Overlooking Lipton's Seat & Splashes at Belihuloya

The mist overtaking Lipton's Seat

Mist.

Cotton wool mist everywhere, so thick that I could cut it with a metaphorical knife and stuff it up...

Excuse me. Kids are reading. 

So we climbed that mountain after a bone-jerking ride in that rust bucket of a bus, all to see... the mist. We were sooo freakin' disappointed. Lipton's Seat is famous for its views and we were looking forward to some killer photos (those who follow my insta will see my marked improvement). Unfortunately, the mist had already covered up the ravine and was advancing fast on us. It was super disappointing, especially since the guides lurking around assured us cheerfully that the view had been crystal clear only half an hour before.

There was a small dirt track leading downhill just behind the statue of Lipton sitting on his throne. We were told that it led to another viewpoint about 300m away so we walked down that to see if we'd have better luck there.

We didn't.

The mist was sneaking up along that path as well. There was no way in hell - hell doesn't have mist though; I digress - that we could see anything and if we didn't move our ass soon, we'd get stuck groping and grabbing our way blindly back to the top (and we all know that groping and grabbing is BAD), so we decided to head up again.

There is a tiny tea shop up there that I highly recommend. Not for the tea, that's too sweet, but the rottis are to die for.

We started heading down again soon after and it took us about an hour or two to get to Dambetenna, with frequent stops to admire the fast disappearing view. The mist made things much more interesting, I have to admit.

Really wanted to try this track but... mist had us beat

We had another cup of tea before we got on the Dambetenna-Haputale bus (LKR 30 per person) and then wound our way back to town. Lunch was sandwiches we'd brought from home. Small tip: the climate is so cool that food keeps well; as long as you don't cook with coconut milk most things will keep.

Haputale-Belihuloya via Google Maps

We had to wait around in Haputale for about half an hour for a bus that would take us to Belihuloya, coz that's where we stayed. We travelled about 30km along the Colombo road and got down at Galagama, where the Belihuloya runs under the road and onto the other side. For LKR 10 (Belihuloya is regulated by a ministry - I don't remember whether its Cultural or Tourism), you get to spend as much time as you'd like in the stream. There's a nice bathing hut for those who want to change but we just skipped about on the rocks and splashed each other.


We'd chosen ලnda Holiday Houses to stay overnight because it was recommended by a friend. It's always important to stay overnight in places that are reputable or known because there are plenty of unscrupulous hotel owners who are looking to make a quick buck off unsuspecting couples. Always travel in packs or shell out for a safe place.

We walked a km or so to reach Landa and then went down a steep incline. It's one of the best eco friendly lodges I've ever seen. It's rustic, and the furniture is heavy wood. The food is authentic Sri Lankan at its best, right down to the wizened old ආත්තම්මා who cooks. We had fried rice for dinner and string hoppers for breakfast and it was fab-u-lous. They grow almost all their own spices and vegetables. There's also a huge zen-like pond surrounded by old green bamboo. Heaven. Just heaven. Totally worth the LKR 6000 (half board) they charged.

We bussed it back to Haputale next morning to catch the train to Colombo. Pro tip: always book a ticket up AND down when travelling long distance by train. We were lucky to grab seats in 2nd class (LKR 330) before the train started overflowing. I got down in Kandy around 4pm. For once, I was fully satisfied with my trip.


Next up: Ella with the family.

(Approx.) Time Taken: 2 nights, 1 day
(Approx.) Total Cost  : LKR 5000 per person (multiple teas included)
Satisfaction                 : 5/5

*All pictures are subject to Copyright © Asuka Randeniye 2017