Walk through the Highlands: 10 Days on the Pekoe Trail
Embark with me on an unforgettable trek through the Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka, exploring the lush tea- growing regions of the central highlands, where some of the world's finest tea is cultivated. Together, we will walk seven stages of this trail, visit historical sites and experience Sri Lankan hospitality in local communities along the way. This program offers the perfect blend of history, culture and nature, making it an ideal way to explore this incredible nation.
Discover
We are transferred from the airport to Kandy and check into the hotel. Here, we meet our local trekking guides and visit the most sacred Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic where we can choose to receive blessings before starting our 10-day trekking adventure on the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka.
Kandy, steeped in historical and religious significance, is full of legends, medieval palaces, spice trails, and sacred temples. Although it is known as the hill capital, Kandy is a serene place where time seems to slow down. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic was built in the 16th century. It houses Buddha’s tooth and is surrounded by artistic murals and paintings depicting the journey of Buddhism. The temple’s daily rituals, or ‘pooja,’ attract worshippers with intense and colourful drumming and chanting.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 12.8 km (Hantana Tea Museum to Galaha) | DURATION: 4-5 hours | GRADING: Easy
As Julie Andrews sung, we will ‘begin at the very beginning’ of the 22-stage Pekoe Trail, at the Ceylon Tea Museum on the Hanthana Estate. The trail features a gentle elevation gain and splendid vistas of Kandy as we follow concrete and gravel roads toward Galaha. On clear days, the highest point affords views of the Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles Mountain range.
Descending from this peak, the trail leads to a river crossing just before Galaha. We meet our driver and vehicle near the Galaha Post Office, then proceed to our nearby hotel. The rest of the day we can soak up the atmosphere and wander around town to mingle with the community, or join a Buddhist monk for a 1-hour meditation program.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 14.7 km (Galaha to Loolkadura) | DURATION: 5-6 hours | GRADING: Difficult
After breakfast at our hotel in Galaha, we will be transported to the starting point of Stage 2 of the trail. This is a calf-stretching hike divided into two sections: the first shorter trail takes us from Galaha to Deltota and the second from Deltota to Loolkandura. There are many highlights along the way including the Deltota Tea Estate, James Taylor’s seat, Konda Gala, Pine forests and dense vegetation.
The trail ends at Loolkandura Estate, the first tea plantation in Sri Lanka established in 1867 by Scotsman James Taylor, often referred to as the ‘father of Ceylon tea’. (Yes, the same on the ‘seat’ is named after!) We will meet our driver and transfer to the hotel Kandapola which is very close to the next day’s starting point.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 10.8 km (Kandapola to Pedro Estate) | DURATION: 3-4 hours | GRADING: Moderate
Following breakfast at our hotel, we will be transported to the trailhead to begin the journey from Kandapola. The trail winds through tea estate tracks past Court Lodge Tea Factory, established in 1890, and quaint villages nestled in the valley.
Highlights today include the enchanting Lovers’ Leap Waterfall, steeped in local folklore about a tragic love story between a prince and a village maiden. The trail culminates near Pedro Estate Tea Factory, a short 3 km from Nuwara Eliya town. We will visit the Pedro Estate Tea Factory and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea before concluding the trail. We meet the driver guide at Pedro Estate Tea Factory and proceed to Nuwara Eliya for a relaxing evening.
Nuwara Eliya, often referred to as 'Little England,' is a charming town with a rich history and breathtaking scenery. It is known for its vibrant flowers and buildings in classic English architectural style and at its heart lies a 117-year-old golf course.
Surrounded by mountains, dense moss-covered cloud forests, and lush tea plantations, the area is renowned for a perfect climate that supports the growth of some of the finest high- grown tea in the world. The city's temperate weather, (with cool temperatures around 13°C, seasonal mists and dry winds) creates an idyllic atmosphere. Lake Gregory graces the southern edge of Nuwara Eliya, while high waterfalls enhance the town's natural beauty.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 13.12 km (Horton Plains to Udaweriya) | DURATION: 5-6 hours | GRADING: Difficult
Today, we will hike the highest point of the entire Pekoe trail, 2170 meters. The trail wanders through villages, crosses mountains and traverses valleys and is one of the most scenic sections. We visit the Devil’s staircase, Horton Plains National Park, World’s End Viewpoint, and Udaweriya Tea Factory. This stage ends at the abandoned Ohiya Tea Factory where we will be met by our driver and transported to the hotel in Ohiya for a relaxing remainder of the day.
TREKKING DISTANCE: Approx 14.25 km (Udaweriya – Idalgashinna - Haldummulla) | DURATION: 5-6 hours | GRADING: Moderate
After early breakfast, we will be transferred to the start of Stage 12 in the Udaweiya Valley, one of the most remote valleys in the tea country. (Sometimes called the Hidden Valley). The valley looks over the southern part of Sri Lanka and on a clear day you may just make out the ocean.
Stage 12 ends at Idalgashinna, one of the most picturesque railway stations in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. From Idalhashinna we will trek down to Haldummulla. Our driver will meet us at Haldummulla where our hike ends, and an overnight stay at the Belihuloya Adventure Camp promises an unforgettable experience. If the peaceful surroundings don’t rejuvenate your spirit, kayaking through calm waters, breathing in the fresh air, and soaking in the stunning views certainly will.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 13. 48 km (Haputale - St. Catherine) | DURATION: 4-5 hours | GRADING: Moderate
After early breakfast, drive to Haputale Railway station and start stage13 of the Pekoe trail. We will walk from Haputale towards Bandarawela, another small beautiful town in highlands. We will pass the Nayabedda Tea Estate where Sir Thomas Lipton grew his crop and surveyed his land from ‘Lipton Seat’.
We then follow the Thotalagala - Dambatenne Valley, and end the trek on the upper divisions of the Nayabedda Tea Estate. Before entering to the village, we will stop at a Hindu temple. Then our driver will meet us at St. Catherine and transfer us to the hotel in Ella.
TREKKING DISTANCE: 8.74 km (Ella to Demodara) | DURATION: 2-3 hours | GRADING: Easy
This final hike is one of the shortest yet most popular stages of The Pekoe Trail. The scenic trail begins in Ella Town, and traverses through Ella Forest Reserve and quaint villages. Along the way, we’ll pass the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, where you're likely to encounter other hikers. We will pass the Newburgh Tea Factory, wind through chena cultivations, tea estates, railway tracks, and pass a small lake.
The trail then takes us past the Demodara Tea Estate before arriving at the Demodara Railway Station. Famous for its remarkable 'Demodara Loop,' this station features a spiral rail line that passes underneath itself, looping around and emerging from a tunnel directly beneath the station. We meet our driver at the Demodara railway station and travel back to the hotel in Ella.
Hotel List of Tour with Meals Basis
DATE
DAY 1
DAY 2
DAY 3
DAY 4
DAY 5
DAY 6
DAY 7
DAY 8
DAY 9
HOTEL NAME
Aayu Hanthana
Dunali Mountain
Tea Factory
Heaven Seven
Heaven Seven
Hill Safari
Kinchigune Camp
Ella Moon Rock Hotel
Ella Moon Rock Hotel
ROOM CATEGORY
Deluxe/Luxury
Cabana/Cottages
Superior
Deluxe
Deluxe
Standard
Tent
Deluxe
Deluxe
MEAL'S BASIS
Breakfast
Breakfast and Dinner
Breakfast and Dinner
Breakfast and Dinner
Breakfast and Dinner
Breakfast and Dinner
Breakfast and Dinner
Breakfast and Dinner
Breakfast
OPTION 1 INCLUDES
OPTION 2 INCLUDES
OPTION 3 INCLUDES
OPTION 4 INCLUDES
Full payment with the confirmation and rooming list [before arrival]
Deposit of 10% is required upon booking. The balance will be due 45 days prior to arrival.
DISCLAIMER:
By accepting this offer you agree not to hold liable and to fully remiss, release, absolve and forever discharge, waive, save harmless, protect, and keep totally indemnified; Experiential Journeys Pvt Ltd, Experiential Journeys Pty Ltd, Eco Team (Pvt) Ltd, support staff and all other persons involved in the aforesaid program, free from and against any loss, liability, claim or damage, including without any limitations to all legal fees and costs incurred in connection with such action or actions.
faq
Yes, you need an electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA). It can be obtained online before you travel and is valid for 30 days.
The temperature in the highlands in June ranges from 18-31 degrees in Kandy, and 9-23 degrees in Nuwara Eliya. The humidity is high and you can expect to experience rain.
It is recommended to always have some cash for street vendors and for tips.
A packing list will be provided soon, but the most essential items are good hiking boots and poles, light clothing, a warm outer layer, good wet weather jacket, hat, sunglasses, insect repellent and sunscreen.
Dress modestly, covering shoulders to knees. Remove head coverings and shoes at entrances. White attire is often suitable.
It is important to cover tatoos in religious places.
Yes, you will be asked for dietary details after booking.
A single supplement fee will be applicable.
IAlways ask before taking photos, especially in religious sites.
It is recommended to carry a day pack when hiking, but you will not need to take all your luggage.
The longest hike will be about 15km. It is hilly and requires a good level of fitness, but there is no rush. All clients must sign a disclaimer before the trekking Sri Lanka trip begins.
IThere are two types of plugs in Sri Lanka: D and G. Plug D has three round pins in a triangle pattern (similar to India). Plug G is three rectangle pins in a triangle (similar to the UK).
Although phone service is good in towns, it is not consistent in the remote areas on the Pekoe trail.
It is recommended to treat or filter water before drinking and carry 1.5-2litres per person.
Yes. It costs $10 per person per day to walk the trail. These costs are included in your tour price.
Yes. We are a fully-licenced travel agent. We use quality airlines and we and we are happy to help with the rest of your travel plans.
Copyright 2021 Sarah R Pye - Privacy Policy - Disclaimer - Website Design SEO Artillery
