Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka
A Walk Through Time, A Toast to Tea
There’s a rhythm in the hills — old as empire, soft as morning mist. Here in Sri Lanka’s central highlands, the land doesn’t just rise. It unfolds. In tea-laced curves, through pine-scented ridges, along sun-dappled paths that whisper of labor, legacy, and life among the clouds.
The Pekoe Trail isn’t just a hike — it’s a journey through the living heart of Ceylon tea country. A 300+ kilometer cultural odyssey that threads its way from misty Kandy to the edge of Haputale, following estate roads, forest paths, and stone steps once walked by planters, pickers, and pilgrims.
A Walk Through Time, A Toast to Tea
More than a trek, this is an immersion into the island’s most storied crop — Ceylon Tea. Along the trail, you’ll pass weather-worn bungalows, working tea estates, and the hands that still pluck two leaves and a bud with an elegance passed down through generations.
At Amba Estate, you’ll see hand-rolled organic teas crafted with reverence. At Nine Skies, you’ll sip golden brews with sweeping views across the southern valley — every cup a bridge between past and present. This is where tea isn’t just tasted, it’s felt.
22 Stages, Countless Stories
The full Pekoe Trail is divided into 22 curated stages, each between 10–15km, ranging from gentle estate paths to forest climbs and ridge walks with panoramic views. You can hike the entire trail over weeks, or dip in and out over just a few days — without missing its magic.
Quick-Immersion Options (Perfect for Short Luxury Journeys):
- Ella: Stage 15–17 — Think swinging bridges, waterfalls, forest paths, and postcard views of Ella Rock. Stay at Eco Ellaor Nine Skies for barefoot luxury in the clouds.
- Hatton: Stage 10–12 — Misty ridges and tea estates shadowed by Adam’s Peak. The air is thinner, the silence deeper.
- Kandy: Stage 1–4 — From temple town to plantation paths, this is where the journey begins, scented with spice and sound.
Galaha to Loolkandura — The Birthplace of Ceylon Tea
If the trail has a heartbeat, it pulses strongest between Galaha and Loolkandura. This is where it all began — where James Taylor planted the first commercial tea bushes in 1867. The trail meanders through forests older than memory, past colonial ruins, moss-covered factories, and valleys that once echoed with empire.
You’ll walk where the first pickers once stood. And end at Loolkandura Estate, a living relic of tea’s dramatic rise from hillside gamble to global icon.
Galaha to Loolkandura — The Birthplace of Ceylon Tea
If the trail has a heartbeat, it pulses strongest between Galaha and Loolkandura. This is where it all began — where James Taylor planted the first commercial tea bushes in 1867. The trail meanders through forests older than memory, past colonial ruins, moss-covered factories, and valleys that once echoed with empire.
You’ll walk where the first pickers once stood. And end at Loolkandura Estate, a living relic of tea’s dramatic rise from hillside gamble to global icon.
Where You Stay ?
Every overnight stop is more than a place to rest — it’s part of your story. We handpick exceptional elite luxury properties, luxury villas, and charming boutiques, each radiating its own warmth, personality, and unforgettable experiences.
W 15 Hanthana
Organic tea estate with rustic charm and panoramic mountain views.
Camellia Hills
Colonial bungalows offering luxury living amidst lush tea plantatio
Amba Estate
Organic tea estate with rustic charm and panoramic mountain views.
Nine Skies
Iconic hilltop hotel blending history with refined luxury and nature.
How do We Travel ?
We arrange all your luxury transport needs, from premium ground vehicles and scenic sea plane rides to first-class train journeys and private catamaran charters—ensuring every part of your journey is stylish, comfortable, and unforgettable.
Luxury Land Vehicles
We offer private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced, chauffeurs and Tour Guides.
Air Travel
We arrange air travel with Cinnamon Air and helicopter rides for fast, scenic, and luxurious transfers.
Train
We offer scenic train rides in first-class cabins for a comfortable and memorable journey through Sri Lanka’s beautiful landscapes.
Tailor Made Tours
Your Journey, Your Way
Create your perfect Sri Lankan journey with our Tailor-Made Tours. From cultural sites to tropical beaches, we design every detail to match your interests and pace. Enjoy private transport, custom itineraries, and expert guidance — travel your way, with comfort and style.
Other Experience
Bird Watching – Chase the colors of the sky.
Sailing, Diving & Whale Watching – Sail with the giants.
Cultural & Spiritual – Feel the soul of Sri Lanka.
Tea Country & Estate Life – Sip the story of Ceylon.
Wellness & Retreat – Breathe Heal Renew.
Pekoe Trail – Walk the path of tea.
Air Travel – Fly over island beauty