5 Awesome Things to Do in Hatton - Sri Lanka

The quaint little town of Hatton belongs to the Nuwara Eliya District of Sri Lanka and is highly popular due to its cool-misty climate and expanse of nature in every shade of green imaginable. Hatton is also notable as a major hub for the tea industry of Sri Lanka. Its rolling hills are dotted with tea estates and colonial-style homesteads depicting its rich history in the Ceylon tea trade.

Best accessible by train, the route to this upcountry destination is a sight to behold, reminiscent of European highlands with forest landscapes, stunning waterfalls and arched bridges.

From an abundant list of tourist attractions available in and around the closest vicinity to Hatton, we have selected 5 of the ones that are not to be missed.

1. Adam’s Peak

Legend has it that on top of its summit on a rock boulder lies a huge depression shaped like a footprint.

This sacred mountain has been a pilgrim site for over 1000 years. The legendary sacred footprints believed to be at its summit are those belonging to either Adam, the Lord Buddha or Lord Shiva, based on the varied religious belief present within the island.

Identifiable from afar due to its cone-shaped structure this breath-taking mountain in its glorious natural surroundings has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to the rich flora and fauna present in its environment.

The peak season to hike Adam’s Peak is from December to April. A 2 to 4-hour hike of about 6000 odd steps would bring you its peak at the height of 2243m. The local way is to commence the climb in the night so you can reach the summit just in time to experience the spectacular sunrise at the break of dawn.

2. Castlereagh Reservoir

Castlereagh Reservoir presents a quiet and serene location away from the hustle and bustle of the major tourist attractions of Hatton.

This hidden gem near Hatton presents miles of clear water, that’s perfect to explore on a boat ride. Maybe you can try your hand at canoeing or even do some fishing as you relish the zen-like ambience of the surrounding lush green hills.

The reservoir came into existence due to the Castlereagh Dam which is built on Kehelgamu Oya and is surrounded by lush green tea estates providing an idyllic landscape for a picnic lunch with your loved ones.

Lounge on the banks of the lake, take in the tranquillity and feast your eyes on the amazing vistas as far as you can see.

3. Explore a Tea Factory

Love a good cup of Ceylon tea in the morning or evening? Who doesn’t?! As you explore the beauty of the island, stopover at Dunkeld Tea Factory for an enlightening tour of all things tea!

Ceylon Tea Trails, a luxury boutique resort, offers guided tours of the Dunkeld Tea Factory with their expert resident tea planter. Get ready to learn about the delicate process of plucking the finest leaves and how these leaves make their way to a warm cup of Ceylon tea. End your tour with a tea tasting experience!

4. Warleigh Church

Staying true to the British style of architecture from the 1800s, Warleigh Church in its environs almost appears to be straight from the remote countryside of England. Built by the British governor William Scott, the church presents intricate detailing in its interior design elements along with pristine stained-glass windows that can captivate your attention. The windows overlook the hillsides providing this quaint little church with the most scenic and divine backdrop.

It is interesting to note that the original Bible gifted to this church is said to be the very first one that arrived in the country!

Stroll around the garden where you can find a few centuries old tombstones scattered around in perfect quietude.

5. Laxapana Falls

An hour-long drive from Hatton can bring you to Laxapana falls located in the Muskeliya region of Nuwara Eliya. Recorded as the 8th tallest waterfall in the country, this magnificent cascade standing at 126m of height is nestled amid pristine natural surroundings. Although the water pressure is too strong to swim here, you can simply engross yourself in the natural beauty surrounding you, and revel in the abundance of nature in its rarest and purest form.