Things To Do
in Hatton
Hatton is a picturesque town located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is known for its stunning tea plantations that carpet the surrounding hillsides, creating a lush and serene landscape. The town itself is bustling with local tea factories, colonial-era buildings, and a vibrant market selling fresh produce.
Visitors often come to Hatton to experience the cool climate, scenic beauty, and to learn about the fascinating process of tea production.
- "Ayubowan" - Hello
- "Suba dawasak" - Good day
- "Aparada" - Sorry
- "Hondai" - Good
- "Bohoma istuti" - Thank you very much
Prices
- 🏠 Accommodation (per night): $10 - $50
- 🍽️ Meal at a Restaurant: $3 - $15
- ☕ Coffee: $1 - $3
- 🚌 Public transport ticket (single journey): $0.20 - $1
- 🛒 Grocery shopping (per week): $15 - $30
- 🏋️♂️ Gym Membership: $10 - $25
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Begin your day with a refreshing hike in the lush tea plantations surrounding Hatton. Witness the breathtaking sunrises and indulge in the tranquil nature.
Visit a local tea factory to learn about the tea production process. Enjoy a guided tour while tasting some of the finest Ceylon tea.
Return to your accommodation and relax with views of the mountains at sunset. Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant specializing in Sri Lankan cuisine.
Start your day by visiting a nearby temple to experience local spiritual practices. Take part in a morning prayer session for a deeper understanding of Sri Lankan culture.
Explore the quaint town, browsing local markets for handicrafts and souvenirs. Meet friendly locals and try some traditional snacks.
Join in on a cultural dance performance showcasing Sri Lanka's rich traditions. This is a perfect way to end a day steeped in local heritage.
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Stunning natural landscapes and scenic views, especially in the tea plantations.
- Cool climate, providing a pleasant escape from the warmer coastal regions.
- Rich cultural history, with an influence from British colonial times.
- Opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and trekking.
- Proximity to renowned attractions like Adams Peak.
- Limited urban amenities compared to larger cities.
- Transportation can be challenging; roads may be narrow and winding.
- Fewer dining and entertainment options, particularly for nightlife.
- Possible heavy rains during monsoon seasons, affecting travel plans.
- Accessibility might be an issue for those with mobility challenges due to hilly terrain.
Best Activities in Hatton
Outdoor fun you shouldn't miss!
Explore the stunning landscapes of the Knuckles Mountain Range, known for its rich biodiversity and scenic views. There are various trails suitable for all levels of hikers.
Visit local tea estates to learn about the tea production process and enjoy picturesque views of sprawling tea fields. Guided tours often include tea tastings.
Discover beautiful waterfalls such as St. Clair's Fall and Devon Falls. Many are accessible via short treks through lush vegetation.
Hatton is home to numerous bird species, making it a great location for bird watching enthusiasts. Guided tours can enhance your experience.
Rent a bicycle and explore the scenic countryside and tea estates at your own pace. Cycling through the hills offers a unique way to experience the area.
For adventurous spirits, camping in designated areas within forests or near rivers provides a great way to experience the natural beauty of Hatton.
Take part in fishing at local lakes and rivers, where you can relax and enjoy the tranquil environment.
Tours
Uncover the best of Hatton with these unforgettable tours.
Places to Visit in Hatton
Visit one of these nice places.
A scenic viewpoint that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations and hills, perfect for photography, especially during sunrise and sunset.
The lush green tea estates provide a picturesque backdrop, ideal for capturing the essence of Sri Lanka's tea country. Walking through the plantations can lead to various vantage points.
A high vantage point within Hatton that overlooks the town, offering great views of the cityscape and the lush landscapes surrounding it.
This beautiful waterfall not only provides a refreshing escape but also excellent photography opportunities with its cascading waters framed by lush greenery.
Hiking up this mountain will reward you with breathtaking views of the surrounding valleys and hills, ideal for adventurous photography enthusiasts.
The serene waters of this reservoir, surrounded by mountains, offer stunning reflections and a tranquil setting for landscape photography.
The scenic train journey through the Kelani Valley provides opportunities to capture beautiful views from the train, especially the bridges and lush landscapes.
One of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka, St. Clair's Falls offers a stunning view and great opportunities for capturing the beauty of flowing water against the backdrop of nature.
Food in Hatton
Hatton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, usually served with savory accompaniments like dhal, sambal, and egg. Must-try at Sita Temple Roadside Hopper Stall.
Must-Try!
A Dutch Burgher-influenced dish consisting of rice, a mixed meat curry, accompanied by frikkadel (meatball), blachan, and seeni sambol. Recommended at Malwatte Restaurant.
A popular street food made from chopped roti, vegetables, egg, and a choice of chicken, beef, or fish, all stir-fried with a mix of spices. Try at Siva Fast Food Corner.
A traditional Sri Lankan dessert that includes jaggery, coconut milk, cashew nuts, eggs, and various spices. Best savored at Hatton Hameediah Hotel.
Unique Experiences
Get to know Hatton better with these unique experiences.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A bustling market where you can savor an array of local street food delights like isso vade (shrimp fritters), samosas, and fresh fruit juices.
This roadside eatery near Aberdeen Falls offers a variety of street food such as koththu roti, vadais, and freshly cut fruits, providing a true taste of Hatton's street food scene.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
In Hatton, as in many parts of Sri Lanka, elders are held in high regard. It's customary to show respect by greeting them first and using polite language. Offering them a seat and listening attentively to their wisdom is also appreciated.
Visitors should dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. For men, it's advisable to wear long pants and shirts with sleeves, while women should opt for dresses or skirts that cover the knees and blouses with sleeves.
When entering temples or sacred places, it is respectful to remove your footwear. Additionally, be mindful of maintaining a quiet demeanor to honor the spiritual atmosphere of these locations.
Safety
Tipping in Hatton
Ensure a smooth experience
In Hatton, Sri Lanka, tipping is generally appreciated but not always expected. It is customary to tip service providers such as guides, drivers, and restaurant staff, typically rounding up the bill or leaving small change. In more upscale establishments, a tip of about 10% is common if service is not included.
Payment practices in Hatton include a mix of cash and digital transactions. The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is the main currency used. While cash is widely accepted, many establishments, especially in tourist areas, also accept credit and debit cards. Mobile payment methods are becoming increasingly popular among locals. Travelers are advised to carry some cash for smaller shops and markets.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
This is the best time to visit Hatton, with cooler temperatures and lower rainfall. The weather is ideal for trekking and exploring the beautiful tea plantations. Visitors can expect clear skies and bright sunshine, making it perfect for outdoor activities.
These months may experience occasional rain, but there are still plenty of dry days. The weather is warm and humid. Visitors can expect lush greenery and blooming flowers, making it a picturesque time, especially for photography and nature walks.
During this period, Hatton faces heavy rainfall, particularly in July and August. While this may limit outdoor activities, it rejuvenates the landscape, creating stunning waterfalls and vibrant vegetation. Travelers seeking a tranquil retreat or a chance to experience the monsoon can enjoy the serene atmosphere.
The weather begins to clear up after the monsoon, with moderate rainfall becoming less frequent. It’s a transitional period where the landscape remains lush and green. This is a good time for travelers looking for fewer crowds while still enjoying mild weather for hiking and exploring.
Hatton at Night
Hiking in Hatton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
A sacred mountain and a popular pilgrimage site, Adam's Peak offers a challenging hike with stunning views at sunrise. The trek is famous for its 'Sri Pada' or 'sacred footprint' at the summit.
Located a bit further from Hatton, the hike to Ella Rock provides breathtaking views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The trail takes you through tea plantations and offers a closer encounter with nature.
While primarily known as a picturesque railway bridge, the area around it offers several trails for hiking enthusiasts. It's an excellent spot for photography and enjoying the lush greenery.
Located near Nuwara Eliya, this expansive garden provides lovely walking paths amidst beautiful flowers and gardens, along with some hiking trails that lead into the nearby forest.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, this range offers various hiking trails suitable for different skill levels. You can explore rich biodiversity and stunning landscapes.
Aiports
How to reach Hatton by plane.
The main international airport serving Colombo, Sri Lanka, located approximately 90 kilometers from Hatton.
An international airport located in the southern part of Sri Lanka, around 180 kilometers from Hatton.
A regional airport in the southern part of Sri Lanka, located about 200 kilometers from Hatton.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The largest ethnic group in Sri Lanka, primarily adhering to Buddhism and speaking Sinhala.
The second largest ethnic group, predominantly Hindu and speaking Tamil, with significant cultural and historical presence in the region.
An ethnic group in Sri Lanka, predominantly Muslim, with cultural ties to Arab traders and local traditions.
Descendants of European colonists, primarily of Portuguese and Dutch descent, distinguished by their unique cultural heritage.
Descendants of plantation workers from South India, primarily living in the central regions, including Hatton.
Includes smaller groups such as the Veddas, who are Indigenous people of Sri Lanka, and other ethnicities.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Cricket is the most popular sport in Hatton, with many local clubs and schools promoting the game. It is played during the dry season and attracts considerable local support.
Football enjoys a strong following in Hatton, with numerous teams participating in local leagues and tournaments. The sport is popular among the youth and often played in community fields.
Badminton is widely played in schools and community centers in Hatton. It is a popular recreational activity and has organized competitions at various levels.
Athletics, including running and field events, is encouraged in schools and communities. Local events and competitions help identify and nurture talent in various disciplines.
Volleyball is popular among women and youth in Hatton. It is played recreationally in schools and communities and has organized matches and tournaments.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hatton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available, with many eateries offering vegetable curries, dhal dishes, and various rice-based specialties.
While vegan-specific options may be limited, most places are accommodating and able to prepare vegan-friendly dishes such as vegetable curries, stir-fried noodles, and fruit platters.
Gluten-free options can be found at select restaurants, particularly those offering traditional rice-based dishes like string hoppers, rice and curry, and dosas.