Hatton, Sri Lanka
Museums
If you're in Hatton and want to visit museums, one suggestion would be the Sir Thomas Lipton Memorial Museum, which is located about 13 km away in Dambatenne. It's a small museum dedicated to the life of Sir Thomas Lipton, a tea magnate who played a significant role in the development of tea plantations in Sri Lanka. If you're interested in visiting other museums nearby, you could consider checking out the National Museum of Kandy or the International Buddhist Museum in Kandy, which are both about 40 km away from Hatton.
Food
Some of the most recommended, popular and typical dishes to eat in Hatton, Sri Lanka according to local people are:
1. String hoppers with coconut sambol and dhal curry - Thin noodles made from rice flour served with a spicy coconut chutney and lentil curry.
2. Kottu roti - A dish made by mixing chopped roti bread with vegetables, meat or eggs and spices on a hot griddle.
3. Lamprais - A Dutch-influenced dish made with rice and various curries, wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed.
4. Vegetable or chicken samosas - Fried pastries filled with spiced potatoes, peas, chicken or vegetables.
5. Hoppers - Bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with an egg in the center and accompanied by sambols or curries.
6. Ambul Thiyal - A sour fish curry cooked with tamarind, goraka (garcinia cambogia) and spices.
7. Watalappam - A sweet dessert made with jaggery, coconut milk, cashew nuts and spices, similar to a pudding.
These dishes are readily available in many restaurants and food stalls in Hatton, as well as in other parts of Sri Lanka.
Activities
Some fun activities that local people enjoy in Hatton and the surrounding areas include:
1. Visiting tea estates: Hatton is located in Sri Lanka's Hill Country, which is famous for its tea plantations. Many locals enjoy visiting tea estates to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy the scenic beauty of the hills.
2. Hiking or trekking: The Hill Country around Hatton is also a great place for hiking and trekking. There are many trails that wind through tea plantations, forests, and waterfalls.
3. Exploring waterfalls: Hatton is home to several beautiful waterfalls, including Laxapana Falls, Aberdeen Falls, and St. Clair's Falls. Locals often enjoy visiting these waterfalls for picnics and swimming.
4. Trying local cuisine: Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its spicy curries, seafood, and coconut-based dishes. Locals often recommend trying local specialties like hoppers (a type of pancake), string hoppers (steamed rice noodles), and kottu roti (a dish made with chopped roti, vegetables, and meat or eggs).
5. Visiting religious sites: Hatton is home to several important religious sites, including the Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple and the St. Clair's Falls Church. Locals often enjoy visiting these sites for their spiritual significance and historical architecture.
