Hike Sri Lanka's Pekoe Trail

Ayubowan! Welcome to Sri Lanka. Your adventure begins in the city of Colombo, with a welcome meeting at 6pm. If you arrive early, maybe get into the spirit of seaside Sri Lanka by wandering the city's lively streets, people-watching and feasting on fresh seafood. After the meeting, maybe get together with your group and get to know each other for dinner – your local leader will have all the best spots handy.

After breakfast, hop on a public bus for the ride to Kandy. When you arrive, spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Maybe you'd like to careen about the city in a tuk-tuk or walk around Kandy's namesake lake. Later, join your group for a visit to a local family’s home for dinner.

This morning, travel to Galaha, where you'll lace up your hiking boots for Stage 1 of the Pekoe Trail, extending from Hanthana to Galaha through Sri Lanka's verdant hill country. Start at the Ceylon Tea Museum, set in the 1925 Hantane Tea Factory and learn about the island's tea-growing heritage. Then, continue hiking through the Hanthana Tea Estate – one of Sri Lanka's oldest and largest tea plantations. Follow the quiet estate roads shaded by tall trees, passing tea fields and hillside views as you ease into the rhythm of the trail.

After breakfast today, travel further into tea country and get ready for the scenic Stage 6 of the Pekoe Trail. Your hike begins at Watagoda Railway Station – from there, the route leads past highland lakes, quiet village paths and a beautiful banyan tree beside a small stream. Continue along classic tea estate trails towards Holyrood Estate, taking in the cool hill-country air and views across the surrounding plantations. Stop at St. Clair's Falls (also known as the 'Little Niagara of Sri Lanka') to admire its wide, twin cascades surrounded by the emerald green of the tea plantations. From here, follow the trail across village streets and railway lines towards Talawakelle – the centre of the Dimbula tea-planting district and one of Sri Lanka’s most important tea-growing regions.

Get ready for more beautiful walking today along Stage 7 from Kotagala to Norwood. Your route continues to wind through Sri Lanka’s tea country, passing rolling plantations and Chrysler’s Farm Tea Factory – dating back to 1870 and easily spotted by its bright blue roof. Climb into the hills for views over Hatton, then continue towards peaceful Singamalai Lake, a key water source for the town and surrounding villages. End the journey with a lunch of traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry at a historic tea estate bungalow in the hill country. Then, head back to your hotel, where you’ll have the rest of the afternoon to relax.

This morning, transfer to Dayagama – one of the most remote villages in Sri Lanka’s tea country. Stage 10 of the Pekoe Trail starts here, at the far end of the Agarapatana Valley. Few travellers make it this deep into the hills, making today a real off-the-beaten-track hike. Begin along wide tea trails, passing quiet estates and pockets of dense forest as the scenery gradually shifts towards the misty cloud forests of Horton Plains National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Known for its wild grasslands, cool climate and dramatic highland landscapes, Horton Plains is one of Sri Lanka’s most atmospheric natural areas. Tonight, settle into camp – your home for the night.

Today, start the hike from your campsite into the remote Udaweriya Valley, where far-reaching views open out across southern Sri Lanka. On a clear day, you may even spot the ocean in the distance. Follow Stage 12 of the Pekoe Trail along quiet tea paths past an old tea factory, grazing goats and friendly village communities, through a valley that feels almost lost in time. As you go, take in views of the lowlands on one side and the Uva bowl on the other – a massive geographical depression framed by mountain ridges. You’ll be following the same routes local villagers use to travel from Udaweriya to Haputale.

This morning, hop on the train from Haputale to Demodara for a beautiful ride through Sri Lanka’s hill country before starting your hike towards the laidback town of Ella. Today’s route will be along Stage 16 – one of the shortest and most popular sections of the Pekoe Trail. Make your way through quiet local villages and scenic tea country, with views of the famous Nine Arches Bridge from different vantage points along the way. Continue through the Ella Forest Reserve before reaching the bridge itself – a favourite spot for travellers and hikers. The 1921 railway viaduct is known for its stone-and-brick architecture and you may see one of the country's iconic blue trains passing through. From here, make your way into Ella, known for its tea plantation walks, mountain views and bohemian vibe.

Begin your day with a refreshing hike to the famous Ella Rock. In the cool, misty morning air, hike along scenic railway tracks, through tea plantation grounds and along peaceful mountain trails to the summit. Snap a few photos of the breathtaking panoramic views of Ella Gap. After taking in the scenery, head back down and continue the journey to Colombo for the final overnight stay. Tonight, maybe head out to dinner with your group to celebrate your journey together.

With no activities planned, your adventure comes to an end today. If you’d like to extend your stay in Colombo, just get in touch with your booking agent in advance.