The Pekoe Trail

What is the best time for your Pekoe Trail Trek ?

Even though the Pekoe Trail is generally walkable throughout the year, it is important to know when the rain gods decide to come down, or when the sun shines the brightest. Being a tropical country, showers during dry spells are not uncommon.

Except for the rainy season, all other months are ideal to embark on a trek on the Pekoe Trail. The dry environment acts as a blessing, and the sun would be mostly mild.

How to pick the right trekking stages of Pekoe trail trekking tour for you ?

There are several stages of the Pekoe Trail with different entry and exit points; for e.g. you can take on two separate walks each, from Kandy or Hatton, three from Nuwara Eliya, and five from Ella. Each trail is of unique nature; some go up, some down, while some go both ways. When deciding on the perfect trekking stage, you’d want to take distance into account first. Certain trails are as short as 9 km, others longer, continuing for about 17 km. The right trail for you will also depend on whether you want a more exerting experience, navigating the twists and turns of the Sri Lankan central highlands, or a more relaxing walk, admiring the abundant beauty and head downhill.

Consider your health condition, and en route accommodation to seal the deal. Talk to us to make sure you have chosen right.

How can you get to the Pekoe Trail ?

The Pekoe Trail is designed in a way that entry and exit points could be conveniently accessed via main cities. The trail itself, however, could be a bit far from the so-called civilization. You are escorted to the chosen starting point, from where an experienced guide will accompany you till the end of the trail. From there, you will again be picked-up and taken to pre-booked accommodation, or any other relevant destination.

As certain treks could be as far as 17 km, it is best that you talk to an experienced trekking company and decide on the right entry and/or exit points to access the Pekoe Trail.

Where to stay while on the Pekoe Trail?

There are many accommodation options throughout the Pekoe Trail, varying from chic hotels to homestays. Most of it is situated somewhat away from the trail itself, nevertheless you will be escorted to the hotel after finishing the relevant stage of the trail.

One of the main objectives of creating and promoting the Pekoe Trail is to bring more opportunities to the central countryside of Sri Lanka, where the residents can offer services such as accommodation and refreshments to the weary travelers for a fee. At present there are a considerable number of options from which you can choose one which suits your budget and style, as well as the stage of the trail.

An experienced Pekoe Trail trekking company can always advise you the best accommodation options for Pekoe Trail.

What to bring? Essential gear and supplies

There is some essential gear required for trekking. For the Pekoe Trail, what to bring changes with the journey you choose. Take distance, climb, and other technical difficulties into account, as well as the climatic conditions. One of the first items you should own is proper footwear. In addition to those hats, caps, rain coats and/or umbrellas will come in handy, during sun and rain in this tropical paradise. Don’t forget to pack some sun lotion, sunglasses and a bug repellent. An important companion should be your bottle of water. Make sure you have plenty.

Your gear should not be a burden. Whichever adventure you pursue, remember to keep that pack light! Get in touch with us if you need more assistance on this matter.

Experience of the Pekoe Trail Trek

The Pekoe Trail is an initiative of those who wanted the trekkers to have an all-inclusive experience. It is not only for the seasoned hikers, but also for the novices and the first-time- tryouts. The shorter treks fit the latter groups perfectly. It is also an objective of the creators that the trekkers immerse in the local tea-life of this enchanting island. Those who love a cuppa get to see the joys and hardships of the ones who actually make the tea, thus appreciating the labours of producing the famed Ceylon Tea. The abundant natural beauty you’d perceive is an added advantage.

Experience the Natural Beauty of the Pekoe Trail

The numbers of the Pekoe Trail will astonish any trekker; in a small island such as Sri Lanka, this 300km highland trek goes through 24 tea plantations, hence earning the name “Pekoe”, which is related to tea. It continues via 3 districts, 2 national parks and 4 nature reserves, meaning you will experience an abundance of wildlife and vegetation, a considerable amount of it native to Sri Lanka.

Some of the top highlights of the trail are the sweeping view of the Dumbara Valley, the clouded Hantana and Uragala Mountain range, as well as the sacred site of the Adam’s Peak, first tea plantation in Sri Lanka, Loolecondera Estate and the famed Taylor’s Seat, Chariot path, beautiful Idalgashinna, St. Catherine’s Seat also known as Lipton’s Seat, biodiversity hotspot Horton Plains, Ella Gap and the Nine Arches Bridge, and the Pedro Tea Estate.

Embrace the Culture and Traditions of the Pekoe Trail

Any trekker will be captivated by the natural beauty of the Pekoe Trail which snakes through lakes and waterfalls, hills with sprawling valley-views, and colourful wildlife of all sizes and types. Nevertheless, the trail is also a symbol of cultural and religious diversity that makes the Sri Lankan central highlands that much special.

Walking the trail, you will come upon the crimson and white walls of Hindu temples in every tea plantation, Fig trees with Buddha statues and offerings underneath it in every corner, and Friday crowds at the green colour mosques in most of the city areas. Towards the more secluded parts of the trail, coherence of the spiritual followings become apparent with many different religious symbols set at the base of gigantic trees with offerings, as well as people of all faiths with their palms together praying to the unseen.