Hatton
Located in the
district of Nuwara Eliya, Hatton a small remote
town is a notable centre of Ceylon Tea plantations
and industry. Situated 160 kilometers from the
capital of Colombo, Hatton lies on the Badulla
railway and the Avissawella road making it easily
accessible for tourist. You could reach this
destination by train in 5 hours and by hired
or private transport in 4 hrs. The feel of the
cool mountain breeze as it caress your face
when you reach the destination and the panoramic
views of the mountain range and the Adam’s
Peak is a feast o the eyes and give peace for
the mind body and soul.
The Hill climb of Hatton is a different type
to witness with a spectacular sun rise or just
for the thrill of the panoramic views of Sri
Lanka or for pleasure. Not just a trail but
a pilgrimage to a summit sacred to all of the
world's major religions. Being on the most popular
hill trail in Sri Lanka located at 2200 meters
above sea level Hatton is a place of peaceful
tranquility. The best days to enjoy a relaxed
holiday is between December and April when the
summit is not misty and relatively dry which
provides the traveler with the best view and
climate.
An entrance to Adam’s Peak the famous
pilgrimage of all three local communities begins
at this hill town. Easily recognizable from
many areas of the western / southern parts of
the country because of it's triangle shape summit
as well as from the sea to the west, Adam’s
Peak is of scared treasure to the Christians,
the Muslims as well as Hindus while to Buddhist
believe that it is one of the places where Buddha
has visited and left a footprint. Today it is
been covered by a boulder and many renovations
has been done to make it safe and secure for
the climbers. The first climbs dates back to
1000AD by then king Vijayabahu I who had built
resting places for travelers. Travelers like
Ibn Batuta a Arab pilgrim and Marco Polo have
recorded visiting the summit.
There are few routes to Sri Pada the most used
routes are from Ratnapura side or from Hatton/Maskeliya.
Public bus services are available from both
towns as well as from Colombo and other major
towns during the season. The difficult path
starts from about 30km from via Kuruwita, Gilimale,
Ratnapura. The climb is about 4-6 hours. Alternatively
visitors by bus from Colombo (or else where)
may first go to Maskeliya and then to Delhousie
where vehicular approaches end. The trail is
around 8 kM. And the climb would take 2-3 hours
minimum depending on how fit you are. The forest
around the area is a wild life sanctuary famous
for its butterflies but also and contains a
wealth of flora and fauna. The sunrise is spectacular
and the scenic beauty of the climb is superb.
Most people climb to watch the sunrise from
the summit and therefore start at late night.
There are several resting places along the routes.
Both routes are well lit and marked.
