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Peregrine Travel Centre

Hike Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail

Hike Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail

From $ 2,960 AUD

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Description

Hike six standout stages of the Pekoe Trail through the island’s emerald-green central highlands, linking tea estates, rural villages and native forests. Along the way, meet tea pickers, visit historic tea factories and follow local paths through places that few travellers reach. Take in the twin cascades of St Clair’s Falls, enjoy the peacefulness of the remote Udaweriya Valley and walk on the iconic stone-and-brick Nine Arches Bridge. Spend a night camping in tea country within Horton Plains National Park – a UNESCO World Heritage site. Finish with a climb to Ella Rock for wide views across Ella Gap, then return to Colombo after nine days on foot, rail and road.

Trip Name
Hike Sri Lanka's Pekoe Trail
Last Updated
1970-01-01
Days
10
Capacity
12
Highlights
  • Hike six of the Pekoe Trail's best stages through the emerald-green tea plantations and rural villages of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
  • Meet tea pickers, chat with locals, visit tea factories and experience everyday life beyond the main tourist route along the trail.
  • Hike to the famous Ella Rock summit, gaining breathtaking panoramic views of Ella Gap, and the rolling hillside that stretches across the horizon.
  • Support the Pekoe Trail region as you spend time in smaller, less visited communities and meet the people who live there.
  • Spot endemic birds and other wildlife as you hike through diverse ecosystems, from tea country to native forests and near Horton Plains National Park.

Itinerary

ITINERARY CHANGES Our itineraries are updated regularly throughout the year based on customer feedback and to reflect the current situation in each destination. The information included in this Essential Trip Information may therefore differ from when you first booked your trip. It's important that you review this information prior to travel so that you have the latest updates. Due to weather, local conditions, transport schedules, public holidays, political unrest or other factors, further changes may be necessary to your itinerary once in-country. Your group leader or local representative will keep you up to date with any such changes once your trip is underway and has the authority to amend or cancel any part of the trip itinerary if deemed necessary due to safety concerns. , OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES A selection of optional activities that have been popular with past travellers are listed in the day-to-day itinerary. This isn't an exhaustive list and should be used as a guide only for some of what might be available. Prices are approximate, are for entrance fees only, and don’t include transport to and from the sites or local guides unless indicated. All activities are subject to availability, and may be on a join-in basis. It may not be possible to do all the activities listed in the time available at each destination, so some pre-planning for what you are most interested in is advised. When it's recommended that travellers pre-book these activities, look for a note in the Special Information section of the day-to-day itinerary. For most, they can either be organised independently on the day, or let your group leader or local representative know you are interested at the Welcome Meeting and they can assist. Where activities are considered medium or high risk, we work with operators whose safety and credentials we have sighted and assessed. Although it is possible that you may find the same activity cheaper with another operator on the ground, we cannot vouch for the safety or quality of that operator. Medium and high-risk activities not listed above have not been assessed by us and as such our staff and group leader or local representative are unable to assist you with organising these activities. Activities that contravene our Responsible Travel policies are also not listed. Please remember that the decision to partake in any activity not listed is at your own discretion and risk.

Day 1 - Colombo
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.
Day 2 - Kandy
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.
Day 3 - Kandy
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.
Day 4 - Hatton
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.
Day 5 - Hatton
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.
Day 6 - Horton Plains
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.
Day 7 - Haputale
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.
Day 8 - Ella
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.
Day 9 - Ella
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.
Day 10 - Colombo
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.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
30-01-202708-02-2027AUD $ 3,050-
27-02-202708-03-2027AUD $ 3,135-
13-03-202722-03-2027AUD $ 3,050-
27-03-202705-04-2027AUD $ 3,050-
10-04-202719-04-2027AUD $ 2,960-
14-08-202723-08-2027AUD $ 2,960-
18-09-202727-09-2027AUD $ 2,960-
27-11-202706-12-2027AUD $ 2,960-
11-12-202720-12-2027AUD $ 3,050-
25-12-202703-01-2028AUD $ 3,135-
15-01-202824-01-2028AUD $ 3,200-
29-01-202807-02-2028AUD $ 3,200-
12-02-202821-02-2028AUD $ 3,290-
26-02-202806-03-2028AUD $ 3,290-
11-03-202820-03-2028AUD $ 3,200-
25-03-202803-04-2028AUD $ 3,110-
08-04-202817-04-2028AUD $ 3,110-
12-08-202821-08-2028AUD $ 3,110-
16-09-202825-09-2028AUD $ 3,110-
25-11-202804-12-2028AUD $ 3,110-
09-12-202818-12-2028AUD $ 3,200-
16-12-202825-12-2028AUD $ 3,290-
23-12-202801-01-2029AUD $ 3,290-

Accommodation

Hotels (8 nights), Camping with basic facilities (1 night)

Transport

Private vehicle, Public bus, train

Map

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