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Hatton

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About Hatton

Cool, lush Hatton is often referred to as Sri Lanka’s tea capital as this is where the majority of the country’s higher altitude tea is grown. Funnily enough Hatton was founded during the British colonial period to support the coffee trade! Today some of the best places to stay in Hatton have been converted from graceful old plantation houses or colonial era villas and there are some really beautiful choices.

For some people it’s not the peace and lush scenery attracting them to Hatton, it’s the town’s proximity to Adam’s Peak and the Sinharajo Forest Reserve. This mountain offers a scenic but also sacred trail to a rock formation called the ‘sacred footprint’ which is close to the summit.

What Not to Miss

  • Hatton is close to a number of Hindu temples and a couple of Buddhist ones. Pilgrims come through on the way to Adam’s Peak and some of the temples and monuments are ancient as well as beautiful.
  • As well as sacred trails and ancient monuments, the Adam’s Peak region - also called Sri Pada - is home to elephants, leopards and an interesting selection of wildlife.
  • If you’re not hiking Adam’s Peak you might consider hiking up to Devon Falls, a local waterfall that has a drop of almost 100metres. Or Laxapana Falls, which has a drop of about 125metres.
  • Hatton is linked to the rest of the country by a scenic and rather atmospheric rail line. Colombo is about 80kms away and Kandy is about 45kms away. If you’re not travelling that far it’s worth riding the rails just for the views. You can take a journey that will take you through the Singha Malai Tunnel, it’s the longest railway tunnel in Sri Lanka.
  • Hatton was named after a Scottish town and a number of local plantations have also taken the name of Scottish towns, which is rather nice. One of the other things retained after the British left was a fondness for cricket and there’s an impressive stadium.

With so much to see and do in the area Hatton is very popular and has lots of choice of accommodation, so finding one of the best places to stay in Hatton is personal preference. Here are the Guru's suggestions.

Colonial Style

  • Ceylon Tea Trails is a wonderful former tea estate converted into a 20 room hotel, spread over four colonial bungalows. If you’re looking for peace and tranquility amongst a green and rolling landscape then this is perfect for you. Surrounded by birdsong, there’s an impeccable menu and little to fault.

For a self-catering house or villa

If you’d prefer to stay in private villa, house or cottage we recommend you visit our online partner booking.com.

Travel Information

  • Colombo Airport, or Bandaranaike International Airport, to give it the formal name, is the closest airport to Hatton. There are several ways to travel between the airport and Hatton, including bus and train combinations and a taxi or transfer. It’s not a short distance, and even by taxi or private car hire it takes five or six hours.
  • If you want to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
  • May through September are the monsoon seasons for Hatton and Colombo, so best avoided. The most popular time to visit is between December and April.

Still not sure?

  • Contact one of our friendly Gurus for advice.

Weather

Monthly Weather in Hatton

Best Hotels in Hatton

  • Camellia Hills Hatton 5 rooms from CA$369

    Groups  -  With just five rooms this is a great option for medium sized groups to rent out in its entirety
    Country Escape  -  Surrounded by tea plantations and overlooking a lake - this is an utterly idyllic rural escape
    Great walks  -  This is great walking country - wind between the tea fields and end up at a waterfall for a quick dip
    Sailing  -  Hire a boat and take a serene cruise across the lake
    RestaurantSwimming PoolGardenParking
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

    A gorgeous getaway set amidst tea plantations and overlooking Castlereagh lake. Airy, romantic rooms have a colonial feel with heavy four-posters and beamed ceilings while the picture frame windows and terraces are perfect for enjoying the views. Home-cooked meals are a treat. A perfect hill escape. See More

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  • Ceylon Tea Trails Hatton 20 rooms from CA$882

    Outdoor dining
    Birdwatching  -  There is an abundance of local birdlife amongst the tea plantations and forest
    Great walks  -  Walk the surrounding tea trails with your expert guide
    Tennis  -  Tientsin bungalow has a fast clay court
    Air conditioningTennisRestaurantSwimming PoolGardenViewsParkingNo pets
    Recommended by  -  Mr & Mrs Smith, I Escape

    Nestled away in the rolling green pastures of Sri Lankan Hill Country is this former tea estate. Comprised of four bungalows, all decorated in a colonial style it has a total of 20 rooms and suites. The impeccable menu and all meals included means that there is little we can fault. See More

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