The Pekoe Trail Expedition – From Hills to Horizons

The Pekoe Trail Expedition – From Hills to Horizons

22 Days / 21 Nights

Experience Sri Lanka’s highlands like never before on this 22-day trekking adventure, tracing the island’s most scenic trail through tea estates, misty mountains, waterfalls, and forested ridges. Designed for dedicated walkers, this journey blends culture, nature, and highland life, with overnight stays in boutique lodges, eco-stays, and charming guesthouses.

Inclusions :

  • Accommodation along the trail in guesthouses or eco-lodges
  • Daily breakfast and select meals during trekking stages
  • Private trekking guide for the full expedition
  • Transfers to and from Colombo at start and end
  • Entry to estates, parks, and cultural highlights along the trail
  • Assistance with luggage transport between stages

Exclusions :

  • Personal expenses, additional meals, or snacks not mentioned in the itinerary
  • Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
  • Optional activities not listed in inclusions
  • Travel insurance or emergency evacuation services

Day

01

Arrival in Colombo / Transfer to Hanthana Foothills / Evening Orientation / Overnight in Hanthana

Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and meet your trekking guide. Transfer to the foothills of Hanthana for orientation, a light walk, and preparation for the journey ahead. Overnight stay in a nearby lodge.

Day

02

Hanthana to Galaha / First Stage Trek / Overnight in Galaha

Begin the trek through winding paths, eucalyptus forests, and tea plantations. Walk past the small village of Galaha and settle in for your first night at a local guesthouse.

Day

03

Galaha to Loolkandura to Thawalanthenna / Tea Estate Exploration / Overnight in Thawalanthenna

Pass the historic Loolkandura Tea Estate, birthplace of Ceylon Tea. Continue through forest trails and local villages before reaching Thawalanthenna for overnight stay.

Day

04

Thawalanthenna to Pundaluoya / Scenic Valley Trek / Overnight in Pundaluoya

Trek across valleys surrounded by lush tea gardens, observing local plantation life. Overnight in a boutique guesthouse in Pundaluoya.

Day

05

Pundaluoya to Watagoda / Plantation Paths / Overnight in Watagoda

Follow trails through emerald tea estates and quiet hamlets. Stop at viewpoints along the way and overnight in Watagoda.

Day

06

Watagoda to Kotagala / Colonial Railway Towns / Overnight in Kotagala

Walk through historical colonial-era railway towns, plantations, and scenic ridges. Arrive in Kotagala for overnight stay.

Day

07

Kotagala to Norwood / Hillside Villages / Overnight in Norwood

Continue trekking along gentle hillsides, passing small villages and tea factories. Overnight in Norwood guesthouse.

Day

08

Norwood to Bogawanthalawa / Valley Passages / Overnight in Bogawanthalawa

Cross rivers and valleys amidst tea plantations. Experience local culture along the way and stay overnight in Bogawanthalawa.

Day

09

Bogawanthalawa to Dayagama / Rolling Tea Estates / Overnight in Dayagama

Trek through undulating tea gardens, spotting distant mountains and streams. Overnight at a cozy eco-lodge in Dayagama.

Day

10

Dayagama to Horton Plains / High Plateau Trek / Overnight near Horton Plains

Ascend toward Horton Plains, passing cloud forests and spotting wildlife such as sambar deer. Overnight stay at a nearby eco-lodge.

Day

11

Horton Plains to Udaweriya / Baker’s Falls / Overnight in Udaweriya

Morning hike in Horton Plains to World’s End and Baker’s Falls. Continue to Udaweriya village for overnight stay.

Day

12

Udaweriya to Haputale / Ridge Walks and Tea Estates / Overnight in Haputale

Descend through highland ridges and tea gardens. Explore Haputale’s viewpoints and relax at a boutique lodge.

Day

13

Haputale to St. Catherine / Scenic Plateau Trek / Overnight in St. Catherine Village

Trek to St. Catherine, enjoying panoramic views of valleys, tea estates, and mountain ridges. Overnight in a local guesthouse.

Day

14

St. Catherine to Makulella / Remote Tea Estates / Overnight in Makulella

Follow forested trails and tea estate paths to the quiet village of Makulella. Overnight at a cozy eco-lodge.

Day

15

Makulella to Ella / Pine Forests and Nine Arches Bridge / Overnight in Ella

Descend through pine forests to Ella. Visit the iconic Nine Arches Bridge and explore the town before overnight at a hill-country lodge.

Day

16

Ella to Demodara / Railway Line Trek / Overnight in Demodara

Follow the railway line to Demodara, passing lush tea estates, local villages, and scenic viewpoints. Overnight stay in a guesthouse.

Day

17

Demodara to Haliela / Forest Paths / Overnight in Haliela

Trek through rolling hills, tea plantations, and forested paths toward Haliela. Overnight at a local eco-lodge.

Day

18

Haliela to Etampitiya / Countryside Trails / Overnight in Etampitiya

Continue along quiet country trails and small settlements. Immerse in highland life and stay overnight in Etampitiya.

Day

19

Etampitiya to Lunuwatta / Tea Estate Passages / Overnight in Lunuwatta

Walk through tea estates and open fields to Lunuwatta village, enjoying expansive views. Overnight in a boutique lodge.

Day

20

Lunuwatta to Udupussellawa / Highland Trails / Overnight in Udupussellawa

Trek through rolling highland landscapes, visiting remote villages and forests. Overnight stay in Udupussellawa.

Day

21

Udupussellawa to Kandapola to Pedro Estate / Final Highland Trek / Overnight in Pedro Estate

Complete the trail by trekking to Kandapola and the final stage at Pedro Estate. Celebrate the journey and enjoy overnight in the highlands.

Day

22

Departure or Optional Overnight in Nuwara Eliya / Transfer to Colombo

After breakfast, transfer to Colombo for departure or optionally stay overnight in Nuwara Eliya to relax after the expedition.