The Pekoe Trail – A Sustainable Trekking Experience

Every trail is unique. The Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka is up there in the top of the list when it comes to an authentic trekking & hiking experience with spectacular views. It is a 300 Kilometer, long-distance tea-trail-hike that snakes through the central highlands of Sri Lanka.

The Pekoe Trail takes you through a scenic trekking route in the hilltops of Sri Lanka which is famous for its tea plantations and stunning natural beauty. It goes through lush green forests, cascading waterfalls, and verdant tea estates, offering an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and hikers. Along the way, visitors can also interact with local communities and learn about their culture and traditions. The Pekoe Trail is a great way to explore Sri Lanka's stunning landscapes and immerse oneself in the country's rich cultural heritage. You are guaranteed a sustainable travel experience in Sri Lanka with the Pekoe Trail.

Stage 1 - Hanthana to Galaha
Hanthana to Galaha

12.8KM
Stage 2 - Galaha to Loolkandura
Galaha to Loolkandura

14.69KM
Stage 3 - Loolkandura to Thawalantenna
Loolkandura to Thawalantenna

17.23KM
Stage 4 - Thawalantenna to Kumbaloluwa
Thawalantenna to Kumbaloluwa

9.50KM
Stage 5 - Kumbaloluwa to Watagoda
Kumbaloluwa to Watagoda

11.85KM
Stage 6 - Watagoda to Kotagala
Watagoda to Kotagala

14.86KM
Stage 7 - Kotagala to Norwood
Kotagala to Norwood

15.50KM
Stage 8 - Norwood to Bogawantalawa
Norwood to Bogawantalawa

15.85KM
Stage 9 - Bogawantalawa to Dayagama
Bogawantalawa to Dayagama

16.46KM
Stage 10 - Dayagama to Horton Plains
Dayagama to Horton Plains

14.88KM
Stage 11 - Horton Plains to Udaweriya
Horton Plains to Udaweriya

13.12KM
Stage 12 - Udaweriya to Haputale
Udaweriya to Haputale

14.76KM
Stage 13 - Haputale to St. Catherine’s (Lipton Seat)
Haputale to St. Catherine’s (Lipton's Seat)

13.48KM
Stage 14 - St. Catherine’s (Lipton's Seat) to Makulella
St. Catherine’s (Lipton's Seat) to Makulella

9.38KM
Stage 15 - Makulella to Ella
Makulella to Ella

10.12KM
Stage 16 - Ella to Demodara
Ella to Demodara

8.75KM
Stage 17 - Demodara to Hali-Ela
Demodara to Hali-Ela

12.99KM
Stage 18 - Hali-Ela to Ettampitiya
Hali-Ela to Ettampitiya

13.96KM
Stage 19 - Ettampitiya to Loonuwatte
Ettampitiya to Loonuwatte

18.60KM
Stage 20 - Loonuwatte to Uda Pussellawa
Loonuwatte to Uda Pussellawa

12.37KM
Stage 21 - Uda Pussellawa to Kandapola
Uda Pussellawa to Kandapola

16.71KM
Stage 22 - Kandapola to Nuwara Eliya
Kandapola to Nuwara Eliya

10.81KM

Throughout its 22 stages, the Pekoe Trail passes through singular mountainous terrain of the highlands, to places with panoramic views. It begins in Kandy, the Hill Capital of Sri Lanka, and continues to Nuwara Eliya known best as “Little England”. It goes on through famous highland tea trails, so the climb is gradual and manageable. It then carries on through destinations such as Hatton, Haputale, and Ella. All these cities are frequently visited and lovingly cherished for their natural, historical and cultural importance.

The Pekoe Trail is a uniquely Sri Lankan experience capturing the diversity of the island, seamlessly bringing together nature, people, culture and heritage. There is an opportunity for the hiking enthusiasts to enjoy a first-of-its-kind, top-of-the-bucket-list trek, and a sustainable travel experience in Sri Lanka with the Pekoe Trail. It is managed responsibly focusing on low-impact tourism, which means the trek is designed to have minimal impact on the environment and local communities. Overall, this trekking tour in Sri Lanka provides a unique and authentic travel experience that benefits both visitors and local communities while protecting the natural environment for future generations.

The Pekoe Trail also provides potential economic benefits to the communities by attracting tourism and as a spin-off, the surrounding local businesses, restaurants, accommodations, and retail stores can all reap the benefits. It allows the hikers learn more about nature, history, and culture related to Ceylon tea; the name itself “Pekoe” means black tea, made from the tea bushes hikers pass on their way. Stories attached to the tea estates and tea trade are numerous and diverse. Watching the tea pluckers start work early morning after visiting the red-and-white walled Hindu temples to put a red “bindi” on their foreheads, smell of the fresh tea leaves, and the warm smells wafting from the factories when young tea leaves are processed will make one appreciate the “tea life” of Sri Lanka.

The Pekoe Trail consists of 22 stages, each stage measuring up to about 9-16 kilometers. Even though you can take this challenge on by yourself, it is always advisable to obtain the services of a qualified guide who knows the area, plans the whole trip stage by stage with accommodation and provides you with an overall positive experience. Best of Lanka has been creating a sustainable travel experience in Sri Lanka with the Pekoe Trail and other treks since 2001. We are more than capable of assisting you with an unforgettable adventure with any trekking tour in Sri Lanka. Our guides are professional and well aware of the hidden treasures of this trail and capable in taking you through safely. Talk to us for a tailor-made hike of the full 300km or parts of it, picking and choosing from the many stages. We guarantee you the best trekking tour in Sri Lanka of your lifetime!