5 Romantic Places In Hatton
Tucked away in the misty hills of Sri Lanka, you will find the small town of Hatton. Escape the popular towns of Ella and Nuwara Eliya for a more romantic getaway. Visit Lover’s Leap waterfall or enjoy a kayaking excursion along Castlereagh Reservoir. Enjoy a long stroll through tea trails or a tea-tasting tour with your partner.
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 of this waterfall has been passed through generations, making it more of a myth than a reality. It is said that two lovers whose union was disapproved of by their families came 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 the green hills with pink skies is magical. Read our blog if you’re interested in discovering more eerie and unusual attractions.
Castlereagh Reservoir
The Castlereagh Reservoir is one of Sri Lanka’s best-kept secrets, the clear water of the reservoir reflects the large green hills making it look like something straight out of a fairytale. The reservoir makes for a wonderful picnic spot, but for the more adventurous you can rent a kayak or a canoe and cruise along the water.
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 will find faunal species that are only endemic to the park, for instance, the Nelu flowers which only bloom once every 12 years! Trek the 9.5 km trail that goes through the park, which will take you about a 3 ½ hours, depending on your level of fitness and how many ‘breaks’ you need, mid-trek. On the trek, you will 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. The garden which was created in 1861 is home to over 10,000 species of flowering plants, and in Spring, the garden 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 is said that Demon King Ravana of Lanka kept Sita hidden here after abducting her. He then transformed the area into a garden to please Sita, which is why the garden is also given the name Sita Eliya, and why there is a temple dedicated to her.
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 with your partner, as you learn about the delicate art of plucking tea. After your walking tea-tour of the estate, head over to a nearby tea factory where you can learn all about the manufacturing process of the famed Ceylon tea. End the tour with a delightful tea-tasting experience!
