The Pekoe Trail trekking

The Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka

The Pekoe Trail is a 300-kilometer curated long distance walking trail through the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, one of Asia’s best kept secrets.
The 22 – stage walking trail takes you through some of the finest ecology and mountain terrain in the South of Asia as you begin your journey in Kandy and make your way to Nuwara Eliya, passing through Haputale, Hatton and Ella. The first of its kind and a bucket list experience of a lifetime, The Pekoe Trail takes trekking in Sri Lanka to new heights.

 

Pekoe trails Tour 1

Trek the best sections of Pekoe Trail that winds through enchanting hill country and Culture and Nature of Sri Lanka,

6 Days Pekoe Trail Trekking

Day 1 – Arrive Colombo. Group transfer to Sigiriya – 5 to 6 hours.

You will be met at the airport and driven to Sigiriya, the 5th century rock fortress of Sigiriya. A World Heritage Site is now one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions rising two hundred meters from the jungle floor. At the rocks base are extensive gardens, ramparts and a moat. During our visit to this unique complex, we will see water gardens, ancient frescoes, the stone mirror wall and the lion platform.  For the fittest, a climb up to the summit would be an achievement!
Dinner and overnight in Sigiriya Fresco Water Villa Hotel Or Similar,

   

Day 2 – Sightseeing in Polonnaruwa. And Sigiriya

After breakfast at the hotel, we will do some sightseeing in Polonnaruwa, which was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD and which is a World Heritage Site. You can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya – where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in “Upright”, “Sedentary” and “Recumbent” postures carved out of rock.  We would also see the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, king Parakramabahu’s statue and the Parakrama Samudraya Lake built by King Parakramabahu the great. There are monuments of famous places of worship such as the the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Tooth Relic.Dinner and overnight in Sigiriya : Fresco Water Villa Hotel Or Similar, Kandy

Day 3 – Sacred City of Kandy Dambulla cave temple

Your trip to Kandy will not be completed without a tour around the charming lake of Kandy. It is another fascinating attraction

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Dambulla is a part of the Cultural Triangle declared by UNESCO, there are over 80 caves in the surrounding area and some of them have been used by the monks as meditation locations. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves which contain the statues and the paintings. Since its founding in the first century BC

After the Cave temple drive to Kandy, Kandy is the last Royal Kingdom of Sri Lanka with picturesque landscape surrounded by beautiful mountains located in the central part of the island positioned 1,600 feet above the MSL- Mean Sea Level. Kandy Sri Lanka is well known with the Sacred Tooth relic Temple which is most venerated Buddhist Temple and The Royal Botanic Gardens with more than 4,000 labeled species of flora

After lunch in Kandy, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and followed by a Kandyan dance program. Overnight in kandy

Day 4 – Sacred City of Kandy Dambulla cave temple

Visit The Royal Botanic Gardens

Day 5 – Pekoe Trail Stage 1 & 2 from Hanthana to Galaha. Transfer through Galaha  trek to Deltota-

Time trekking: 6 hours, distance: 11 miles, total ascent: 569m, total descent: 368m.

This is the start of your Pekoe Trail trek and you begin at the Ceylon Tea Museum on the Hanthana Estate, just south of Kandy. If open it is worth visiting. From here you climb upwards through small tea estates to the ridge line and, as you reach the top, you are greeted with sublime views of Kandy and the valley below. To the right of you lies the Katusu Konda also known as the ‘Lizard’s Back’, a steep narrow jagged mountain that look’s akin to a lizard’s spiny backbone. Today’s walking is on a mixture of small tracks and paths, winding through villages where local children come to greet you. There are also fine views of the valleys below. You will stop along the way in one of these villages to enjoy some tasty homemade snacks and a welcome cup of tea. You will then continue on the trail, towards Galaha, until you meet the road head. From here you will be driven through Galaha to reach your second starting point of the day at the Deltota Estate.

Starting off from a Hindu temple you pass a large school, where the noise of the classroom can be heard, before entering the Deltota Estate. A steady climb takes you up through the estate and past a station where the leaves plucked by the tea workers are weighed. Soon after you stop at the house of a local family for lunch. This helps support the community, gives you chance to meet Sri Lankans and to gain a little understanding of their lives. After a traditional meal of curry and rice you continue on to the small, hill country town of Deltota where your first day’s walking on the Pekoe Trail ends. You finish the day by being driven to your accommodation, a short distance from Deltota. Tomorrow you will resume your trek from Deltota.

Overnight: Windloft Retreat Or Similar, Kandy

Day 5 – Pekoe Trail Stage 2 from Deltota to Loolecondera via Kondagala.

Time trekking: 7 hours, distance: 10 miles, total ascent: 395m, total descent: 319m.

The walk today starts with a steep ascent through dense forest before emerging into open land and some truly sublime views of the verdant, hilly landscape. You climb a series of switchbacks and at each turn there is another glimpse down the valley. This path sees little foot traffic and therefore areas can be overgrown. Continuing you reach the top of the ridge and contour along the valley’s edge to the pristine Loolecondera Estate.

Loolecondera was the was the first commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka, established in 1867 by a young Scotsman James Taylor who had studied the basics of tea growing in India and went on to introduce the large-scale tea production that we know today. He spent the rest of his life here and the remains of his cottage can still be seen. You will stop at Taylor’s seat, a large granite seat, where it is said that Taylor ‘sat and planned the future of Loolecondera’ whilst gazing out over the valley. From this point, on a clear day, you can see Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles Mountain Range amongst many other things.

After time to savour the views, you continue steeply up for around 30-40 minutes reach the summit of Kondagala mountain and further far-reaching vistas. You then descend back to Loolecondera where you will be given a cup of tea made with leaves from the estate before being transferred back to your accommodation in Deltota.

Overnight: Mountain Majesty is situated in Deltota. Or Similar,

Day 6 – Pekoe Trail from Loolecondera to Thawalamthena – Stage 3.

Time trekking 6½ hours, distance: 11.32 miles, total ascent: 594m, total descent: 767m.

After a hearty breakfast you will be driven to the start of the third stage of the Pekoe Trail back at Loolecondera. There is a small store at the start of the walk should you wish to buy any treats for the day. You begin with a steady ascent towards the Loolecondera Estate Bungalow and shortly afterwards pass a very colorful Hindu Kovil – a distinctive Tamil style of Hindu shrine. From here you start zig zagging through beautiful green-hued tea plantation scenery and then through cool trees. As you emerge out of the forest the path widens and you begin to walk on the old Dimbula Road, previously used by horses and bullock carts to connect Kandy to the many tea planting valleys. You will pass through the historic Stellenberg Estate and through small tea plantation villages where you are warmly welcomed by the curious villagers. You end the day heading downhill for around 500m before you meet the road and your driver at Thawalamthena to transfer to your hotel a short drive away.

Overnight: in Nuwaraeliya

Day 7 –  Central Mountains of Nuwara Eliya

Morning after breakfast, we drive to famous tea center of Nuwara Eliya and the central mountains. From Peradeniya, walk to see the three temples, Hambacka, Gadaladaniya and Lankathilaka be picked up by vehicle.  En route visit to a tea plantation and tea factory to watch the process of turning the raw green leaf into the familiar dark product.Here you will be shown the full process of tea production from start to finish. You will see how the freshly picked green leaves are withered, rolled, oxidized, dried, fired and sorted to become the small, black, loose leaves that we are so familiar with. It is a method that has remained little-changed and some of the machinery that is still used today dates back to the 19th century.  A city tour of Nuwara Eliya, dinner and overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Lankatilaka Temple
Lankatilake temple is a magnificent building built on rock at a scenic location which also has fine paintings.

Gadaladeniya Temple
This 14-century temple is situated about 15Km from the town. The structure of the temple is influenced by the South Indian architecture and built on a rock. The stupa is on a high stone platform.

Embekke Temples
The main attraction is the intricate wooden carvings of this 14th century shrine dedicated to God Kataragama. There is also a Buddhist temple on location. Almost the entire structures of some wooden buildings are decorated with dancers, musicians, wrestlers, legendary beasts and birds. Nearby are the ruins of an ancient rest house with similar pillars carved in stone.

Overnight: Hotel Black Pool or Similar, Nuwara Eliya

Day 8 – Walk in Horton Plains National Park. Trek Stage 11 of the Pekoe Trail to Udaweriya.

Trekking time: 5½ hours, distance: 8 miles, Total ascent: 45m, total ascent: 434m.

Before returning to the Pekoe Trail today, you will enjoy a circular walk that encompasses the main views and incredibly rich biodiversity of Horton Plains National Park – an area of mountain moorland and cloud forest.

From the park visitor center a broad track leads you onto the plains and via locations with evocative names such as ‘Chimney Pool’ or ‘Leg of the Mutton Pool’ to reach Baker’s Falls. Although not especially high at 20m, Baker’s Falls is a picture postcard spot where the rushing waters of the Belihuloya River plunge into a gorge filled with red rhododendrons. You can view the falls first from an observation deck and then after a short climb down, from their base. Your next viewpoint will be the dramatically named World’s End, where the plateau drops away in a vertical drop of some 1,000m/3,300ft to the plains below.

Following your walk in the Horton Plains National Park you will pick up the Pekoe Trail once more from the visitor center. This is the highest point of the entire trail at 2,170m. As you make your way to Udaweriya a picnic lunch will be provided by local people.

Leaving the national park your path descends gently for a couple of kilometers before reaching the ‘Devil’s Staircase’ – the steepest descent on the trail. The entire staircase is 14km long but you will only be tackling the top section. The views are fantastic as you zig zag your way down to the small village of Udaweriya where your lodge for the night will be. The accommodation is basic, but what it may lack in modern facilities it is made up for in abundance with its beautiful location.

Overnight: Misty Mountain Or Similar, Ohiya

Day 9 – Pekoe Trail Stage 12 from Udaweriya to Haputale.

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours, distance: 8.12 miles.

This morning’s breakfast will have the added benefit of a beautiful backdrop as you look south across hills and valleys to the plains. Much of the route today is slowly downhill through some very remote countryside on old, narrow tea trails, walking paths and even a section of rail tracks. You pass through both tropical forest and pine forest as well as a few small settlements, some of which are long abandoned, and you will no doubt attract the attention of the locals who aren’t used to seeing many visitors here.

Along with the rail lines, an historical point of interest today is Adisham Hall (or Bungalow) which is in the Tangamale Nature Reserve on the latter part of the trail. Named after a village in Kent it was built in 1931 by Sir Thomas Villiers, an English aristocrat and tea planter, who hosted many prominent people of the time. It changed ownership several times over the next few decades until it was donated to the Ampitiya Benedictine Monastery in the 1960s. It remains very well preserved with many of its original fittings and furnishings and you may be able to visit if open

From Adisham Hall the trail carries on down to a road and rail track before ending in Haputale.Overnight: Haputale

Day 10 – Pekoe Trail Stage 13 and part of 14. from Haputale to Bandarawela – 

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours, distance: 8½ miles, total ascent: 294m, total descent: 500m.

This is a very scenic route that takes you from one of the major towns in the tea country, Haputale, to one of the tea country’s better-known landmarks, the upper divisions of the Nayabedda Tea Estate from where Sir Thomas Lipton would survey his favorite tea estates, where the panoramic views of the mountains, and rivers are truly breath-taking. The next kilometer is a forest reserve, cool and humid – ideal for walking uphill in the shade. The trail resolves onto a tea estate road.

The trail gradually descends for 300 meters and then you’ll start climbing uphill following a very well-marked and beautiful tea trail. You are walking on the paths of an organic bio-tea producing estate called Green Field. Now we start a much steeper climb towards the top of the mountain. Your guide is the telecom tower on the top. You will eventually reach the top of the mountain which is more or less at the same height as Lipton Seat. You’ve reached a kind of plateau with lots of green tea fields and a few small villages.

from St. Catherine, we go down to nayabedda situated in the upper division of Nayabedda Tea Estate at an altitude of 1875 meters, the second-highest starting point of all The Pekoe Trail stages. Although the total length of the stage is only just over 9.5 km, this stage is packed with all the magic of the trail; villages, places of worship, tea plantations, farms, historic bungalows, forested areas, and endless, never-ending breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys below as we descend towards Bandarawela we change the path from pekoe trails to bandarawela, although alternative routes may be suggested by your guide. and walk in one of the most beautiful tea plantations in sri lanka with panoramic views

Overnight: Bandarawela

Day 11 –  Pekoe Trail Stage 15 and part of 16. from Makulela to Ella Via Ella rock 

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours, distance: 8½ miles, total ascent: 294m, total descent: 500m

Morning after breakfast transfer to starting point and you will start today’s walk-through eucalyptus forest and tea bushes for a few kilometers, before you reach Ella Rock and its two viewpoints. The first point is a small deviation from the trail that opens up to some magnificent views of the valley below. Following this you make your way to the second viewpoint, again providing what can only be described as awe inspiring views of the valley. Once you’ve had time to grab those all-important photos you descend, steeply at first, towards Ella. As you draw closer to Ella the remainder of the walk is on rail tracks, although alternative routes may be suggested by your guide.

In Ella you will stop for lunch before continuing to one Sri Lanka’s must-see sights the Nine Arches Railway Bridge. This aptly named viaduct, built in the 1920s, has an impressive span of 91 meters, and stands about 30 meters tall. It is both a feat of engineering and design with its graceful arches evenly distributing the weight of the passing trains despite any steel reinforcement. It is also in a very photogenic setting. Having spent time at the bridge you will retrace your footsteps before transferring to your accommodation.Overnight: Ella

 

Day 11 – Udawalawa Natinol park

The park is situated just south of the Central Highlands, of which escarpment brings about an enrapturing backdrop. At the center of the park lies the Udawalawe Reservoir. Keeping company to the herds of elephants, the main attraction of the park are the Water Buffalo, Wild boar, Spotted Deer, Sambar deer, Jackal, Black-napped hare, mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, s the endemic Toque Macaque and Gray Langer’s. Sighting a Leopard and other smaller cats like Fishing cat & Jungle cat would be a bonus. Udawalawe is undoubtedly the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year: there are about 500 elephants in the park and they often roam in herds of up to 100. Udawalawe National Park is unique in terms of consistency in numbers of elephants roaming the park: it has no a seasonal variation in herds of elephants. Birdlife at Udawalawe National Park is one of the best places to see Raptors in Sri Lanka and afford excellent opportunities for photography. Endemic birds include the Sri Lankan junglefowl, Sri Lanka spurfowl, Sri Lanka green pigeon, Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka wood shrike and Sri Lanka swallow. Among the other bird species seen are Spot-billed pelican, little cormorant, grey heron, Indian pond heron, Cattle egret, Great egret, little egret, Intermediate egret, Painted stork, Woolly-necked stork, Yellow-wattled lapwing, Green bee-eater, Crested treeswift. are found. and

Butterflies like Satin trees in the park attract butterflies: beautiful Papilio crino, Delias eucharis, Euploea core and many species of ‘Yellows and Whites’ Papilio polytes. In the riverine forest areas Graphium sarpedon are seen. Reptiles While the crocodiles doze off on the banks of the reservoir, the water monitor lizards are abound in the park.

The Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home is an Elephant orphanage located within the Udawalawe National Park. Established in 1995 by the Department of wildlife Conservation, it is home to over 40 orphaned elephants. The orphaned calves and juveniles of the park are brought into the orphanage and raised with necessary care until such time as they could be released to their habitat. Once they are released to the park, the Park authorities take upon themselves to keep constant track of the beasts till they get used to the new life in the wild. As at the year 2008, no less than sixty-five Elephant

Day 12 – Udawalawa Natinol park

Elephant Transit Home (ETH) at Udawalawe National Park

Morning drive to the south coast Beach of Sri Lanka.

DAY 13-14 –Relax on the Beach

DAY 14 – Transfer to the airport and end of happy holidays

 Or you can Extend the Beach stay for more days

• Tour Price Included

1. Meet and assistance at the Colombo International Airport
2. Daily Breakfast and dinners
3. Guided sightseeing – Dambulla Rock Temple, Sigiriya, Polannaruwa
4. Escorted by an English-German-French speaking national guide for big groups,
5. Local professional trekking Guide
6. Picnic lunch on the trekking
7. Professional chauffeur guide English- speaking
8. transportation in private air-conditioned Car or Mini Van
9. Accommodation in hotels, Guest Houses, Home stays, and lodges
10. All Entrance fees and tickets as per the itinerary.
11. Game drives in, Udawalawe and Yala National Parks
12. Airport arrival and departure transfer

                  Tour Price Excludes

1. Air ticket expenses from your country to Sri Lanka and return journey
2. Extra items consumed / facilities utilized in hotels.
3. Tips to service men and drivers.
4. Expenses of personal nature such as liquor, cigarettes etc
5. Camera Charges and video recording charges payable at the sites.
6. Spa and Ayurweda treatments.

 

 Pekoe trails Tour 2

Trek the best sections of Pekoe Trail that winds through enchanting hill country and Culture & Nature of Sri Lanka

  5 Days Pekoe Trail Trekking

Day 1 – Arrive Colombo. Group transfer to Sigiriya – 5 to 6 hours.

You will be met at the airport and driven to Sigiriya, the 5th century rock fortress of Sigiriya. A World Heritage Site is now one of Sri Lanka’s major attractions rising two hundred meters from the jungle floor. At the rocks base are extensive gardens, ramparts and a moat. During our visit to this unique complex, we will see water gardens, ancient frescoes, the stone mirror wall and the lion platform.  For the fittest, a climb up to the summit would be an achievement!
Dinner and overnight in Sigiriya  Fresco Water Villa Hotel Or Similar,

Day 2 – Sightseeing in Polonnaruwa. And Sigiriya

After breakfast at the hotel, we will do some sightseeing in Polonnaruwa, which was the 2nd capital city of Sri Lanka, built in the 11th and 12th centuries AD and which is a World Heritage Site. You can see the ruins of the Royal Palace, the Gal Viharaya – where 4 splendid statues of the Buddha in “Upright”, “Sedentary” and “Recumbent” postures carved out of rock.  We would also see the Audience Hall, the Lotus Bath, king Parakramabahu’s statue and the Parakrama Samudraya Lake built by King Parakramabahu the great. There are monuments of famous places of worship such as the the Watadage, the Galpotha, the Kiri Vehera and the remains of a former Tooth Relic. Dinner and overnight in Sigiriya  Fresco Water Villa Hotel Or Similar,

  

Day 3 – Sacred City of Kandy Dambulla cave temple

Your trip to Kandy will not be completed without a tour around the charming lake of Kandy. It is another fascinating attraction

After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit Dambulla is a part of the Cultural Triangle declared by UNESCO, there are over 80 caves in the surrounding area and some of them have been used by the monks as meditation locations. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves which contain the statues and the paintings. Since its founding in the first century BC

After the Cave temple drive to Kandy, Kandy is the last Royal Kingdom of Sri Lanka with picturesque landscape surrounded by beautiful mountains located in the central part of the island positioned 1,600 feet above the MSL- Mean Sea Level. Kandy Sri Lanka is well known with the Sacred Tooth relic Temple which is most venerated Buddhist Temple and The Royal Botanic Gardens with more than 4,000 labeled species of flora

After lunch in Kandy, visit the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic and followed by a Kandyan dance program. Overnight in kandy

Day 4 – Sacred City of Kandy

Visit The Royal Botanic Gardens

Day 5 – Driving from Kandy to Nuwaraeliya

Following breakfast, Drive to famous tea center of Nuwara Eliya and the central mountains. From Peradeniya, if you like you can walk to see the three temples, Hambacka, Gadaladaniya and Lankathilaka and end of the trekking you will be picked up by vehicle. And en route visit to a tea plantation and tea factory to watch the process of turning the raw green leaf into the familiar dark product.  A city tour of Nuwara Eliya,

Lankatilaka Temple
Lankatilake temple is a magnificent building built on rock at a scenic location which also has fine paintings.

Gadaladeniya Temple
This 14-century temple is situated about 15Km from the town. The structure of the temple is influenced by the South Indian architecture and built on a rock. The stupa is on a high stone platform.

Embekke Temples
The main attraction is the intricate wooden carvings of this 14th century shrine dedicated to God Kataragama. There is also a Buddhist temple on location. Almost the entire structures of some wooden buildings are decorated with dancers, musicians, wrestlers, legendary beasts and birds. Nearby are the ruins of an ancient rest house with similar pillars carved in stone. dinner and overnight in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 6 – Walk in Horton Plains National Park. Pekoe Trail Stage 11 to Udaweriya.

Trekking time: 5½ hours, distance: 8 miles, Total ascent: 45m, total ascent: 434m.

Before returning to the Pekoe Trail today, you will enjoy a circular walk that encompasses the main views and incredibly rich biodiversity of Horton Plains National Park – an area of mountain moorland and cloud forest.

From the park visitor center a broad track leads you onto the plains and via locations with evocative names such as ‘Chimney Pool’ or ‘Leg of the Mutton Pool’ to reach Baker’s Falls. Although not especially high at 20m, Baker’s Falls is a picture postcard spot where the rushing waters of the Belihuloya River plunge into a gorge filled with red rhododendrons. You can view the falls first from an observation deck and then after a short climb down, from their base. Your next viewpoint will be the dramatically named World’s End, where the plateau drops away in a vertical drop of some 1,000m/3,300ft to the plains below.

Following your walk in the Horton Plains National Park you will pick up the Pekoe Trail once more from the visitor center. This is the highest point of the entire trail at 2,170m. As you make your way to Udaweriya a picnic lunch will be provided by local people.

Leaving the national park your path descends gently for a couple of kilometers before reaching the ‘Devil’s Staircase’ – the steepest descent on the trail. The entire staircase is 14km long but you will only be tackling the top section. The views are fantastic as you zig zag your way down to the small village of Udaweriya where your lodge for the night will be. The accommodation is basic, but what it may lack in modern facilities it is made up for in abundance with its beautiful location.

Overnight: Misty Mountain Or Similar, Ohiya

Day 7 – Pekoe Trail Stage 12 from Udaweriya to Haputale.

Trekking time: 5 to 6 hours, distance: 8.12 miles.

This morning’s breakfast will have the added benefit of a beautiful backdrop as you look south across hills and valleys to the plains. Much of the route today is slowly downhill through some very remote countryside on old, narrow tea trails, walking paths and even a section of rail tracks. You pass through both tropical forest and pine forest as well as a few small settlements, some of which are long abandoned, and you will no doubt attract the attention of the locals who aren’t used to seeing many visitors here.

Along with the rail lines, an historical point of interest today is Adisham Hall (or Bungalow) which is in the Tangamale Nature Reserve on the latter part of the trail. Named after a village in Kent it was built in 1931 by Sir Thomas Villiers, an English aristocrat and tea planter, who hosted many prominent people of the time. It changed ownership several times over the next few decades until it was donated to the Ampitiya Benedictine Monastery in the 1960s. It remains very well preserved with many of its original fittings and furnishings and you may be able to visit if open

From Adisham Hall the trail carries on down to a road and rail track before ending in Haputale. Overnight: Haputale

Day 8 – Pekoe Trail Stage 13 and part of 14. from Haputale to Bandarawela – 

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours, distance: 8½ miles, total ascent: 294m, total descent: 500m.

This is a very scenic route that takes you from one of the major towns in the tea country, Haputale, to one of the tea country’s better-known landmarks, the upper divisions of the Nayabedda Tea Estate from where Sir Thomas Lipton would survey his favorite tea estates, where the panoramic views of the mountains, and rivers are truly breath-taking. The next kilometer is a forest reserve, cool and humid – ideal for walking uphill in the shade. The trail resolves onto a tea estate road.

The trail gradually descends for 300 meters and then you’ll start climbing uphill following a very well-marked and beautiful tea trail. You are walking on the paths of an organic bio-tea producing estate called Green Field. Now we start a much steeper climb towards the top of the mountain. Your guide is the telecom tower on the top. You will eventually reach the top of the mountain which is more or less at the same height as Lipton Seat. You’ve reached a kind of plateau with lots of green tea fields and a few small villages.

from St. Catherine, we go down to nayabedda situated in the upper division of Nayabedda Tea Estate at an altitude of 1875 meters, the second-highest starting point of all The Pekoe Trail stages. Although the total length of the stage is only just over 9.5 km, this stage is packed with all the magic of the trail; villages, places of worship, tea plantations, farms, historic bungalows, forested areas, and endless, never-ending breathtaking views of the mountains and valleys below as we descend towards Bandarawela we change the path from pekoe trails to bandarawela, although alternative routes may be suggested by your guide. and walk in one of the most beautiful tea plantations in sri lanka with panoramic views

Overnight: Bandarawela

Day 9 – Pekoe Trail Stage 15 and part of 16. from Makulela to Ella Via Ella rock –

Trekking time: 6 to 7 hours, distance: 8½ miles, total ascent: 294m, total descent: 500m

Morning after breakfast transfer to starting point and you will start today’s walk-through eucalyptus forest and tea bushes for a few kilometers, before you reach Ella Rock and its two viewpoints. The first point is a small deviation from the trail that opens up to some magnificent views of the valley below. Following this you make your way to the second viewpoint, again providing what can only be described as awe inspiring views of the valley. Once you’ve had time to grab those all-important photos you descend, steeply at first, towards Ella. As you draw closer to Ella the remainder of the walk is on rail tracks, although alternative routes may be suggested by your guide.

In Ella you will stop for lunch before continuing to one Sri Lanka’s must-see sights the Nine Arches Railway Bridge. This aptly named viaduct, built in the 1920s, has an impressive span of 91 meters, and stands about 30 meters tall. It is both a feat of engineering and design with its graceful arches evenly distributing the weight of the passing trains despite any steel reinforcement. It is also in a very photogenic setting. Having spent time at the bridge you will retrace your footsteps before transferring to your accommodation. Overnight: Ella

Day 10 – Udawalawa Natinol park

The park is situated just south of the Central Highlands, of which escarpment brings about an enrapturing backdrop. At the center of the park lies the Udawalawe Reservoir. Keeping company to the herds of elephants, the main attraction of the park is the Water Buffalo, Wild boar, Spotted Deer, Sambar deer, Jackal, Black-napped hare, mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, s the endemic Toque Macaque and Gray Langer’s. Sighting a Leopard and other smaller cats like Fishing cat & Jungle cat would be a bonus. Udawalawe is undoubtedly the best place in Sri Lanka to see wild Asian Elephants throughout the year: there are about 500 elephants in the park and they often roam in herds of up to 100. Udawalawe National Park is unique in terms of consistency in numbers of elephants roaming the park: it has no a seasonal variation in herds of elephants.

Elephant Transit Home (ETH) at Udawalawe National Park

The Udawalawe Elephant Transfer Home is an Elephant orphanage located within the Udawalawe National Park. Established in 1995 by the Department of wildlife Conservation, it is home to over 40 orphaned elephants. The orphaned calves and juveniles of the park are brought into the orphanage and raised with necessary care until such time as they could be released to their habitat. Once they are released to the park, the Park authorities take upon themselves to keep constant track of the beasts till they get used to the new life in the wild. As at the year 2008, no less than sixty-five Elephant

Day 11 – Drive to the south coast Beach of Sri Lanka

Morning drive to the south coast Beach of Sri Lanka.

DAY 12-13 –Relax on the Beach

DAY 14 – Transfer to the airport and end of happy holidays

 Or you can Extend the Beach stay for more days

Tour Price Included

13. Meet and assistance at the Colombo International Airport
14. Daily Breakfast and dinners
15. Guided sightseeing – Dambulla Rock Temple, Sigiriya, Polannaruwa
16. Escorted by an English-German-French speaking national guide for big groups,
17. Local professional trekking Guide
18. Picnic lunch on the trekking
19. Professional chauffeur guide English- speaking
20. transportation in private air-conditioned Car or Mini Van
21. Accommodation in hotels, Guest Houses, Home stays, and lodges
22. All Entrance fees and tickets as per the itinerary.
23. Game drives in, Udawalawe and Yala National Parks
24. Airport arrival and departure transfer

Tour Price Excludes

7. Air ticket expenses from your country to Sri Lanka and return journey
8. Extra items consumed / facilities utilized in hotels.
9. Tips to service men and drivers.
10. Expenses of personal nature such as liquor, cigarettes etc
11. Camera Charges and video recording charges payable at the sites.
12. Spa and Ayurweda treatments.

 

Pekoe Trails Tour 3

Trek the best sections of Pekoe Trail that winds through enchanting hill country and 9 Days trekking

Day 1 – Arrive Colombo. Group transfer to Kandy – 3-4 hours.

You will be met at the airport and driven to the bustling city of Kandy – Sri Lankas’ second city and its cultural capital. Your accommodation takes you away from the vibrant, busy streets, into the steep, wooded hills that surround the city. It’s a great vantage point to look down from onto Kandy and its central lake. You’ll have the rest of the day to relax before your adventure begins. on the way to kandy  we Visit Elephant Orphanage Pinnawala is the only Elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka which was established in 1975 started with 5 orphaned elephants and the current population is 93 of both sexes / all age groups. Prime purpose of the Pinnawala Elephant orphanage is to provide refuge for the elephants which are injured / orphaned & abandoned in the wild. This orphanage is operating as a breeding ground too since 1980. Most of the new arrivals are babies and after a few days of quarantine, they are released into the herd who welcome them happily. Orphanage covers an area of 23-acre land in the middle of the county & managed by the Department of National Zoological Gardens. This is the largest captive herd of elephants in the world belonging to the Elephas maximus maximus.

Overnight: Hotel or guest House in Kandy

Day 2 – Sightseeing in Kandy. Afternoon at leisure.

This morning you will take a tour of Kandy’s key sights, including a visit to the much-revered Buddhist shrine, The Temple of the Tooth. Said to have been brought to Sri Lanka over 2,000 years ago in the hair of a Princess, the tooth is the island’s most important Buddhist relic housed in a temple.

Your tour will include a walk around the lake which was created in 1807 and is now one of Kandy’s defining landmarks. You will visit the Central Market, see some of the city’s handicraft stores or make the short journey out of the centre to the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens – a beautiful and tranquil contrast to the busy city streets.

Following your sightseeing you will have a chance to explore Kandy further on your own or relax at the hotel. Overnight: Hotel or guest house in Kandy

Day 3 – Pekoe Trail Stage 1 & 2 from Hanthana to Galaha. Transfer through Galaha & trek to Deltota  

Time trekking: 6 hours, distance: 18 KM, total ascent: 569m, total descent: 368m.

This is the start of your Pekoe Trail trek and you begin at the Ceylon Tea Museum on the Hanthana Estate, just south of Kandy. If open it is worth visiting. From here you climb upwards through small tea estates to the ridge line and, as you reach the top, you are greeted with sublime views of Kandy and the valley below. To the right of you lies the Katusu Konda also known as the ‘Lizard’s Back’, a steep narrow jagged mountain that look’s akin to a lizard’s spiny backbone. Today’s walking is on a mixture of small tracks and paths, winding through villages where local children come to greet you. There are also fine views of the valleys below. You will stop along the way in one of these villages to enjoy some tasty homemade snacks and a welcome cup of tea. You will then continue on the trail, towards Galaha, until you meet the road head. From here you will be driven through Galaha to reach your second starting point of the day at the Deltota Estate.

 A steady climb takes you up through the estate and past a station where the leaves plucked by the tea workers are weighed. Soon after you stop at the house of a local family for lunch. This helps support the community, gives you chance to meet Sri Lankans and to gain a little understanding of their lives. After a traditional meal of curry and rice you continue on to the small, hill country town of Deltota where your first day’s walking on the Pekoe Trail ends. You finish the day by being driven to your accommodation, Overnight: Simple Accommodation Lodge or Guest House

Day 4 – Pekoe Trail Stage 2 from Deltota to Loolecondera via Kondagala.

Time trekking: 7 hours, distance: 17 KM, total ascent: 395m, total descent: 319m.

The walk today starts with a steep ascent through dense forest before emerging into open land and some truly sublime views of the verdant, hilly landscape. You climb a series of switchbacks and at each turn there is another glimpse down the valley. This path sees little foot traffic and therefore areas can be overgrown. Continuing you reach the top of the ridge and contour along the valley’s edge to the pristine Loolecondera Estate.

Loolecondera was the was the first commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka, established in 1867 by a young Scotsman James Taylor who had studied the basics of tea growing in India and went on to introduce the large-scale tea production that we know today. He spent the rest of his life here and the remains of his cottage can still be seen. You will stop at Taylor’s seat, a large granite seat, where it is said that Taylor ‘sat and planned the future of Loolecondera’ whilst gazing out over the valley. From this point, on a clear day, you can see Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles Mountain Range amongst many other things.

After time to savour the views, you continue steeply up for around 30-40 minutes reach the summit of Kondagala mountain and further far-reaching vistas. You then descend back to Loolecondera where you will be given a cup of tea made with leaves from the estate before being transferred back to your accommodation in Deltota.

Overnight: Simple Accommodation Lodge or Guest House

Day 5 – Pekoe Trail Stage 3 from Loolecondera to Thawalamthena – .

Time trekking 6½ hours, distance: 19 KM, total ascent: 594m, total descent: 767m.

The walk today starts from Loolecondera. There is a small store at the start of the walk should you wish to buy any treats for the day. You begin with a steady ascent towards the Loolecondera Estate Bungalow and shortly afterwards pass a very colourful Hindu Kovil – a distinctive Tamil style of Hindu shrine. From here you start zig zagging through beautiful green-hued tea plantation scenery and then through cool trees. As you emerge out of the forest the path widens and you begin to walk on the old Dimbula Road, previously used by horses and bullock carts to connect Kandy to the many tea planting valleys. You will pass through the historic Stellenberg Estate and through small tea plantation villages where you are warmly welcomed by the curious villagers. You end the day heading downhill for around 500m before you meet the road and your driver at Thawalamthena to transfer to your hotel a short drive away.

Overnight: Hotel, Lodge or Guest House

Day 6 – Ramboda Falls walk – 4km. Transfer to Kotagala – 40km drive.

You’ll be taking a little detour away from the Pekoe Trail this morning to enjoy a walk to the waterfall that you could see from the Tea Bush hotel.

Ramboda Falls is Sri Lanka’s 11th highest waterfall at 109m, and it is divided into three sections: Lower Ramboda, Ramboda, and Upper Ramboda Falls. The starting point of your walk is a bridge that spans the Ramboda Oya, conveniently located just after the Ramboda tunnel. You’ll see the middle falls near the tunnel as well; a popular bathing spot for visitors. The path to the Upper Falls is well-paved for the most part and about three-quarters of it is stepped, although not too steep. The views of the Upper Falls at the end of the trail are delightful and you’ll be able to stop and rest to enjoy them.

Returning down the path, you continue in your vehicle to your hotel near Kotagala.

Overnight: Simple Accommodation Lodge or Guest House

Day 7 – Pekoe Trail Stage 7 from Kotogala to Norwood.

Trekking time: 6 hours, distance: 17 KM, total ascent: 423m, total descent: 523m.

This morning you will be driven to the start of your walk in the colourful town of Kotagala. Walking through the town you will note the many brightly painted houses and buildings before branching off through the gates to the Drayton Tea Estate. Shortly after you pass by the old Kotagala tea processing factory. As you continue up the trail make sure you look back for some great views of Kotagala. Next you trek to Chryslers Farm Estate and, after a short stretch of tarmac, you cross the railway before heading up to towards Singamalai Lake, a lovely spot to take a break. From the lake you meander through the rolling hills of the tea plantations to Dickoya Village, passing the prestigious Dickoya and Maskeliya Cricket Club.

Climbing once more to the top of the valley, the path passes several Roman Catholic churches and tea plantation villages. Soon after the Castlereagh Reservoir comes into full view and you start to descend into the valley below and the town of Norwood. Here you meet your driver and transfer to your accommodation.

Overnight: Simple Accommodation Lodge or Guest House

Day 8 – Pekoe Trail Stage 8 from Norwood to Bogawanthalawa.

Trekking time: 6 hours, distance: 14 KM, total ascent: 582m, total descent: 358m.

A short drive takes you back to Norwood where you will start Stage 8 of the Pekoe Trail. You begin with a long but rewarding ascent through the Norwood Tea Estate, the trail weaving its way towards the ridgeline that divides the Bogawantalawa Valley and the Maskeliya Valley. Upon reaching the ridge you are greeted with (weather permitting) spectacular views of the Maskeliya Valley dominated by the distinctive cone of Adams Peak (Sri Pada) looming over Maussakelle Reservoir in the distance. A short walk further and you will leave the trail descending on quiet tracks before making your way down to Bogawanthalawa Village. En route you will pass the brilliantl blue Mary’s Church where Julia Margaret Cameron, a renowned portrait photographer of the 19th century, rests.

Overnight: Royal Majesty Bungalow Or Astern, Norwood

Day 9 – Pekoe Trail from Bogawanthalawa to Dayagama – Stage 9.

Trekking time 6½ hours, distance: 18 KM, total ascent: 529m, total descent: 411m.

You return to the bustling village of Bogawanthalawa and continue on Stage 9 of the Pekoe Trail. Originally the Bogwanthalawa Valley, and many other regions of Sri Lanka, were known for their coffee but in 1869 the production of coffee came to an end due to the ‘blight’. This epidemic forced the coffee producers to turn to tea as an alternative crop. The valley is now home to many well-known tea estates dotting the slopes of the green hills

As you leave the village you will pass the Bogawanthalwa Tea Factory before reaching ‘Jacob’s Ladder’, a short but steep path that zig-zags up to a pass. At first glance, Jacob’s Ladder may look slightly daunting but with the help of your guide you will safely ascend before crossing over the pass to what seems another world. The change in scenery is dramatic with open lands similar to Horton Plains. This hidden valley is a place where locals come to camp and you may see them ascending Haritha Kanda, also known as the Green Mountain, in the distance. You will then pass through one of two dairy farms where your guide will obtain the permit needed to walk through this area. You continue along the farm track for some time, past vast open fields, before branching off into the woods. The forest track takes you to a small village before turning left and down to Dayagama where today’s trek ends and you drive to Nuwara Eliya for your overnight stay.

Overnight: Hotel or Guest House in Nuwara Eliya

Day 10 – Visit Pedro Tea Estate. Rest of the day at leisure.

Today you will take a break from the trail and visit the Pedro Tea Estate and factory. This is one of the oldest in the country and is where the first of many tea bushes was planted by James Taylor in 1885. Here you will be shown the full process of tea production from start to finish. You will see how the freshly picked green leaves are withered, rolled, oxidised, dried, fired and sorted to become the small, black, loose leaves that we are so familiar with. It is a method that has remained little-changed and some of the machinery that is still used today dates back to the 19th century.

The rest of the day will be spent at leisure. You may wish to explore Nuwara Eliya, an English settlement considered the epi-centre of Sri Lanka’s tea growing region. The town was founded by Samuel Baker in 1846 and grew throughout the 19th century as a popular resort, especially after the arrival of the railway. British influence can be seen in the architecture and famous golf course, and the town is often referred to as ‘little England’. The modern town is still a focus for the tea industry as well as a tourist town for the local people.

Overnight: Hotel Black Pool or Similar, Nuwara Eliya

Day 11 – Walk in Horton Plains National Park. Pekoe Trail Stage 11 to Udaweriya.

Trekking time: 7 hours, distance: 18 KM, Total ascent: 45m, total ascent: 434m.

Before returning to the Pekoe Trail today, you will enjoy a circular walk that encompasses the main views and incredibly rich biodiversity of Horton Plains National Park – an area of mountain moorland and cloud forest.

From the park visitor centre a broad track leads you onto the plains and via locations with evocative names such as ‘Chimney Pool’ or ‘Leg of the Mutton Pool’ to reach Baker’s Falls. Although not especially high at 20m, Baker’s Falls is a picture postcard spot where the rushing waters of the Belihul River plunge into a gorge filled with rhododendrons. You can view the falls first from an observation deck and then after a short climb down, from their base. Your next viewpoint will be the dramatically named World’s End, where the plateau drops away in a vertical drop of some 1,000m/3,300ft to the plains below.

Following your walk in the Horton Plains National Park you will pick up the Pekoe Trail once more from the visitor centre. This is the highest point of the entire trail at 2,170m. As you make your way to Udaweriya a picnic lunch will be provided by local people.

Leaving the national park your path descends gently for a couple of kilometres before reaching the ‘Devil’s Staircase’ – the steepest descent on the trail. The entire staircase is 14km long but you will only be tackling the top section. The views are fantastic as you zig zag your way down to the small village of Udaweriya where your lodge for the night will be. The accommodation is basic, but what it may lack in modern facilities it is made up for in abundance with its beautiful location.

Overnight: Misty Mountain Lodge  Or Hill sfari eco lodge, udaveriya

Day 12 – Pekoe Trail Stage 12 from Udaweriya to Haputale.

Trekking time: 5to 6 hours, distance: 13 KM.

This morning’s breakfast will have the added benefit of a beautiful backdrop as you look south across hills and valleys to the plains. Much of the route today is slowly downhill through some very remote countryside on old, narrow tea trails, walking paths and even a section of rail tracks. You pass through both tropical forest and pine forest as well as a few small settlements, some of which are long abandoned, and you will no doubt attract the attention of the locals who aren’t used to seeing many visitors here.

Along with the rail lines, an historical point of interest today is Adisham Hall (or Bungalow) which is in the Tangamale Nature Reserve on the latter part of the trail. Named after a village in Kent it was built in 1931 by Sir Thomas Villiers, an English aristocrat and tea planter, who hosted many prominent people of the time. It changed ownership several times over the next few decades until it was donated to the Ampitiya Benedictine Monastery in the 1960s. It remains very well preserved with many of its original fittings and furnishings and you may be able to visit if open (payable locally).

From Adisham Hall the trail carries on down to a road and rail track before ending in Haputale. Your driver will meet you here and take you to your overnight accommodation in Makuella.

Overnight: Ella

Day 13 – Pekoe Trail Stage 15 and part of 16. from Makuella to Ella and on to Nine Arches Bridge – 

Trekking time: 4½ hours, distance: 13 KM, total ascent: 294m, total descent: 500m.

After a short transfer you will start today’s walk-through eucalyptus forest and tea bushes for a few kilometres, before you reach Ella Rock and its two viewpoints. The first point is a small deviation from the trail that opens up to some magnificent views of the valley below. Following this you make your way to the second viewpoint, again providing what can only be described as awe inspiring views of the valley. Once you’ve had time to grab those all-important photos you descend, steeply at first, towards Ella. As you draw closer to Ella the remainder of the walk is on rail tracks, although alternative routes may be suggested by your guide.

In Ella you will stop for lunch before continuing to one Sri Lanka’s must-see sights the Nine Arches Railway Bridge. This aptly named viaduct, built in the 1920s, has an impressive span of 91 metres, and stands about 30 metres tall. It is both a feat of engineering and design with its graceful arches evenly distributing the weight of the passing trains despite any steel reinforcement. It is also in a very photogenic setting. Having spent time at the bridge you will retrace your footsteps before transferring to your accommodation.

Overnight: Morning Dew Or Similar, Ella

Day 14 – Transfer to Negombo

Overnight: in beach hotel in Negombo

This morning you will be transfer to Negombo or you can extend few days and visit down to the south beach site for a relaxing  

Day 15 – Transfer to airport.

This morning you will be transfer to the airport or you can extend few days and visit dwon to the south beach site for a relaxing  

on your request we can change the trekking for a week

 

What’s not included

1. Meet and assistance at the Colombo International Airport
2. Daily Breakfast and dinners
3. Guided sightseeing – Dambulla Rock Temple, Sigiriya, Polannaruwa
4. Escorted by an English-German-French speaking national guide for big groups,
5. Local professional trekking Guide
6. Picnic lunch on the trekking
7. Professional chauffeur guide English- speaking
8. transportation in private air-conditioned Car or Mini Van
9. Accommodation in hotels, Guest Houses, Home stays, and lodges
10. All Entrance fees and tickets as per the itinerary.
11. Airport arrival and departure transfer

                  Tour Price Excludes

1. Air ticket expenses from your country to Sri Lanka and return journey
2. Extra items consumed / facilities utilized in hotels.
3. Tips to service men and drivers.
4. Expenses of personal nature such as liquor, cigarettes etc
5. Camera Charges and video recording charges payable at the sites.
6. Spa and Ayurweda treatments.
7. Travel insurance
8. Visa fees
9. Tips
10.