The way to Haputale was a long one. And just because we decided to avoid Ella, as it is the most touristic place in whole Sri Lanka. It took us almost 9 hours and three different busses to reach the Highlands. First we took a local bus from Kabalana to Matara, then from there we took another bus to Wellawaya and finally the Nº207 directly to Haputale. The last bus took us through an astounding trail up the mountains and for the first time we experienced Sri Lanka's Central Highlands.
The area comprises three component parts - the Peak Wilderness Protected Area, the Horton Plains National Park and the Knuckles Conservation Forest - and is recognised as a World Heritage Site. I have never seen so much green in my life. The arrival in Haputale couldn't have been worse. It poured like hell (now we know why the greenery) and in a matter of minutes we were drenched. One of those tropical storms! Next day we had a bit of a cold and just enjoyed the scenery close to town.
Note: always ask the officers at the bus/train station for the timetables and don't easily trust the tuktuk or taxi drivers. They are trying to make a living and sometimes give you wrong information.
Next Stop: Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
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