founders-tips

How to Plan Your Pekoe Trail Adventure

By Miguel Cunat – Founder of the Pekoe Trail & Condé Nast Top Travel Specialist to Sri Lanka

Introduction

The Pekoe Trail isn’t just a path through Sri Lanka’s tea country — it’s a journey through living culture, layered history, and raw beauty. It wasn’t designed to be a packaged product off the shelf, but something that grows on you — step by step, valley by valley. My hope is that this trail helps you connect more deeply with the island, its people, and yourself.”
 — Miguel

Trail Regions

To make planning easier, we’ve divided the Pekoe Trail into 9 travel-friendly regions. Below are Miguel’s personal suggestions based on what type of traveler you are, and how many days you have.

 

Kandy & the Tea Origins (Stages 1–2 & part of 3)

— James Taylor’s Pilgrimage to the Birthplace of Ceylon Tea

This is where the Sri Lankan tea story began. James Taylor, the Scotsman who introduced tea to Ceylon, used these routes to transport tea from Loolecondera Estate to Kandy — marking the birth of an industry that shaped the island’s history.

Best for: First-time hikers, cultural travelers, short stays

Top Tip: Start with Stage 1. It’s easy, scenic, and starts just 20 minutes from Kandy city. With two days, combine Stages 1 and 2 – this is the historic tea route used by James Taylor.

Base yourself in: Kandy, Galaha, Deltota

Kotmale’s Hidden Valleys (Part of Stage 3 to 6)

— The Valley Where Kings Once Hid

This area is tied to the legendary King Dutugemunu, one of Sri Lanka’s great unifying rulers. It’s said he hid in these hills while gathering strength to reclaim Anuradhapura. These dramatic and lesser-known valleys are home to old Sinhala communities, ancient Buddhist temples, and a deep sense of heritage that feels far removed from the tourist trail.

Best for: Off-the-beaten-path explorers

Top Tip: These hidden valleys are peaceful and largely untouched. Ideal for quiet hikers looking for solitude and tea heritage.

Base yourself in: Punduloya, Dunsinane, Kotmale, Wattagoda

The Hatton Highlands (Stages 6–7)

— Sri Lanka’s Shire – Where Culture Meets Landscape

Rolling green hills, tea pickers in colorful saris, quaint railway stations, and misty views of sacred Adam’s Peak — this region is like a storybook come to life. It’s where culture, community, and scenery meet in perfect harmony.

Best for: Lots of community, mild ups and downs, train connections, views of Adam’s Peak

Top Tip: These stages take you near Adam’s Peak and the sacred Sri Pada. A great area for combining hiking with pilgrimage routes.

Base yourself in: Wattagoda, Talawakelle, Hatton, Dickoya, Norwood

 

Valleys of Gold (Stages 8–9)

— Adam's Peak and Golden Bowl, Little Switzerland

This valley is known as the ‘Golden Bowl’ of tea — lush, fertile, and panoramic. With views of Adam’s Peak in the distance, Swiss-style pastures, and even dairy and cheese production, it’s a surprising mix of highland culture and colonial legacy.

Best for: Landscape photographers, views of Adam’s Peak, seasoned hikers, Leopard Conservation Corridors, luxury hotel stays

Top Tip: Please avoid sunrise or sunset hikes in this area — these hours are critical for leopard movement through conservation corridors. Walk during the day to help protect local wildlife.

Base yourself in: Norwood, Bogawantalawa, Maskeliya

Horton Plains & Devil’s Staircase (Stages 10–11)

— The Roof of the Island

These stages take you to the literal and metaphorical heights of the island. Remote, rugged, and rich in biodiversity, this is where leopards roam and clouds drift across ancient plains. The Devil’s Staircase and Horton Plains are highlights for serious adventurers.

Best for: Experienced hikers, nature and wildlife lovers, best done with a guide. Heavy elevation gains and drops.

Top Tip: One of the most beautiful high-altitude crossings through cloud forest and open plains.

Base yourself in: Dayagama, Ohiya, Pattipola, Ambewella, Udaweriya

Haputale & the Lipton Legacy (Stages 12–13)

— Lipton’s View – Forests, Tea & Legacy

Sir Thomas Lipton once stood at Lipton’s Seat and gazed across his empire of tea. These paths lead through forests and estates that still bear his legacy, offering one of the most iconic views in Sri Lanka.

Best for: Eco-travelers, forest lovers, those seeking amazing views

Top Tip: Cloud forests, colonial rail lines, and cool hill breezes — it’s what Ella used to be 20 years ago. Discover the story of Sir Thomas Lipton.

Base yourself in: Haputale, Haldummulla, Idalgashinna

 

Ella & the Ravana Trail (Stages 14–17)

— Myth, Mist & Mountain Vistas

This area is steeped in mythology. Said to be connected to the ancient Ramayana epic, Ella is believed to be where King Ravana hid Princess Sita. The landscape is dramatic and storied — caves, cliffs, and waterfalls add to its mystique.

Best for: Social travelers, Instagrammers, cafe-hoppers, backpackers

Top Tip: The further away from Ella you go, the more authentic the experience becomes.

Base yourself in: Amba Valley, Makulella, Ella and surroundings, Demodera, Hali-Ela, or even Badulla

The Uma Oya Highlands (Stages 18–20)

— Sri Lanka’s Little Ubud

This off-the-beaten-path region is full of vibrant local life, terraced fields, and rice paddies — reminiscent of Ubud in Bali. It’s not quiet, but it’s authentic and full of potential, with strong community presence and a landscape shaped by generations of agricultural tradition.

Best for: Off-the-beaten-path travelers

Top Tip: One of the most remote and undiscovered parts of Sri Lanka. Quiet, authentic, and full of potential.

Base yourself in: Ettampitiya, Hali-Ela, Lunuwatte, Uda Pussellawa

Nuwara Eliya & the Highlands’ Edge (Stages 21–22)

— Little England in the Clouds

Cool air, colonial villas, pine forests, and rose gardens — this region was once the summer retreat of the British. The trail ends here in soft, gentle beauty, perfect for a reflective finish to your journey.

Best for: Nature lovers, luxury travelers

Top Tip: Finish your journey with a gentle forest walk into the highland town of Nuwara Eliya — also known as Little England.

Base yourself in: Uda Pussellawa, Kandapola, Nuwara Eliya

 

Final Word from Miguel

“Whether you’re walking one stage or the full trail, remember this is not just a hike — it’s a journey through working estates, living communities, and sacred landscapes. Be respectful, be curious, and take your time.”

— Miguel

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