Haputale Travel Guide

  The Main Road
by Maxus
 
  • The Main Road
      The Main Road
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  •   Hotels
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  • Dining Room and Lounge
      Dining Room and Lounge
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  • Bedroom
      Bedroom
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  •   Hotels
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Explore Haputale

Things to Do  

Enjoy the view
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More or less Haputale itself won't keep you busy sightseeing because apart from the tiny commercial centre, there is nothing else to do.
So one of the best things is walk around and find yoursef a nice spot to enjoy the extraordinary views.
the village lies on the top of a hill therefore it enjoys nice views over the hilly country inland and the southern plains as well.
Keep in mind though that humidity clouds rise by early mid day so don't expect undisturbed bird's eye views all day long.

Written Sep 26, 2006

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Dambatenne Tea Factory
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Dambatenne Tea Factory
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East of Haputale a scenic road by the cliff leads after 10kms to Dambatenne Tea Factory (this is the starting point for Lipton's seat). This was built in 1890 by Sir thomas Lipton (yes the well known tea tade name).
Being one of the most impressive, this factory preserves its colonial-era equipment. You can follow a short tour (at a cost which is similar to a day's wage of a tea collector!!) of the process done from the time tea leaves arrive to the factory until the tea we all know is packed and ready for export.
Unfortunately you can't buy tea directly from the factory.
You can reach the factory by bus from Haputale.

Written Sep 26, 2006

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Hotels  

Olympus Plaza Hotel: The Best Hotel in Haputale

Olympus Plaza Hotel: The Best Hotel in Haputale, Haputale

 MGeorge Says:  I stayed 3 Days in Haputale, It was Lovely..."Olympus Plaza Hotel" the only Hotel in Haputale. Very clean, and maintained Place. Rooms are very specious. In my double room I had a TV, Telephone, Hot Water Shower, Private Balcony.It was relaxing...the best thing is the... 

Dias Rest AKA The White Monkey Guest House: Stuuning Spot - Lovely Family

Dias Rest AKA The White Monkey Guest House: Stuuning Spot - Lovely Family, Haputale

 Maxus Says:  An impossibly cheap, detached accommodation with a working family in a stunning, comparatively isolated and hugely atmospheric mountain-side position.There is a cottage with two double beds and a lived-in feel to it, I preferred the simply furnished family rooms (also two... 

Amarasinghe guesthouse: Amarasinghe: as good as it get

Amarasinghe guesthouse: Amarasinghe: as good as it get, Haputale

 Maxus Says:  Probably the best night's sleep I've had anywhere in Sri Lanka. Spotlessly clean, friendly but unobtrusive, good food (varied menu) and it’s not expensive either, if you’ve spent the day in the hills or on the train and need some comfort it’s got to be Amarasinghe. One of... 

Amarasinghe Guesthouse: Highly-highly recommended

Amarasinghe Guesthouse: Highly-highly recommended, Haputale

 hydronetta Says:  Now this is the best value I would ever stay in my whole life. For 800 SLR a spacious room on the 1st floor, double bed (just for myself!!) ensuite bathroom, spotlessly clean, nice furniture and a small balcony with a view. The whole establishment was kept tidy, the communal... 

cues-ta inn: Haputale's best view

cues-ta inn: Haputale's best view, Haputale

 shiva70 Says:  I spent 4 fantastic days in Haputale and I loved this guesthouse. The rooms are very simple, but they have a bathroom with hot water ( very important, the temperature is quite low here ) and a balcony from which you can enjoy a breathaking view of one of the haputale gaps.... 

Transportation  

Getting to Haputale
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As mentioned in any guidebook, the most scenic way to reach Haputale is the train from Kandy. The journey allows you to enjoy excellent views over the hill country.
Nevertheless I did it by means of bus and taxi and I can say the journey was as enjoyable as well, specially when driving through the endless tea fields.
But note that train tickets pecially for upper class are easily sold out and better reserve one at least a few days before.

Written Oct 22, 2006

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Off The Beaten Path  

Diyaluma falls
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Diyaluma falls are the second largest in Sri Lanka. Their height is 220m and the water is falling from a narrow single slender cascade forming as soon as it reaches the ground numerous pools with fresh water. It's a relaxing short visit and while you're travelling around in the hilly part of Sri Lanka a really refreshing opportunity to have a swim in one of them (as I did).
Now there are good news for the adventurous types: there is a steep path leading to the top. My spanish friend did it and said that it worth it, as there are several natural rock pools where you can take off your clothes and swim in complete privacy!!
To reach Diyaluma falls you can take the bus from Haputale to Wellaya (it's worth the ride as you have splendid vies over the plains). There is a bus stop just opposite the falls

Written Sep 26, 2006

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Map of Haputale