Make the most of your time in Sri Lanka with our carefully curated day tours. Whether you’re into culture, wildlife, beaches, or adventure, our day trips offer the perfect way to experience the island’s highlights — all in a single day. Sit back, relax, and let us handle the details while you enjoy an unforgettable experience.
The Pekoe Trail: Sri Lanka’s Scenic Tea Country Trek
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The Pekoe Trail: Sri Lanka’s Scenic Tea Country Trek
The Pekoe Trail is a newly developed, 300-kilometer long-distance hiking route that winds through the central highlands of Sri Lanka — the heart of the island’s tea-growing region. Named after “Pekoe” tea, this trail blends natural beauty, cultural richness, colonial heritage, and community-based tourism, offering hikers an unforgettable experience.
🔍 Quick Facts
- Total Distance: ~300 km (186 miles)
- Stages: 22 (each 8–20 km)
- Trail Start: Kandy
- Trail End: Ella (via Nuwara Eliya; optional extensions to Haputale)
- Duration: 2–3 weeks (entire trail) or single-day hikes
- Difficulty: Moderate (varies by stage)
🌄 What You'll Experience
- Trek through lush, century-old tea estates.
- Visit working tea factories and learn about Ceylon tea production.
🫖 Tea Plantations
- Enjoy sweeping views of misty mountains, rolling hills, and waterfalls.
- A cool, refreshing climate — ideal for trekking.
🏔️ Hill Country Scenery
- Explore Buddhist temples, Hindu kovils, and colonial churches.
- Visit Tamil villages and meet local tea workers.
🛕 Cultural Encounters
- Walk through forest reserves teeming with exotic birds, monkeys, and endemic flora.
- Nearby parks: Horton Plains, Knuckles Mountain Range.
🐒 Rich Biodiversity
- Discover old railway lines, British-era bungalows, and estate towns frozen in time.
🏡 Colonial Heritage
🚶 Popular Trail Sections
| Stage | Route | Highlights |
| 1 | Kandy to Galaha | Hanthana forest, village life, mountain views |
| 6 | Pussellawa to Kothmale | Remote ridges, scenic tea trails |
| 15 | Haputale to St. Catherine’s | Dramatic cliffs, forest canopy walk |
| 19 | Ella to Demodara | Nine Arches Bridge, railway trek |
| — | Haputale to Lipton’s Seat | Tea fields, sunrise viewpoint, historic route |
🧭 Trail Logistics
Best Time to Hike:
West/Central (e.g., Kandy, Nuwara Eliya): December–March
East/South (e.g., Ella, Haputale): June–September
Accommodation:
Homestays, guesthouses, and heritage tea bungalows along or near each stage.
Trail Markings:
Professionally marked. GPS maps and printed guides available.
Guides:
Optional but recommended for deeper cultural/historical context.
Permits:
No special permits required.
🌱 A Trail with Purpose
- The Pekoe Trail is part of a sustainable tourism initiative supported by the EU and USAID, aimed at:
- Empowering rural communities
- Promoting eco-conscious travel
- Preserving Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage
🌍 Why the Pekoe Trail is Unique
It’s Sri Lanka’s answer to the Camino de Santiago or the Appalachian Trail, combining:
Natural grandeur
Colonial and cultural heritage
Ethnic diversity
Soft adventure suitable for most fitness levels
Whether you’re hiking a single day or the full three-week route, the Pekoe Trail offers a journey through the soul of Sri Lanka — one step at a time.
Get in touch today to personalize your tour, check availability, or ask any questions. We offer 24/7 support, expert local guidance, and the best travel experiences across the island.
Highlights:
Discover Sri Lanka’s colonial and cultural history
Shop and bargain at colorful local markets
Taste authentic Sri Lankan street food
Capture stunning sunset views by the ocean
