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2242

10 hours
Max people : 10
Private group
Year-around
English
Hotel pickup

What to Expect

Sometimes, the best stories begin before sunrise — when the hills are still dreaming, and the air hums with promise. Your Kandy to Lipton Seat sunrise tour begins from Ella at 4:00 AM, winding through misty valleys and quiet tea fields under a sky still scattered with stars. The early morning stillness, the scent of damp earth, and the slow awakening of the highlands set the perfect tone for a day that blends serenity, adventure, and discovery. This journey is among the most scenic day trips from Ella, inviting you to experience the magic of the Lipton Seat hike and Diyaluma Falls from Ella, where get to try a refreshing Upper Diyaluma trek, surrounded by nature, culture, and light in breathtaking harmony.

As dawn unfolds, you’ll reach Lipton Seat, one of the island’s most iconic viewpoints, where golden light spills across rolling tea-clad hills. After a simple breakfast, your journey continues toward Diyaluma Falls Ella, where the Upper Diyaluma trek start, opening up a world of cascading pools, misty pine forests, and panoramic highland views. Here, you can take a refreshing dip in the natural pools, letting the cool water soothe your senses. Afterward, savor an authentic and hearty village lunch before the day carries you to Rawana Ella. This final stop, where the waterfall tumbles gracefully beside the main road, is the perfect place to pause, sip a king coconut, and soak in the serene charm of Sri Lanka’s hill country before returning.

To make your Lipton Seat sunrise experience comfortable and enjoyable, we offer hotel pickup and drop-off, the service of an experienced hiking guide, entrance tickets, breakfast, lunch at a local village restaurant, and bottled water throughout the day. You also have the flexibility to choose between two time slots — a sunrise tour to witness the golden light, or a sunset tour to enjoy the evening glow in the end. These thoughtful touches make it one of the most memorable Ella day trips, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the stories and the rhythm of the hills. By the end of the tour, you’ll leave with lasting memories of the serene beauty and timeless charm of Sri Lanka’s highlands.

Pickup

Hotels in Ella, Haputale, and Bandarawela

Time

Sunrise Tour4.00 AM - 2.00 PM
Sunset Tour 8.30 AM - 6.30 PM

Price Includes

Hotel pickup and drop
Service of an experienced hiking guide
Entrance fees
Breakfast
Lunch at a local village restaurant
Bottled water

Booking confirmation

Instant confirmation

Cancellation policy

Partially refundableIf the participation date is more than two weeks away
Non refundableIf the participation date is less than two weeks away

Key Attractions

Lipton Seat At Lipton Seat, the sunrise paints the hills in gold. From this viewpoint, once a favorite of Sir Thomas Lipton, you can see miles of undulating tea estates bathed in morning light. Mist drifts across valleys, and the air feels cool and crisp. It’s a peaceful, panoramic start to the day — one that captures the soul of the highlands.
Upper Diyaluma Falls The Upper Diyaluma trek leads to a natural masterpiece — a network of pools perched above Sri Lanka’s second-highest waterfall. The water glides gently before plunging into a misty abyss below. You can wade, swim, and watch the land stretch into the horizon. The views from the edge are breathtaking — pure, unfiltered nature.
Rawana FallsAs a bonus stop, Rawana Falls is a scenic addition to the tour — entirely optional and worth the pause. Located near Ella, its cascading waters and lush backdrop create a perfect final impression of the hill country. You can decide with your guide whether to include it, adding a touch of wild beauty to complete your day.

Photos

Itinerary

4:00 AM / 8:30 AMHotel Pickup

We pick you up from your hotel in Ella or Bandarawela. We then begin the drive through cool, misty mountain roads toward Lipton Seat.

5:30 – 8:00 AM / 10:00 AM – 12:30 PMLipton Seat Sunrise and Breakfast

Arrive at Lipton Seat to enjoy panoramic views of rolling tea-clad hills. Witness the sunrise (for early tour) or enjoy the morning highland glow (for later tour) while having a simple breakfast and time to explore the viewpoint.

8:15 – 11:15 AM / 12:45 – 3:45 PMUpper Diyaluma Hike and Natural Pools

Drive to Upper Diyaluma Falls and begin a gentle hike through pine forests to the upper cascades. Swim in natural pools, take photos, and enjoy the highland air.

11:30 AM – 12:15 PM / 4:00 – 4:45 PMLunch at a Local Village

Enjoy an authentic and hearty village lunch at a village restaurant, prepared with local flavors. Pause, relax, and soak in the rural highland atmosphere.

12:30 – 2:00 PM / 5:00 – 6:00 PMRawana Ella Waterfall

Visit Rawana Ella, where the waterfall tumbles beside the main road. Pause, sip a king coconut, and enjoy the serene charm of the highlands. The early tour concludes around 2:00 PM, while the later tour allows time to enjoy the sunset.

2:00 PM / 6:00 PMHotel Drop-off

Return to your hotel in Ella or Bandarawela, completing your Lipton Seat sunrise and Upper Diyaluma hike journey.

Map

Special Notes

Booking ConfirmationAll bookings are instantly confirmed and backed by a 100% guarantee. Chauffeur details will be shared 24 to 48 hours prior to your tour. For a smooth arrival, your driver will be waiting at the pickup point or arrivals area with a personalized name sign.
Tailor-Made ItineraryThis itinerary can be tailored to suit your preferences. Simply fill out the inquiry form with your requests, and we’ll create a personalized experience just for you.
AccommodationWhile accommodations are not included, we’re happy to arrange them upon request. Just let us know your preferred daily budget and lodging style, and we’ll provide tailored recommendations.
Groups Larger Than 10Planning for a group of ten or more? Enjoy special discounted rates! Just fill out the inquiry form, and we’ll get back to you with a personalized quote tailored to your group.

FAQ

How to get to Diyaluma Falls from Ella?

The journey from Ella to Diyaluma Falls takes about 1 hour by car, covering roughly 12 km. From the trailhead near Poonagala, the Upper Diyaluma trek begins with a 30–40 minute guided hike through forested trails and tea plantations.

How to get to Lipton Seat from Ella?

The drive from Ella to Lipton Seat takes around 1.5 hours, covering approximately 40 km. The Lipton Seat hike starts near the estate entrance and involves a gradual 30–45 minute guided climb through tea plantations.

Where does the upper Diyaluma trek start?

The Upper Diyaluma trek starts near Poonagala or Makaldeniya, leading through tea plantations and forested trails up to the falls’ summit.

Where does the Lipton Seat hike start?

The Lipton Seat hike starts at Dambatenne Tea Estate, winding through tea fields and village paths to the viewpoint.

How is the Upper Diyaluma trek like?

The trek up involves a moderate climb along forested trails and tea plantations. It is suitable for reasonably fit adults and older children, while young kids should be closely supervised. Elderly visitors or those with limited mobility may find parts of the trail difficult, but they can enjoy the scenic surroundings at lower points. At the summit, stunning natural pools and panoramic valley views await.

How is the Lipton Seat hike like?

The hike up is moderately easy, with a gradual climb through tea estates. Most travelers, including older children and adults, can manage it comfortably. Very young children should be supervised, and elderly visitors with mobility concerns may find some sections challenging. The sunrise views at the top are a rewarding payoff for all who reach it.

Can I swim at the Upper Diyaluma Falls?

Yes, you can swim in the calm, clear natural pools at the top of Upper Diyaluma Falls — a refreshing reward after the hike with breathtaking views of the valley below. The base of the falls, however, is not safe for swimming due to strong currents and rocky terrain. It is best to steer clear away from the edges of the pools. Your guide will direct you to designated spots at the top pools where the water is gentle and safe.

What’s special about Rawana Falls?

Rawana Falls, located about 6 km from Ella, is a scenic waterfall known for its cascading waters, lush surroundings, and photogenic beauty. It’s available as an optional add-on that you can choose to visit if time permits at no extra fee, making it a perfect spot to pause, enjoy nature, and capture memorable photos.

What to bring for the tour?

Pack a hat and sunglasses for sun protection and sunscreen to guard against UV rays. A camera or smartphone is ideal to capture breathtaking highland vistas. Swimwear and a towel are recommended for the natural pools at the top of Diyaluma Falls. Don’t forget a small backpack with water, light snacks, and any personal items to make your hike and adventure more enjoyable.

What should I wear for the Lipton Seat hike and Diyaluma trek?

For the Lipton Seat hike and Upper Diyaluma trek, wear sturdy, comfortable hiking shoes with good grip, as trails can be uneven or slippery. Choose breathable clothing to stay comfortable during the climb, and bring a light jacket or any layer clothing with a shawl or headwear if needed for the early morning chill at high altitude.

Is this tour family-friendly?

Yes, this tour is family-friendly, offering moderate hikes and scenic viewpoints suitable for most travelers. Children and elderly visitors can enjoy the experience, with supervision advised for young kids around trails and natural pools.

What is the minimum age requirement for this tour?

There is no strict minimum age, but children should be able to manage moderate walking and hiking. Supervision is required near trails, waterfalls, and swimming areas.

Are there any entrance fees for the attractions on this tour?

All the entrance fees are free except for the Lipton Seat which is included in your tour package.

What types of vehicles are provided for this day trip?

Vehicle options for this tour depend on your group size. For up to 3 passengers, a Sedan or SUV such as a Toyota Prius, Honda Vezel, Honda Fit Shuttle, or Suzuki Fronx is used. Groups of up to 4 passengers usually travel in an MPV like a Nissan Serena, while larger groups of up to 10 passengers use a Commuter van such as a Toyota HiAce or similar.

What happens if the weather is bad?

In case of adverse weather conditions, we may need to reschedule the tour based on the conditions. Your safety is our priority, and we want to make sure that the conditions are safe for traveling.