Haputale, Sri Lanka: Travel Guide

Haputale at a glance

Why visit Haputale?

• The views. Haputale sits on the edge of the southern ridge of the hill country. On a clear day, you can see across the plains to the coast.
• Tea country without the crowds. The estates around Haputale are some of the most beautiful in Sri Lanka, and still very much working estates.
• Lipton's Seat. One of the island's most famous viewpoints is just above the town.
• Waterfalls. Diyaluma and Bambarakanda, two of the highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, are within easy reach.
• A slower pace. Haputale is calm and local, with simple guesthouses and friendly people.

Things to do in Haputale

Lipton's Seat

Lipton's Seat is a viewpoint high above the Dambatenne tea estate, where the tea pioneer Sir Thomas Lipton is said to have stood to survey his estates. On a clear morning, the view across the hills and plains is breathtaking. Go as early as possible, ideally for sunrise, before the mist rolls in. You can drive up, or walk up through the tea estates, which takes around two to three hours from the Dambatenne factory and passes tea pluckers at work.

Dambatenne Tea Factory

Below Lipton's Seat, the Dambatenne Tea Factory was built by Sir Thomas Lipton in 1890 and is still working. A short tour shows you how fresh leaves are withered, rolled, dried and sorted into different grades. Read more about tea experiences in Sri Lanka.

Adisham Bungalow

Adisham Bungalow is a stone country house built in 1931 by Sir Thomas Villiers, a British tea planter, in the style of an English country manor. Today it is St Benedict's Monastery, run by Benedictine monks. Visitors can see some of the rooms and the gardens, and buy jams, cordials and other products made by the monks. It is usually open to visitors on weekends and public holidays only, so check before you go. Please dress modestly and keep your voice low.

Diyaluma Falls

Diyaluma Falls, about 30 to 40 minutes' drive from Haputale, is one of the highest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, plunging over a cliff in a single long drop. You can see it from the road at the bottom, or hike up to the natural rock pools at the top, where access and conditions need checking with a qualified local guide. Do not assume calm-looking pools are safe for swimming; avoid wet rocks and exposed edges. See our guide to waterfalls in Sri Lanka.

Bambarakanda Falls

Bambarakanda Falls, near Kalupahana, is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. A short walk from the road takes you to the base of the falls, which drop in a long ribbon down a sheer rock face. It is at its fullest after the rains, and can be a trickle in the driest months.

The train journey

Haputale is on the hill country railway, and the section between Haputale and Ella is one of the most scenic parts of the line, passing tea estates, tunnels and deep valleys. Check current Sri Lanka Railways notices for operating sections, timetables and available seats before planning a rail connection. Do not assume a continuous Kandy-to-Ella service; a road transfer to Nanu Oya and onward train may be an option if that section is operating. Read our guide to the Kandy to Ella train.

Walks through the tea estates

Wherever you stay, you can walk out into the tea estates on the paths used by tea pluckers. Ask your guesthouse for a route, wear good shoes and take water. See hiking in Sri Lanka and nature trails in Sri Lanka.

Haputale town

The small town centre has a busy market, bakeries and local shops, with a mix of Sinhala and Tamil communities. It is a good place to see everyday hill country life.

Day trips from Haputale

Horton Plains and World's End

Horton Plains National Park can be reached from Haputale, usually via Ohiya, in around one to one and a half hours by car. The circular walk to World's End and Baker's Falls is best done early in the morning, before the mist arrives.

Ella

Ella is about an hour away by car, or a scenic train ride. Our list of the best things to do in Ella has plenty of ideas.

Bandarawela and Badulla

Bandarawela is a busy market town nearby, and Badulla, the provincial capital, has historic temples and the Dunhinda waterfall. See our guide to places to visit in Badulla and Bandarawela.

How to get to Haputale

By private car

A private driver is the easiest way to reach Haputale and explore the surrounding viewpoints and waterfalls, which are spread out and hard to reach by public transport. Approximate times:

• Ella to Haputale: about 1 hour
• Nuwara Eliya to Haputale: about 2 hours
• Kandy to Haputale: about 4 to 5 hours
• Colombo to Haputale: about 5 to 6 hours

By train

When the line is running, Haputale station is on the hill country railway between Nanu Oya and Ella. Check whether the section serving Nanu Oya, Haputale and Ella is operating for your dates before choosing the train. Check the current timetable before you travel.

By bus

Local buses connect Haputale with Bandarawela, Ella, Badulla and Wellawaya, with changes for most other places.

When to visit Haputale

The clearest weather is usually from about January to April, when mornings are often bright and sunny. From about May to September, the south-west monsoon can bring cloud and mist, though there are still clear days. From about October to December, rain is more likely. Mist often rolls in from late morning all year round, so start early for viewpoints. Read our guide to the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Where to stay in Haputale

Haputale has simple guesthouses and homestays, many with spectacular views, plus a few tea estate bungalows in the surrounding hills. Staying in a tea bungalow is a memorable experience. Nights are cool, so look for rooms with warm blankets. See our guide to where to stay in Sri Lanka.

How long to stay

One or two nights is ideal. With one night, you can visit Lipton's Seat at sunrise and the Dambatenne factory. With two, you can add Diyaluma Falls, Adisham Bungalow (if it is a weekend) and a walk through the estates.

A suggested two-day plan

Tips for visiting Haputale

• Start early. Views are clearest in the early morning, before the mist.
• Pack warm layers. Mornings and evenings are cool.
• Check Adisham's opening days. It is usually only open on weekends and public holidays.
• Wear good shoes for walks through the tea estates and to Diyaluma's upper pools.
• Carry cash, as card payments are not always accepted. See money in Sri Lanka.
• Be respectful of tea pluckers. Ask before taking photos.

Who Haputale suits

Haputale suits travellers who want peace, views and tea country without the crowds. It is ideal for couples, photographers, walkers and anyone who has already seen Ella. Families with older children enjoy the waterfalls and train. Our tea country guide covers the wider area, and our 14-day tour and 21-day tour can easily include a night in Haputale.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Going to Lipton's Seat late in the morning. By then, the view is often hidden by mist.
• Visiting Adisham on a weekday. It is usually closed to visitors.
• Skipping Haputale for Ella. Haputale offers similar scenery with fewer people. If you have time, see both.
• Swimming at Diyaluma after heavy rain. The water can be dangerous. Do not use calm-looking water as proof of safety; stay away from pool edges and follow current restrictions.

Frequently asked questions