Pekoe Trail – Stage 16

Beginning at Ella Railway Station and ending at Demodara Railway Station, Stage 16 of the Pekoe Trail brings together some of the best-known sights and quieter corners of Ella’s hill country. The route passes through Ella town and the Ella Forest Reserve before continuing along paths bordered by tea plantations and rural settlements, with views of the surrounding hills along the way. One of the highlights along the way is the Nine Arch Bridge. The trail takes you to viewpoints from which the railway viaduct can be seen stretching across the forest below. Further along, you reach Demodara Railway Station and the well-known Demodara Loop. Here, the railway line makes an unusual turn, passing beneath itself before entering a tunnel below the station. It is a fascinating detail of the railway network, and one of the more distinctive sights along this stretch of the trail.

From the forest paths and tea estates to the railway landmarks along the route, Stage 16 gives you a chance to see several different sides of life in Ella’s hill country.

• Inclusions: Naturalist, water, juice, snacks, co‑ee/tea, transport to and from starting/end point.
• Timing: Morning or afternoon.
• Duration: Approx 4 hours (incl. Transport).
• Distance:5 km.
• What to bring/ what to wear: Comfortable walking or trail shoes, hat and sun protection, small backpack, light waterproof jacket during unsettled weather, personal medication.