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Narmada Wijegunarathne

Narmada Wijegunarathne is a devoted traveler and nature lover, deeply passionate about both exploration and writing. Professionally, she excels as a quantity surveyor in the construction field. Her favorite pastime is trekking through breathtaking landscapes, enjoying her love for hiking, camping and nature adventures.

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Lipton’s seat Sri Lanka

Hi, wanderer! Grab your backpack. We are about to go on a journey around Badulla District, Haputale, through its never-ending travel league. In between the mountains, meadows, and waterfalls, let me introduce you to one of my favorite destinations there. We are going to discover the fascinating story of Lipton’s Seat, offering its history, significance, directions, cost, additional tips, and everything a curious traveler would want to know. Without further ado, let’s check into this historic and scenic wonder that is waiting for you.

What is the significance there?

It’s always connected with the Lipton Seat history. Ceylon Tea was once a luxurious treat during the British era. But today, it’s for everyone to enjoy without any limits. Nobles, middle-class people, and even the working class can ease their tiredness with a comforting sip of tea. We should applaud the Scottish Tea Baron, Sir Thomas Lipton, Lipton’s seat owner, for the privilege we enjoy today.

In 1888-1890, Sir Thomas joined James Taylor, who introduced tea in Sri Lanka. His idea was “Tea for all.”  He bought seven estates, including Dambethanna, where the Dambethanna Factory is located, and started building his tea empire. He successfully achieved his goal, and Lipton Tea became famous worldwide. Good thoughts get what they deserve. In his time, Sir Thomas used to sit where his statue is now, overlooking his estates. Now you know how this place got its name.

Is Lipton’s Seat worth visiting?

This is not just a beautiful spot but also an incredible viewpoint. You can see five out of seven provinces from here in Sri Lanka. Look down, and you will see Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Central Province, Southern Province, and Eastern Province. But if the fog decides to join the view, you might only see a blanket of whiteness. The weather can change rapidly here. But when it’s clear, you’ll be surrounded by lush greenery, thanks to the nearby plantations.

Some taller trees have grown wide and far, creating a scenic atmosphere. Take a moment to enjoy the view of the Handapanagala Tank, Chandrika Tank, and Udawalawa Tank, all with their serene blue water. And surprise! You might even spot the Hambantota Port if you are lucky on this day.

Beyond the natural beauty, you already know Lipton’s seat history dating back to the British era. Some materials here are from those days, adding a touch of nostalgia too. Besides, if you are a tea lover, why don’t you snap a photo with the person who took a revolutionary step in making tea popular among regular folks like us?

How to get to Lipton’s Seat in Sri Lanka?

This remarkable place is in Haputale, Badulla District, Uva Province. It is a 15 km distance from the Haputale bus stand along the Haputale – Dambethanna road. Do you know how high Lipton’s seat is? It sits at a cool 6300ft above sea level. 

You can take the Haputale – Dambethanna bus or drive here on your own. If you choose the bus, double-check that it’s heading beyond Dambethanna or Dambethanna only. If you miss the exact bus, you’ll need a tuk-tuk from the Dambethanna factory to cover the last 6km, costing around 1000 Rs.

Buses swing by every 2 hours. It is a budget-friendly ride at just 150Rs per adult. If you opt for the bus, don’t forget to buy a snack from Haputale town for a nibble on the way. I invite you to join in the fun of a bus ride and have this fresh experience of traveling with the locals. And hey, the price won’t drain our pockets, huh?

But if you choose to come on your own, don’t worry a bit. The entire road is on Google Maps, making it very easy to follow. There are two routes in two directions. One route passes through Nayabedda Estate in Bandarawela, and the other is the Haputale Dambethanna route we mentioned earlier.

Both paths are well paved with clear signboards, so there is no chance of getting lost. But I have to warn you. Larger buses won’t make it through these narrow roads. It is very tricky to pass two vehicles at once. I recommend you have a skilled driver as the road is full of bends, and the side slope is a little bit dangerous. 

The most ideal and enjoyable ride is on a motorbike. Trust me. It will be an unforgettable journey if you ever happen to do this one day. The entire journey is a spiraling ride to the clouds through the lush greenery, with women happily plucking tea leaves. The surroundings are very cool. You might be misled into thinking that clouds are falling. As you go, the sky will appear below you. Aside from the breathtaking beauty, the motorbike ride is safe and easy. 

You will see a small tank somewhere on your way to Lipton Seat, Sri Lanka. Consider it a landmark. There is a three-way junction and a Hanuman Kovil. It is a sign that you are close by. Put a coin into the Kovil and make a wish, just like a local. You have to walk about 1 km from the entrance to reach the viewpoint. Enjoy the journey!

How much does it cost to visit Lipton’s Seat?

You can buy a ticket for a reasonable 100 Rs per local adult, and it’s 500 Rs for our foreign friends. If your kids are below 10 years old, they get in for free. Also, you’ll have to buy a ticket for your vehicle at the entrance. It’s 100 Rs for a bike or a three-wheeler, and 250 Rs for a van or a car. So, as I mentioned earlier, the price is something we can easily manage, right?

The best time to visit

The magic happens in the early morning! As time rolls on, the mountains get covered in fog, making it hard to see below. But if you are an early bird, you’ll be treated to a spectacular sunrise moment over Adam’s peak around 5.30 a.m. At least you should arrive around 9-10 a.m. You can drop by any time of the day for sure. But trust me, you are going to miss the real charm as you are getting late.

Extra tips

You can visit Dambethanna Tea Factory and buy some special teas from their collection. The bungalow where  Sir Thomas, the legendary Lipton Seat owner, lived is also there. This is a tea point, okay? Something revolutionary in the tea world happened here. Missing a sip would be the biggest mistake.

The chilly weather might make you a bit peckish too. There’s a small outlet selling plain tea and jaggery for 50 Rs. I cordially invite you to try it with a coconut roti while you stare at the greenery there. Cold mist, leaves, and warm tea are quite a combination. 

Oh, and there’s a second viewpoint nearby. You can visit the Kovil at the bus stand of Dambethanna Factory if you have enough time. Keep in mind. Darkness falls early here, around 4-5 p.m. but the sunset is very beautiful too. 

Farewell,

This place fills me with nostalgia every time I visit it. Mr. Thomas, the owner, seems to sit here eternally, watching over his lands. Maybe he misses holding his bronze tea cup, but instead, each of us gets to hold our tea cups every day, thanks to him.

Here’s to you, Mr. Thomas! I dream of sitting here with you and my friends, clinking our cups together one day, celebrating your generous decision for the people in this country. Cheers!