Hatton is a small town tucked away in the hills of Sri Lanka. Since Hatton is 4,170 ft above
sea level, it is much cooler than the rest of the island and was a favourite holiday spot for
the British. Today Hatton is best known for its tea and magnificent nature; so wear your
walking shoes and get ready to travel to Hatton and explore its charming attractions.
While the island of Sri Lanka maybe most famous for its iconic golden palm-fringed
beaches, the hill country is also well worth visiting. Tall peaks covered in lush greenery,
cascading waterfalls and a fair share of historical and cultural sites make a number of
destinations located in the central hills of the island perfect for holiday makers. One of the
most stunning destinations in the highlands is the town of Hatton. Here are some popular
activities to add to your itinerary if you are heading to Hatton with a group of friends.

•  Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak

An hour’s drive south of Hatton, you will find Adam’s Peak. Also known as Sri Pada, this is
Sri Lanka’s most sacred mountain and is an important pilgrimage site for all four major
religions in the country.
The climb can be quite challenging – the trail is made up of 5,000 – 7,000 worn down steps.
Challenge your group to trek through the path at night, so you can watch the sunrise
together at the summit of Adam’s Peak. It is truly an indescribably wonderful experience to
see the sun peek through the mountain silhouettes.
Sri Pada is a reference to the impression of a footprint found at the top of the mountain;
each religion has a different belief on whom the footprint belongs to. Buddhists believe it to
be the Lord Buddha’s; Hindus believe it is the print of Hanuman or Shiva; while Christians
and Muslims believe that it belongs to Adam.

• Castlereagh Reservoir

The Castlereagh Reservoir may seem an unlikely place for a group excursion, but its natural
beauty makes a visit here worthwhile. The reservoir sits silently among alpine forests and
well-groomed tea bushes. Some fun activities your group can enjoy include canoeing along
the crystal clear waters, cycling through the surrounding forests or strolling through
endless tea estates.

• Laxapana Falls

Situated in the Maskeliya area, Laxapana Falls is a must-visit when you are in Hatton. It is
one of Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfalls, and it truly is an impressive sight. The hike to the
cascade is relatively easy since there is a staircase that takes you to the top. Take note that
it can be quite slippery, so remember to wear appropriate shoes! Laxapana Falls is
surrounded by lush flora and the hike provides a great bird watching opportunity.
However, due to the high pressure, we strongly recommend that you refrain from
swimming in the natural pool. Instead, opt for a picnic with your pals on the large rocks
instead.

• Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple

Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple is a kovil that was built in 1999, and it is most famous for
having the tallest Hanuman statue in Sri Lanka. The 18ft statue of Hanuman is situated at
the entrance of the temple to greet all worshippers. The kovil plays a key role during the
Hanuman Jayanthis, a one-day festival that celebrates the birth of Lord Hanuman. During
the ceremony, the statue is adorned with flowers and silk which act as offerings to the god.
Even if you don’t make it in time for this festival, it is still worth visiting the temple to
experience the island’s Hindu culture.

• Lover’s Leap Waterfall

Although the name may sound like the antithesis of romance, the trek to the waterfall- and
the view from the top- makes it worthwhile. The tragic story behind the name of
this waterfall has been passed through generations, making it more of a myth than a reality.
It is said that two lovers whose union was disapproved of by their families came to this
cascade and jumped to their deaths to ensure everlasting love. To this day, many locals
avoid the place at nightfall claiming that the two ghosts still haunt the waterfall. Despite
this Romeo & Juliet-esque story, at sunset, the view from the top overlooking the green hills
with pink skies is magical. Read our blog if you’re interested in discovering more eerie and
unusual attractions.

• Castlereagh Reservoir

The Castlereagh Reservoir is one of Sri Lanka’s best-kept secrets, the clear water of the
reservoir reflects the large green hills making it look like something straight out of a
fairytale. The reservoir makes for a wonderful picnic spot, but for the more adventurous
you can rent a kayak or a canoe and cruise along the water.
• Horton Plains National Park
Horton Plains National Park is one of the few upcountry national parks in Sri Lanka. The
vegetation on the plateau is unique to this region and you will find faunal species that are
only endemic to the park, for instance, the Nelu flowers which only bloom once every 12
years! Trek the 9.5 km trail that goes through the park, which will take you about a 3 ½
hours, depending on your level of fitness and how many ‘breaks’ you need, mid-trek. On the
trek, you will come across two of the park’s main attractions: Baker’s Falls and World’s
End. The best time to visit is between April and September, otherwise much of the park will
be covered in fog and rain during the monsoon season.

• Hakgala Botanical Garden

The Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of the most romantic places in Hatton. The garden
which was created in 1861 is home to over 10,000 species of flowering plants, and in
Spring, the garden changes from its regular deep green colour to a kaleidoscope of pinks,
yellows, purples and oranges. Interestingly, there is a folktale associated with the garden;
in the Hindu Epic Ramayana, it is said that Demon King Ravana of Lanka kept Sita hidden
here after abducting her. He then transformed the area into a garden to please Sita, which
is why the garden is also given the name Sita Eliya, and why there is a temple dedicated to
her.

• Tea Trails

One of the most popular things to do in Hatton, is to explore the vast tea estates. Join a tea
tour and enjoy a quiet stroll with your partner, as you learn about the delicate art of
plucking tea. After your walking tea-tour of the estate, head over to a nearby tea factory
where you can learn all about the manufacturing process of the famed Ceylon tea. End the
tour with a delightful tea-tasting experience!

• Warleigh Church

Built in 1878 by the British, Warleigh Church is a stunning remnant from the past. While
the church is a peaceful place to visit, it also holds some interesting history as it houses a
bible that was first gifted to the church in 1879, making the place more special to visit.