One Day Trekking Programs

No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without visiting a tea plantation in the Hill Country, and our Tea Trails Trek offers the perfect way to experience it. Starting in Bandarawela and ending in Haputale (or vice versa, with convenient pickups from either railway station), this five- to six-hour guided walk takes you through rolling misty hills, lush green tea plantations and breathtaking panoramic views. Along the way you’ll meet the brightly dressed tea pluckers, learn the art of picking “two leaves and a bud,” even try plucking tea yourself, and enjoy a freshly prepared picnic in the middle of the plantation. Far from tourist crowds, you’ll encounter mostly locals and gain an authentic insight into Sri Lanka’s most scenic region — an unforgettable journey for tea lovers and adventurers alike.

Starting in Haputale, we meet at the railway station and transfer by tuk-tuk or minivan to the trailhead, where our trek begins. This unforgettable walk takes you through the Thangamale Bird Sanctuary — a haven for birdwatchers seeking a peaceful environment and breathtaking scenery — and continues across diverse landscapes rarely seen by everyday tourists. We’ll pass through pine, eucalyptus and natural rainforests, wander among lush tea plantations, and enjoy sweeping views of Sri Lanka’s hill country stretching both north and south. Along the way we’ll also follow a railway line, pass through a tunnel and stop at a small station, adding a touch of adventure to the day. A scenic picnic stop offers a chance to relax and take in panoramic vistas before we trek deeper into remote tea estate villages, meeting friendly local families and children along the way. You’ll see tea pluckers at work, and even have the chance to join them in harvesting the famous “two leaves and a bud.” Considered one of the most beautiful treks in Sri Lanka, this journey ends at Ohiya Railway Station, from where you can board the train back to Haputale or continue on to Ella — a truly authentic Hill Country experience.

We take the scenic morning train from Ella, Haputale, or Bandarawela to Ohiya (about 1.5 hours), one of the most beautiful railway journeys in Sri Lanka. From Ohiya, we begin one of the country’s most famous hikes—a challenging 16 km trail (around 6 hours) to Sri Lanka’s tallest waterfall, Bambarakanda Falls (263m).

The trek offers breathtaking mountain views, winding through tea plantations and remote villages. Along the way, we’ll experience village life, visit a small school, and watch tea pluckers at work—perhaps even join them in picking “two leaves and a bud.”

The trail also leads through the legendary Devil’s Staircase, a narrow path with sharp bends and stunning vistas. We then reach Lanka Falls, a hidden forest waterfall with a natural pool, perfect for a refreshing swim and picnic lunch.

Finally, we descend to the base of Bambarakanda Falls, where you can relax, swim, and take in the majestic sight of water cascading down the cliffs—a truly unforgettable end to an epic hike.

Discover the charm of Little Adam’s Peak, a stunning 1,141 m high peak in Ella, named for its resemblance to the famous Adam’s Peak. Enjoy panoramic morning views from the summit before returning to the base—this climb takes around 2 hours.

Next, hike 40 minutes through lush woods to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a British-era viaduct built entirely from stone, bricks, and cement. Walk along the tracks, hear fascinating stories from your guide, and capture unforgettable photos.

The trail continues along railroads and tea plantations to the Demodara Railway Station, famous for its unique looping track that passes through a tunnel beneath the station. From here, return to Ella or continue to your next destination.

Ella, a charming hill country town in southern Sri Lanka, is the perfect base for exploring breathtaking landscapes and green valleys. No visit is complete without trekking Ella Rock, one of the most rewarding—and scenic—hikes in the region.

The trek to Ella Rock is approximately 8 km round-trip, taking about 4 hours. The summit rises to 2,000 meters, offering panoramic views over the surrounding hills and plains. Unlike standard routes, our hike takes a circular path through forests, villages, and vegetable farms, adding variety and adventure to your journey.

Enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit before descending. On the way down, visit the Ravana Temple, and then continue to Ella town or Ravana Falls by local bus.

No visit to Ella is complete without hiking Ella Rock, a stunning cliff about two hours from the town center. The 8 km trek (approx. 4 hours round-trip) takes you through forests, villages, and vegetable farms, culminating in panoramic views of the hill country and plains. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the summit before descending.

Next, visit Little Adam’s Peak, a striking 1,141 m peak reminiscent of Sri Lanka’s famous Adam’s Peak. The climb takes about 2 hours round-trip, offering sweeping morning views.

Finally, hike 40 minutes through woods to the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, a British-era stone viaduct over 300 feet long and 100 feet high. Walk along the tracks, learn its history, and capture memorable photos.

Duration: Full-day
Difficulty: Moderate

Explore the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country with a tea plantation walk through lush estates, where you’ll witness panoramic views, interact with local tea pluckers, and even try plucking leaves yourself. The 3–4-hour trek immerses you in the serene landscapes of the hill country, offering an authentic experience away from the tourist crowds.

Next, visit Lipton’s Seat, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous viewpoints. Named after Thomas Lipton, the Scottish tea pioneer, it offers breathtaking vistas of rolling tea estates. Capture photos with the life-sized statue of Lipton while enjoying the spectacular panorama.

Conclude your tour at the historic Dambatenne Tea Factory, built by Lipton in 1890. Learn about the tea-making process—from plucking and rolling to drying and grading—and savor a fresh cup of Ceylon tea at the end.

Start your morning with a hike up Single Tree Hill and through the Highest Village, offering panoramic views over Nuwara Eliya, Lake Gregory, and the surrounding tea country. Trek along winding paths through tea plantations and vegetable farms, immersing yourself in the lush greenery of Sri Lanka’s hill country.

Experience local life firsthand by meeting villagers and even helping hand-pick tea leaves. Along the way, enjoy scenic railway lines, small waterfalls, and serene plantation landscapes, far from typical tourist crowds. The trek concludes at Nanu Oya Railway Station, where transport back to Nuwara Eliya awaits.