Solo Explorer: Haputale, Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

Haputale

Haputale, Sri Lanka (Ceylon)

The Haputale is a town of Badulla District in the Uva Province, Sri Lanka & It is situated about 177 Kilometers (110mi) away from Sri Lankan Economic Capital Of Colombo. The elevation is 1431M (4695 ft) above the sea level. The area has a rich bio-diversity and is densed with numerous varieties of flora and fauna. Haputale is surrounded by hills covered with cloud forests and tea plantations. The town has a cooler climate than its surroundings due to its elevation. The Haputale pass allows views across the Southern plains of Sri Lanka. If it’s a very clear day then you can see the southern ridge & during the night time also you can admire beauty of the Hambantota lighthouse pulses. The South-West boundary of Uva basin is marked by the Haputale mountain ridges, which continue on to Horton Plains & Sri Pada(Adam's Peak) to the west. CNN in 2010 named Haputale as one of the Asia's most overlooked destinations.

How to Reach Haputale:

By Road

The Haputale is located in Between Beragala & Hali Ela(A16 Road). If you are travelling from Colombo (main city of Sri Lanka), you can use Colombo - Batticaloa Road (A04 Road) to Beragala (172km away from Colombo) then you have to take to Beragala - Hali Ela Road (A16 road) to reach Haputhale. From Beragala it takes only 5km (3mi) to reach Haputale.

By Train

The Haputale railway station is the 69th station on the main-line and is located 248km (154mi) from Colombo & it's having an elevation of 1,479M (4,854ft) above the sea level. The station was opened in June 1893.

Climate:

Haputale has two types of climate prevailing, Namely the tropical Rainforest climate & tropical Savanna climate. Annual rainfall in Haputale averages around 2500 millimetres a year. Due to its elevation, the temperature is significantly lower than other parts of Sri Lanka and approximate maximum and minimum temperature is around 27°C (80.6°F) & 18°C (64.4°Fthe beauty of the Hambantota lightho) for the year.

Things You Can do in Haputale:

Ø Lipton's Seat - One of the famous Viewpoint in Sri Lanka which is an elevation of 1970 M above sea level. Incredible views and Highly Recommend for the sunrise view. It's mostly covered with cloud. On good conditions, you can see the sea. Located about 18 km from Haputale.

Ø Prabhawa Mountain 360° View Point - It's situated about 3 km (1.8mi) away from Haputale town. It is having 1.6km (1mi) hike from Haputale - Dambethenna road through the tea bushes. Try to visit early morning to see the mesmerizing view.

Ø Thangamale Bird Sanctuary - There is no official entrance to it, you can easily enter it through just left of Adisham Bungalow. Lovely walks along the trees, vegetation is a bit overgrown in some areas but Easy to follow the path. Some part you can enjoy more walking along the narrow edges of the cliff. When you enter into the sanctuary, it's quite silent and you can see the breathtaking views of the area.

Ø St. Andrew's Church - St. Andrew's church is situated close to the Haputale Town, nearby the Haputale Bus stand. It's very famous among situated on a small hill where you is situated on a small hill where you can enjoy the beautiful scenery view.

Ø Adisham Bungalow - This monastery was built in the nineteenth century in British Sri Lanka period. It had been modelled on the Leeds Castle in England. Lately, it became a Benedictine monastery. The Thangamale Bird Sanctuary is also located next to this bungalow.

Ø Bambarakanda Waterfalls - Bambarakanda waterfalls are the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka with a height of 263M (863ft). It’s situated in the Kalupahana area & 25.3km (15.7km) away from Haputale. This waterfall ranks as the 299th highest waterfall in the world.

Places to visit in Haputale:

· Horton Plains National Park via Boralanda

· Adisham Bungalow

· Lipton's Seat

· St Andrew's Church

· Bambarakanda Waterfalls

· Lanka Ella Waterfalls

· Soragune Devalaya

· Beragala Gap

· Idalgashinna

· Thangamale Sanctuary