Lipton’s Seat, Adisham Bungalow & Dambetenna Tea Factory: My Tour Review

So, you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka and, actually, are considering hitting up Lipton’s Seat, Adisham Bungalow, and the Dambetenna Tea Factory? Well, these are quite commonly visited spots around Haputale, and they offer a decent look into the hill country’s scenery and tea-making legacy. Anyway, after my visit, I have got some experiences to share, insights that might just, in a way, help you shape your plans better.

A Visit to Lipton’s Seat: What’s the View Really Like?

Lipton’s Seat is rather legendary, mainly because it was one of Sir Thomas Lipton’s favorite spots to survey his tea empire. The view, that is, is seriously breathtaking. Getting there, that is the tricky bit, but many seem to make the trip. That said, the journey up involves either a tuk-tuk ride along winding roads, or even a fairly steep hike, something that most, in some respects, find quite the challenge. On a really clear day, you might see across several provinces, almost. But keep this in mind: the mornings tend to be clearer. By afternoon, more or less, the mist could roll in, totally obscuring the landscape.

I got there pretty early, hoping for that postcard-perfect view, and wasn’t disappointed. What you can get, too, is a steaming cup of Ceylon tea from one of the small stalls. So, just imagine sipping that cuppa, with the panorama spread out below you – that, anyway, is very special. Arguably, the best part about the place is this atmosphere. You may want to hang around with other visitors, chat with some local folks, and generally soak it all in.

Oh, but before I forget, be ready for a bit of a crowd. Anyway, this spot is rather popular, especially during the peak tourist times. And keep a sweater handy too, because it can get somewhat chilly up there. I had to get a bit pushy in order to see the whole view with masses surrounding Lipton seat.

Adisham Bungalow: More Than Just a Pretty Building?

Adisham Bungalow, which is actually close to Haputale, offers a peek into Sri Lanka’s colonial days. This old home was built in the style of a Tudor mansion, something which, in fact, makes it quite eye-catching amidst the Sri Lankan landscape. Once owned by Sir Thomas Villiers, a British planter, it now actually operates as a monastery.

When you go, what you’ll discover are its well-kept gardens and the calm surroundings. The inside is somewhat interesting, with old furniture and photos that, actually, tell of a different time. So, too, it is almost worth checking out the small museum, as it does give some extra information about the bungalow’s story and, really, the lives of people who lived there.

Still, when I visited, the monastery part that is open to visitors was a bit limited, very limited. You can tour a few rooms, and the gardens, that’s for sure. Be respectful of the monks and their routines. So, just dress modestly and keep the noise level down. This is just, actually, one of those stops that gives you a peaceful break from the tourist spots, also adding a cultural touch.

Dambetenna Tea Factory: From Leaf to Cup

If you’re at all curious about how Ceylon tea is created, and also you just have a bit of time, visiting the Dambetenna Tea Factory may well interest you. Established by Sir Thomas Lipton himself, very many believe it’s one of the earliest tea factories in the area. Here you will get to observe just about every stage of tea processing, from the leaves picked fresh, all the way to sorting, drying, and packing.

Tours seem to run regularly and are, by the way, guided. That is to say, you get the process explained, and also can ask anything you want. Apparently, it is kind of fascinating seeing those big machines doing their work, and learning how variations like black, green, and white tea get made.

What makes the visit even better? Seemingly, at the end, there is often a tasting session where, clearly, you can sample different kinds of tea. If anything strikes your fancy, many believe the factory shop stocks various teas and, in a way, is ideal to stock up souvenirs too.

Planning Your Visit: Practical Tips and Recommendations

Okay, if you actually plan on seeing all three places in one trip, and so too are keen on saving yourself some time, and possibly stress, here is what you should bear in mind:

1. Transportation: You can hire a tuk-tuk for the whole day from Haputale. That, arguably, might just be your best bet. Negotiate the cost beforehand, and so, too, you should plan for about 4,000-6,000 LKR for a round trip. You may find a cab instead but that is often expensive.
2. Timings: To grab the best view, actually, try to get to Lipton’s Seat before 10 am. Then you could do the tea factory and the bungalow right after. Note that Adisham Bungalow, typically, is closed on Sundays and Mondays, so schedule that.
3. What to Wear: It would seem that hill country weather can, in a way, change quite rapidly. Always keep a light jacket or sweater along. Dress modestly for visiting Adisham Monastery; basically, cover your shoulders and knees.
4. Food & Drink: You can actually get snacks and tea up at Lipton’s Seat. Yet, bringing water and, clearly, a few of your nibbles might just not be a bad idea.

What Did the Tour Cost, Actually? A Breakdown of Expenses

If you’re trying to budget your trip, these costs might, in a way, help you figure things out. Transportation, which is the tuk-tuk for the whole day, was around 5,000 LKR, but, of course, these prices depend on your negotiation skills. Actually, entry to Adisham Bungalow can cost around 400 LKR, even if it sometimes feels as if things are getting pricey. Anyway, a tour of the Dambetenna Tea Factory is priced fairly, usually, at approximately 250 LKR. Obviously, those extra tea purchases from the factory shop really are up to you, really.