“Journey Through Tea Country: Discover the Pekoe Trail with Sri Lanka Trekking Club”
The Pekoe Trail: A Journey Through Sri Lanka’s Tea Country
One of the most captivating and transformative trekking experiences in Sri Lanka has only recently come to life — the Pekoe Trail. Winding through the heart of the island’s lush central highlands, this remarkable long-distance walking route stretches from the mist-draped hills near Kandy to the dramatic valleys surrounding Ella, deep in the island’s southeastern tea country.
Spanning over 300 kilometers and divided into 22 scenic stages, the Pekoe Trail is more than just a hiking route — it’s a journey through time, culture, and some of the most breathtaking landscapes Sri Lanka has to offer. Beginning in Hanthana, a village close to Kandy, and ending at the Pedro Tea Estate in Nuwara Eliya, the trail has already been recognized as one of the world’s five most incredible walks by The Financial Times (London).
Funded by the European Union and USAID, the trail was developed not only to appeal to adventure seekers but also to uplift the rural communities it winds through — making it a model of socially sustainable tourism.
Each segment of the trail reveals a distinct blend of natural beauty and colonial heritage: from sweeping tea estates and cloud-kissed mountain passes to charming villages and hidden Buddhist shrines nestled among the hills. Whether you’re an intrepid explorer tackling the entire route on a multi-day expedition or a cultural traveler sampling handpicked stages at your own pace, the Pekoe Trail offers a flexible and rewarding experience for all levels of hikers.
The trail invites you to slow down, connect with local communities, and immerse yourself in the rhythms of Sri Lanka’s hill country in a way few travelers do.
Guided Exploration with the Sri Lanka Trekking Club
Sri Lanka Trekking Club – Community-Based Tourism Since 1990, Established in 1990, the Sri Lanka Trekking Club is one of the country’s pioneering trekking tour providers. This family-run initiative is led by Deen, a highly experienced and licensed trekking guide who has spent decades organizing and leading unforgettable hiking adventures—especially for international travelers. We are 100% local, born and raised in the hill country, and we’ve spent our entire lives exploring the highlands of Sri Lanka.
Based in the heart of the central highlands—the island’s premier trekking region—we offer a wide range of tailor-made programs to suit all levels of adventure seekers. We specialize in the renowned Pekoe Trail, offering guided treks that span all 22 stages or any custom segment of your choice.
As a fully local and community-rooted organization, our goal is to deliver authentic, nature-based experiences that go far beyond the typical tourist trail. Our treks take you deep into the real Sri Lanka—across rolling hills, lush valleys, cascading waterfalls, tea plantations, rice paddies, forest trails, and traditional village paths. Often, you can experience this incredible variety within just a single day’s walk.
Tea & the Pekoe Trail
Tea is the world’s most consumed drink after water, with origins tracing back to ancient China in 2737 BC. It reached England in the 1660s and became the foundation of the famous afternoon tea tradition in the 19th century.
In Sri Lanka, tea is more than a beverage — it’s a vital part of the economy and culture. Introduced by British planter James Taylor in 1867, tea now employs over a million people and flourishes in the cool, misty highlands of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Bandarawela, Haputale, and Badulla. Iconic estates like Lipton’s near Haputale remain global landmarks.
To truly experience this heritage, step beyond the teacup. Walk the scenic Pekoe Trail, a 300 km route through tea estates, villages, and waterfalls — following the same paths generations of tea workers have walked.
Final Notes
“More than a hike — it’s a journey through living history. Every step reveals Sri Lanka’s tea country: its landscapes, its people, and its legacy. Walk with purpose, and discover a story brewed over centuries.”
Accommodation & Transport
We arrange accommodation in comfortable bungalows, local houses, guest houses, and even temples — sometimes you’ll be the only guest, offering a true “home away from home” experience. We also provide reliable transfers to ensure your journey is smooth and hassle-free.
Community Based Tourism
As responsible people we want to have sustainable tourism so not only tour agent and the tourist get the benefit of the place also the village and the local people so we do some social work in this places we visit. and we try to use all the local Community for our work
The photos in this web site are original taken by us and you will see many web sites for trekking use our photos with out our permission.