Haputale

Haputale is a stunning mountainous town hidden in the hills. Situated at the far southern end of the hill country, it is usually a stopping point when visiting Horton Plains. The lush hue of tea bushes spread across the verdant landscape is its highlight, and the town is predominantly Tamil due to the large numbers of tea estate workers. Haputale to Nuwara Eliya, the highland’s principal city, is only an hour’s drive away and has a scenic railway journey too. Its location on a narrow mountain ridge provides sweeping views across the region, sometimes reaching as far as the southern coast of the island. Haputale weather is a refreshing and invigorating respite from the hot lowland.

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Tailor-make a Tour

Hidden Gems

Surungamuni Shrine dedicated to a Hindu deity has a cave where ancient rituals took place.
Dunhinda is one of the most attractive waterfalls in the country and has a smoky spray.
Idalgashinna to Haputale railway walk is unique and takes you through Thangamale.
A hike to the top of Diyaluma Falls, Sri Lanka’s second-tallest waterfall, offers stunning vistas.
Ravana Falls and cave date back to the times of King Ravana, the Sri Lankan king of Ramayana.

Best Times to Visit

It is an all-year destination.

Weather

HAPUTALE WEATHER

Top Attractions

Haputale Lipton’s Seat

It is Sri Lanka’s most impressive viewpoint and is named after Thomas Lipton, the pioneer of Ceylon Tea. On a clear day, it overlooks seven different provinces.

Adisham Monastery

This exquisite Benedictine monastery once belonged to tea planter Sir Thomas Lester Villiers. It is one of only 18 Sylvestrine monasteries in the world.

Dambatenna Tea Factory

Built by Sir Thomas Lipton in 1890, this legendary factory allows you to watch fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving, and grading of tea.

Thangamale

It is a bird sanctuary and highland forest with a ridge-top walking trail. The sanctuary part of Glennanore Tea Estate is 131 hectares with rock cliffs.

Dhowa Rock Temple

This 2000-year old heritage Buddhist temple situated in an ancient village is famous for its unfinished Buddha rock carving and Kandyan era paintings.

Pattipola

It is the highest railway station and tunnel in Sri Lanka, standing at 6225ft above sea level. The train ride from Haputale to Ella is a breathtaking one.

Where to Shop in Haputale

When in Haputale, like in other tea country destinations, the best item to buy is, tea. You can do so on your visits to tea factories and Ceylon Tea Centre.

Where to Eat in Haputale

Lettuce and Cabbage, Sunrise, Glace Pastry and Bakery, Golden Hill Tea Centre, V Café, Royal Top, and Risara are popular restaurants for eating out. Haputale hotels offer a range of in-house dining too.

Top Accommodations

Explore where you enjoy a comfortable stay during your explorations.

Thotalagala

The planters bungalow has been revived to its former glory, with seven themed suites based on personalities that shaped the history of the province of Uva, one of the foremost tea growing regions in Sri Lanka, the finest tea growing region in the world. The seven suites represent the epitome of colonial luxury. The teak panelled smoking room is the ideal place to retreat to for an after dinner cognac. The dining room itself is with its twenty seater table, a place to savour traditional hearty plantation fare. This is also a working estate and guest will be able to immerse themselves into the traditional lifestyle of a tea planter.

Kelburne Mountain View Cottages

Boasting a garden, Kelburne Mountain View Cottages is located in Haputale. This property also welcomes guests with a restaurant and a terrace. The accommodation provides room service, and organising tours for guests. At the property, each cottage includes a balcony with a mountain view. Featuring a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries, the cottages at Kelburne Mountain View Cottages also provide guests with a garden view. Here you will find a seating area.