Lipton’s Seat, Haputale

This viewpoint gets its name from Sir Thomas Lipton, the Scottish tea magnate, who would survey his burgeoning empire of tea estates from this very spot. The hike to Lipton’s Seat is an experience in itself, meandering through lush tea fields where one can see tea pickers at work, their colorful saris contrasting beautifully against the greenery. At the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views that, on clear days, extend up to the southern coastline.

The journey to Lipton’s Seat can be started early in the morning to catch the sunrise, which illuminates the landscape in a soft, ethereal light, making for an unforgettable experience. The area around Lipton’s Seat is steeped in the history of Ceylon tea, and many tea factories nearby offer guided tours to further enrich visitors’ understanding of the region’s tea production heritage. For those keen on exploring the rich tapestry of Sri Lanka’s tea culture, a visit to Lipton’s Seat and the surrounding tea estates provides a deep dive into the past and present of this pivotal industry, all while offering some of the most stunning natural scenery in the country.