A Journey Through the Heart of Sri Lanka’s Scenic Hill Country
The Pekoe Trail is a stunning 300+ km long-distance hiking route divided into 22 stages, showcasing the beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka’s mountainous regions. This trail invites explorers to venture through a variety of landscapes from serene tea plantations and remote villages to wildlife sanctuaries, mountains, rivers, farms, forests, and historical sites. Often regarded as one of Asia’s best hidden trails, the journey offers an authentic glimpse of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural heritage.
Stage 3: Loolkandura to Thawalanthanne (18.11 km)
Starting in Loolkandura small bridge over Ma-oya, Stage 3 offers a stunning tea estates and historical significance. Hike through picturesque tea plantations, offering panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Expect steep climbs and varying landscapes, making it a rewarding trek for experienced hikers. This stage offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's rich tea heritage and breathtaking natural beauty.
The lush surroundings are alive with diverse plant life and native birds, creating an immersive experience in nature. You’ll end Stage 3 in Thawalanthanne in Kothmale, surrounded by mist covered mountains.
The Pekoe Trail continues onward, moving through significant points like Hatton, Horton Plains National Park, Haputale, Ella, and finally circling around the cool town of Nuwara Eliya. This route was historically used in the 19th century by British colonizers to transport tea to factories using horse drawn carriages.
The name Pekoe symbolizes high quality black tea made from the finest tea leaves, a nod to Sri Lanka’s heritage. Today, the trail is managed by project leader Miguel Cunat, with support from the European Union (EU) and USAID (United States Agency for International Development).
Overview of Pekoe Trail Stages:
1. Hanthana - Galaha 12.8 km
2. Galaha - Loolkandura 14.7 km
3. Loolkandura - Tawalantenne 18.11 km
4. Tawalantenne - Pudalu Oya 14.04 km
5. Pudalu Oya - Watagoda 14.09 km
6. Watagoda - Kotagala 15.33 km
7. Kotagala - Norwood 16.28 km
8. Norwood - Bogawantalawa 15.8 km
9. Bogawantalawa - Diyagama 16.46 km
10. Diyagama - Horton Plains 14.88 km
11. Horton Plains - Udaveriya 13.12 km
12. Udaveriya - Haputale 17.1 km
13. Haputale - St. Catherine 13.48 km
14. St. Catherine - Makulella 9.36 km
15. Makulella - Ella 9.53 km
16. Ella - Demodara 8.74 km
17. Demodara - Hali Ela 12.99 km
18. Hali Ela - Ettampitiya 13.96 km
19. Ettampitiya - Lunuwatta 18.87 km
20. Lunuwatta - Uda Pussellawa 12.58 km
21. Uda Pussellawa - Kandapola 16.7 km
22. Kandapola - Pedro Estate 10.8 km
Total Distance: 309.72 km