Nuwara Eliya , Sri Lanka

Haputale Highlands from Nuwara Eliya

Active

10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

This tour will take you to some of the most interesting places in the highland town of Haputale in Sri Lanka. You will be visiting the Dambatenne Tea Factory to learn more about the tea making process and Lipton’s Seat with its majestic views. Finally you will be touring the beautiful Adisham Bungalow, also known as the Benedictine monastery of Adisham, with its interesting history and lots to see.

Available options

Per Person

Pickup included

What's included

Hotel pickup and drop-off

Transport by private air conditioned vehicle

English-speaking chauffeur guide

Detailed itinerary

The tea factory has a long history, having been built by the famous British tea production figure Sir Thomas Lipton in the late 19th century. The factory is now one of the production centers under Lipton Tea. You will receive an hour long tour of the factory and will be learning more about the tea production process. You will also get an opportunity to have a hot cup of tea, or even purchase some fresh tea leaves right from the factory.

For those who wish for even more stunning view or photographers wishing to snap a picture of nature at its best, Lipton’s Seat is best visited early in the morning before sunrise. The change of colors as the sun shows its face, as the thick mist flees the heat revealing the carpet of greens and browns spread out below, is a spectacular sight. There is also a very good chance to see basket bearing tea pluckers making their way to work. However, for those visitors who find it hard to wake early, making the hilltop before 10 am should be sufficient to get a reasonably clear view.

Visiting Liptons Seat is free for all, in contrast with World’s End which requires a payment. In addition there are a few other attractions along the way including Catherine’s Seat and Lemathota waterfall. Catherine’s Seat is in the Nayabedda estate and provides an excellent view of Bandarawela , Diyatalawa and the Uva valley all the way to the Namunukula mountain range. Lemathota waterfall is on the Dambatenna route, though it is not exactly a major attraction.

Adisham Hall, or Adisham Bungalow is a country house near Haputale, in the Badulla District, Sri Lanka. At present it houses the Adisham Monastery a congregation of St. Sylvester.

The house was built in 1931 by an English aristocrat and planter Sir Thomas Villiers, former Chairman of George Steuart Co, a trading and estate agency based in Colombo. Sir Thomas was a grandson of Lord John Russell and descendant of the Dukes of Bedford. It was designed by R. Booth and F. Webster in Tudor and Jacobean style, on 10 acres (40,000 m2) of land. Adisham Hall played host to many prominent personalities of the colony until the retirement of Sir Thomas, after which it was sold to Sedawatte Mills. In 1961 it was purchased by the Roman Catholic Church and was subsequently converted to a monastery. The house is well preserved along with its period fittings and furniture, and is open to visitors.

What's not included

Dambatenna Tea Factory

Food And Drinks

Gratuities

Expenses of personal nature

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries

Not recommended for pregnant travelers

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

A maximum of 8 people per booking

About Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque hill station in Sri Lanka's Central Province, known for its cool climate, lush tea plantations, and colonial-era architecture. Often referred to as 'Little England,' it offers a unique blend of British colonial heritage and stunning natural beauty.

Top Attractions

Horton Plains National Park

A stunning national park known for its rolling hills, cloud forests, and diverse wildlife. The park is a must-visit for nature lovers and hikers.

Nature Half to full day Moderate (Entrance fee approximately 1000 LKR or 5 USD)

Gregory Lake

A picturesque artificial lake named after a former British governor. It's a popular spot for boating, picnicking, and leisurely walks.

Nature 1-2 hours Budget (Boat rental approximately 500 LKR or 2.5 USD)

Pedro Tea Estate

One of the oldest tea plantations in Sri Lanka, offering guided tours and a glimpse into the tea-making process.

Cultural 2-3 hours Moderate (Tour fee approximately 1000 LKR or 5 USD)

Nuwara Eliya Golf Club

One of the oldest and most scenic golf courses in Sri Lanka, set amidst rolling hills and tea plantations.

Sports Half day Moderate to Expensive (Green fees vary)

Single Tree Mountain

A scenic viewpoint offering panoramic views of Nuwara Eliya and the surrounding tea plantations. It's a popular spot for photography and relaxation.

Nature 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hoppers (Appa)

Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center.

Breakfast Vegetarian (without egg), can be made vegan

Kottu Roti

A popular street food made from chopped roti, vegetables, and meat, stir-fried with spices.

Lunch/Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan

Lamprais

A Dutch-influenced dish consisting of rice cooked in spiced meat or fish broth, wrapped in a banana leaf.

Lunch/Dinner Contains meat, can be made with fish

Wood Apple Juice

A refreshing juice made from the wood apple fruit, often mixed with sugar and spices.

Drink Vegan, can be made with or without sugar

Popular Activities

Hiking in Horton Plains National Park Trekking to Adam's Peak Tea plantation tours Boating on Gregory Lake Tea tasting at Pedro Tea Estate Scenic drives Visiting the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy Exploring colonial architecture in Nuwara Eliya

Best Time to Visit

January to April

This period offers the best weather with clear skies and pleasant temperatures, ideal for outdoor activities and sightseeing.

15-25°C 59-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Sinhala, Tamil
Widely spoken: English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Time Zone

GMT+5:30

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Nuwara Eliya is generally safe for travelers, with low crime rates. However, standard precautions should be taken to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxis.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.

Getting there

By air

Bandaranaike International Airport • 120 km (75 miles)

By train

Nuwara Eliya Railway Station

By bus

Nuwara Eliya Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common and affordable way to get around Nuwara Eliya. They connect the city center to nearby attractions and towns.

Taxis

Available • Apps: PickMe

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Nuwara Eliya Town Horton Plains Pedro

Day trips

Ellington

30 km (19 miles) • Half day

A scenic area known for its waterfalls, tea plantations, and hiking trails.

Adam's Peak

50 km (31 miles) • Full day

A sacred mountain known for its challenging hike and stunning sunrise views.

Kandy

70 km (43 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its cultural attractions, including the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Festivals

Nuwara Eliya Flower Show Festival • September Poya Day • Full moon days (varies by month)

Pro tips

Visit Horton Plains National Park early in the morning to avoid crowds and mist.
Try the local tea varieties and visit a tea plantation for a tea plucking experience.
Pack layers of clothing, as temperatures can vary significantly throughout the day.
Use the local bus system for an affordable and authentic travel experience.
Respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious sites.