Haputale

Haputale is a city in Uva, in the central mountain area of Sri Lanka. It's a relaxed little place with about 5000 inhabitants. Mostly Tamils mixed with some Muslims and Buddhists. It's a wonderful place to retreat for a while. There is many Tea estates around and one can walk virtually for several weeks, without ever taking the same path twice. As it is located on top of a mountain range, the views are exceptional. Though being quite high above sea level, the sun should be minded.

Get in
Haputale lies on the train line between Colombo and Badulla. Trains from Colombo leave at 5:55, 8:30, 9:45 and 20:30, taking about 9 hours to travel the 250km. Fares are LKR 470/300 2nd/3rd class, and some 1st class carriages with reserved seating should be available.

Get around
Walking or by tuk-tuk, as usual in Sri Lanka. One can also take the train to visit smaller places around Haputale such as Ella, Bandarawella or Badulla. It's also quite common to take the train to one of the neighbouring villages and simply walk back that same way on the rail tracks, as the locals do. Those rail track walks offer some of the best views Sri Lanka has to offer.

See
A lot of tea estates surround the tiny city. Just wandering around in the plantations and watching the tea workers collecting the leaves.



Do
Walking.

Eat
There is the standard range of eateries.

Connect
The "Website Link" cybercafe offers a good high speed connection. Rs 60 per hour (2009). Just walk from the railway station for about 100 m in the direction main crossing. You'll find the place on the left hand side. The owner of this cafe knows the area quite well and will give you a helping hand if you require information: Mr Loga, mobile: 0779975051, websitelink@hotmail.com, websitelinkloga@gmail.com.

Go next

 * Ella by train
 * Nuwara Eliya or Kandy by train