The 300+km walking trail, known as the Pekoe Trail, winds through the central highlands of Sri Lanka. This trail is the first of many created with the aim of allowing visitors to experience the diverse terrain, rich history, vibrant culture, tantalising food, and welcoming local communities of Sri Lanka on foot.
The Pekoe trail, as the inaugural long-distance hiking trail in Sri Lanka, is divided into 22 stages. Visitors have the flexibility to complete these stages in short sections or embark on a multi-day adventure, immersing themselves in a captivating journey that showcases a blend of picturesque hill-towns, lush tea plantations, quaint remote villages, serene sanctuaries, breathtaking viewpoints, pristine forests, and fascinating cultural and historical sites.
This trail promotes sustainable travel whilst beautifully showcasing the island’s remarkable diversity. Moreover, it creates economic opportunities for rural communities, fostering a more comprehensive and fulfilling travel experience that embraces adventure, nature, wellness, and sustainability.
Stages of the Pekoe Trail
| Stage | 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 |
Explore the Trail
Discover the Pekoe Trail, conceptualised and developed by Miguel Cunat and Serendipity Trails, as part of the EU-funded Tourism Resilience Project. You can access this incredible trail through the following hiking apps.
What you will need on the Hike
- Hiking Shoes / Boots
- Leech Socks
- Insect repellent
- Trekking Poles
- A Hat / Cap
- Water
Best time of the Year to Hike
Although the trail is enjoyable all year round, it is advisable to visit during the dry season from January to April. During this time, the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor exploration.
Accommodation
A variety of accommodations, including boutique guesthouses and luxury tea bungalows, are available for those seeking a peaceful getaway surrounded by tea gardens. These retreats provide the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
Mode of Transport
Renting a car, either for self-driving or with a chauffeur, provides the convenience and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. In addition to discovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions on foot, having your own vehicle allows you to experience some of the most scenic drives that Sri Lanka has to offer.
