The Pekoe Trail is a newly established long-distance walking trail in Sri Lanka. It covers 300 kilometers (185 miles) of the central highlands of the country. It is also considered the first ever long-distance walking trail, which provides a unique experience for hikers, trekkers, and nature lovers all over the world.

The Pekoe Trail consists of 22 stages where the trekkers will cross beautiful mountains, lush greenish tea plantations, desolate and tropical forests, grasslands, mini waterways, and traditional villages. This is an ideal trail, not only for experienced hikers but also for newbies. If you are someone who loves to walk through any stage of the Pekoe Trail, you will see fantastic views throughout the trek. The beauty of the waterfalls, the sounds of the wild animals, and the sudden changing climate will surely bring you an unforgettable, unique experience.

The Pekoe Trail was initiated under the funds of the Serendipity Trail by SLTDA, the EU, and USAID. Apart from giving a unique experience to the trekkers, they also aimed to uplift the livelihoods of the rural communities in which they are located.

 

Different Stages of the Pekoe Trail

As we told you earlier, there are 22 stages to the pekoe trail. The first stage starts in Hanthana, the closest village to Kandy, where the trail ends at the Pedro Tea Estate of Nuwara Eliya. It connects the three major tourism  cities of the country, which include Kandy, Ella, and Nuwara Eliya.

 

Here are those 22 stages of the pekoe trail:

  • Stage 1: Hanthana to Galaha: Distance – 12.8 km
  • Stage 2: Galaha to Loolkandura: Distance – 14.7 km
  • Stage 3: Loolkandura to Thawalanthenna – 18.1 km
  • Stage 4: Thawalanthenna to Pundaluoya – 14.1km
  • Stage 5: Pundaluoya to Watagoda – 14.1 km
  • Stage 6: Watagoda to Kotagala – 15.3km
  • Stage 7: Kotagala to Norwood – 16.2km
  • Stage 8: Norwood to Bogawanthalawa – 15.8km
  • Stage 9: Bogawanthalawa to Dayagama – 16.5km
  • Stage 10: Dayagama to Horton Plains – 14.9km
  • Stage 11: Horton Plains to Udaweriya – 13.1km
  • Stage 12: Udaweriya to Haputale – 14.8 km
  • Stage 13: Haputale to St. Catherine – 13.5km
  • Stage 14: St Catherine to Makulella – 9.4km
  • Stage 15: Makulella to Ella – 9.5km
  • Stage 16: Ella to Demodara – 8.8km
  • Stage 17: Demodara to Haliela – 12.9km
  • Stage 18: Haliela to Etampitiya – 13.9km
  • Stage 19: Etampitiya to Lunuwatta – 18.4km
  • Stage 20: Lunuwatta to Udupussellawa – 12.5km
  • Stage 21: Udupussellawa to Kandapola – 16.7km
  • Stage 22: Kandapola to Pedro Estate – 10.8km

 

Etampitiya to Loonuwatte is considered the longest stage, while the Ella to Demodara is considered the shortest stage of the above pekoe trail. Approximately, the hiker’s haves to trek around 13–14 km to completer a stage.

The name ‘Pekoe’ is an upcountry tea grade of the Ceylon tea. We can think the name comes because the trail covered many Ceylon tea estates during its different stages.

 

Scenic Highlights of the Pekoe Trail

  • Hanthana Mountain Range
  • Uragala Mountain Range
  • Dumbara Valley
  • Loolkondera Tea Estate
  • Taylor’s Seat
  • Chariot Path
  • Adams Peak
  • Idalgashinna
  • Horton Plains
  • Ella Rock
  • Little Adams Peak
  • Piduruthalagala Mountain
  • Nine Arch Bridge
  • Pedro Tea Estate

 

What you need to bring for the hike

  • Hiking Shoes
  • Raincoat
  • A hat/cap
  • Water
  • Leech Socks
  • Leech Protections
  • First Aid
  • Trekking Poles

 

The trekking through the Pekoe Trail is available year-round, but you should note that the rain can happen any month. So, you must be ready for that before the walk starts. There are some certain accommodation options available through the Pekoe Trail.

Here, we can suggest some camping sites around the trail:

  • Ravana Camping 360 in Delthota
  • Haritha Kanda in Bogawanthalawa
  • Bopaththalawa Camping Site
  • Devil’s Stair Camping (Udaweriya)

 

Final Words:

The Pekoe Trail is a newly established walking trail in Sri Lanka. It is well suited for someone who loves hiking, trekking, walking, or exploring the beauty of central Sri Lanka. There are 22 stages, and you can choose the best one or many according to your wishes. If you need a foreigner who is looking for a guide or support for the Pekoe Trail, you can simply contact Mahaweli Tours and Holidays. Whatsapp: +94777 111553

 

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(Cover Image Credit: Haputale Oliver )

The Ceylon Tea Museum is another nice place to visit near Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is a museum where visitors can learn about the history of Ceylon tea while watching the ancient industry equipment. The situated places are called ‘Hanthana, where you can easily reach them by any vehicle. Public transport is also available towards the place, which is 4km away from the city. There is also enough space available to park your vehicles.

Opening Days and Hours

The Ceylon Tea Museum is open from 8.30 a.m. to 3.45 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. But it is only open from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Anyhow, it is closed on Mondays and Poya days.

 

Ticket Prices to the Ceylon Tea Museum

You need to buy tickets to enter the museum. According to their official website, the ticket price for non-resident adults is 1000 LKR. But for the non-resident child, it is 500 LKR. Tickets for locals are cheaper than those for non-residents. There are also guided tours available, and their cost will be added to the ticket cost.

 

What you can observe in the Ceylon Tea Museum

There are 4 floors in the Ceylon Tea Museum. You can see old tea machines and equipment used on the first two floors. On the first floor, you can also see a library and an auditorium. The third floor consists of tea outlets where you can buy some Ceylon tea bags. The fourth floor is entirely a tea café. Here, you can enjoy the surrounding beauty while enjoying a cup of Ceylon tea.

From the fourth floor, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Kandy City and its surrounding areas. The Knuckles Mountain Range, Hunnasgiriya Mountain, and Alagalla are some of the mountain peaks you can watch from here.

Apart from these, you can observe the old machines that were used for tea production in the 20th century. As well, it consists of photos of notable people and highlights of Ceylon tea from the old days. Anyone can also learn how the famous Ceylon tea is produced. There is a special room called the Tea Tasting Room’. There, you can enjoy the taste of different tea varieties and locations.

 

History

The building was established as a museum in 2001. Before that, it was the old Hanthana Tea Factory. The Tea Factory was established in 1925 by the British Ceylon Government. But the factory closed in 1986. Hanthana was a place where the first commercial tea estates were established.

James Taylor is the pioneer of Ceylon tea history, having started the first commercial tea estate in the Loolkondera estate in 1867. Since then, tea has become Sri Lanka’s major exported agricultural product. Sri Lanka is the fourth-largest tea producer and the third-largest tea exporter in the world. Today, over one million people are engaged in the industry while doing many jobs. Famous Ceylon tea comes from these lovely tea gardens in Sri Lanka. The industry has gone up and down over the past 150 years. The Ceylon Tea Museum is the best place to observe the history of this massive industry.

 

Other Nearby Places to Visit;

 

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(Cover Image Credit: Walahanduwa Tea )

Step into a world of vibrant greenery, rolling hills, and the delightful aroma of freshly brewed tea. Sri Lanka, famous for its exquisite Ceylon tea, is home to magnificent tea estates that offer a captivating glimpse into the heart of the country’s tea gardens. Join us as we embark on an exploration of these enchanting tea estates and unravel the secrets behind Sri Lanka’s renowned tea industry.

  1. Unveiling the Beautiful Landscapes: As you approach the Ceylon tea estates, you will be greeted by breathtaking landscapes that stretch as far as your eyes can see. The emerald green tea plantations, neatly arranged rows of tea bushes, and the misty mountains combine to create a picturesque setting that is truly mesmerizing.
  2. Tea Gardens in Nuwara Eliya: Nuwara Eliya, often called the “Little England” of Sri Lanka, is home to some of the most picturesque tea gardens in the country. Take a leisurely stroll through the tea estates, capturing the beauty of the surrounding hills, and witness skilled tea pluckers carefully picking the finest tea leaves by hand.
  3. Uva’s Tea Plantations: Venture into the Uva region, where the tea gardens flourish under the warm tropical sun. The Uva estates are known for producing high-quality tea, thanks to the unique climatic conditions that contribute to the tea’s distinct flavor and aroma. Explore the expansive tea plantations, soak in the panoramic views, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
  4. Dimbula’s Tea Heritage: Discover the tea gardens of Dimbula, an area renowned for producing some of the world’s finest high-grown teas. Wander through the estates, marveling at the tea leaves shimmering under the gentle sunlight. Engage with local tea experts, who will enlighten you about the intricacies of tea cultivation and processing.
  5. Tea Factory Visits: No exploration of Ceylon tea estates is complete without a visit to a tea factory. Gain insights into the tea production process, from withering and rolling to fermentation and drying. Observe the skilled artisans as they transform freshly plucked tea leaves into the aromatic tea that we all know and love.
  6. Tea Tastings and Pairings: Indulge in the flavors of Ceylon tea through captivating tea-tasting experiences. Learn to appreciate the subtle differences between various tea varieties and discover your favorites. Enhance your tea journey with delightful food pairings as you savor the lovely combination of tea and culinary delights.

 

Conclusion:

Exploring the tea estates of Sri Lanka offers a feast for the senses and an opportunity to delve into the rich heritage of Ceylon tea. From the stunning landscapes to the intricate processes involved in tea production, each step of the journey reveals the dedication and passion that go into creating the world’s finest teas. So, immerse yourself in the beauty of the tea gardens, embrace the aroma of freshly brewed tea, and discover the magic of Ceylon tea estates that make Sri Lanka a true paradise for tea enthusiasts.

 

(Cover Image Credit Goes to the original owners)