Haputale

Sri_Lanka

Haputale is a city in Uva, in the central mountain area of Sri Lanka. It's a relaxed little place with about 5000 inhabitants. Mostly Tamils mixed with some Muslims and Buddhists. It's a wonderful place to retreat for a while. There is many Tea estates around and one can walk virtually for several weeks, without ever taking the same path twice. As it is located on top of a mountain range, the views are exceptional. Though being quite high above sea level, the sun should be minded.

A lot of tea estates surround the tiny city. Just wandering around in the plantations and watching the tea workers collecting the leaves.

  • Dambatenne Tea Factory. Well known tea manufacturers (e.g. Lipton Tea) cultivate their plantations around Haputale. "Dambatenne" is one of the tea processing centers (located 9km from the city). Sir Thomas J. Lipton was living on this estate and the factory still maintains most of the machinery already in use one century ago. The possibility to visit and watch those traditional production techniques as well as try different kinds of tea makes this quite a popular tourist attraction. 200 Rps.
  • Lipton's Seat. Famous Viewpoint 1970m above sea level. Incredible views, on good conditions (it may be cloudy already from 10 am on, so go early!) you can see the sea. Located about 18km from Haputale (7km from Tea Factory), you can reach it either by tuktuk (800 Rps. return including waiting time at Lipton's seat and Tea factory if needed) or take the local bus to the tea factory and walk the rest. There are also more comfortable and more expensive taxi buses to hire.
  • Adisham Monastery. This large granite country house, surrounded by gardens and orchards, was constructed by the British Planter Sir Thomas Lister Valliers in 1931.

Dambatenne Tea Factory. Well known tea manufacturers (e.g. Lipton Tea) cultivate their plantations around Haputale. "Dambatenne" is one of the tea processing centers (located 9km from the city). Sir Thomas J. Lipton was living on this estate and the factory still maintains most of the machinery already in use one century ago. The possibility to visit and watch those traditional production techniques as well as try different kinds of tea makes this quite a popular tourist attraction. 200 Rps.

Lipton's Seat. Famous Viewpoint 1970m above sea level. Incredible views, on good conditions (it may be cloudy already from 10 am on, so go early!) you can see the sea. Located about 18km from Haputale (7km from Tea Factory), you can reach it either by tuktuk (800 Rps. return including waiting time at Lipton's seat and Tea factory if needed) or take the local bus to the tea factory and walk the rest. There are also more comfortable and more expensive taxi buses to hire.

Adisham Monastery. This large granite country house, surrounded by gardens and orchards, was constructed by the British Planter Sir Thomas Lister Valliers in 1931.

Walking.

There is the standard range of eateries.

The "Website Link" cybercafe offers a good high speed connection. 60 Rs per hour (2009). Just walk from the railway station for about 100 meters in the direction main crossing. You'll find the place on the left hand side. The owner of this internet cafe knows the area quite well and will certainly be pleased to give you a helping hand if you require information: Mr Loga, mobile: 0779975051, websitelink@hotmail.com, websitelinkloga@gmail.com.