Today’s walk is divided into two parts: the journey from Galaha to Deltota and then from Deltota to Loolecondera.

The first stretch, from Galaha to Deltota, is a short yet rewarding hike. It starts with a kilometer-long walk along the road leading to Galaha General Hospital. Shortly after, the main road is left behind as you enter the picturesque Deltota Estate. Although locals may advise taking the main road to Deltota or Loolecondera, ignore this and keep to the left—the path through the estate is far more scenic.

At the 1.3 km mark, turn right onto a path marked by a signboard reading “Welcome to the Deltota Estate.” You’ll pass a large school ground on your right and then a few houses before encountering a steep section. Take a moment to look back as you ascend, as the views of the Hantana Estate and the surrounding mountains are stunning. Upon reaching an intersection with a tea weighing station, take the path to the right.

The trail here is wide and easy to navigate. As you approach a village, it becomes more intricate, so it’s best to rely on a GPS device to follow the route. At the 4.6 km mark, cross a bridge to your left—this is an important turn. If you feel lost, ask the locals for guidance, as they’ll steer you correctly here. The route has several twists and turns as you near Deltota town.

Deltota is a lively hill country town, characterized by its bustling market and an impressive green mosque. The market is worth exploring, offering fresh fruits, vegetables, and colorful murals that add charm to the area.

From Deltota, the walk continues for 50 meters along the main road to Galaha before turning steeply uphill to the left. The road soon turns into gravel and forks right. For the next 2.5 km, the trail takes you through an old pine forest, shaded by towering trees. This section is prone to leeches, so proceed with caution. At the 8.3 km mark, the trail meets an old tea estate road that zigzags up the mountain.

As the elevation increases, the views become even more spectacular. The trail remains wide and easy to follow. Near the 9.3 km mark, the path levels out close to the summit. To your right, you’ll notice a communications tower slightly above the trail. Be cautious here, as the terrain can be slippery, especially on rainy days.

At the 9.7 km mark, you’ll pass an abandoned village, followed by a small river crossing. The trail narrows for about 300 meters, but painted concrete posts in yellow and red make it easy to stay on track. By the 10.5 km mark, the narrow path transitions into a wide tea estate road, leading into the upper divisions of the Loolecondera Estate.

This section includes a significant highlight: James Taylor’s original cottage. As you walk through the area where Sri Lanka’s tea industry was born, you’ll come across a track on your right leading to the cottage.

From here, it’s a gradual descent through vibrant tea bushes. The surrounding scenery, featuring massive rock formations and a dense high-elevation rainforest, is breathtaking as you approach the end of the trail.

The walk concludes at a bridge and a Hindu shrine. Just before reaching this point, you’ll notice an information center with clean toilets on your right.

Responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources and allow for long-term environmental quality.