A Famous Viewpoint
Lipton’s Seat is located on the top of Poonagala hill; this is quite literally the point from which the Scottish tea baron Thomas Lipton would often proudly survey his tea plantations. On a clear day it offers a spectacular view of the mountain ranges, lakes and valleys all the way to the southern coast. You can hike to the point through lush tea plantations or your guide can drive you up to the top.
Lipton’s Seat is one of the most famous and spectacular viewpoints in the tea country of Sri Lanka, offering an unrivaled panoramic vista of the surrounding hills and plantations.
It is inextricably linked to the history of tea in Sri Lanka and the man who made it famous globally.
1. Key Details and Location
| Feature | Description |
| Location | Poonagala Mountain, within the Dambatenne Tea Estate, near Haputale, Sri Lanka. |
| Elevation | Approximately 1,950 meters (6,400 feet) above sea level. |
| Historical Tie | Named after Sir Thomas Lipton, the Scottish tea baron. |
| The Name | Lipton would often climb to this spot to proudly survey his vast tea empire. A statue of him is often found at the summit. |
| Views | On a clear day, the 360-degree panorama is said to span across seven of Sri Lanka’s provinces. Views can reportedly stretch as far as the coast, including landmarks like the Handapanagala Lake and even the distant Hambantota Port. |
2. Best Time to Visit
The single most important factor for visiting Lipton’s Seat is the time of day.
- Sunrise/Early Morning (Best Time): Visitors are strongly advised to arrive before 7:00 AM to guarantee a clear view. The sunrise is spectacular, and the air is crisp before the mist and fog roll in, which often happens around 8:00 AM or 10:00 AM.
- Opening Hours: The area is typically open from around 5:30 AM to 5:30 PM.
3. Getting There (The Journey)
Lipton’s Seat is approximately 18 km from Haputale town, but the main ascent starts from the Dambatenne Tea Factory.
- By Foot (Hiking): The most popular method is to hike the final stretch. The trek from the Dambatenne Tea Factory is about 7 to 8 km uphill on a narrow, winding paved road. This walk is a scenic highlight, taking about 2.5 hours, and allows visitors to walk alongside the Tamil tea pluckers starting their day’s work.
- By Tuk-Tuk/Jeep: You can hire a tuk-tuk from Haputale or Ella to take you either all the way to the top or to the gate (about 1.5 km from the seat), allowing you to walk the final leg.
- Dambatenne Tea Factory: Most trips to Lipton’s Seat are combined with a visit to the nearby Dambatenne Tea Factory, which was also founded by Lipton.
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Lipton’s Seat