Lipton’s Seat is one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka and one of the best places to see in Ella. Specifically, it is located in Haputale, a place already famous for being part of the Sri Lankan tea country. Indeed it gets its name from Sir Thomas Lipton, the famous tea planter. It is located close to Poonagala Hill and the Dambetenna Tea Factory close by the mountain itself. The area is quite forested and often misty. It’s part of the wet, temperate deciduous forests of the Central Province of Sri Lanka and the forest itself extends for miles in all directions. One of the best things to see from here is an unlimited view of Sabaragamuwa, Uva, the Eastern and Central Provinces. On the whole, it’s one of the most beautiful views one can enjoy in Sri Lanka. Also visible from this site are the Udawalawe Lake, Wedihiti Kanda, and even the Hambantota Harbor. It is a popular hiking destination and on the way one can discover a number of other beautiful places like St. Catherine’s Seat at the Nayabeddha Tea Estate. Also, many nameless but lovely waterfalls lie in the way as well as Lemasthota Falls. Hiking up to Lipton’s Seat might be rather tough, as the sun might get quite merciless during the very middle of the day. Sunblock is a must, as are heavy boots and good warm clothes to ward off the chilly air. Bring enough water to last the whole trip as well, since drinking from mountain streams may cause intestinal issues thanks to bacteria.

Written by Vasika Udurawane for Travel Lanka Compass