Walking Safari - Pekoe Trail Journey, Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
The Walking Safari offers diverse landscapes and moderate to hard hiking, with stays at various accommodations, introducing travellers to Ceylon tea culture and culminating in relaxation at a coastal retreat in Weligama.
Bespoke
Journeys
Kandy - Gampola - Ceylon Valley - Pussellawa - Nuwara Eliya - Haputale - Bandarawela - Ella - Weligama / 13 Days / 12 Nights
Day 1-2
Mountbatten Bungalow, Kandy
Day 1:Arrive at the Airport. Transfer to Mountbatten Bungalow in Kandy (Approx. 3.5-4 hours). Check in and rest of the day relax at the hotel. Day 2: Day at Leisure.
Day 3
Ellerton, Gampola
Proceed to Pekoe trail Stage 01 This is a gentle trail that provides a great introduction to Ceylon Tea from the many stages of tea in the plantations to the unseen communities whose lives are centred around them. The trail takes guests through verdant tea plantations, around imposing mountains and offers breath taking views across the entire Dumbara valley.
Day 4
Tea & Experience Factory, Ceylon Valley
Proceed to Pekoe trail Stage 02 The trail commences from the small town of Galaha, leading through villages and tea plantations, offering picturesque views along the way. As the ascent begins through the forest, the trail transitions to Taylor’s seat atop Sri Lanka’s inaugural tea plantation, Loolkondera Estate. After enjoying the panoramic vista, hikers traverse through the estate, concluding at the designated endpoint where their vehicle awaits.
Day 5
The Lavender House, Pussellawa
Proceed to Pekoe trail Stage 03 This trail starts from the quaint colonial railway station of Watagoda. It is a beautiful and varied trail that takes you through villages, streams, reservoirs, through beautiful tea estates, passed large and functioning tea factories, along railway tracks and to beautiful viewpoints. This is a great hike for avid walkers, nature lovers and there are some special treats for railway enthusiasts. Distance – 15.7 km Start time – 8.00 am Duration – approx. 4 h Level of difficulty – Moderate to hard
Day 6
Langdale by Amaya, Nuwara Eliya
Proceed to Pekoe trail Stage 04 The trail starts from the small town of Watagoda and directs you into the estates through the villages, passed tea factories, over bridges, through tunnels up through secluded hills and with views of bustling little towns and serene reservoirs in the distance, make your way down. The second next part of the trail is a gentle trail that takes you through like houses, passed colonial sports clubs, Hindu kovils and Christian chapels, all set against a scenic backdrop. Distance – 17 km Start time – 8.00 am Duration – approx. 5 h Level of difficulty – Moderate to hard
Day 7
Thotalagala Hotel, Haputale
Take a scenic Train from Nanu Oya to Haputale
Day 8
Dutch House Bandarawela, Bandarawela
Proceed to Pekoe trail Stage 14 The trail starts from the lesser known viewpoint of St. Catherine’s and carries through villages and vegetable farms to the edge of the mountain. From here the old British quarry road will curve its way down along the side of the mountain through the wilderness and tea plantations with amazing vistas all the way through. This route is a great amalgamation of the best of nature and interesting human encounters. Distance – 9 km Start time – 8.30 am Duration – 2.5 h Level of difficulty – Easy
Day 9
98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ella
Proceed to Pekoe trail Stage 15 The first half of this trail is almost a spiritual journey through nature. Setting off through a forest of towering Pinus trees, walking in silence past hermitages, watching clouds roll by until the vistas open up at the top of Ella Rock. The descend from the famous view point is steep, followed by a trek through villages and along the railway track up to Ella. Distance – 9 km Start time – 8.30 am (can be combined with PT 14 as an 18km trail) Duration – 3 h Level of difficulty – Moderate
Day 10
Nine Skies, Ella
Proceed to Pekoe trail Stage 16 The essence of Ella can be experienced through this trek from the energy of the town to the main attractions, all against the backdrop of tea plantations. Starting from the Ella railway station, the first few hundred meters run through the town before taking off through the forest down to the famed Nine Arched Bridge. Once away from the tourist trail, the path carries through villages and vegetables farm into serene tea gardens, ending in Demodara. Distance – 9 km Start time – 8.00 am Duration – 3 h Level of difficulty – Easy to moderate
Day 11-12
Malabar Hill, Weligama
Day 11: Drive to Malabar Hill in Weligama. Check in and rest of the day relax at the hotel. Day 12: Day at leisure
Day 13
End of Itinerary
Departure to the airport. (Approx. 2.5 hours)