A Guide to The Pekoe Trail

Sri Lanka’s Hill Country has lured in travellers for generations with its swirling mists, cool mountain air, emerald tea estates and deep-rooted tea heritage. But the region has recently unveiled its most immersive experience yet: The Pekoe Trail, a 300-km long-distance walking route weaving through the island’s most spectacular highland landscapes.

Tracing a historic network of plantation paths, old cart roads and remote village tracks, the trail offers a rare chance to explore the Hill Country on foot, passing through quiet tea estates, cloud forests, waterfalls, panoramic mountain ridges and rural communities shaped by more than a century of Ceylon tea.

For guests staying at Uga Halloowella, one of the most luxurious boutique properties in the tea country, The Pekoe Trail provides the perfect adventure pairing: invigorating days spent trekking Sri Lanka’s Hill Country followed by refined, tranquil evenings in the heart of nature.

What is The Pekoe Trail? Tea Heritage & Highland Landscapes

Launched in 2023, The Pekoe Trail spans 22 stages between Kandy, Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Haputale, some of the Hill Country’s most storied destinations. Named after the famed grade of black tea, the route follows the same historic footpaths used by early planters, tea pickers and villagers travelling between remote estates.

Along the way, trekkers experience a vibrant cross-section of Sri Lanka’s tea country landscapes:

• Mist-draped mountain passes and rolling ridgelines
• Rural hamlets where tea pluckers continue generations-old traditions
• Photogenic tea estates carpeted in emerald green
• Valleys threaded with waterfalls, streams and terraced slopes
• Quiet forest corridors alive with endemic birdlife

The trail is now globally celebrated, recognised by both TIME and National Geographic magazines as one of the world’s most extraordinary new walking routes, a testament to its natural and cultural riches.

Experiences Along the Path: Tea, Trails & Hill Country Culture

Each stage brings a different perspective on Sri Lanka’s Hill Country. Whether you complete a full section or simply dip into one near Uga Halloowella, expect a tapestry of immersive experiences, including:

Tea Heritage & Plantation Culture: Walk through some of the oldest and most picturesque estates in Sri Lanka, where neatly pruned tea bushes roll across the hills in endless green waves. Witness tea pickers at work, learn about the craft of Ceylon tea and visit traditional tea factories.

Waterfalls & Wild Scenery: Many stages pass tumbling cascades, natural pools and forested ravines, ideal for photography, cooling off or simply enjoying the serenity.

Sweeping Viewpoints: From high ridges and breakaway cliffs, the trail reveals sweeping views over Hatton’s lakes, the Bogawantalawa Valley and the deep folds of Sri Lanka’s central mountains.

Rural Communities: The Pekoe Trail is a cultural journey too, encountering villages, roadside tea stalls, Hindu kovils and craft traditions that are part of Hill Country life.

Exploring The Pekoe Trail from Uga Halloowella

Uga Halloowella is uniquely positioned in the Hatton region, one of the most scenic sections of the Pekoe Trail. From here, guests can easily explore several nearby stages, but the highlight is undoubtedly Stage 7 of The Pekoe Trail.

Hiking this trail in the company of Uga Halloowella’s resident naturalist gives you a unique experience of the trail, where the region’s landscapes, flora, fauna and tea heritage are brought vividly to life as you walk. You’ll gain a deeper insight into the Hill Country’s ecosystems and cultural riches, from mountain birds and medicinal plants to the cultural stories embedded in each estate pathway.

Pekoe Trail Stage 7 – Kotagala to Maskeliya: A Signature Experience from Uga Halloowella

Distance: 16.48 km (10.24 miles)
Duration: approx. 5 hours
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Hours: Special hours apply (typically 6am–6pm)

Stage 7 begins in Kotagala, where a brightly painted Hindu kovil rises above the town with a burst of colour. Beyond its gates, the path slips into quiet estate lanes, past timeworn tea factories and the earthy scent of withering leaves. With the naturalist at your side, you may pause to spot sunbirds flitting between hibiscus blooms or hear the soft calls of hill-country bulbuls in the shade of towering jak and avocado trees.

As you walk deeper into Drayton Estate, the bustle fades, replaced by birdsong, dragonflies skimming the air and the chance of glimpsing toque macaques or shy mongoose darting into the undergrowth. Gentle bridges and railway crossings lead into more secluded stretches where the hills open suddenly to wide, breathtaking views over Hatton.

Soon the trail drifts past a tea shed and a trickling stream before emerging at the glassy shores of Singamalai Lake, its still waters reflecting cloud forests above. From here, rolling green hills guide you toward the first glimmers of the Castlereagh Reservoir. Small villages appear, clusters of pastel worker homes, chapels and kovils, alive with plantation life and fringed with wildflowers. As the trail descends into Norwood, the valley hums with the energy of a proud tea town, welcoming you to your journey’s end.

Practical Tips for Hiking The Pekoe Trail

Best Time to Hike:

Dry Season (December – April):
The ideal time for tea country trekking, clear skies, crisp mornings and cool hiking weather.

May – August:
Expect occasional showers, but mornings can still be sunny. Trails are quieter and beautifully green.

September – November:
Transitional months with mixed weather; good for travellers seeking solitude on the trail.

What to Pack:

• Lightweight layers for changing mountain temperatures
• Rain jacket or poncho
• Sturdy trekking shoes
• Daypack
• Sun protection (hat, sunscreen, sunglasses)
• Reusable water bottle
• Snacks or energy bars
• Camera or binoculars for wildlife
• Trekking poles (optional but useful on steep descents)

Duration & Route Planning:

• The entire Pekoe Trail covers300 km and 22 stages, each ranging from 3–6 hours.
• Guests at Uga Halloowella can comfortably completeStage 7 in half a day (approx. 5 hours).
• Private transfers can be arranged to the start or end points.
• Guided hikes are recommended for deeper natural and cultural insights.

After the Trek – Wellness, Tea & Tranquility at Uga Halloowella

After a rewarding day on the Pekoe Trail, return to the serenity of Uga Halloowella for a well-earned indulgence:

Rejuvenating Spa Therapies: Soothe tired muscles with a signature massage or herbal treatment inspired by Sri Lankan wellness traditions.

Afternoon Tea: Indulge in Uga Halloowella’s signature highland tea ritual featuring premium Ceylon tea, traditional Sri Lankan savouries and sweets, enjoyed from the scenic patio or by a cozy fireplace.

Relaxation by the Valley Views: Unwind by the infinity pool or your private veranda as the evening light softens across the Hill Country.

Plan Your Pekoe Trail Adventure

With its blend of rugged beauty, tea heritage and authentic Hill Country culture, The Pekoe Trail is one of the most remarkable ways to explore Sri Lanka on foot. And with Uga Halloowella as your base, you can pair immersive trekking with refined comfort, warm hospitality and the personalised insights of expert naturalists and guides.

Begin planning your journey and learn more about the trail’s stages at:
The Pekoe Trail Official Website.