The Lipton’s Seat lookout is one of Sri Lanka's most impressive viewpoints. However, you must get there early in the morning (before 9am), otherwise the cloud will almost certainly have risen off the coastal plains and there'll be nothing at all to see. The Scottish tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton used to survey his burgeoning empire from here, and today it's said you can see across emerald hills and tea estates to no fewer than seven provinces.
Although you can hike to the lookout from the Dambatenne Tea Factory, a climb of about 8km through lush tea plantations, most people drive up and stroll leisurely back down through the tea estates. Look forward to the company of Tamil tea pickers going off to work as you walk. Driving up and walking back also ensures you'll be there early enough to see the view. Tuk-tuks charge around Rs 2000 return from Haputale or Rs 1000 return from the Dambatenne Tea Factory. At the viewpoint are an overpriced cafe and a statue of Sir Thomas.
