Joanna James
If you ever happen to visit the hills of Sri Lanka, then Nuwara Eliya is a must-visit destination on the island and is a little town much loved by tourists as well. Lipton Seat is an attraction that you certainly mustn't miss out on either.
So, it all began in 1890 when Sir Lipton bought out a piece of land in the hill country of Sri Lanka to cultivate tea. He was an expert at keeping his costs low and managed to sell his tea bags in bulk which made if more affordable than the rest. The tea became popular worldwide and made Sir Lipton wealthy enough to purchase a huge plot of land for larger-scale cultivation. Lipton tea is known very well by the tea drinkers across the globe and is well-sought after to this date.
If you are staying at a hotel like Galway Heights, you will have to get transport to Dambatenne. From here, the road to Lipton's Seat will be a winding series of narrow passages through fields and tea plantations taking you up, up and further to the top. Finally, you will find yourself at a point that says Lipton's Seat and it definitely is a sight worth taking in right from the top.
This is a one-of-a-kind experience, that's for sure! You can take get a tuk-tuk organised for a bit of a fun ride until you reach a point where the vehicle won't be able to go any further. This is where you begin your climb. It is advisable to leave as early as possible in the morning so that you can catch a glimpse of the stunning sunrise. The sight of the rays of sun peeking through the green hills is absolutely breath-taking. It is perfect for some photographs as well. Head further up and you'll see Lipton's Seat overlooking the expanse of neat tea terraces below.
There is a small entrance fee of Rs.100 per person and if you are taking a motorbike right up to that point then you'll be charged another Rs. 50 for parking. At the very top close to the viewpoint is a small café where you can keep warm with a cup of steaming tea or coffee while you enjoy the view. Local food is also available here. However, expect the restaurant to be closed when you go, opening hours are irregular. There is a toilet in the restaurant which you can use if it is open. It would also be nice to get your hotel to pack up a picnic breakfast for you to enjoy while watching the sunrise.
Now that you've seen the most fascinating part of the place, you can also pay a visit to the tea factory to see what happens after the cheerful tea pluckers take the tea leaves over to the factory. If you are wondering where to stay in Nuwara Eliya to embark on this adventure, you will find many options close to town.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a pas...
