Pekoe Trail is a long-distance walking trail in Sri Lanka (It’s the 1st ever long-distance walking trail in Sri Lanka). It offers a unique experience for hikers and nature lovers alike. With its lush green forests and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Thus, the pekoe trail can be considered as one of the unique hikes that you can do in Sri Lanka. The trail is suitable for both experienced trekkers and those starting out. It has various stages ranging from easy to strenuous. Along the way, visitors can enjoy spectacular views of tea plantations, waterfalls, wildlife and more.
Pekoe Trail is one of the newest multi day hiking trails in Sri Lanka and an unforgettable experience for those who are willing to explore it! This memorable trail winds its way through 25 charming towns and over 80 picturesque villages. allowing you to experience the enchanting tea country of Sri Lanka.
| Type of trail | Nature Trail, Heritage trail, Long-distance trail | Total distance | 298.67 km |
| Number of stages | 22 | Average distance per stage | 13.5 km |
| Trail head | Ceylon Tea Museum, Hantana Estate | Trail end | Pedro Tea Estate factory, Nuwara Eliya |
| Shortest stage | Stage 16 – Ella to Demodara (8.75 km) | Longest stage | Stage 19 – Etampitiya to Loonuwatte (18.6 km) |
| Stages | From | To | Distance (Km) | Elevation Gain (m) | Avg Time to complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanthana | Galaha | 12.8 | 492 | 3 h 52 min |
| 2 | Galaha | Loolkandura | 14.69 | 771 | 4 h 41 min |
| 3 | Loolkandura | Thawalantenna | 17.23 | 673 | 5 h 50 min |
| 4 | Thawalantenna | Kumbaloluwa | 9.5 | 445 | 3 h 28 min |
| 5 | Kumbaloluwa | Watagoda | 11.85 | 686 | 3 h 47 min |
| 6 | Watagoda | Kotagala | 14.86 | 414 | 4 h 15 min |
| 7 | Kotagala | Norwood | 15.5 | 442 | 4 h 37 min |
| 8 | Norwood | Bogawantalawa | 15.85 | 655 | 4 h 40 min |
| 9 | Bogawantalawa | Dayagama | 16.46 | 672 | 5 h 3 min |
| 10 | Dayagama | Horton Plains | 14.88 | 889 | 4 h 31 min |
| 11 | Horton Plains | Udaweriya | 13.12 | 326 | 4 h 2 min |
| 12 | Udaweriya | Haputale | 14.76 | 484 | 4 h 54 min |
| 13 | Haputale | St. Catherine’s Seat | 13.48 | 735 | 4 h 11 min |
| 14 | St. Catherine’s Seat | Makulella | 9.38 | 130 | 3 h 12 min |
| 15 | Makulella | Ella | 10.12 | 261 | 2 h 56 min |
| 16 | Ella | Demodara | 8.75 | 299 | 2 h 50 min |
| 17 | Demodara | Hali-Ela | 12.99 | 531 | 4 h 20 min |
| 18 | Hali-Ela | Etampitiya | 13.96 | 718 | 4 h 9 min |
| 19 | Etampitiya | Loonuwatte | 18.6 | 669 | 5 h 50 min |
| 20 | Loonuwatte | Uda Pussellawa | 12.37 | 636 | 4 h 2 min |
| 21 | Uda Pussellawa | Kandapola | 16.71 | 1,052 | 5 h 30 min |
| 22 | Kandapola | Nuwara Eliya | 10.81 | 300 | 3 h 2 min |
Pekoe is a unique type of tea that is produced in the Fujian province of China. The ‘pekoe’ term originates from China. These leaves were plucked from the youngest Camellia Sinensis plant (Tea plant). Therefore, they often had distinct down-like hairs. The Chinese would call these leaves ‘pek-ho’, hence the present-day term. It has a distinct flavor that sets it apart from other types of tea.
Pekoe tea has been enjoyed by people for centuries. Its popularity continues to grow as more people learn about its unique taste and health benefits. Pekoe tea can be enjoyed in many different forms, including black teas, green teas, oolong teas, white teas, and herbal infusions. It offers an array of health benefits due to its high levels of antioxidants and polyphenols. These chemicals help protect against disease and promote well-being. Since this trail traverse in and around lush green tea estates the term blends with the trail.
Psst. Check out ourPekoe trail tourwhich we put together to experience the best of the trail and attractions around it.
The Pekoe trail was conceived as a result of Sri Lanka Tourism identifying a need for a signature national experience, to revive destination appeal after the Easter and COVID crises. Pekoe trail is the 1st walking trail initiated under Serendipity trails by SLTDA , EU and USAID.
The trail is the brainchild of adventurer and trail extraordinaireMiguel Cunat, who spent many years hiking in the central highlands of Sri Lanka designing The Pekoe Trail. Migel Cunat is Spanish by birth and he has been living in Sri Lanka since 2003. He has contributed immensely to the development of tourism of the country. He was awarded Conde Nast top traveler specialist for Sri Lanka. Funded byUSAIDand EU, he designed the trail hoping to develop and uplift the livelihoods of the communities that surround this trail. Whilst promoting responsible tourism in Sri Lanka.
From the beginning of the trail to the end there are number of attractions to see and enjoy. Further detours can be made to make each stage into a fabulous day outing. Contact us to make customized tour based on Pekoe trail for you. We can arrange accommodation options and excursions to nearby attractions. Below list consists of natural and man-made attractions you’ll come across when on the trail at various stages.
While you’re here, check out oursoft adventure tours. Experience Sri Lanka off the beaten trek.
Cozy and comfy accommodation options are available throughout the trail. The prices can be vary depending on how remote the place is from nearest town, star ratings and facilities offered. We’ve listed down the below recommended hotels for your reference and ease. Have a look and book ahead to avoid difficulties at the last moment.
Currently these hotels and resorts are situated some distance off the trail. But as the trail evolves with time, we can expect more and more guest houses and home stays be available close to the trail. This will indeed strengthen the local communities and enhancing their living conditions. To reserve wildlife circuit bungalows, you can visit theonline portal. Need help arranging your stay? We’ve got you covered. We can recommend the best options for your budget and liking.Drop us a messageor call. (Whatsapp)
Sri Lanka has two major monsoon seasons.
The Pekoe Trail stretches across the Central Highlands, encompassing various sections that experience monsoon rains at different times of the year. Despite the monsoon season, mornings generally receive less rainfall compared to afternoons, ensuring the trail remains enjoyable throughout the year. However, in cases of severe weather conditions, certain sections of the trail may be temporarily closed to the public for safety reasons. Individuals who have booked passes will be promptly notified of any updates regarding closures.
The western part of the central highlands of Sri Lanka receive heavy rains on May – June. it is not recommended to hike on this period. Leeches will be in large amounts. There could also be landslides. To your protection, if it is raining heavily or has been raining please postpone the hike to a better day. As these routes are mainly broken dirt treks water may run over them. When it is raining heavily it makes difficult and dangerous to walk through the trek. Areas like Ella, Hali-Ela receive rain fall from the north eastern monsoon rain hence it is better to avoid this period to do stages in and around these areas.
There are campsites available in some stages of the Pekoe trail. These are listed below. Only the sites that are close to the trails are listed. You can get to this without making a considerable detour from the trek.
There are plenty to choose from. Depending on the stage you’re in, you can venture on excursions/hikes nearby. Feel free to reach us if you need expert advice and support. You can combine the hikes available around the pekoe trails and come up with exciting multi-day or single day hikes. If you’re interested in taking a detour of the trail and explore hidden gems, contact our travel experts to arrange those for you.Send us a messageor call us. (Whatsapp)
Entrance to the trail is managed by designated Destination Management Organizations. Token will be issued to various Destination Management companies likeNKAR Travelsand you can obtain those token from such companies. Currently tokens are not issued to individual hikers. We’ll update on this matter once more details are available on this matter.
Pekoe trail was introduced very recently so there are no signposts for most of the stages yet. But we hope it’ll turn out to be a best hiking trail in Sri Lanka by accomplishing the trail designer’s goal in creating this trail. (For the 1st 8 Stages sign posts will be fixed by the end of July) Choosing a stage to hike is important and must be decided evaluating your fitness level, weather and your base.
If your base is Kandy, for example, you can start with stage 01 easily. If you’re in Nuwara Eliya, you can do the stage 22 in reverse. If you’re based in Ella, you can do either stage no 15 or 16. Be mindful about the elevation gain of the stage and your fitness level when doing the hike. Although the trail is designed in such way that you can easily get back to the main road in case of emergency.
So that you can contact your driver or hail a tuk from the road. The well-being and enhancing the livelihood of the local communities has been considered pivotal in designing the trail. Hence please provide for them as much as you can. Bring sweets to little children of the estate houses. Buy little something from their shops. That helps. We’ll be posting about each stage in detail so be sure to stay tuned with us. Happy trails!
Pekoe trail bagged the ‘Best Wider World Tourism Project’ award at the Annual Gala Awards ceremony held at WTM London. This is the first time Sri Lanka has won an international tourism award. (reference: https://bgtw.org/awards/)
