5 reasons to walk the Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka with me

This month, I returned from leading my first hiking adventure through the Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka. 

What is the Pekoe Trail?

This is a must on any walker’s bucket list before the world discovers Sri Lanka! Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island nation off the coast of India known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’.

It is world-renowned for its incredible biodiversity, ancient Buddhist heritage, world-class Ceylon tea, and warm, resilient people. 

Where can you find the Pekoe Trail?

The Pekoe Trail is a recently launched 300-kilometre long-distance walking trail that winds through the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.

Divided into 22 stages ranging from 10 to 16 kilometres, the trail guides trekkers through misty tea plantations, eucalyptus forests, and remote, culturally rich villages. 

The adventure I have created explores 7 of those stages.

Reason 1: Slow travel reveals the real Sri Lanka

I’ve taught tourism at the University of the Sunshine Coast for the past 15 years. In that time, the term ‘slow travel’ has emerged to explain a type of mindful ecotourism.

Walking certainly falls into this category, and it is perhaps the reason I most love this method of travel. Slow travel by foot offers the opportunity for immersion.

It gives time for chatting with locals as they pick tea; watching eagles circle overhead and finding their nest; listening to the call for prayer as it reverberates through the mountains; and picking orchard fruit to enjoy with expansive views over lunch. 

Reason 2: Explore an emerging world-class hiking trail before it becomes too busy

Walking as a leisure activity is booming. While this is a good thing, it also puts pressure on better-known routes, like the Camino Frances, or Inca Trail.

By choosing the Pekoe Trail, you explore a world-class walk while it is still relatively unknown. This means it is not only less crowded but also less expensive. 

Reason 3: Get the benefits of walking without roughing it

In the walking world, the term ‘through hike’ means one where you pitch your tent each night. The Pekoe adventure I have developed is NOT a through hike. Instead, we walk during the day and rest in comfortable beds at night.

We have our dedicated bus and driver who picks us up at the end of each day and delivers us to the start of the walk in the morning.

This support cannot be overestimated. After a physically demanding day, there is nothing worse than having to find a place to pitch a tent and cook dinner. 

Reason 4: Benefit from local guide knowledge

Each day, we are joined by a local guide who knows the day’s route like the back of his hand. This not only avoids the challenges of missing the path, but it also means the guide is knowledgeable about the culture and history of his region.

The stages have been chosen to highlight the best that the Pekoe Trail has to offer, while including a variety of different terrain.

Some days we walk through terraced tea plantations. Others we pass through cathedral eucalypt plantations, or breathe in 270-degree misty vistas.

Reason 5: You don't have to be an elite hiker

While some stages are challenging, the Pekoe Trail is achievable for reasonably fit hikers. Preparation is more important than athletic ability. We only walk seven days out of 10 and walk about 15km each day.

This leaves afternoons for rest, exploration, or cultural immersion. For instance, join a monk for meditation, or learn to cook Sri Lanka lunches!

A good night’s rest in a world-class hotel means you wake refreshed and ready for the next adventure.

Join me in 2027

I only took six people on this walk in 2026 and will take a maximum of 9 people in 2027. Please contact me if you would like more information. Together we can make memories!

To find out more on my 2026 Pekoe trail trip click here!

To find out more information on the 2027 trip click here!

Don't forget to go with my new YouTube video on the Pekoe trail and please like, comment and subscribe!