Joanna James
A gorgeous, serene Sri Lankan town nestled in the hills of the upcountry, Haputale is an absolute must-visit for tourists. With that in mind, take a look at the best things to do in Haputale.
Located no more than an hour from Ella, Diyaluma Falls is formidable, majestic, and utterly beautiful in equal measure. Plunging 220 metres into the valley below, it’s the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Follow its descent, and you’ll find several natural infinity pools at different levels, inviting you in for a relaxing swim. The falls form part of the Poonagala Oya, a small tributary of the Kirindi Oya River. If you love adventure and nature, a visit to Diyaluma Falls is a must. You can hike to the top and swim in the pools while enjoying the breathtaking natural beauty before your eyes. You can spend an entire day exploring the pools or simply admire the view from the Diyaluma Falls Bridge – the choice is yours.
A stunning wooded area in Haputale, Thangamale Bird Sanctuary is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including birds and butterflies. Surrounded by lush emerald hills and tea estates, the sanctuary promises a breathtaking experience. Located about half an hour from Mandara Ridge Haputale, which is a popular holiday bungalow in Haputale, the sanctuary spans 131 acres and was declared a protected area in 1938. Walk along a ridge, which starts at the sanctuary and ends at the Idalgashinna Railway Station – you can start the walk the other way around as well. What birds should you keep an eye out for? Thangamale is home to a variety of birds, but the most commonly reported sightings include the yellow-eared bulbul, Sri Lanka White-eye, and Sri Lankan junglefowl. You might also see animals like porcupines, monkeys, and deer. The atmosphere is quiet, and there’s abundant nature. What does that equate to? An experience you’ll never forget.
Located near Haputale, Dambatenne Tea Factory is a popular spot along the way to Lipton’s Seat, another must-visit location. You can tour the factory and learn all about the entire tea-making process, from picking the leaves to when the tea reaches the consumer. What else can you do here? You can enjoy the stunning surroundings and see tea pickers at work in the tea plantations, set against the green mountains. Some of the equipment used is over a century old, which adds to the quaint, vintage character of the factory.
For a dose of history and beautiful nature, visit Lipton’s Seat. Named after Thomas Lipton, this viewpoint is a must-visit during your time in Haputale. The best time to visit is early in the morning for the sunrise. If you set off at five, you can get there by six, just in time to witness the glorious sunrise!
Located seven kilometres from Bandarawella in the Badulla District, Diyatalawa is home to the Sri Lankan Army, Navy, and Air Force training academies, all surrounded by gorgeous views. Take a train trip to Diyatalawa for the best experience. Along the way, look out the window and revel in the breathtaking beauty of Sri Lanka’s upcountry. There are also many other attractions you can see during your time here. The most popular ones include the Demodara Railway Station, Pilkington Point, St. Catherine's Seat, Rawana Ella, and the Dowa Rock Temple.
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 passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
