Exciting Things to Do with Your Kids in Hatton
The hills are alive with the sound of … birds, the slow chug of a train and the gush of waterfalls. If you’re looking to enjoy a tranquil holiday with a mix of adventure, the quaint little town known as Hatton is ideal for a family vacation. Hatton is located in the Nuwara Eliya District offering panoramic views, cold weather, exotic flora and fauna and plenty of fun things to do with the little ones. Here are a few things you could do with your kids in Hatton.
Take the Train to Hatton
The best way to enjoy the breathtaking views of the tea country is by taking a train to Hatton. Start your journey from the Colombo Railway Station via Kandy, down the old railway tracks, before reaching Hatton. This is the most cost-effective and scenic mode of transport to Hatton which takes approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes.
As the train moves further around the mountains, you’ll be able to enjoy views of tea hills, flowing rivers and even waterfalls while you snack on local delicacies such as ‘Accharu’, with your kids. Try these other fun travel snacks too.
Tip – It tends to get very crowded when you travel by train, so make sure to book your tickets beforehand!
Take a Dip in a Waterfall
Hatton is home to some of the most popular waterfalls in Sri Lanka; Devon Falls, St. Clair’s Waterfalls, Laxapana Waterfalls and the spectacular Lover’s Leap Waterfall which is known for its romantic folklore. Stop by to admire these beautiful waterfalls, take a dip or even have a picnic with your family and relax.
Tip – Be sure to check with the locals in the area whether it’s safe to swim first.
Learn the History Behind Ceylon Tea
Every vacation also requires a history lesson in order to better understand the culture and traditions of a country; learn the rich history behind Ceylon Tea when you visit a tea factory in Hatton. You could see the tea pluckers in action by taking a hike through a tea estate, followed by a lesson on how the tea is produced in the factory and finally end the tour with a tea tasting. Whether you’re planning a complete Ceylon Tea adventure with the family or simply a visit to a factory, there’s a variety of flavours and tea ranges to try.
Tip – A tea tasting tour will keep the entire family entertained.
Trek Through Horton Plains
Horton Plains National Park is a 2-hour drive away from the town of Hatton and it is well worth the journey. The national park is a protected UNESCO World Heritage Site, due to the endemic flora and fauna that resides here. You’ll be able to see a few scattered Sambar Deer, Stripe-necked Mongoose, Toque Monkeys and other exotic wildlife. The entire trek will take approximately 3 hours, so we recommend wearing appropriate footwear and carrying snacks and water to keep your kids’ spirit and energy levels up.
The main attractions in Horton Plains are Baker’s Falls and World’s End. Named after the British explorer Sir Samuel Baker, it’s the ideal place to take a break mid-hike as it’s on the trail from World’s End. While World’s End is a vision to behold, this is where the Horton Plains plateau comes to a sudden end that plunges 880m covered by misty clouds. Ensure your kids don’t go near the edge!
The best time to trek through Horton Plains is in the wee hours of the morning; ideally between 6 am and 10 am; as the view from World’s End is much clearer. After 10 am, a thick blanket of mist usually rolls in; obstructing your views.
Tip – Carrying single-use plastics into the park is strictly prohibited.
Watch the Sunrise at Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak is also known as Sri Pada (sacred footstep) or Samanala Kanda (butterfly mountain) because of the thousands of butterflies that visit the area every year. This hike is recommended for kids above the age of 13 as it could be quite strenuous for smaller feet! It takes approximately 2-4 hours depending on the trail, and roughly 1-2 hours to climb back down.
Sri Pada is known to be sacred to several faiths as it an important pilgrimage site. The best time to visit Adam’s Peak is between the months from January to May. Make sure that you reach the summit at dawn to catch the astonishing views of the sun rising above the peaks.
Tip: Avoid climbing Adam’s peak during full moon days and on April 13th and 14th to avoid long queues and crowds.
Visit Hatton from January to April, in order to avoid the monsoon season.
