Haputale Travel Guide: Top 18 Places to Visit in Haputale

Dambetenna Tea Factory

One of the oldest functioning tea factories in the country, Dambetenna Tea Factory was established by Sir Thomas Lipton in the 19th century. It offers a rare glimpse into the traditional tea production process. The factory still uses vintage machinery and offers guided tours where you can watch how fresh tea leaves are withered, rolled, fermented, and dried.

Open: 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Tip: Combine the factory tour with a visit to Lipton’s Seat, just a short tuk-tuk ride uphill.

Lipton’s Seat

Lipton’s Seat is one of the most famous viewpoints in Sri Lanka situated at 1,970 meters above sea level. This is where Sir Thomas Lipton used to sit and admire his vast tea estates. On a clear morning, you can see up to five provinces from here. Nearby Catherine’s Seat offers equally stunning views but fewer crowds.

Best done: Early morning hike from Dambetenna (6 km)

Photo spot: The stone bench with Sir Lipton’s statue is iconic.

Horton Plains & World’s End

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Horton Plains National Park features a surreal landscape of grasslands, cloud forests, and unique wildlife. The highlight is the 9.5 km circular trail leading to World’s End, a dramatic 880-meter cliff drop with panoramic views. Don’t forget to explore Baker’s Falls on the same route.

Tip: Bring warm clothes and start early for the clearest views.

Adisham Bungalow

Adisham Bungalow, a colonial-era English mansion built in 1931 is a famous travel spot in Haputale. It is now a Benedictine monastery. The stone architecture, gardens, and furniture give it an English countryside charm. Visitors can tour parts of the mansion, including the library and chapel, and buy homemade jams and chutneys.

Open: Weekends & public holidays

Location: 3 km from Haputale town

Fun Fact: The estate still grows fruits and herbs organically.

Wangedigala Mountain

Wangedigala is one of the most scenic hiking trails in Sri Lanka. Wangedigala is known for its dramatic rock formations and panoramic viewpoints. It’s not a touristy hike, so expect solitude and stunning sunrise/sunset views. The trail begins from Bambarakanda and takes 3–5 hours to summit.

Tip: Ideal for overnight camping with a guide.

Caution: The trail can be slippery—wear good shoes.

Devil’s Staircase

This steep, zigzagging route between Ohiya and Kalupahana is famous among adventure travelers. Known for its challenging hairpin turns and rugged terrain, the Devil’s Staircase is a scenic route best done in a 4×4 or on a motorbike. Along the way, you’ll pass tea estates, waterfalls, and isolated villages.

Recommended: Hire a local driver or guide if not experienced.

Highlight: Incredible views of valleys and peaks.

Bambarakanda Waterfall

With a height of 263 meters, Bambarakanda Falls is Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall. It’s surrounded by pine forests and often shrouded in mist. A short walk from the car park brings you to the base, perfect for photography and relaxing.

Access: Via Kalupahana, off the A4 road

Tip: Visit after rains for full flow, but avoid slippery paths.

Eagle Rock

Eagle Rock is an offbeat viewpoint hidden within the tea estates near Kalupahana which offers dramatic scenery of deep valleys and distant peaks. It’s peaceful, with hardly any tourists, making it ideal for a quiet picnic or meditation spot.

Best for: Hikers and photographers

Access: Reachable via local guides or estate roads.

Kellibedda Tea Factory – Haputale

The Kellibedda Tea Factory in Haputale is a top destination for those who curious about Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea production. This working tea factory allows visitors to witness the traditional methods of tea processing, from freshly picked leaves to the final product. You can walk through the working factory, interact with tea workers, and enjoy tastings of different tea grades.

Try: Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) for a strong brew

Nearby: Surrounded by scenic trails through the tea fields

St. Andrew’s Church

St. Andrew’s Church is a peaceful Anglican church that dates back to the British colonial period. Built using local stone and wood, this charming structure exudes old-world charm with its arched windows, wooden pews, and simple stained glass. The surrounding cemetery tells silent stories of early British settlers.

Why visit? It’s a quiet, meditative space with a backdrop of misty mountains.

Tip: Visit early morning or late afternoon for soft lighting on the stonework.

Diyaluma Waterfall

Towering at 220 meters, Diyaluma Falls near Koslanda is Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall—and arguably its most photogenic. The water cascades dramatically down a rocky cliff into a lush valley, creating a stunning natural spectacle. The base is easy to reach and ideal for families, couples, and casual travelers alike.

Tip: Bring a picnic and spend some time soaking in the views.

Access: About 45 minutes from Haputale via Koslanda Road.

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall

Above the main falls lies a hidden gem, Upper Diyaluma. After a moderate 45-minute hike, you’ll be rewarded with a network of natural pools and mini-waterfalls carved into the rock. These form Sri Lanka’s very own “infinity pools” with jaw-dropping valley views.

Camping: Some travelers camp overnight to enjoy sunrise from the top.

Don’t miss: The heart-shaped rock pool at the edge!

Haputale Rock / Mountain Day View Point

Just minutes from town, Haputale Rock (also called Mountain Day View Point) offers one of the best panoramic views in the region. From here, you can spot the southern plains of Sri Lanka, Ella Gap, and sometimes even the Indian Ocean on a clear day.

Easy access: Follow the road behind the railway station or ask locals for shortcuts

Ideal for: A quick nature break without a long hike.

Bomburu Ella Waterfall

Bomburu Ella, located about 1.5 hours from Haputale near Nuwara Eliya, is a cluster of waterfalls that flow together in a spectacular show of nature. Unlike most single-drop waterfalls, Bomburu Ella flows over multiple rock layers, creating a wide, curtain-like cascade.

Hike: About 1–2 km through tea estates and vegetable farms.

Scenery: Lush and green with mountain mist and birdsong.

Lanka Ella Waterfall

Tucked away deep in the forest near Bambarakanda, Lanka Ella is a lesser-known waterfall famed for its shape. It’s said the plunge pool resembles the map of Sri Lanka when viewed from above. It’s remote, untouched, and only accessible by foot.

Best for: Those seeking solitude and raw nature.

Tip: Carry water and wear sturdy shoes—the trail is rugged.

The Pekoe Trail

The Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka’s new long-distance hiking route, and Haputale is home to some of its most scenic stretches. This trail weaves through working tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and old railway crossings, offering an immersive experience of the country’s tea heritage.

Best Sections: Haputale to Idalgashinna or Dambetenna to Lipton’s Seat

Must-see: Tea pluckers at work and colonial-era tea bungalows.

Sustainability: The trail supports local communities—grab tea or snacks at roadside shops.

Baker’s Falls

While hiking the Horton Plains loop, don’t miss Baker’s Falls, a wide and thunderous waterfall surrounded by ferns, moss, and flowering plants. Named after British explorer Samuel Baker, it’s the perfect mid-point stop along the World’s End trail.

Access: 20–30 minutes from the start of the Horton Plains trail.

Look out for: Rhododendron trees and wild orchids nearby.

Thangamale Bird Sanctuary & Idalgashinna Trail

This hidden sanctuary lies just beyond Adisham Bungalow and offers a serene forest walk all the way to Idalgashinna, one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful railway stations. Thangamale Sanctuary is home to rare birds, butterflies, and even occasional leopards.

Birdwatching: Keep your eyes peeled for the Sri Lanka whistling thrush and junglefowl.

Trail: Roughly 4–5 km with minimal elevation, great for all ages.

Fun tip: Time your walk to catch the train arriving at Idalgashinna—it’s a magical sight!