Sri Lanka’s 300km Pekoe Trail: A Scenic Journey Through Tea Country

The 300km Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka winds through tea plantations, villages, and forests, showcasing the country’s tea heritage. Starting in Kandy and ending in Nuwara Eliya, the trail follows historic paths once used for tea transport. Developed over a decade by Miguel Cunat, it promotes sustainable tourism and rural economies. The 22-stage route is accessible to all hikers, offering colonial landmarks, waterfalls, and diverse landscapes.

Australian hiker Cathy Cruse praised its safety and scenic variety. The trail highlights the lives of Indian-Tamil plantation workers, whose ancestors were brought by the British. Visitors can engage with local communities and witness tea production firsthand. Iconic sites like the Nine Arch Bridge add to the experience. The Pekoe Trail offers an immersive blend of nature, history, and culture.

Sri Lanka’s 300km Pekoe Trail: A Scenic Journey Through Tea Country

The newly opened Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka, a 300km hiking route winding through tea plantations, villages, and forests, highlights the country’s rich and complex tea history. The trail, divided into 22 stages, starts in Kandy—near where Scotsman James Taylor first planted tea in the mid-1800s—and ends in the misty hill town of Nuwara Eliya. Originally a network of mud tracks used to transport tea leaves, the trail has been developed into a world-class hiking route through nearly a decade of research and exploration by founder Miguel Cunat.

Designed to be accessible to all skill levels, the Pekoe Trail allows hikers to explore individual stages rather than complete the entire journey. Each section offers unique experiences, from colonial-era landmarks and waterfalls to vibrant village deities and eucalyptus forests. Australian hiker Cathy Cruse, who completed the trail in just seven days, praised its diversity and safety, particularly for solo travelers.

Beyond showcasing Sri Lanka’s scenic landscapes, the trail also directs tourism toward rural communities, providing economic opportunities in areas away from the country’s coastal hotspots. The route offers insights into the lives of Indian-Tamil plantation workers, whose ancestors were brought by the British and who continue to play a vital role in the tea industry. Hikers can observe their daily routines, engage with locals, and witness the enduring cultural heritage of the region.

Covering notable sites such as the Nine Arch Bridge near Ella and the “Golden Valley” tea estates, the Pekoe Trail is an immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s tea country, blending nature, history, and local traditions.

Covering notable sites such as the Nine Arch Bridge near Ella and the “Golden Valley” tea estates, the Pekoe Trail is an immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s tea country, blending nature, history, and local traditions. Along the route, hikers pass through diverse landscapes, from misty mountains and dense forests to rolling tea plantations and picturesque villages. Each stage of the trail offers a unique experience, with opportunities to visit colonial-era landmarks, ancient temples, and bustling local markets.

The trail not only showcases Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage but also brings attention to the communities that sustain this industry. Many of the plantation workers are descendants of Indian-Tamil laborers brought by the British, and their culture remains deeply embedded in the region. Hikers can interact with these communities, witnessing firsthand the intricate tea-plucking process and traditional ways of life.

For those seeking adventure, certain stages present more challenging terrain, rewarding trekkers with breathtaking views from elevated viewpoints like Ella Rock. The Pekoe Trail also offers flexibility, allowing visitors to explore specific sections rather than completing the entire 300km stretch. Whether for casual walkers or seasoned hikers, the trail provides an unforgettable blend of scenic beauty, cultural encounters, and historical significance.