The Pekoe Trail offers an immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s central highlands, connecting Watagoda to Dayagama across 22 scenic stages. Trek through emerald tea plantations, misty valleys, cascading waterfalls, and colonial-era bungalows. Each day provides a blend of moderate trekking, cultural encounters, scenic viewpoints, and opportunities to explore working tea estates. Travelers will stay in authentic highland bungalows and lodges, enjoying fresh local cuisine, stunning sunrise and sunset views, and the rhythm of daily estate life.
Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport and transfer approximately 1–1.5 hours to Summerville Bungalow near Watagoda. After settling in, enjoy an orientation walk through nearby tea plots and gardens to acclimatize to the highland climate. Learn about the history of colonial tea estates and the workings of the Ceylon tea industry. The evening features a welcome tea tasting while the sun sets over the rolling hills. Overnight at Summerville Bungalow.
Begin the trail at Watagoda Train Station, walking past highland lakes and a majestic banyan tree beside a small stream. Continue onto classic tea trails leading to Holyrood Estate, passing terraced fields where tea pickers move in rhythmic patterns. Pause at the estate for photography and enjoy a short walk to a warehouse featuring the whimsical sign: “Did you hug a tree today?” Accommodation for the night can be at Holyrood or nearby bungalows.
Trek along misty ridges offering panoramic views of the highlands. Stop at a small waterfall en route to Kotagala and visit a working tea factory to see the processing of leaves from pluck to cup. The trail passes through forested sections and scenic tea gardens. Overnight stay at Kotagala Bungalow with colonial charm and valley views.
Today’s trek follows gentle ridges, streams, and mossy paths, intersecting small highland villages. Engage with locals, observe traditional farming, and explore hidden tea plantations. Optional detours include short hikes to secluded waterfalls or viewpoints. Evening relaxation at Norwood Bungalow, taking in the cool air and distant valleys.
Begin the morning walking past rivers and tea terraces toward Bogawantalawa, also known as the “Valley of Tea.” Stop at small estate cottages for fresh tea tasting and learn from families who have worked the land for generations. The trail passes secret viewpoints and cascading streams. Optional photography hike to a hidden waterfall. Overnight at Dunkeld or Bogawantalawa Lodge.
Trek through terraced tea gardens, following streams and forested paths. Stop to interact with tea pickers and observe the rhythm of estate life. The journey culminates at Dayagama, a peaceful highland location with perfect sunset photography spots. Overnight stay at Dayagama bungalow or nearby estate lodge.
Today’s trail follows hidden valleys and scenic highland ridges. Walk along narrow paths with rivers and small waterfalls, pausing for photos and rest. Loolkandura offers a tranquil night with cozy bungalow stays and expansive highland views.
Trek through tea estates and river valleys, crossing wooden bridges and quiet villages. Visit small temples along the way and enjoy the local highland flora. Overnight at Kotmale Lodge, with views of surrounding peaks and valleys.
Follow riverside trails and misty tea plantations, with opportunities to see rare birds and endemic plants. Optional detour to a waterfall for photography or a picnic. Stop at Dambatenne Tea Estate for a tour of the historic Lipton estate. Overnight at Halgolla bungalow or estate lodge.
Walk along remote highland trails, crossing streams and terraced slopes. Stop at small local settlements to meet estate families and tea pickers. Afternoon optional hike to a viewpoint overlooking valleys. Overnight at Kandapola Bungalow.
Trek the final leg of the trail to Dambatenne Tea Estate, designed by Sir Thomas Lipton. Learn about estate history, architecture, and tea production. Optional guided walk along estate ridges to capture sunrise or sunset views. Overnight at Dambatenne Estate Bungalow.
For those wishing to extend the trek, continue through tea valleys, streams, and small villages toward Halpe or back to Dayagama. Enjoy quiet walking trails and hidden viewpoints. Overnight at a nearby highland bungalow.
Optional early morning walk to capture final sunrise over tea terraces. Transfer back to Nuwara Eliya, Kotagala, or Colombo depending on onward travel plans. End the trail journey with memories of emerald valleys, cascading waterfalls, colonial bungalows, and authentic highland life.
