Named after a village in Aberdeenshire by the Scottish tea barons of early Ceylon, this Highland town lies at an elevation of more than 4000ft. It is deep within the heart of the Tea Country of Sri Lanka, where the best high-grown tea flourishes. Serving as a gateway to Adam’s Peak, it is a haven of tranquillity, where rolling tea fields, cascading waterfalls, British-era stone churches, and colourful Hindu temples create a tapestry of serene scenery. Here’s why Hatton deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.
Train Ride to Hatton
The Colombo-Badulla train journey, which takes you into the central hills, is Sri Lanka’s most scenic train ride and one of the world’s most beautiful. Embark from Colombo or Kandy to enjoy a visual treat. The train winds through the high montane canopy, deep gorges, craggy cliffs, old pine forests, dark tunnels and emerald tea plantations, the cool, crisp mountain air invigorating the soul.
Hills and misty peaks stretch as far as the eyes can see. Between Hatton and Kotagala is the Singha Malai Tunnel or Poolbank Tunnel, the second longest railway tunnel in Sri Lanka. It is 562 m (1,844 ft) long, and its curvature in the middle obscures its other end. Disembark at Hatton for the next leg of adventures.
The Enchanting Tea Plantations
Hatton is synonymous with Sri Lanka’s world-renowned Ceylon tea. The verdant landscapes blanketed with tea estates, most of which are from the colonial era, offer visitors an immersive experience in tea production. Notable estates include Holyrood, Talawakelle, Great Western, Norwood, Kew, Dick Oya, Bogawana and Chrysler’s Farm. A visit to one of the factories provides a fascinating insight into the tea journey – from leaf to cup. Take a guided tour through the plantations, watch skilled tea pluckers at work, and indulge in a fresh cup of aromatic Ceylon tea amidst breathtaking views.
Hypnotic Waterfalls
Hatton is home to some of Sri Lanka’s most breathtaking waterfalls, making it a paradise for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
- Among the most famous is Devon Falls, or the Veil of the Valley, a spectacular cascade that plunges 97 meters into a lush green valley.
- Nearby, St. Clair’s Falls, called the ‘Little Niagara of Sri Lanka,’ offers a picturesque cascade that falls over three rocky outcrops into a large pool, cutting through the famous St. Claire’s tea estate.
- Laxapana Falls, one of the tallest waterfalls in the country (413 feet), offers views of the bordering Seven Virgin Hills.
- At Horton Plains National Park is the stunning Baker’s Falls. Named after the British explorer Samuel Baker, it cascades beautifully over rock formations, surrounded by Rhododendrons, ferns and lush montane forest. Bordering the park are two more icy falls, Agra and the multi-tiered Elgin Falls.
- Found next to a Hindu temple, nestled between Dunsinane and Sheen tea plantations, is Dunsinane Falls and a stone’s throw away is Kip Falls, also known as Kabbana Falls.
- Wewahena Sithum Ella Falls is a lesser-known waterfall near the town of Pundaluoya. It creates a deep pool unsuitable for bathing, but the outlier smaller pools are shallow.
Castlereagh Reservoir
Nestled in a hidden valley is the calm waters of Castlereagh Reservoir. Surrounded by tea plantations and misty mountains, the reservoir has several tiny islands. It is a stunning backdrop for kayaking, picnicking or unwinding by the water’s edge. A nearby power station produces electricity from the reservoir’s water. The reservoir is a viewpoint for Adam’s Peak.
You can also visit Singamalai Reservoir, a small lake that provides all the drinking water for Hatton town and surrounding villages. It is also a picturesque picnic spot.
Christ Church Warleigh
On the verge of the Castlereagh Reservoir is Christ Church Warleigh, a 19th-century stone church built by the English. The church, built in 1878, represents the quintessential British architecture of the era. It contains an ancient pipe organ, a wooden pulpit, a 140-year-old bible, stained glass windows, floral tiles imported from England and a porcelain font. The church is well-preserved and still in use.
Horton Plains National Park
A visit to Hatton is incomplete without exploring the stunning Horton Plains National Park. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a paradise for hikers and nature lovers, offering a unique landscape of montane grasslands and cloud forests. Mosses, orchids and lichens add character to its undergrowth.
One of the park’s most famous attractions is World’s End, a dramatic escarpment with a sheer drop of 870 meters, providing breathtaking panoramic views extending to the southern coast on clear days. Wildlife enthusiasts will also delight in spotting sambar deer, langurs, macaques, endemic birds, and even the elusive leopard. The park’s cool climate and misty trails make it a refreshing escape from the tropical heat of lower altitudes.
Adam’s Peak
Hatton is one of the three main routes, the easiest and the most popular, to Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada – the holiest mountain in Sri Lanka. Most visitors climb its stone stairs at night to reach the summit at dawn to witness a stupendous sunrise. The illuminated trail stands out in the distance when looking towards the mountain at night. Its Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is home to biodiversity-rich ecosystems featuring endemic species and rare plants, flowers and trees. The Buddhist temple at the summit contains a sacred footprint revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians.
Mystical Hindu Temples
Like other tea-growing regions in the Highland, Hatton has many Hindu temples and shrines secreted in the hills and valleys. Festooned with intricate carvings and colourful sculptures, these come alive with vibrant rituals, music and processions. The temples showcase Sri Lanka’s Hindu heritage and the spiritual life of the Tamil community.
Haritha Kanda
Popular as a camping ground for hikers and located between two stunning valleys, it offers clear views of Adam’s Peak. You can also admire the views of the island’s second and third-highest mountains, Kirigalpoththa and Thotupola Kanda peaks. The wide-open space and unobstructed views make it an ideal spot for stargazing.
Exploring Tea Country Trails with Blue Lanka Tours
Hatton is the heartland of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country, where mist-laden peaks, emerald tea fields, and cascading waterfalls create a dreamlike escape. Whether you’re an adventurer eager to conquer Adam’s Peak, a tea enthusiast looking to savour the world’s finest brews, or a traveller searching for nature serenity, Hatton offers something for everyone. Rejuvenate yourself with crisp mountain air, lilting bird calls and the warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality.
Experience the magic of Hatton with Blue Lanka Tours, curating tailor-made getaways to the island paradise. From the epic Pekoe Trail to Hill Country Photography Tours, we bring authentic and responsible Sri Lankan travel crafted for every discerning traveller.