Things To Do
in Hatton
Hatton is a cool, highland town set among emerald tea estates in Sri Lanka's central hill country. It serves as a gateway to the wider tea country, with colonial-era charm and panoramic views around every bend. The town blends working tea plantations with a welcoming, rural atmosphere that feels a world away from the coast.
Visitors here gain an authentic glimpse into Sri Lanka's tea heritage, village life, and landscape-driven adventures.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive in Hatton and check into your eco-friendly bungalow overlooking tea fields. Unpack your bags while breathing in the fresh mountain air and the scent of tea leaves around you. Meet the estate manager for an introduction to the plantation’s history and sustainable practices.
Join a guided walk through undulating tea terraces and observe the meticulous plucking process. Converse with local tea pickers and learn about traditional Sri Lankan tea culture and livelihoods. Sample freshly brewed Ceylon tea at a plantation viewpoint overlooking misty hills.
Enjoy a sunset stroll amidst the tea bushes as the golden light paints the landscape. Return to your bungalow for a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry dinner prepared by local hosts. Relax under the starlit sky with a cup of warm tea and the sounds of the highland night.
Depart early to the tranquil Kothmale Reservoir and admire the serene waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. Visit a nearby village to interact with families and learn about traditional lifestyles in the highlands. Taste freshly baked local bread and homemade sambol prepared by village elders.
Board a small boat for a leisurely cruise across the reservoir and explore hidden bays and forested shorelines. Disembark at a riverside spot for a picnic lunch featuring local delicacies and fresh fruits. Take a guided nature walk to spot endemic birds and colorful butterflies in the lush greenery.
Return to Hatton as the sun dips behind the peaks, casting vibrant hues across the sky. Enjoy a riverside dinner at a local eatery, savoring fresh fish curries and coconut-infused dishes. Share stories and cultural exchanges with your boat guide over a cup of sweet ginger tea.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍔Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $3-6 |
| 🚌Local transport (short ride) | $0.50-2 |
| ☕Tea/coffee at cafe | $1-3 |
| 🏨Budget hotel per night | $15-40 |
| 🎟Entrance fees to attractions | $2-8 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Cool climate and scenic tea-country scenery
- Less crowded and authentic rural experiences
- Accessible from Colombo by train or road
- Affordability and warm hospitality
- Limited nightlife and urban amenities
- Weather can be unpredictable and rain-heavy in monsoon seasons
- Transportation between sights can require private transport or longer drives
- "Ayubowan" - Hello / May you live long (Sinhala)
- "Istuti" - Thank you (Sinhala)
- "Kohomada?" - How are you? (Sinhala)
- "Vanakkam" - Hello (Tamil)
- "Nandri" - Thank you (Tamil)
Places to Visit in Hatton
Visit one of these nice places.
Sweeping, orderly rows of tea bushes with morning fog and soft light ideal for landscape photography.
A historic viewpoint offering expansive vistas across the hill country; best captured at sunrise.
Vibrant colors, textures, and everyday activity—perfect for candid street photography.
Rural road scenes through tea gardens and canals; great for wide-angle shots.
Food in Hatton
Hatton Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
A platter of multiple curries served with rice; customizable with vegetable, dhal, and sometimes meat options.
Must-Try!
Chopped roti with vegetables and spices, a popular street-side choice especially in towns.
Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented batter; can be plain, egg-filled, or with coconut sambol.
A Dutch-influenced clay pot dish with rice, curry, vegetables, and meat wrapped in a banana leaf.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A lively local market where you can sample fresh fruits, vegetables, spices, and small snacks; a great place for photography and interaction with residents.
Simple street-side bites and cups of strong Sri Lankan tea, perfect for a quick caffeine fix during estate visits.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
Dress modestly, remove shoes and hats, and speak softly when visiting temples or religious sites.
Ask before photographing people, especially in villages or religious settings.
A polite hello or salutations in Sinhalese or Tamil go a long way; handshake is common in formal settings.
Safety
Tipping in Hatton
Ensure a smooth experience
A small tip (5-10%) is appreciated in hotels and restaurants if service charge is not included; cash is often preferred for small vendors.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Dry months bring clearer skies and better visibility for views and photography; expect comfortable daytime temperatures.
Rain is more frequent in higher elevations; mornings can be clear with afternoon showers, so plan flexible outdoor time.
Cooler and wetter conditions possible; indoor activities or shorter trips are ideal during heavy rain.
Elevation keeps Hatton cool year-round; carry layers, a light rain jacket, and good sun protection.
Hatton at Night
Hiking in Hatton
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Historic viewpoint on the edge of the hill country with sweeping views; a popular hike from nearby villages.
A scenic forest and tea estate hike leading to a cascading waterfall.
Gentle to moderate hikes through tea estates and eucalyptus forests near established climatic stations.
Airports
How to reach Hatton by plane.
Main international gateway; about 150-180 km from Hatton, usually reached by train or car.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
Majority community in Hatton and the surrounding hill country.
Significant Tamil-speaking community, including tea plantation workers.
Historical labor community associated with tea plantations in the hill country.
Small numbers of Muslims, Malays and others living in the region.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
The most popular sport; local games and casual cricket are common in towns and schools.
Widely played in schools and community grounds.
Played in hotels and clubs, especially in the evenings.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Hatton.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options are widely available; specify no fish sauce or onion/garlic if needed and ask for dhal, vegetables, and rice as staples.