Trek along the Pekoe Trail

Lace up your walking boots and trek the first stage of the Pekoe Trail from Hanthana to Galaham, using Kandy as your base. The trail starts at the Ceylon Tea Museum, a short drive from Kandy, and initially follows beside the Hanthana Tea Estate, one of the oldest and largest tea plantations in Sri Lanka. As you continue along the rocky ridge of ‘Katusu Konda’ you can enjoy sweeping mountain peak views. Movie buffs might recognize a dramatic cliffside along the way—it made an appearance in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom! As you near the end of your trek, you’ll pass through the friendly village of Kithulmulla. Be sure to stop and try their incredible avocados. Finally, the trail winds its way to the small town of Galaha, finishing up near the local post office.

Pekoe Trail Stage 1 is an easy 12.8km hike that will take approx. 4.5 hours.

If you would prefer a more challenging trek, we recommend Stage 2 of the Pekoe Trail, which also begins in Kandy. This two-part trail takes you from Galaha to Loolkandura, weaving through some of Sri Lanka’s most scenic landscapes. Your hike starts in the small town of Galaha and you’ll be accompanied by an experienced, local guide. From here, you’ll follow winding estate roads through the picturesque Deltota Estate, passing an old kovil temple and over rolling hills to Deltota. This typical hill country town, with its bustling market, is the perfect place for a pit stop and snack on fresh local fruits. The second section of the trek leads under towering pine trees (watch out for leeches in the rainy season!) before arriving at the historic Loolkandura Estate. This is where Sri Lanka’s tea story began back in 1867, thanks to Scotsman James Taylor—often called the ‘father of Ceylon tea’. The final stretch takes you along tea trails with views of lush plantations, rock formations, and tropical rainforest. The trail ends in Loolkandura.

Pekoe Trail Stage 2 is a challenging 14.7km hike that will take approx. 5 hours.

Base yourself in Ella to trek Stage 15 of the Pekoe Trail. The trail begins at a Buddhist temple in Makulella, a small village overlooking the Ambagaswatte valley. You’ll be met here by an experienced local guide who will accompany you. The river flowing through this valley eventually tumbles down into Ravana Falls, one of the most popular waterfalls in the region. The first part of the hike takes you through eucalyptus forest, and past endless tea bushes, with scenic views along the way. Continue through patches of jungle as you climb up towards the top of Ella Rock where you’ll be rewarded with sweeping panoramas of Ella Gap, Little Adam’s Peak, and the town of Ella itself. From here, the trail winds through more eucalyptus forests and past a few local homes, before reaching Kithal Ella Station. The final stretch follows the railway track, where you’ll likely come across vendors selling fresh fruit and tasty snacks—the perfect excuse for a pit stop. The trail finishes at Ella Train Station.

Pekoe Trail Stage 15 is an easy 9.5km hike that will take approx. 3 hours.

Stage 15 of the Pekoe Trail is one of the shortest and most popular sections of the trail. You’ll start the trek in the hill-country town of Ella, and you’ll be accompanied by an experienced, local guide. Set off through the Ella Forest Reserve, passing the iconic Nine Arches Bridge. The trail meanders through small villages, offering breathtaking views of the bridge from different angles, before climbing along quiet roads towards the Newburgh Tea Factory. From here, it’s a scenic zig-zag through chena cultivations, tea estates, railway tracks, and even a small lake. One of the highlights of the trek is the Demodara Tea Estate, surrounded by rolling hills of tea trails. The trail ends at Demodara train station: one of the most scenic stations in the country, famous for its spiral rail line that winds under itself before emerging from a tunnel right beneath the station.

Pekoe Trail Stage 16 is an easy 9 km hike that will take approx. 3 hours.