As you make your way to the plantations in the Hill Country, you’ll encounter many friendly tea pickers. No guide is necessary to enjoy this authentic experience. While making your way down, take the opportunity to interact with tea workers and learn about their careful tea leaf plucking techniques. Spend some wonderful time with them and enjoy the journey. You can visit Lipton’s seat from Ella also, but it is a little longer compared to Haputale.

3. Tour of Dambatenne Tea Factory

No visit to Haputale is complete without delving into its rich tea heritage. Take a guided tour of the Dambatenne Tea Factory and learn about the intricate process of tea production, from plucking to packaging. 

The tour takes around 30 minutes and it starts immediately when some visit the Tea factory. The cost for the tour is around 250 Rs and at the end of the tour, you can buy the rare tea which might cost around 4000 Rs. You can sample freshly brewed Ceylon tea. The tour of the tea factory is definitely one of the unique things to do in Haputale and you should not skip it. The factory is open from 8.30 Am to 5.30 Pm.

4. Explore Adisham Bungalow – Monastery

Step back in time as you wander through the tranquil gardens of Adisham Bungalow. Originally built as a country retreat by a British aristocrat Sir Thomas Villiers, in 1931. This Tudor-style mansion was later gifted to the Roman Catholic Church and transformed into a monastery for Benedictine monks. Marvel at the well-manicured lawns, vibrant flower beds, and ancient trees adorn the estate.

Adisham Monastery is open for visitors only on the weekends and on public holidays. The timings are from 9:00 am – 4:30 pm and only two rooms are open to visit, one is Libary which has a lot of book collections from several years back.  

You can explore its captivating architecture, manicured gardens, and serene surroundings. Whether you’re seeking solace, inspiration, or simply a moment of quiet reflection, Adisham Monastery promises a memorable and enriching experience in the heart of Sri Lanka’s hillside. They also sell homemade jams and pickles which are said to be very tasty, so don’t forget to take one back home.

5. Bambarakanda Falls: Sri Lanka’s Tallest Waterfall

Bambarakanda Falls, towering at 263 metres, offers a breathtaking vista. It is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is located 17 km away from Haputale town. It is easily accessible. You can come by car or hire a tuk-tuk. 

It takes a 40 -40-minute drive to reach these waterfalls from Haputale, but the drive is very beautiful, offering views of dense forest and pine trees. You can go swimming at the waterfalls or just relax by watching the beautiful waterfall. The entrance to the waterfalls is 200 Rs and this is one of the best experiences and unique things to do in Haputale.

6. Diyaluma Waterfall 

If you’re in Haputale, the next best thing to do is a visit to Diyaluma Waterfall. It’s the second-largest waterfall in Sri Lanka and offers a unique experience. What makes it special is that you can climb to the top and swim in one of the many upper pools. Moreover, from the top, you can enjoy stunning views of the area.

Many people suggest visiting the waterfall from Ella, but it’s actually closer to Haputale. You can reach the waterfall by taking a tuk-tuk drive, and it will only take around 50 minutes. Once you arrive, you’ll have to walk a short distance. However, to reach the top, you’ll need to hike for 45 minutes and you will find some guides at the base of the waterfalls. The view of falling water from the top and a swim in natural freshwater pools is something that you should take notice of because it is a unique thing to do in Haputale, Sri Lanka. 

7. St. Andrew’s Church: Colonial Heritage in Haputale

St. Andrew’s Church, located in Haputale, Sri Lanka, showcases Gothic Revival architecture from the late 19th century. A symbol of colonial heritage, it welcomes visitors to admire its impressive bell tower, stained glass windows, and serene interior. 

Today, the church continues to serve as a spiritual sanctuary, offering regular services in English and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection. Located in the heart of Haputale, it’s a must-visit landmark for its historical significance and architectural beauty.

Pay a visit to St. Andrew’s Church, a colonial-era masterpiece that exudes old-world charm and architectural splendour. Visiting this Church will be the best thing to do in Haputale.

8. Haputale railway walk – The Idalgashinna

Walking on the railway track of Haputale railway station to Idalgashinna is one of the most unique things to do. The normal way of doing the Idalgashinna walk is to take the train there from Haputale and walk back and most people advise that way.

But if you want to try in some different way then, You can choose Adisham Monastery as your starting point, which is located outside of Haputale and is 4 kilometres away. To reach the trail, you only need to walk for 1 kilometre before reaching Idalgashinna station. 

The total walking distance is about 10 kilometres. If you want to reach Adisham Bungalow, you can take a Tuk-Tuk and then start walking from there. The entire walk goes through the forest section, which makes it a bit adventurous. 

Because most people do not walk through the forest section.

Before you head out, you can check the train schedule, but keep in mind that trains in Sri Lanka are always delayed. It is advisable to add an extra hour to the estimated arrival time. 

The trains are slow-moving and produce a noticeable sound, so you can safely move out of the way to avoid any inconvenience. Additionally, there is enough space to maintain a safe distance from the trains.

Things to keep in mind before going on a walk on Sri Lanka railway tracks:

• Research train times to have a rough idea of when they come and go.
• Walking on the tracks is slow, taking around 2 to 3 hours to cover 10km.
• Wear comfortable shoes as the tracks may be slippery.

9. Take a train ride from Haputale to Ella or Kandy

One of the most beautiful train journeys in the world is in Sri Lanka and you should not miss it. Haputale is situated in the middle of Ella and Kindy. This train will give you spectacular views of beautiful tea plantations, hills, and villages. 

Taking the train from Ella to Haputale or Kandy to Haputale is a must-recommend. You can get a feel for the Hill Country from staring out the windows – the endless tea fields, the rural villages, the mountains, and the continuous lush green scenery. 

You can book the tickets from the station of Happutale itself on the day of travel but to enjoy the comfortable ride please book your tickets in advance.

10. Indulge in Culinary Delights at Local Eateries

As we know Sri Lanka is known for its flavour, Haputale offers one of the best home-cooked traditional dishes that one should not miss. Try traditional Sri Lankan delicacies such as hoppers, kottu roti, coconut roti, and string hoppers, infused with aromatic spices and exotic ingredients. Don’t forget to pair your meal with a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea for the perfect culinary experience.

What is the best time to visit Haputale?

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How to Reach Haputale?

Where to Stay in Haputale?

• Hilltop Guesthouse: Offering panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, Hilltop Guesthouse provides cosy rooms, warm hospitality, and home-cooked meals.

Check the website Hilltop Guesthouse

• Leisure Mount View Holiday Inn: The views are very good from the rooms. The rooms are clean and comfortable. They have 24-hour deck service. They also provide home-cooked food.

Check the website Leisure Mount View Holiday Inn

• Il Villino: II Villino is a very highly rated guest house with amazing views. close to town. They offer breakfast and serve amazing home-cooked Sri Lankan food

Check the website II Villino

• Nilowin Holiday Resort: This is also a very highly rated resort.

Check the website Nilowin Holiday Resort

Conclusion