Sri Pada / Adam's Peak
An hour's drive south of Hatton, you'll find Adam's Peak. Also known as Sri Pada, this is Sri Lanka's most sacred mountain and 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 to 7,000 worn-down steps. Many groups trek through the path at night to watch the sunrise together at the summit, a truly indescribable experience as the sun peeks through the mountain silhouettes. Sri Pada refers to the impression of a footprint found at the top of the mountain; each religion has a different belief as to whom the footprint belongs — Buddhists believe it to be the Lord Buddha's, Hindus believe it is the print of Hanuman or Shiva, while Christians and Muslims believe it belongs to Adam.
Castlereagh Reservoir
The Castlereagh Reservoir may seem an unlikely place for an excursion, but its natural beauty makes a visit here worthwhile. The reservoir sits silently among alpine forests and well-groomed tea bushes, one of Sri Lanka's best-kept secrets, with its clear water reflecting the large green hills, making it look like something straight out of a fairytale. Some fun activities include canoeing along the crystal-clear waters, cycling through the surrounding forests, or strolling through endless tea estates — it also makes for a wonderful picnic spot, and the more adventurous can rent a kayak or canoe to cruise along the water.
Laxapana Falls
Situated in the Maskeliya area, Laxapana Falls is a must-visit when in Hatton. It is one of Sri Lanka's tallest waterfalls and truly an impressive sight. The hike to the cascade is relatively easy, thanks to a staircase that takes you to the top, though it can be quite slippery, so remember to wear appropriate shoes. Laxapana Falls is surrounded by lush flora and offers a great bird-watching opportunity, though due to high pressure it's strongly recommended you refrain from swimming in the natural pool — instead opt for a picnic on the large rocks nearby.
Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple
Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple is a kovil built in 1999, most famous for having the tallest Hanuman statue in Sri Lanka. The 18ft statue 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 celebrating the birth of Lord Hanuman, during which the statue is adorned with flowers and silk as offerings to the god. Even outside of the festival, it's 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 has been passed through generations, making it more myth than reality: two lovers whose union was disapproved of by their families are said to have come 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 green hills with pink skies, is magical.
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'll find faunal species endemic only to the park, for instance the Nelu flowers, which bloom just once every 12 years. Trek the 9.5km trail through the park, which will take about 3.5 hours depending on your fitness level and how many breaks you take mid-trek. On the trek you'll 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. Created in 1861, the garden is home to over 10,000 species of flowering plants, and in spring it 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's said that Demon King Ravana of Lanka kept Sita hidden here after abducting her, then transformed the area into a garden to please her, which is why the garden is also called Sita Eliya, and why there is a temple dedicated to her here.
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 as you learn about the delicate art of plucking tea. After a walking tea-tour of the estate, head to a nearby tea factory to learn about the manufacturing process of the famed Ceylon tea, and 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 interesting history, as it houses a bible first gifted to the church in 1879, making the place especially special to visit.
