The Pekoe Trail
The Pekoe Trail – A 22-Stage Highland Adventure in Sri Lanka
The Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka’s first long-distance walking trail — a fantastic 300 km journey across the Central Highlands. This iconic route passes through lush tea estates, old colonial paths, forest reserves, high mountain ridges, rural villages, and some of the island’s most dramatic landscapes.
Whether you’re looking for a single-day hike, a multi-day adventure, or the full 22-stage hike, this guide gives you everything you need.
Why Hike the Pekoe Trail?
• Walk through Sri Lanka’s most iconic tea landscapes
• Experience misty mountain ridges and forest trails
• Encounter village life, culture, and authentic hill-country living
• Enjoy waterfalls, reservoirs, and panoramic viewpoints
• Support sustainable rural tourism and eco travel
Starts at the historic Ceylon Tea Museum on the Hanthana Estate. Walk under tall trees, pass the Sugarcane Quarantine Centre, and enjoy sweeping vistas of Kandy’s hill country.
Highlights: Hanthana Estate, forest canopies, Kandy views
- Distance: ~13 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Begins in the quiet village of Galaha and leads to Sir James Taylor’s first tea plantation. Lush slopes, old trees, and historic estates shape this beautiful walk.
Highlights: Loolkandura Tea Estate, historic tea roots
- Distance: ~14 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
Walk through leafy forest trails, colonial-era tea fields, and cool mountain winds as you descend into Tawalantenne.
Highlights: Heritage paths, forest cover
- Distance: ~15 km
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
A scenic trail through remote valleys, quiet tea gardens, and peaceful streams. A soothing yet adventurous stage.
Highlights: Valley views, rural hamlets
- Distance: ~11 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
Passes through village communities, hillside tea fields, and gentle terrain ideal for relaxed walking.
Highlights: Estate life, mountain slopes
- Distance: ~12 km
- Duration: 4 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
A pleasant walk beside lakes and streams, with rich plantation scenery leading toward Kotagala town.
Highlights: Holyrood Estate, ponds, water views
- Distance: ~9.5 km
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
A mix of ridge walks, valley drops, and scenic lakes including Singamalai. The views across the reservoir are stunning.
Highlights: Singamalai Lake, ridge views
- Distance: ~13 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Quiet tea roads wind above the lush Bogawantalawa Valley. Expect misty slopes and open scenery on this calm trail.
Highlights: Valley lookouts
- Distance: ~14 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Known for the dramatic climb along Jacob’s Ladder — steep, thrilling, and unforgettable. A must-hike for adventure lovers.
Highlights: Jacob’s Ladder, mountain ridges
- Distance: ~15 km
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
A misty high-altitude journey through cloud forests leading toward Horton Plains National Park.
Highlights: Cloud forests, rare flora
- Distance: ~14 km
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
Begins on the open plains before descending into valleys and forest patches, offering wide views and refreshing climates.
Highlights: Grasslands, remote valleys
- Distance: ~12 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
A scenic transition from abandoned factories and open ridges to Haputale’s bustling mountain town.
Highlights: Misty ridges, historic factories
- Distance: ~17 km
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate–Hard
A popular trail leading toward Lipton’s Seat viewpoint with breathtaking morning panoramas.
Highlights: Lipton’s Seat, Dambatenne Valley
- Distance: ~14 km
- Duration: ~5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
A quiet, relaxed walk-through rolling tea hills and gentle slopes — perfect for a calm day hike.
Highlights: Small estate villages, soft terrain
- Distance: ~10 km
- Duration: 3–4 hours
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
Leads through tea fields and foothills into Ella town, revealing dramatic mountain silhouettes along the way.
Highlights: Ella mountain range
- Distance: ~12 km
- Duration: ~4 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
A short and iconic trail passing the Nine Arches Bridge and ending at the famous Demodara railway loop.
Highlights: Nine Arches Bridge, Demodara Loop
- Distance: ~9 km
- Duration: ~3 hours
- Difficulty: Easy
A peaceful walk through rural families, vegetable gardens, and sweeping valley views.
Highlights: Village life, open valleys
- Distance: ~13 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
A demanding trail with steep climbs and rugged wild terrain — perfect for experienced trekkers.
Highlights: Forest zones, remote ridges
- Distance: ~16 km
- Duration: 5–6 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
Covers remote highland forests and breezy ridges, offering long uninterrupted nature walks.
Highlights: Highland forests
- Distance: ~18 km
- Duration: 6–7 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
Passes through scenic viewpoints, small villages, and rolling tea slopes with gentle movement. Village paths, scenic points
- Distance: ~14 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
A serene high-altitude walk through misty estates and quiet forest tracks.
Highlights: Mountain ridges, tea slopes
- Distance: ~15 km
- Duration: ~5 hours
- Difficulty: Hard
The final stage passes Lover’s Leap Waterfall and Courtlodge Estate before ending at the famous Pedro Tea Estate.
Highlights: Lover’s Leap, Pedro Estate
- Distance: ~12 km
- Duration: 4–5 hours
- Difficulty: Moderate
Tips for Hiking the Pekoe Trail
- Start early to avoid mist and afternoon rain
- Wear sturdy shoes and carry enough water
- Download offline maps
- Check estate permissions when needed
- Respect local communities and plantation workers
