300 km Through the Heart of Tea Country
The Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka's premier long-distance hiking route — a 300-kilometre walk from Nuwara Eliya to Kurunegala that passes through the most scenic tea-growing landscapes on the island. Opened as a marked trail in 2022, it traverses 22 stages across hill country tea estates, forest reserves, ancient temples, waterfalls, and rural villages that most visitors never reach. The trail is named after the finest grade of Ceylon tea: Orange Pekoe.
Most visitors hike selected sections rather than the full route — popular day stages include the walk through Lipton's Seat estate above Haputale, the ridge walk between Ella and Bandarawela, and the descent through Dambatenne estate (where Thomas Lipton built his empire). The trail requires no special equipment beyond sturdy shoes and the stages are graded by difficulty on the official Pekoe Trail website.
Tea Estate Stages
Walk through active Ceylon tea estates with views over rows of emerald bushes and the distant mountains — the iconic image of the Sri Lanka hill country.
Lipton's Seat
The viewpoint above Haputale where Thomas Lipton surveyed his empire — panoramic views over seven provinces on a clear day.
Ella to Bandarawela Ridge
One of the most scenic stages — a ridge walk between two highland towns with views on both sides of the hill country.
Best Time to Visit
January to April and July to September are best. The trail is marked year-round but the monsoon (May—June and October—November) brings heavy rain.
Getting There
Trailheads are accessible from Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, Ella, and Bandarawela — all linked by road and the hill country scenic train.
