Located in the southern cleft of the central mountains in the hill country is Haputale and Leisure Mount View Holiday Inn. The town clings to a long, narrow mountain ridge with the land falling away steeply on both sides. On a clear day, you can see the lighthouse at Hambantota pulsing in the distance. On a not so clear day, great swathes of mist waft suddenly over the hillsides. Either way, it’s a spectacular part of the country.
In the 19th century, Thomas Lipton started his empire of tea plantations in Haputale. Since then the town remains surrounded with tea plantations and tea factories that produce some of the best tea in Sri Lanka.
Compared to its neighbouring hill country town of Ella, Haputale exudes calm and does not look to tourists for survival. It’s not overrun with tourists and there are no high priced cafés or restaurants. You’ll find plenty of locals in the town going about their daily routine.
However, due to the attraction of its spectacular views, charm and places to see, hotels, guest houses and colonial bungalows have opened their doors to visitors. One such place to stay is Leisure Mount View Holiday Inn (Click here for 10% discount on your booking) run by Hashan Chamara.
Getting there
Leisure Mount View is 2.2km from the Haputale railway station on the Boralanda road, the road that leads to the Adisham Bungalow, Horton Plains, and the Devil’s Staircase. A tuk-tuk from the town would cost about Rs.250, and that’s probably the best way to get there. The Leisure Mount View images on Google maps are outdated.
Leisure Mount View Holiday Inn
The white painted three-floor building stands majestically on a small hill overlooking the well-maintained tea bushes opening into the valley.
From the outside, you might think this is a typical hotel, as it gives no hint of what if has to offer. Once inside, we were impressed by the features and were confident that Leisure Mount View is a funky and colourful boutique hotel. It is quite unusual for a hotel in Haputale. We’ve seen plenty of this kind of informal, welcoming place in Mirissa. But this one tops all of them with an additional feature- the view!
The rooms at Leisure Mount View Holiday Inn
Each of the nineteen bedrooms is different but all overlook the same stupendous view with its own private balcony. There are a few unique features that other hotels or guesthouses in Sri Lanka do not have. For instance, there is no wall above the bathroom door so the air remains fresh.
We were told that one frequent problem Leisure Mount View Holiday Inn used to have was guests forgetting and taking the room key away with them. A simple solution was to have a padlock and hasp secured to solid wooden doors, so when the key goes missing, the staff does not need to cut open the door, instead, they unscrew the hasp.
Another unique feature in one room, number 24, is a queen size swinging bed. Crafted by a local carpenter, the bed has its mattress supported by a wooden base that is suspended from a frame at the top of the bed so it swings guests to sleep. This is a favourite room for honeymooners. We were lucky enough to have this room! It was hard to leave because of the bed and that view from the balcony.
The price of each room depends on the floor and the season. The rooms on the first floor open onto a courtyard, a fine place to have get-togethers and barbecue.
While the rooms have all the basic needs, unlike in a typical hotel you’ll not find a room telephone or a fan (it’s cool enough) but what’s guaranteed are lots of hot water, a comfy bed and a balcony with an undisturbed view.
Food with a view
On the first floor is the dining area with a view and a small kitchen. Western and Sri Lankan food are on the menu. We recommend you try the local breakfast and Sri Lankan meals as the vegetables are sourced from farms nearby and all is freshly home-cooked on demand.
Things to do around Haputale
Located on a higher elevation than Haputale town, the hotel is convenient for visiting Horton Plains, Adisham Bungalow and Lipton’s Seat. On request, the hotel staff will organise a tuk-tuk or scooters are available for rent at Rs1500 a day.
Breathing the fresh air and an evening walk in the tea estate around the hotel is a relaxing experience. If you’d like to travel like a local, there are plenty of state-run buses linking Haputale with Colombo
The staff are very flexible and always ready to help with guests’ requirements. If you’re looking for unparalleled views, hospitality and an escape from the heat of the south Leisure Mount View Holiday Inn at Haputale is surely the place for you. Here’s the link to book the place
Sri Lanka Holiday Guru Tip
Because of the hotel’s high altitude and balconies being open to the mountain mists, the nights can get extremely cold so ask for extra blankets.
The town sleeps early and by 21.00hrs all shops are closed, except for a couple of food shops and takeaway bars.
There aren’t any shops close to the hotel, so make sure you buy anything you might need before heading there.
Since there aren’t any room telephones, get the manager’s mobile number, so you could call him from your mobile if needed.
We recommend that you tell the manager or staff your meal requirements, bed tea, etc., for the next day in advance.
Alcohol and cigarettes are not sold on the property, so bring your own.
