A little town on the southern side of Sri Lanka’s verdant Hill Country, Haputale will delight keen ramblers, wildlife enthusiasts and seekers of seclusion. Characterised by leafy, tea-clad hills, lush forests, rushing waterfalls and brightly-painted villages, this is a fascinating part of the island. Tranquil accommodation options range from simple guesthouses to restored colonial-era bungalows on vast tea estates, with the best places to stay in Haputale offering spectacular views, fabulous fresh cuisine and warm hospitality.
Haputale itself is a small town on a ridge, promising stunning views towards the distant coast on clear days, and a wonderfully atmospheric mist on days when the clouds drift below the uppermost treetops. Dazzling vistas are undoubtedly one of the region’s highlights, and the hike to Lipton’s Seat is particularly impressive. Horton Plains National Park, home to herds of deer and fluttering flocks of birds, also has a walking trail with a breathtaking look-out point. Recently created, the multi-part Pekoe Trail winds its way through the tea plantations and forests which have long characterised this region — expect, on some days, to meet only bemused villagers as you follow newly-mapped out routes. For eager bird watchers, the Thangamale Bird Sanctuary is not to be missed!
Sri Lanka’s Hill Country has a long and intriguing history. The descendants of indentured labourers brought across from India during the British colonial era to pluck tea, the area’s Tamil community continue to be one of the most marginalised in the country. Delve into recent writing, poetry and art to better understand their unique sense of identity, and take an expert-led tea tour to discover the industry which has so profoundly shaped the region. The Dambatenne Tea Factory offers good tours and tastings — as does the exceptional AMBA Estate, nearer to Ella. Cool off with a dip in the natural pools at Diyaluma Waterfalls, the second-tallest in the island, or tuck in to tea on the terrace at one of the best places to stay in Haputale.