Standing at Lipton’s Seat Sri Lanka, you can feel the wind gently brushing your face and endless hills stretching into the horizon. With such a beautiful place tucked away in the lush hills of Haputale, it is easy to understand why Sir Thomas Lipton chose this spot to set up the plantation. If you are looking for a place that blends natural beauty with history, Lipton’s Seat is a great place to be. From the winding roads to the emerald-green tea plantations, everything about this place is magical.
Quick Details About Lipton’s Seat Sri Lanka
Address: Q2J8+766 Dambethenna Estate, Lipton Seat Rd, Haputale, Sri Lanka
Timings: 6 AM – 5 PM
Notable Attractions: Chandrika Lake, Handapanagala Lake, Wedi hit Kanda Mountains, Udawalwe Lake
Major Activities: Hiking, photography, tea tasting, exploring
Location

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Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Lipton’s Seat is a famous viewpoint that is just a few kilometres from Haputale in the Badulla District. Nestled high in the hills, around 1,800 meters above sea level, it offers breathtaking views of green tea plantations, misty mountains, and valleys. Also, the area is part of the Dambatenne Tea Estate, which was started by Sir Thomas Lipton in the late 1800s.
How To Reach

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By Air: When travelling by air, the nearest airport is Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. From there, you can travel by road or train and reach the hill country in no time.
By Road: If you are in Haputale, travelling by road is the best option. You can simply board the bus or hire a taxi to get to your destination.
By Rail: If you travel by railways, you need to first reach Haputale Railway Station, which is nearest to the site. Once you get down at the station, hire a tuk-tuk or taxi to reach Lipton’s Seat.
Things To Do
Trying the popular Lipton’s Seat Sri Lanka activities makes your visit to the plantation worthwhile. Here are some things that you shouldn’t skip:
1. Explore Tea Plantations

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Your visit to Lipton’s Seat is not complete unless you explore the beautiful tea plantations out there. While walking through the green fields, you can watch local workers picking tea leaves and enjoy the fresh air which you rarely do in the city. Besides that, you can learn a lot about how tea is grown and processed. For a better experience, opt for a guided tour as they give you a closer look at the history of Sri Lanka’s tea plantation.
2. Indulge In Photography

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You cannot come back without some great Lipton’s Seat Sri Lanka photos. With rolling hills and lush tea fields all around, it offers a perfect background for capturing pictures. However, early mornings are the best time for photography as the light creates a golden glow that looks stunning. Besides the scenery, you capture the daily life of tea workers and the winding paths through the plantations.
3. Watch Sunrise

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One of the best things to do at Lipton’s Seat is to watch the sunrise when the sky lights up with shades of pink and orange. However, you will need to arrive early, or else you will miss the view. As the sun rises above the horizon, the hills and tea fields slowly come to life, which looks mesmerising to look at. Also, the peaceful environment makes the moment feel even more magical.
Places To Visit Around Lipton’s Seat
After exploring Lipton’s Seat, sort your schedule, so you have time to check out the nearby attractions:
1. Haputale Town

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A quiet hill town, Haputale is known for its simplicity, beautiful mountains, and lush greenery. Located just a short drive from Lipton’s Seat, it offers stunning views of tea plantations and valleys. Since the climate out here is cool and dry, it creates a perfect place to relax. While you are in the town, take time to visit the local markets, and explore the area. Here, you will find countless small restaurants and cafes that serve delicious food.
Distance From Lipton’s Seat: 16.2 km
Timings: 24*7
2. Dambatenne Tea Factory

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Built by Sir Thomas Lipton in 1890, Dambatenne Tea Factory is one of the oldest tea factories in Sri Lanka. Despite being centuries old, it still produces tea the traditional way and provides guided tours to visitors, so they can see how fresh tea leaves are turned into Ceylon tea in person. During the tour, you will also learn about the sorting, drying, and packing process. To make things more interesting, you can taste different types of tea in their tasting room.
Distance From Lipton’s Seat: 6 km
Timings: 8 AM – 5 PM
3. Diyaluma Falls

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As the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, you simply cannot miss going to Diyaluma Falls. Standing at about 220 metres, it offers a breathtaking sight that is perfect for photography and relaxation. Since the waterfall flows down on multiple levels, you will find many natural pools in the area, where you can take a dip and cool off. For stunning views, hike up to the top and watch the surrounding area wrapped in wild greenery that makes the place look even more beautiful.
Distance From Lipton’s Seat: 26.3 km
Timings: 24*7
Where To Stay

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When planning to visit Lipton’s Seat, the best place to stay is in Haputale or Ella as they offer cosy guesthouses, homestays, and boutique hotels with beautiful views of the mountains and tea plantations. Some popular places include Hotel Kanvinra, Rawana Mount View – Ella, and Diyaluma View Cottage. You can choose any of these places for an enjoyable and comfortable stay.
Where To Eat

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When it comes to food, you will find delicious local meals near the plantation. Many restaurants in the area serve delicious and hygienic food at a reasonable price. Some of the must-try eateries are Mount Edge Restaurant And Cafe, Guitar Cafe Ella, and Grand Peak Ella Restaurant. All these places are just a few kilometres away from Lipton’s Seat.
Tips For Travellers

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To make your trip to Lipton’s Seat memorable and hassle-free, keep these few things in mind.
- Knowing Lipton’s Seat Sri Lanka address will help you navigate the directions without confusion, especially if you are driving.
- There are limited waste disposal facilities at the plantation, so make sure to carry your trash with you.
- Instead of carrying snacks, buy from the local vendors and support their business.
- You are not allowed to walk through tea bushes, so be mindful while exploring the site.
- Confirm Lipton’s Seat Sri Lanka timings before your visit, so you can be informed if there are any changes.
Whether you are a tea lover or not, visiting a place like Lipton’s Seat Sri Lanka is a must. This will make your trip worthwhile especially if you are craving scenic views. It is not just a viewpoint, but a feeling that will stay etched on your mind forever. So, pack your bags, get your camera ready, and sort your travel plans with TripXL for a memorable journey.
Cover Photo: Adbar / Wikimedia Commons