By The 300km Pekoe Trail Through the Highlands
If you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover, or history enthusiast, Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail is a must-visit in 2025. Recently recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the world’s 100 greatest places to visit, this 300-kilometer (186-mile) hiking route takes you through breathtaking landscapes, lush tea estates, and historic colonial-era paths.
A Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Tea Country
From Kandy to Nuwara Eliya – A Hiker’s Paradise
Starting in the misty Hanthana Mountains near Kandy and ending in the cool, colonial-era town of Nuwara Eliya, the Pekoe Trail offers a spectacular range of landscapes. Hikers will pass through:
✔️ Towering eucalyptus forests
✔️ Rolling tea plantations that have defined Sri Lanka’s tea industry
✔️ Sacred Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), a 2,243m-high mountain of spiritual significance
✔️ Remote villages where the Tamil tea estate workers live and work
Each step tells a story, whether it’s the history of British colonial rule, the resilience of tea estate workers, or the stunning natural beauty of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.
The Trail’s Colonial Legacy
A Path Once Used for Tea Exports
The Pekoe Trail follows an old network of roads and railway tracks built by the British in the 19th century to transport tea from Sri Lanka’s central plantations to the coast. The name “Pekoe” itself comes from a high-grade black tea still grown in the region.
One of the most fascinating stops along the route is Loolkandura Estate, Sri Lanka’s first-ever tea plantation, founded by Scotsman James Taylor. You’ll also pass colonial bungalows, abandoned tea factories, and historic railway bridges, including the famous Nine Arch Bridge.
🏡 Where to Stay: You can spend nights in restored tea estate bungalows, boutique guesthouses, or even luxury eco-resorts.
Can You Hike the Entire Pekoe Trail?
While some sections are still being finalized, around 40% of the trail is now open to the public. The 22 sections range from 10 to 18 kilometers each, meaning hikers can choose to do short day hikes or attempt a multi-day trek.
For those looking for an unforgettable hiking experience, Stages 11 and 12 are highly recommended. These take you through the Horton Plains National Park, an undulating plateau at 2,100m-2,300m altitude, home to leopards, langurs, and sambar deer. The trek also passes World’s End, a sheer cliff offering panoramic views over Sri Lanka’s valleys and jungles.
⏳ Estimated Time to Hike the Full Trail: 2-3 weeks
⏳ Individual Sections: 3-6 hours per stage
A Sustainable Adventure That Supports Local Communities
How the Pekoe Trail is Helping Sri Lanka’s Rural Economy
Unlike many tourist hotspots, the Pekoe Trail is designed to benefit local communities.
✔️ Employment & Training: Local people are being trained as guides and hospitality providers.
✔️ Eco-Friendly Development: The European Union & USAID are funding eco-tourism initiatives to help protect sensitive environments.
✔️ Local Businesses: Hikers are encouraged to eat in small family-run restaurants, stay in village guesthouses, and buy from local tea estate workers.
However, experts say more work is needed to ensure the economic benefits reach the local communities rather than just large hotel chains.
Why You Should Hike the Pekoe Trail in 2025
🌿 Sri Lanka’s first official long-distance hiking trail
🏔️ Breathtaking landscapes from tea fields to mountain peaks
📜 Rich history & colonial-era sites
🦋 Wildlife encounters in remote nature reserves
🏡 Unique accommodations in tea bungalows & boutique stays
💚 An eco-friendly adventure that supports local communities
🚶♂️ Whether you choose a single-day trek or a multi-week adventure, the Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka’s ultimate new experience for travelers in 2025.
Would you take on this challenge? Let us know in the comments! 👇
