Lipton’s Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Stunning pool at the top of Upper Diyaluma

Our 3 Favourite Places in Sri Lanka

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Horton Plains National Park, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, The Pekoe Trail, Travel, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Koslanda / By

Our 3 Favourite Places in Sri Lanka

Our 3 favourite places in Sri Lanka

Having lived in the Sri Lankan Hill country for the past six years, it’s an easy choice to pick our favourite 3 places.

Of course GlenMyu Estate would automatically be number one, however here are our favourite places to visit in the Sri Lankan hills.

You may be surprised that Ella, Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak don’t make our list.

They are a little too touristy for us!

Go the hard way!

Our guests tend to agree

When guests ask for recommendations on what to do and see when they stay at GlenMyu Estate, we are always happy to help.

It’s amazing how many things that you can do when staying in the Sri Lankan Hill Country. 

The opening of the Pekoe Trail in 2023 added a new dimension to what we typically would recommend. 

There are several sections of the trail within reach of GlenMyu Estate and we have already had several guests complete stages 12 and 13 of the Pekoe Trail.

Click here to find out more about the Pekoe Trail at the official website
Pekoe Trail Haputale to Lipton Seat

Our 3 favourite places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Here are our three favourite places to visit in Sri Lanka when staying at GlenMyu Estate.

1. Diyaluma Waterfall and Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

Diyaluma Waterfall is the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Bambarakanda Waterfall is the highest and is also within reach of GlenMyu Estate.

It’s number one on our list for many reasons. Embarrassingly, we were a little late finding out about this amazing place. It was only when some German guests invited us to accompany them that we discovered this gem.

The pools at Upper Diyaluma
Upper Diyaluma

What and where?

The second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka is a spectacular sight, especially when there is good water flow.

Here is a video of Diyaluma Waterfall from the roadside that was taken in January 2024.

Diyaluma Waterfall and Upper Diyaluma Pools are around 45 minutes drive from GlenMyu Estate.

The main waterfall is located on the A4 road between Koslanda and Wellawaya.

Diyaluma Waterfall can be viewed from the main A4 road between Beragala and Wellawaya.

There is a small road that takes you to the start of the twenty minute hike to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and pools.

 

The advantage of staying at GlenMyu Estate

There is a good reason to stay at GlenMyu Estate if you want to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.

We are only a 45 minute drive from the waterfall.

If you don’t like crowds and are willing to get up early, then you are more likely to have a unique experience.

The crowds from Ella and Haputale are further from the falls and therefore if you get there early you may have this amazing environment all to yourself.

In January 2024, my best friend and my godson went early to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and we were the only people there.

We saw our first tourist arrive as we finished our hike and dip in the pools.

2. Horton Plains National Park

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is our second favourite place to visit in Sri Lanka.

This National Park is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It was designated as a National Park in 1988.

The park is at an elevation of 2,100–2,300 m (6,900–7,500 ft). It covers an area of  31.6 km² (3,169 hectares).

It’s unique landscape on the island consists of ecosystems such as Montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystem.

3 places to stop and catch you breath (and take those Instagram pics!)

Horton Plains National Park has three main stopping points on the 111 kilometre circular hike. 

The first is Lesser World;s End which has a cliff with a 270 metre drop,

Secondly is Greater World’s End which has an impressive 870 metre precipice.

Lesser World's End, Horton Plains National Park
Hiking at Horton Plains National Park

The third spot to rest is in front of the beautiful Baker’s Falls waterfall. This waterfall is named after the founder of Nuwara Eliya.

The Beautiful Bakers Falls Waterfall

Flora and Fauna

Another highlight of Horton Plains is the flora and fauna you will see there.

Horton Plains’ vegetation is grasslands interspersed with montane forest. It includes many endemic woody plants.

And there are lots of different fauna to see (if you are lucky!).

Sambar Deer is the most commonly seen faunal species in the park. You can normally see them on the plains as you enter the park. There may even be a large male who hangs around by the car park.

Other fauna include the Montane Toque Macaque, the Slender Loris, the Long Clawed Shrew. The park is also home to twelve species of endemic birds.

And even some Leopards!

It is unusual to spot a leopard in Horton Plains National Park.

However, we did have guests from  Austria that saw one as they left the park in March 2024.

Ghost of the Clouded Plains is a book which was published in 2023 documenting the leopards there. 

It is Photographer/Naturalist Sankha Wanniatchi’s first book venture and captures over 8 years of intense study on the Leopard of Horton Plains.

You can see more details of the book at the following link to Barefoot Ceylon.

Click here to visit Barefoot Ceylon

3. Lipton's Seat, Haputale

We first visited Lipton’s Seat many years ago before we were living in the country.

Unfortunately, we didn’t really appreciate the beauty of the viewing place of Sir Edward Lipton at the time.

We made the mistake of getting to the top of Lipton’s Seat too late on in the day and we didn’t get a good view of the landscape.

Visit Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka
Lipton's Seat views

Our Australian guests set us right

In November 2023 our Australian guests, Matt and Millie left GlenMyu Estate early in the morning to catch the sunrise at Lipton’s Seat,

November is not the best month to sight see in the Hill country as there is a bit of rain before the drier peak seasons of Late December to April,

How wrong we were!

Matt and Millie really set us right about Lipton’s Seat. 

Look at the amazing experience they had watching the sunrise. We were bowled over.

Enjoying the sunrise at Lipton's Seat
Hike in a beautiful landscape in Sri Lanka

Walking through the tea plantation

One of the joys about visiting Lipton’s Seat is walking down through the manicured lines of tea bushes.

You may even get an opportunity to capture one of the tea pluckers in action.

Practice friluftsliv in Sri Lanka.
Lipton's Seat Photos

And a tea factory tour

Matt and Millie finished of the experience by doing a Tea Factory tour at Dambetenne Tea Factory.

The tea factory offers regulars tours which will provide you with the knowledge of where you tea comes from and how it is processed.

Our top 3 favourite places in Sri Lanka - Summary

  1. Diyaluma and Upper Diyaluma
  2. Horton Plains National Park.
  3. Lipton’s Seat

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to visit the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Diyaluma Waterfall, Horton Plains and Litpon’s Seat.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town,  Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Click here to visit our website
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Our 3 Favourite Places in Sri Lanka Read More »

10 reasons to Visit Lipton's Seat.

10 reasons to Visit Lipton’s Seat.

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By

10 reasons to Visit Lipton's Seat.

10 reasons to Visit Lipton’s Seat.

Lipton’s Seat is a favourite place to visit for many of our guests at GlenMyu Estate. Some guests get up early and see the sunrise and take a tour around Dambetenne Tea factory before retuning to GlenMyu Estate for a late breakfast.

Visit Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka

1. See what the famous Lipton's Tea Baron saw.

Sir Thomas Lipton used to sit and contemplate his plantation with its stone landscape and green tea bushes.

Seeing some of the most amazing panoramic views you will find in the Sri Lankan Hill Country is a good reason to visit. 

You will probably recognise the Lipton’s Tea Brand. There is more information at the Lipton Tea website on the History of Litpon Tea “In the Beginning”.

The Mitchell Library also has “The Life Story of Thomas Lipton”.

2. Get there early and see a spectacular sunrise.

There are many reasons for getting up early when you are on holiday in Sri Lanka. You can read about the reasons to get up early in our article “The six best reasons to get up early”.

Evidence of why you should get up early to see the sunrise are in the pictures that our guests Matt and Millie took. They are spectacular and well worth having an early start. 

They said that it was one of the most beautiful places that they had experienced. As they were early, they were the only ones to see this spectacular sky.

How lucky they were and what a memory they took back to Australia with them.

3. Admire the geometry of the lines of tea bushes.

In Sri Lanka, tea is cultivated using the ‘contour planting’ method.

The tea bushes are planted in lines along the contours of the land, usually on slopes.

This also makes it easier for the tea pluckers to access the bushes and pluck the tea leaves.

An even distribution of water without any water logging is required in tea plantations. The hill slopes provide proper drainage and prevents water logging problems. This is the reason why tea plantations are usually grown on hill slopes.

4. Watch the ladies pluck the tea.

Tea plucking is mainly carried out by ladies who are experts at their craft.

The plucking process is usually carried out by women and you will see that they carry a basket on their backs to staffer the tea leaves.

Sri Lanka is one of the few countries where each tea leaf is picked by hand rather than plucking using machines.

The quality of tea degrades using machines because then all the leaves are not whole.

The ladies who pick leaves are so efficient that they are able to pluck rapidly and set a daily target of around 15 to 20 kg. We have heard that some are able to pluck up to 30 kg which increases the pay they receive.

Lipton's Seat Photos

5. See the view across five provinces.

You can see across five provinces from the viewpoint on a clear day. Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Central, Southern and Eastern provinces.

On a clear day, you should be able to spot the Handapanagala Lake, the Chandrika Lake and the Udawalawe Lake as well as the Wedihiti Kanda mountain range.

Sometimes you can also see Hambantota Port.

It’s best to get to Lipton’s Seat early in the day as the clouds can come later in the morning and obscure the view.

6. Get a picture with the tea baron himself.

A bust of the famous Tea Baron, Sir Thomas Lipton, sits on a seat at the viewpoint at Lipton’s Seat. 

Take a picture next to the entrepreneur as a reminder of your trip.

Sir Thomas Lipton, the Scottish Tea Baron.

7. Walk through the rows of tea and see the tea bushes close up.

Walking through the rows of tea bushes is an experience itself.

Apart from being a beautiful environment (an an Instagram opportunity), you will get to examine the tea bushes close up. 

Seeing the tea bushes may inspire you to find out more about how the tea is processed by visiting Dambetenne Tea Factory and participating in a tea tour.

Practice friluftsliv in Sri Lanka.

8. Hike the trail down to the tea factory.

Hiking down the 7 kilometre trail from the viewpoint at Lipton’s Seat to the village of Dambetenne is a great experience and photo opportunity.

You can breathe in the rest air and get a little bit of exercise.

There will be plenty of more photo opportunities on your walk.

If you find the 7 kilometres a bit too much, there will be plenty of Tuk Tuks available to take you on your way.

Hiking in Sri Lanka

9. See how tea is processed at Dambetenne Tea Factory.

Have you ever wondered how tea is made into a favourite beverage?

Learn about the different quality of leaves and how they are processed on a tour of the tea factory.

It’s interesting to find out about the different grades of tea and what actually goes into your tea bags!

10. Buy some local tea as a memento of your experience.

Support the local community by buying some of the products on sale at the tea factory.
They are a great item for gists for family and friends.
Sipping a cup of Dambetenne Tea when you are back home will bring back memories of your experience ay Lipton’s Seat.

10 reasons to Visit Lipton's Seat. - Summary

  1. See what the famous Lipton’s Tea Baron saw.
  2. Get there early and see a spectacular sunrise.
  3. Admire the geometry of the lines of tea bushes.
  4. Watch the ladies pluck the tea.
  5. See the view across five provinces
  6. Get a picture with the tea baron himself.
  7. Walk through the rows of tea and see the tea bushes close up.
  8. Hike the trail down to the tea factory.
  9. See how tea is processed at Dambetenne Tea Factory.
  10. Buy some local tea as a memento of your experience.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to visit Lipton's Seat.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Click here to visit our website
Facebook Instagram Youtube Tripadvisor

10 reasons to Visit Lipton’s Seat. Read More »

Our guests Matt and Millie enjoying Upper DIiyaluma Waterfall

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall- Need to know.

Holiday, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka, The Pekoe Trail, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall- what you need to know.

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall is a fabulous place to visit when you are staying at GlenMyu Estate on your holiday in Sri Lanka.

We have had many guests visit Upper Diyaluma and we also love it there.

Here is our basic guide on what you need to know before you go.

Our guests Matt and Millie enjoying Upper DIiyaluma Waterfall

What is it?

Upper Diyaluma is the second tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.

It is 220 metres (720 ft) high and is the 619th Highest Waterfall in the World. Diyaluma Waterfall can be viewed from the road and is 6 kilometres from Koslanda. 

Our guests at GlenMyu Estate love to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and you can spend several hours there. There are many gorgeous pools to swim in as you descend from the top of Upper Diyaluma.

During your hike and exploration of the pools you will experience a beautiful landscape and enjoy some spectacular views..

Diyaluma Waterfall.

What will I see when I get there?

The Highlights are:

Experiencing the hike from the car park through the grassland to the top of Upper Diyaluma whilst enjoying the beautiful landscape and scenery.

Exploring the beautiful cool pools whilst being closer to nature.

Feeling the exhilaration of being is a unique environment which has ben, until recently, relatively undiscovered. 

Swimming at Upper Diyaluma Pools

Where is it?

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall is located off the A4 Colombo to Batticaloa Highway (It’s actually quite narrow due to the difficulty widening the road in the Sri Lankan Hills).

The base of the falls can be viewed from the road in between Beragala and Koslanda.

How do I get there?

Get there early!

We recommend that you get to Upper Diyaluma early to avoid the crowds and midday sun.

Some of our guests have left early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the intensity of the sun. They have returned later on to GlenMyu Estate for a late breakfast.

You can also leave after breakfast and enjoy Upper Diyaluma however you will need to be careful as the suns power increases.

There is not much cover or shade from trees so you need to make sure that you take your sun cream.

GlenMyu Estate is only a forty minute drive to Diyaluma Waterfall. Our guests normally beat the crowds that arrive from Ella a little later on in the day. 

What will I need to take?

The hike to the top of Upper Diyaluma is mainly climbing some rock stairs and then travelling across some grassland. It is a hike of moderate difficulty.

Footwear – I would recommend wearing sandals with fastenings.(Thats what I usually wear). Otherwise you can wear training shoes or walking shoes. For this hike walking shoes or boots are not necessary, but if you have brought them with you, why not use them?

Sunscreen  – We have had several guests that have returned a little redder than they left us when they went to Upper Diyaluma. There is not much shade and you will be enjoying the pools at a high elevation where the levels of UV can be quite high. 

Food and Drink – We would recommend that you take some water and a small snack as you can spend some hours enjoying Upper Diyaluma. Some of our guests have spent 4 – 5 hours there they enjoyed it so much.

There is a small shop near the car parking and also some other shops at the base of the waterfall where you can pick up some food and drink. We normally have some King Coconut after our hike which is quite refreshing.

Please take all you litter with you and keep the park clean.

Camera and Mobile Phone – you will have plenty of photo opportunities for those Instagram and Social Media moments. 

A small backpack – you will need something to carry the items listed above.

Read more about it!

You can read more about Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and photos that we and our guests have taken at our Hiking in Sri Lanka Articles and Posts Page.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Click here to visit our website
Facebook Instagram Youtube Tripadvisor

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall- Need to know. Read More »

Enjoying the sunrise at Lipton's Seat

Sunrise at Lipton’s Seat

Holiday, Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By

Sunrise at Lipton's Seat, Haputale, Sri Lanka.

Getting up early to see the sunrise at Lipton’s Seat is one of the special things you can do whilst staying at GlenMyu Estate, Sri Lanka.

Hike in a beautiful landscape in Sri Lanka

What is Lipton's Seat?

Lipton’s Seat viewpoint is one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive scenic vistas on the island (unless it’s misty and cloudy of course, which is why early morning is the best time to visit).
The Scottish tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton used to survey his vast empire from here.

This magnificent view encompasses scenes across emerald hills and tea estates to no fewer than five different provinces.

Sir Thomas Lipton?

Lipton’s Seat viewpoint was named after the celebrated  Tea Baron: Thomas Lipton.

Lipton was a Scottish businessman who moved to British Ceylon in 1890. At that time he met James Taylor and, together, they introduced tea gardens to the island. Before Lipton’s arrival, Taylor had tried to grow coffee on the island.

Unfortunately the coffee plantations were devastated by a leaf-blight called Hemileia Vastarix.

The two men started a business venture together which would outlive their lifetimes.  Sri Lanka’s (known as Ceylon then) tea estates were established and tea is forever connected with Sri Lanka. Originally known as Ceylon Tea, tea has been a major export crop for the country since. Beautifully manicured tea plantations are also an image which is linked to the island.

Have you ever had a cup of Liptons Iced Tea. Or do would you recognise the yellow branding of Liptons Teas? The name of the viewpoint and the tea brand are one in the same. You can read more about Sir Thomas Lipton on at the “History of Lipton Tea from the 1800’s” on the Lipton Tea website.

A unique viewing point.

Lipton’s Seat is a popular viewing point, from where Thomas Lipton would sit with a cup of tea in hand and proudly look over his estate.

Today, you can also enjoy one of the best views on the island from the lookout. You can also take a picture with the even a life-sized statue of Lipton on a bench.

It is best to go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the late-morning fog or mist.

The breathtaking views provide a feast for your eyes as the sun rises and the hills turn from a dark blue to vibrant green. A variety of yellows scatter across the sky creating a kaleidoscope of colour from lilac with a burst of pink and orange before finally turning blue.

It is really something that must be experienced.

Later on ofter the views are obscured by mists of fogs that are painted over the hills. This can be spectacular itself if you choose not to get up early for the sunrise,

What will I see when I get to Lipton's Seat?

As you look over the tea hills below Lipton’s Seat you will see across the Uva, Sabaragamuwa, Central and Eastern provinces.

Also visible from the viewpoint are Handapanagala Lake, Chandrika Lake, Udawalawe Lake and the Wedihitikanda Mountains.

You can also see the relatively new even the Hambanthota harbour from the Southern Coast. 

Part of the new Pekoe Trail.

Stage 13 of the Pekoe Trail (Haputale to St Catherine) takes you to Lipton’s Seat.

The Pekoe Trail is a new hiking route that covers 300 kilometres of the Sri Lankan Central Hills in 22 stages.

Starting in Kandy the trail takes you through Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, Haputale and Ella.

The route takes you to the Thotalagala – Dambatenne Valley. As you walk uphill through the beautiful tea trails and tea estate you will reach Lipton’s Seat  with views across the valley.

Where is Lipton' Seat?

Lipton’s Seat is one hour, fifteen minutes drive from GlenMyu Estate along a small road from Haputale Town towards Dambethenna Tea Factory.

Lipton’ Seat is around one hours drive from Haputale Railway Station. 

How do I get to Lipton's Seat.

To hike to the lookout, take the signed narrow paved road from the Dambatenne Tea Factory. The climb is about 8km through lush tea plantations.

At GlenMyu Estate, we can arrange for a Tuk Tuk to take you to Lipton’s Seat and Dambethenna Tea Factory. You can go early and return for a late breakfast at the estate.

When should I visit Lipton's Seat to see the sunrise?

There is no guarantee that you will get a clear view from Lipton’s Seat as the clouds can come in an obscure the view.

Lipton’s Seat is at an elevation of 1,970  metres above sea level so there is every possibility that you can be in the clouds. 

We have personally experienced this on one of our trips with our family. It was still a good adventure as taking pictures in the clouds was fun and different. We had arrived a little late in the day and there was more chance of the clouds obscuring the viewpoint.

However, we always recommend that you go early in the day, whether you want to catch the sunrise or just a great view.

Normally, during the inter monsoon period in Sri Lanka there is less chance of getting a good view as it rains quite a lot. The Inter-monsoon period is from October to November.

However, our Australian guests, Millie and Matt, took these stunning photos on the 4th November 2023. They were the only people at Lipton’s Seat that morning. So, it may be worth gambling on the weather to benefit from having the place to yourself.

A sunrise, a hike, a tea factory tour and breakfast at GlenMyu Estate.

We know that the idea of getting up early on holiday is a challenge to many, however, the experience is worth it as you can see from our guest photos of their trip.

Experiencing the stunning sunrise, the exhilaration of hiking through the tea plantations, learning how the tea is processed is good use of a morning. And you can come back to GlenMyu Estate for a delicious breakfast prepared by Ru and the team.

Find out more about GlenMyu Estate.

Please visit our website, see our photos and videos on our social media channels and our reviews on Booking.com, Airbnb, Tripadvisor and Google.

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GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb. Please press the WhatsApp button on our website to contact us directly for the best rates and offers.

What else can I see and explore in the Sri Lankan Hill Country?

A luxury Bed and Breakfast.

3 Kingsize Double Bedrooms with Spectacular Views
2 Spacious Lounges with views over the hills below the house
A Natural Spring-Fed Infinity Swimming Pool
5 Acres of land to explore

Delicious bespoke meals freshly prepared by the host
A selection of places to dine

A place to relax and be closer to nature

Within reach of the following tourist sites

Diyaluma Waterfall and Upper Diyaluma Pools
Horton Plains National Park – Mini Worlds End, Worlds End and Bakers Falls
Adisham Bungalow
Lipton Seat
Dambetenna Tea Factory
Bambarakanda Waterfall
Thangamale Bird Sanctuary
Ella Town
9 Arch Bridge
Little Adams Peak
Ravanna Waterfall

A little taste of what you will see at GlenMyu Estate

Sunrise at Lipton’s Seat Read More »

Enjoying the sunrise at Lipton's Seat

Sri Lanka’s most beautiful place

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka / By

Sri Lanka's most beautiful place.

“Probably, the most beautiful place we have ever seen”. Our guests reaction when they returned from seeing the siunrise at Lipton’s Seat. Is this Sri Lanka’s most beautiful place.

This is not something that I was expecting to hear and something that you do not hear that often. 

We live on a paradise island and there are some spectacular and memorable places to experience and visit that make a great impact on your senses. 

Enjoying the sunrise at Lipton's Seat

Today (3rd November 2023), our guests returned from their early morning trip to see the sunrise at Lipton’s Seat.

It’s been a while since I’ve visited Lipton’s Seat and this inspires me to make another trip soon.

An early start

Lipton’s Seat is just over an hours drive from GlenMyu Estate Hotel. 

Our Australian couple were travelling around Sri Lanka, for the first time, and are to end up in Colombo at a friends wedding. 

The end of October and beginning of November is not the best time to visit the island as it is hit by the Inter-monsoon.

We have experienced quite a lot of rain and fortunately when they arrived the rain had eased, thankfully. When guests arrive we always want the view from the lounge to be spectacular. This afternoon we had an okay view in our opinion. I guess you get a little spoilt when living at GlenMyu Estate all year round. For us it is a little disappointing, however, for our guests they were knocked over by the beauty.

It's easy to get blase!

We tend to forget that most visitors live in cities and they don’t have a view like ours. 

I was so pleased that they were bowled over by the view.

Maybe tomorrow

Sometimes when the new is not as spectacular as I would like, I hope and I pray the view the next morning would be fabulous after the rains. Unfortunately, after looking at the weather forecast, rain was also expected the following day.

Up early and off to Lipton’s Seat

The view the next morning from GlenMyu Estate was not going to be a issue as our guests had already planned to get up at 4.30 a.m. 

They were aiming to get to Lipton’s Seat to see the sunrise. 

I was a little skeptical that there would be a sunrise worth seeing, given the weather and the forecast.

Lipton’s Seat - what’s that?

Do you know the brand Liptons Tea. Maybe you have drank an Liptons Iced tea?

Lipton’s Seat is located an hour away from Haputale town.

Lipton’s Seat is a viewpoint which was named after the celebrated Thomas Lipton.

Sir Thomas Lipton was a Scottish businessman who moved to the island in 1890 when it was a British colony.

He met James Taylor, and together they introduced tea gardens to the country.

Before Thomas Lipton’s more to the country, James Taylor had attempted to grow coffee on the island.

Sadly, the coffee plantations were devastated by a leaf-blight. With Thomas Lipton’s assistance, the two men started on an enterprise which would carry on for generations after.

The Viewpoint
Lipton’s Seat is a popular viewpoint, from where Sir Thomas Lipton would sit with a cup of tea in hand and survey the landscape of his estate.

Today, you can enjoy one of the best views from the lookout.

You can even get a photo with the Tea Baron! There is a life-sized statue of the man himself sitting on a bench.

If you want a better chance of getting a great photo of the beautiful landscape, it is recommended that you go early in the morning to avoid the crowds and the late-morning mist and fog

The next morning

The following morning our guests had left early as planned, with a flask of tea, provided by one of our staff, in hand to keep them warm at the peak.

I was delighted, again, that the overnight rain had cleared the clouds sufficiently so that the guests had a chance of seeing a view.

We were aware that the guests would also make a trip to Dambethenna Tea Factory to see how the tea is processed after their hike to Lipton’s Seat. This would result in them returning for breakfast around 10 a.m.

We are up early most days.

As normal, both Ru and I were up early. Ru made and baked the breads and prepared the rest of the breakfast in readiness for their return. 

I watched the skies hoping that it stayed clear and dry enough for the guests to have an enjoyable start to the day.

Then it was my time to be bowled over!

Almost on cue, the guest arrived back to GlenMyu Estate at 10 a.m. as planned.

I greeted them as they entered the house and they had big smiles on their faces. 

The view from the house was so much better when they arrived back. Cleared skies and Udawalawe Reservoir could be seen in the distance. There were photo opportunities not to be missed before I got a debrief of their early morning adventure.

Probably the most beautiful place they have ever seen

Once the photo session from the house had concluded I got to see some of the photos they had captured that morning. They said that the view from Lipton’s Seat “Was probably the most beautiful place they have ever seen”. 

I was amazed to hear this as they have travelled quite extensively and there are so many beautiful places to see in Australia.

There was an added bonus, as they were the only people at Lipton’s Seat that morning.

Sri Lanka Tourism Authority has a plan to attract between four and five million tourists at 2030 (from a plan of 1.5 million in 2023). Given this target, what our guests experienced will be truly a unique experience compared to what is expected in the future.

The photos - just wow!

I asked the guests to share the photos with me so that I could share them with you.

The photos of the sunrise is just wow and spectacular. 

I’m sure you agree.

Walking through the tea gardens at Lipton's Seat
Hiking in Sri Lanka

Getting up early is worth it

We recommend an early start to guests when they stay at GlenMyu Estate. You can have your adventure and exploration early on in the day and enjoy the afternoon at the estate.

You can read more about why you should get up early in our article “The 6 best reasons to wake up early “.

Inspired!

I have not seen the sunrise at Lipton’s Seat and seeing these photos and hearing about our guests experience gives me an incentive to do the same.

Hopefully their experience will also inspire and encourage you to see the sunrise at Lipton’s Seat.

Thank you Matt and Millie for sharing your photographs with us at GlenMyu Estate.

Find out more about a stay at GlenMyu Estate

What you will experience.

3 Kingsize Double Bedrooms with Spectacular Views
2 Spacious Lounges with views over the hills below the house
A Natural Spring-Fed Infinity Swimming Pool
5 Acres of land to explore

Delicious bespoke meals freshly prepared by the host
A selection of places to dine

A place to relax and be closer to nature

Within reach of the following tourist sites

Diyaluma Waterfall and Upper Diyaluma Pools
Horton Plains National Park – Mini Worlds End, Worlds End and Bakers Falls
Adisham Bungalow
Lipton Seat
Dambetenna Tea Factory
Bambarakanda Waterfall
Thangamale Bird Sanctuary
Ella Town
9 Arch Bridge
Little Adams Peak
Ravanna Waterfall

Find us on Booking.com and Airbnb.

Read our reviews on TripAdvisor, Google, Booking.com and Airbnb.

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Explore Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

Hiking in Sri Lanka, Holiday, Things to do on holiday in Sri Lanka, Travel / By

Exploring Sri Lanka's Hill Country.

Explore Sri Lanka’s Hill Country – the best places to visit whilst staying at GlenMyu Estate, Haputale, Beragala.

Guests really love staying at GlenMyu Estate and exploring the five acres of land.

A garden tour by Ru is very informative and we are amazed about how many guests love to find out more about where their food come from. 

Spending time at our Natural Spring Fed Infinity Swimming Pool, playing badminton on the lawn or board games in the lounge are some of the fun things to do. 

A free fish pedicure in the stream and if you are brave an able enough you can go on an adventure to the waterfall at the bottom of the land.

However, there are some wonderful places to explore in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country within an hours drive or so from the estate. Lots of guests like to stay outside the busy tourist town of Ella and have day trips to see Nine Arch Bridge, Ravana Waterfall or climb Little Adam’s Peak or Ella Rock.

We have listed the most popular things that our guests visit when they stay at GlenMyu Estate. They are not in any particular order however there is a reason why we have put Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and Horton Plains National Park at the top. We love visiting these places.

Please do not discard the other items lower on the list. Our guest have raved about seeing the sun rise at Lipton’s Seat. The Pekoe Trail is a new hiking route and there are only a few of our guests who have completed the stages so far.

Our Top places to explore in the Hill Country near to GlenMyu.

  • Upper Diyaluma Waterfall – the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
  • Horton Plains National Park (UNESCO), Lesser World’s End, Greater World’s End and Baker’s Falls.
  • Lipton’s’ Seat, Haputale.
  • Bambarakanda Waterfall – the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
  • Nine Arch Bridge, Ella.
  • Adisham Monastery, Haputale.
  • Stages 11,12,13,& 14 of the Pekoe Trail.
  • There are many more places to visit – we will write an extended list of places to see in the future.
Nine Arch Bridge
Ru swimming at Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Sri Lanka.
Mike at Worlds End, Horton Plains National Park.

Explore Sri Lanka's Hill Country: Upper Diyaluma Waterfall

One of our favourite spots close to GlenMyu Estate explore in Sri Lanka’s Hill country is Diyaluma Waterfall which is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka.
It ranks 361st in the world and is 220m high (720 ft).

The falls are situated around 6 km from away from Koslanda in Badulla District on the Colombo Batticaloa Highway (A4).

It is a forty minute drive from GlenMyu Estate and we can arrange a Tuk Tuk and guide for you.

You can read our article about our day trip to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall with some guests from GlenMyu Estate.
We also have an article about the entry cost to Upper Diyaluma Waterfall.
Guest photos of their experience at the waterfall can be found here.

Horton Plains National Park - a UNESCO heritage site

Another favourite that we enjoy in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is a hike around Horton Plains National Park.

You can read our article about our hike at Horton Plains in our article Hike around Horton Plains National Park.

We also have guest photos of their experience which you can look at here.

Lipton’s Seat is a place where lots of our guests enjoy and is around one hours drive from GlenMyu Estate.

Most of our guests combine a hike at Lipton’s Seat with a visit to Dambetenne Tea factory to see how the tea is processed

You can see our guest photos of their experience here.

Bambarakanda Waterfall is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka and is less than one hours drive from GlenMyu Estate.

You can read our article about Bambarakanda Waterfall here.

Explore Sri Lanka's Hill Country near Ella.

Nine Arch Bridge is located just outside Ella Town and is one of the must see places to visit in Sri Lanka.  If you make it there when a train passes over the bridge it is really a memorable sight. 

We visited Nine Arch Bridge in early 2023 and you can read about our day trip here. 

Adisham Hall is one of the closest places to visit from GlenMyu Estate. 

You can read our article about our visit with our family to Adisham Hall and Monastery.

The Pekoe Trail is a 300-kilometre long distance walking trail through the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

The 22 – stage walking trail takes you through some of the finest ecology and mountain terrain in the South of Asia. The trail begins in Kandy is routed through Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, Hatton and Ella.

The following stages are within reach of GlenMyu Estate: 
Stage 11 – Horton Plains to Udaweriya
Stage 12 – Udaweriya to Haputale
Stage 13 – Haputale to St. Catherine
Stage 14 – St. Catherine to Makulella
Stage 15 – Makulella to Ella
Stage 16 – Ella to Demodara.

Ru always says to guests that if it is your first time in Sri Lanka’s Hill country you should visit a tea estate and see how your tea is made. If you have not done a tea tour in Nuwara Eliya then we would suggest doing a tour at Dambetenne Tea Factory after visiting Lipton’s Seat.

How do I find out more about GlenMyu Estate?

If you are travelling to the Sri Lankan Hill Country and do not want to be located in a busy tourist town GlenMyu Estate may be the place for you. 

You can find out more about GlenMyu Estate on our website and also subscribe to our social media platforms so you can see some more pictures and videos of the property and land.

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Sir Thomas Lipton, the Scottish Tea Baron.

Photos of Lipton’s Seat

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Photos of Lipton's Seat

Lipton’s Seat is a great place to visit in the Sri Lankan Hill Country with stunning views over the tea plantations that were owned by Scottish tea Barons Sri Thomas Lipton. Our guests at GlenMyu Estate have been generous enough to share their photos of Lipton’s Seat with us so we can give you a taste of what you will see.

Lipton’s Seat is located 25 kilometres away from GlenMyu Estate and it takes just over 1 hour to drive there. The last part of the journey is best done by foot as the road is quite small and suitable for a Tuk Tuk.

Mike and Ru's photos of Lipton's Seat

Ru and I went to Lipton’s Seat many years ago and it was quite cloudy so our photos are not fantastic. We will return , inspired by our guests wonderful photos and hopefully add some better ones in future.

Patrick and Fabienne’s photos of Lipton’s Seat

Our German guests Patrick and Fabienne were generous enough to share the wonderful photos of Lipton’s Seat that they took early one morning.

They were hoping to get to Lipton’s Seat to see the sunrise however missed it by a few minutes. However, I’m sure that you will agree that their photos are inspiring and wonderful. They certainly make you think that it is worth getting up early to see this wonderful sight.

German Travellers to Sri Lanka

Stefan & Vera's photos of Lipton's Seat

Stefan and Vera, our German/Austrian guests visited Lipton’s Seat when there were some atmospheric clouds. They did get a good view of the tea fields on the day and were delighted that they made the trip. They took a picture of the statue of the tea Baron himself, Sri Thomas Lipton.

Austria Flag

Millie and Matt's photos of Lipton's Seat.

Millie and Matt, our Australian/British couple visited Lipton’s Seat in early November 2023. They set off early (4.30 a.m.!!!) to see the sunrise at Lipton’s Seat.

You can see from the photos and their experience that it was well worth getting up early.

Amazingly, due to the low numbers of tourists in early November (and the reluctance to get up early) they were the only visitors at Lipton’s Seat. What an experience having the beautiful piece of this paradise island all to yourself.

I’m sure that Millie and Matt will remember this uniques experience for years to come.

The Australian flag

Greg and Kasia.

Greg & Kasia are from Krakow, Poland and they stayed at GlenMyu Estate in early December 2023. 

The weather wasn’t great when they arrived at GlenMyu Estate, however the next morning delivered a beautiful day. They left the estate around 8.30 am and took a Tuk Tuk to Lipton’s Seat. 

They managed to get some great photos. I especially like the photos of the tea pluckers at work.

Thank you Greg and Kasia for allowing us to share your photos.

GlenMyu Estate

GlenMyu Estate is located in the Sri Lankan Hill country within driving distance of many great sights of interest including Lipton’s Seat.

With only three bedrooms and in 5 acres of land, it is a great alternative to the more tourist town of Ella.

Please visit Google, Tripadvisor, Booking.com and Airbnb to see what our guests think of their holiday at GlenMyu Estate.

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb. For best direct rates please contact us directly view the WhatsApp button on our website.

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