Lipton’s Seat

What an amazing day!  We saw the sun rise at Lipton’s Seat.

Lipton’s Seat is a landmark at the top of Poonagala Hill near the town of Haputale.  It's named after Sir Thomas Lipton, who bought several tea plantations in the area in the late 1800s, and used the spot for surveying his plantations and entertaining.  

The” thing” to do is go watch the sun rise there.

For us, that meant getting up at 4 am, being in a tuk tuk by 4:30 am to arrive at a security gate and start the 1 km walk up a steep hill by 5:30. It was chilly but we were well dressed and brought blankets, so we were cozy warm.

On our way up, there were so many stars in the sky.  And this amazing calm quiet.  As we approached the top, the horizon started to glow.  A big part of the magic was watching as details of the valley revealed themselves.  To feel the wind. And soak up the hush...

They say that you can see all the way to the ocean from Lipton’s Seat.  I don’t think I did.  But wow……

An added plus….during the tuktuk ride up, the driver suddenly stopped.  To let a family of wild pigs cross the road!!!!   Apparently, they can be very destructive in gardens, and dangerous to humans. I didn’t see them well.  But they looked super cute to me, and I’m thrilled I got a glimpse!

Pictures

1- Pre dawn with Mr Lipton and the blanket from our hotel. Spiffy!

2- 4- It was so quiet and calm at the top.  Magic!

5- This tree was decorated with a whole bunch of pretty ribbons.  I loved the way they shimmered in the early morning glow.

6 - On a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean from here...

7- Our hotel provided us with a boxed breakfast.  The bananas and boiled egg were great.  The sandwich was less. So we fed it to a dog who must have been nursing because she ate so much!  And seemed to be bringing some to pups.  The young woman in the picture is Diane from France.  She was great company.  I'm really glad we got to hang out a while.  Merci Diane!

8-9 just fun pictures!