Top 10 Things to do in Hatton, Sri Lanka

Welcome, wanderer!

If you’re planning a trip to the misty hill country of Sri Lanka, then Hatton’s calling your name. Probably with a cup of tea in hand. This comprehensive Hatton travel guide is a brew-tiful list (ha! Did you get the pun?) of the top 10 things to do in Hatton Sri Lanka. 

1. Climb Adam’s Peak before dawn

Adam’s Peak is more than just a massive mountain. It’s a symbol, story, and shrine. A symbol of culture and faith; A story of many beliefs; A shrine to 4 religions. Locals call it ‘Sri Pada’.

Sri Pada means sacred footprint in Sinhala. It refers to a rock formation. A 5 feet footprint-shaped dent on the summit gives the mountain its name. This footprint holds deep spiritual meaning. For centuries, people have climbed here. It’s a shared pilgrimage of faith.

Spiritual belief of all

• Buddhists – Buddhists believe that it is the footprint of The Buddha. They say he visited Sri Lanka and stood atop this very peak. The footprint was his parting gift, requested by God Saman. Now, Buddhists consider this hike a pilgrimage. Peak season to visit is from December-April. They ring the bell at the top and bang their foreheads on the stone in front of the ‘Sri Pathula’, the footprint.

The ringing of the bell signifies the completion of the pilgrimage. You get to ring the bell for the number of times you climb Sri Pada!

• Hindus – Hindus say it’s Lord Shiva’s foot. They call the mountain Shivanolipadam. It means “The Light of Shiva’s Foot”. Tamils visit with flowers and chants.
• Christians – Christians have a different story entirely. They say it’s Prophet Adam’s footprint. After being banned from the Garden of Eden, Adam came down from the heavens. He landed here, barefoot and alone. Hence, the footprint. That’s why it’s called Adam’s Peak. They believe this was humankind’s beginning. They say the first human stood right here.

But beauty is not in the religion. Everyone respects each other’s traditions here. Around a bend, a family of five whispered prayers in Tamil. The next bend, a monk recites ‘gathas’ under his breath. You’ll find people sharing snacks. They’ll shout encouragement. They will climb step by step, prayer by prayer.

Spiritual journey with a panoramic sunrise

The climb has a minimum of 5000 steps. You start counting. Then you stop. Some sections are so steep, your thighs start praying. And yet, people do it barefoot. Not out of lack, but out of love. Many reach the top before sunrise. The night sky begins to soften. The air thins. The crowds grow quieter. Some cry when they reach the peak. Others sit, whispering thanks into the wind. And then, the light breaks through. The sky turns orange, then gold. Clouds float not above you, but against you. It’s a moment that feels made for your soul alone.

Making a list of the top 10 things to do in Hatton Sri Lanka? Don’t forget to add Sri Pada. It’s truly one of the best places to visit in Hatton, Sri Lanka. You’ll regret it if you don’t. Trust us on that, seriously.

2. Take a tea plantation tour

When in Hatton, you drink… tea! Tea for breakfast, tea for dinner, and yes – tea for tea. We don’t make the rules, that’s just how it is in Hatton!

No trip to Hatton is complete without a visit to a tea plantation. Sri Lankans drink tea like a lifeline. We produce some of the world’s finest Ceylon Tea. The region’s elevation, climate, and soil make it perfect for growing tea. It’s been around since the British colonial era.

Many of the estates offer guided tours that take you through the entire tea-making process. You get to pluck tea leaves (look out for the blood-sucking leeches!). In tea factories you get to see the process, right to the final cup. You’ll get to walk through the rolling green fields. See the workers hard at work.

Enjoy a cup of hot tea at Glenloch or Maskeliya

There are popular plantations around Hatton that welcome visitors. Check out Glenloch Tea Factory (Ramboda), Somerset Estate (Nuwaraeliya), and Dunkeld Estate (Maskeliya).

During the tour, you’ll also have the chance to taste different types of tea. Subtle changes in processing can create distinct flavours. You get to experience it all first-hand!

What makes these tours even more wonderful is the backdrop. Think endless (yes, endless) hills, misty air, and cold breezes. That’s Hatton for you. If you’re lucky, you may even get to chat with the tea pluckers and hear stories about life on the estate. Some bungalows on the estates also offer accommodation.  

3. Waterfalls? YES please.

Here’s another addition to your Hatton itinerary – waterfalls! Lots of them too.

Hatton and its surroundings are home to some of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking waterfalls. Laxapana is one of the tallest in the country. It stands at about 126 metres. Then there’s Aberdeen, Devon, and St. Clair’s Falls. These are all located around Hatton – do we hear a day-trip calling our name?

Take a nature walk to the majestic waterfalls

The falls can be accessed via a short hike from the nearby road. The paths might be a little steep, so be wary. Don’t worry, it’s very manageable and absolutely worth the effort! You’ll know it was worth it the moment you reach the base.

Each waterfall in the region has its own unique setting and charm. Spend a day waterfall-hopping and soaking in nature. 

Your commitment to Sustainability

Our waterfalls are truly beautiful. But they’re also home to very special plants and animals. Some of these living things are endemic. This means you won’t find them anywhere else in the world. So, when you visit, please be careful. Stay on the paths. Take all your rubbish with you. Actions like stepping off paths, leaving trash, or touching plants can seriously harm their ecosystems.

4. Horton Plains National Park

Well, Horton Plains isn’t ‘technically’ Hatton. It’s in Nuwaraeliya. But it’s close enough to be a very worthwhile day trip. It’s one of Sri Lanka’s most famous nature reserves and is home to the renowned World’s End cliff. This is a dramatic 880-metre drop. Nope, we’re not kidding. It really is that *coughs* dramatic.

The park is accessible from Hatton via a scenic drive. It’s best visited early in the morning to avoid the mist that often rolls in later in the day. We don’t want to be sabotaged by pesky mists, no.

There’s a well-marked circular trail that takes about 03 hours to complete. Along the way you’ll find pretty landscapes. Think grasslands, cloud forests, and wetlands. In addition to World’s End, the trail passes by Baker’s Falls. It’s a little waterfall, and a gorgeous one at that.

Perfect for wildlife enthusiasts!

Wildlife enthusiasts will appreciate Horton Plains. There’s a chance to spot native species, even endemic ones. Some such critters are sambar deer, purple-faced langurs, and rare birds. It’s a photographer’s dream. And a wonderful place for nature lovers. Here are some more nature parks to check out when you’re in Sri Lanka! 

5. Hop on board the famous train ride to Ella

This is not your ordinary train ride. In fact, this is considered one of the most scenic rail journeys in Sri Lanka. Tea plantations, misty forests, charming little villages – you get the full package! The ride takes about 4-5 hours. Make sure to grab an open door or window seat where you can truly appreciate the views. Many travellers opt to travel in second-class reserved or observation compartments. This gives you more space and better visibility. We encourage taking lots of pictures and plenty of videos!

Vendors hop on and off at different stations selling local snacks. You get to try Vadai (a savoury fried donut-like snack), samosas, and fresh fruit. If you see a pineapple vendor, be sure to try out some slices with ‘miris kudu’ (red chilli powder) and ‘lunu’ (salt).

Whether you’re heading to Ella or just taking the ride for the experience, it’s 100% worth it. There you have it – another addition to your Hatton travel guide. 

6. Chill out and relax at Castlereagh Reservoir

Located near Hatton, the Castlereagh Reservoir is a hidden gem. It’s placed in a valley surrounded with greenery. It’s almost as if the trees are protecting the reservoir with an open canopy. How magical!

The reservoir is part of the Mahaweli Development Programme. It also serves as a source of hydroelectric power. The area is less crowded, which adds to its charm. Less people = More peace, according to our books.

Activities and Views

You can take a walk along the banks, have a picnic, or sit and… contemplate life. The waters reflect the changing colours of the sky. If you’re a photographer, you will love this place. If you’re a bird watcher – even better! There are various bird species that frequent the area.

Many luxury bungalows and boutique hotels overlook the reservoir. These stays offer stunning views and peaceful surroundings. Life is good when you get to wake up to misty hills and a cup of fresh Ceylon tea! 

7. If you’re a history-geek, visit Warleigh Church

In 1878, the manager of the Governor’s mansion at the time, William Scott, built a church. A lovely colonial-era Anglican church. This is Warleigh Church.

Architecture and History

This church is located in the quiet village of Dickoya. It’s constructed in classic English architectural style. Think grey stone, with arched doorways, wooden pews, and stained-glass windows. All these still retain their original charm. Fun Fact: it’s one of the oldest Anglican churches in Sri Lanka.

The communities around Warleigh

The churchyard features several old gravestones. Many belong to British tea planters who once worked in the region. The church is still in use today. It’s very well maintained by the local community. Visitors are welcome to attend services. If that’s not your thing, you can still take a walk around the grounds during open hours. It’s a peaceful place to reflect. Stepping away from the chaos of our world and sitting in peace for a few hours? It’ll do you a world of good.

Visiting Warleigh Church adds a different flavour to your Hatton itinerary. After all those nature locations, this is a breath of fresh air for your trip. 

8. Saptha Kanya, or Svaptha Kanya?

Near Hatton, specifically in Maskeliya, is a mountain range. It’s a ridge of 07 peaks, with the highest being 1,569m from sea level. Impressively high, phew.

Name and Folklore

This mountain range is named ‘Saptha Kanya’ in Sinhala, meaning Seven Virgins. Folklore says that this name must have originally been ‘Svaptha Kanya’, meaning Sleeping Virgin. They say the current namesake is a corrupted version of the original. Guess we’ll never know.

The hike is not an official trail. This means it’s in your best interest to hire a local guide. The terrain can be steep, overgrown, and slippery in places. The full climb can take up to 6 hours depending on the route and how skilled you are at hiking. It’s definitely for the more experienced hiker, we’d say. This mountain range also has a somber history. In 1974, a tragic plane crash occurred here, killing all 191 people aboard it.

Nonetheless, this trail is the prime example of the quote, “all the hard work is worth it in the end”. For adventure seekers in the hill country, Sri Lanka, this hike offers a unique challenge. Happy hiking! 

9. Discover a hidden gem – Bellanbendi Hela

In the little town of Ginigathhena, after a short drive from Hatton, you’ll find (take a guess!) a rock formation (did you guess right?). This rock formation isn’t on most tourist maps. So naturally, it’s one of the best-kept secrets in the area. If you’re looking to explore places that are untouched and serene, you know where to go.

First, you’ll need to take a short but fairly steep hike. It’s accessible via a forest trail. The hike usually takes less than an hour. Once at the summit, you’ll be rewarded with a stunning 360-degree view of the Hatton and Ginigathhena valleys.  

It’s an ideal location for meditation, quiet picnics, and of course, photography. There’s also a sense of mystery and folklore surrounding Ballanbedi Hela. It adds a cultural and mythical layer to the visit.

Want to add an offbeat experience to your Hatton checklist? Well, you’ve got it now. It’s a great place to enjoy the peaceful beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country. 

10. Catch the view at Senteliyas Viewpoint

Senteliyas Viewpoint is one of those quiet corners of Hatton that will surprise you. It’s located near the estate areas of Dickoya. So essentially, a short drive or tuk-tuk ride from the main town. It’s not as well-known as Sri Pada or World’s End, but the end view? It’s equally as rewarding.

You can reach the viewpoint via a short trail. This winds through the tea plantations, so what does that mean? Protect yourself from leeches! The walk itself is peaceful. You’ll hear bird songs and see estate workers doing their thing. You’ll also find friendly locals who are happy to point you in the right direction. Sri Lankans are very friendly people.

Panoramic views and Best times to visit

Once you reach the viewpoint, prepare to be amazed. On clear days, you get an unobstructed view of Castlereagh Reservoir. And of course, miles and miles of greenery and hills. Sunrises and sunsets are particularly beautiful here. It’s a great spot for a quick stopover or an early morning outing.

Senteliya still retains its raw charm. In other words, it’s been left untouched by commercialisation. It’s a great place to enjoy the peaceful beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country.

Hatton is one of those places where you get a little spoonful of everything our hill country has to offer. Nature? Check. History? Check. Adventure? Double check! From waterfalls to hikes, little churches to water bodies, you get the full package here.

If you’re wondering about the top things to do in Hatton Sri Lanka, look no further than this guide. Pack up your bags, lace up your hiking boots, and prepare to fall in love with the green heart of Sri Lanka.

Ready to journey through Sri Lanka’s hill country with meaning and soul? Explore our curated experiences in Hatton, or contact us to craft your own.

Hatton is calling – and now you know exactly where to go!