THE PEKOE TRAIL

15/4/2023

HIKING THE BEAUTIFUL TERRAIN OF SRI LANKA
Designed for those interested in Hiking and Trekking the remote highlands of Sri Lanka The Pekoe trail is an absolute must for those interested in getting close to nature.

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What is the Pekoe Trail all about? Click on map below for a clearer view.

What is the Pekoe Trail all about?

The highlands of Sri Lanka are composed of a myriad of features, habitats, cultures, landscapes and rolling hills. An ideal way to take in the sights and sounds is to slow things down and take a walk along the roads that take you through all that you can see.

Tea plantations were introduced to the central highland by the British and has become an integral attraction in the region. Seas of green tea fields spanning across the hills are a soothing sight for sore eyes and is best experienced on foot.

The Pekoe trail is Sri Lanka’s brand new tourism product, a 300Km walking trail divided in to 23 sections that take you through roads less travelled. Done in either direction, the start/end points of the trail are Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. The trail takes you through Tea estates, Montane forests, Pine and Eucalyptus fortes, thorough remote upcountry villages, National parks, train stations and even bustling townships, albeit small. There are stages that suit every type of individual, from hardcore hikers/trekkers to novices taking on a new adventure for the 1st time!

The trail has been developed conveniently to allow travelers to pick and choose the level of difficulty. If you want a bit of history, culture and wish to meet a few people along the way you can pick stages that intertwine immersive experiences. If you are an avid nature-lover and wish for a more solitary journey you can chose a stage that takes you through forest patches and protected areas.
Stage 20, which can be done from Udupussellawa to Lunuwatte or in reverse, is 12Km long. At a slow pace while immersing yourself in the locality, you can commence the trail at 7:00 AM and complete by noon.
Starting off at Udupussellawa, the trail takes you on a slight incline and through a tea estate leading to a narrow path and before you know it you are walking along a small path way with breathtaking views of the valley below.

During this stage you walk through varying habitats and sceneries, that range from tea estates, Pine forests, Eucalyptus forests and small villages. Keeping a keen eye out for the wildlife you encounter along the route won’t disappoint as well.

Each stage has its own unique characteristics for one to enjoy. Stage 20 is one for everyone and you get to experience a little bit of everything the hill country has to offer.

Walking tourism steps beyond the conventional boundaries of hospitality by offering travelers of all ages an opportunity to truly experience the serenity of roads less traveled. The Pekoe trail sincerely invites visitors to experience its stunning vistas, curious wildlife and refreshing ambience.

Await our next update as we complete more stages.

STAGE ONE PEKOE TRAIL
Hantana to Galaha - ROUTE MAP

Elevation: 791 m
Distance: 12.8 km
Duration: 2 hours, 33 minutes and 49 seconds
Average Speed: 5.0 km/h
Minimum Elevation: 776 m
Maximum Elevation: 1066 m
Total climb: 404 m
Total descent: 355 m

Starting point can be from either Jetwing Kandy Gallery. Drop off at trail head and pick up at trail end. Alternatively, you can start at W15 Hanthana and do the trail and return to Kandy Gallery at the end or in reverse. Stop at Kandagala Estate and visit the mini-world's end RocK. a lookout point offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills & valleys.

STAGE TWO PEKOE TRAIL
Galaha To Loolecondera - ROUTE MAP
Elevation: 838 m
Attractions - Kondagala/James Taylors seat.
Kondagala mountain peak is a 300 m hike to the summit. It is situated close to James Taylor's cottage.

STAGE THREE PEKOE TRAIL
Loolecondera To Thawalanthenna
Elevation: 1177 m

STAGE FOUR PEKOE TRAIL
Tawalanthenna To Kumbaloluwa
Elevation: 960 m

STAGE FIVE PEKOE TRAIL
Kumbaloluwa To Watagoda
Elevation: 949 m

STAGE SIX PEKOE TRAIL
Watagoda To Kotagala
Elevation: 1349 m

STAGE SEVEN PEKOE TRAIL
Kotagala To Norwood
Elevation: 1245 m

STAGE EIGHT PEKOE TRAIL
Norwood to Bogawantalawa
Elevation: 1120 m

STAGE NINE PEKOE TRAIL
Bogawantalawa To Dayagama
Elevation: 1303 m

STAGE TEN PEKOE TRAIL
Dayagama To Horton Plains
Elevation: 1421 m

MORE PEKOE TRAILS - TO BE CONTINUED

Start of The Pekoe Trail
Stage 11
Horton Plains to Udaweriya - ROUTE MAP

Elevation: 2127 m
Distance: 13.1 km
Duration: 2 hours, 37 minutes and 39 seconds
Average Speed: 5.0 km/h
Minimum Elevation: 1614 m
Maximum Elevation: 2170 m
Total climb: 282 m
Total descent: 627 m

Start from Warwick Gardens and get picked up in Udaweriya or walk in reverse. You can also start at Warwick and then at either Hill Safari Eco Lodge or Misty Mountain Lodge or in reverse.

Start of The Pekoe Trail
Stage 12
Udaweriya To Haputale
Elevation: 2127 m

Start of The Pekoe Trail
Stage 13
Haputale To St. Catherine
Elevation: 1426 m

Start of The Pekoe Trail
Stage 14
St. Catherine (Lipton Seat) To ALLIMALE - ROUTE MAP

Distance: 9.4 km
Duration: 2 hours, 10 minutes and 53 seconds
Average Speed: 4.3 km/h
Minimum Elevation: 1234 m
Maximum Elevation: 1871 m
Total climb: 139m. Total descent: 776 m

Start from St. Catherine Liptons seat and move on to the trail head at Ella and walk down to Makulela, coming back to Kaduruketha might not be possible but clients can be transferred to Amba Estate Bungalow or accommodation in Ella.

Start of The Pekoe Trail
Stage 15
Makulela to Ella

Distance: 10.1 km
Duration: 2 hours, 1 minutes and 32 seconds
Average Speed: 5.0 km/h
Minimum Elevation: 1028 m
Maximum Elevation: 1350 m
Total climb: 225 m
Total descent: 431 m

Start from Kaduruketha and move on to the trail head at Ella and walk down to Makulela, coming back to Kaduruketha might not be possible but clients can be transferred to Amba Estate Bungalow or accommodation in Ella.

Start of The Pekoe Trail - Stage 16 - Ella to Demodera

Start of The Pekoe Trail - Stage 17- Demodera To Hali-Ela

Start of The Pekoe Trail - Stage 18 - Hali Ela to

Start of the Pekoe Trail
Stage 19
Ettampitiya to Lunuwatte - ROUTE MAP