One of the most spectacularly situated of all Sri Lankan towns is Haputale (pronounced as “ha-poo-tah-lay“). It is perched dramatically on the crest of a ridge at the southern edge of the hill country with bird’s-eye views in both directions – south to the plains and coast, and inland across the jagged lines of peaks receding away to the north.
The town itself is a busy and fascinating little commercial centre with a mainly Tamil population. The mist that frequently blankets the place adds an enjoyable mysterious touch to the workaday shops that border the town’s main street.
As with Ella, the principal pleasure of a stay in Haputale is the change to get out and walk in the surrounding hills – most notably up to (or down from) the magnificent viewpoint, Lipton’s seat.
Other sights close to Haputale include the Dambatenne tea factory, the evocative old country mansion of Adisham, the impressive Diyaluma Falls or trek The Devil’s staircase.
Read: 7 awesome things to do in Haputale
Amarasinghe Guest House
Accommodation in Haputale is of good value. Amarasinghe Guest House in Haputale, established in 1978 when it was a pioneering hostelry built by Karunasena Amarasinghe (well known as Mr.A), is one of Haputale’s oldest guest houses. It still ranks as one of the best. Even though the accommodation is like that of a hotel, it is still family-run. Everything is done with care and love.
This well-run family guesthouse is now managed by the founder’s son, Sam Amarasinghe, a diploma holder from the Ceylon Hotel school with over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry.
Getting there
Amarasinghe guest house is five minutes (1.5km) drive from the Haputale railway station towards the Beragalla – Hali Ella road. Located east of Olympus Plaza Hotel, the uphill spur route is nerve-jangling narrow and twisty. A tuk-tuk from the town would cost about Rs200. (
Directions)
There’s enough safe parking at the hotel premises which is gated at night.
The rooms at Amarasinghe Guest House Haputale
The completely refurbished and well maintained two-storied building gives no sign that it has been in business for decades. The ground floor has a sitting area and the restaurant while the rooms are on the first floor.
The interior has a mix of the past and modern and is well thought out and neatly blended. There are eight rooms with a contemporary finish which is slightly unusual for Haputale as most accommodation features colonial Victorian past with rustic wooden interior.
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The rooms at Amarasinghe Guest House are spacious, bright and nicely furnished with fancy décor and big thick mattresses, blankets. They have small balconies.
Even though there isn’t a view, strong winds can be experienced in the evenings. Each room comes with its own work desk, a sitting area, a private bathroom with a shower and free toiletries.
Very good local cuisine
The guest house has a restaurant on the ground floor that serves very good local cuisine. The home-cooked food can be ordered from a menu. Order in advance as preparation could take time as food is freshly home-cooked.
Sam Amarasinghe also runs a modern-looking restaurant/café in the Haputale town known as Lettuce & Cabbage in the shopping complex opposite the Hill Cliffe bar and guest house on the Railway Station Road. Food can be ordered from the Lettuce & Cabbage to be delivered to the guest house.
This orderly guest house in a tranquil location is definitely worth the money for the stay. The rooms cost $15 -$23 per night with meal and breakfast options.
With so much to see in the vicinity of Haputale, Amarasinghe Guest House Haputale is perfect for exploring and enjoying a neat, budget stay.
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