Hatton itself, as a town, is not especially inspiring, but it serves its purpose well, as a gateway into glorious surroundings of ravines and valleys, waterfalls and rivers. Set at the heart of Sri Lanka's tea plantations, it acts as a base for visitors en route to Adam's Peak, the historic Hill Station of Nuwara Eliya and the beautiful tea gardens of the Central Highlands.

The sacred Adam's Peak, with its almost perfectly conical shape is a major draw for pilgrims as well as travellers, and the winding route is lined with stalls selling food and souvenirs. Tea, of course, is everywhere - the vivid green of the plants colouring the landscape, the scent of drying leaves pervading the air.

The Ceylon Tea Trails, a collection of impeccably restored plantation bungalows dotted about Castlereagh Lake, make a good base for exploring the walking and cycling trails though this lovely hill country. Crackling log fires and afternoon tea made from Ceylon's finest and freshest leaves laid on to welcome guests back from their expeditions are further pleasures of a stay here.