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The Pekoe Trail: Stage 16

Ella ⇌ Demodara
One of the most popular highland trails

STAGE IS CLOSED – Stage is officially closed due to safety or entrance restrictions.
RECOMMENDED TO AVOID THE STAGE – Refer to the stage profile on the official pekoe trail app for details.
STAGE IS OPEN – signage in place and trail conditions actively monitored.

Today’s hike is one of the shortest and most popular stages of The Pekoe Trail.

This stage begins in the popular hill-country town of Ella where travellers come to enjoy walks through tea plantations, nature, and generally to chill out. You will walk through the Ella Forest Reserve, passing the famous Nine Arches Bridge where you are sure to meet a few other hikers and visitors posing for photos. The trail also cuts across small local villages with stunning views of the Nine Arches Bridge from different vantage points.

Key Points

  • Nine Arches Bridge

  • Village roads

  • Newburgh tea factory

  • Demodara tea estate

  • Demodara railway

The Pekoe Trail hiking map for stage 16 - Ella to Demodara
Stage 16
Trail information
Distance :
8.74km
Difficulty :
Easy
Elevation Gain :
393 m
Elevation Loss :
524 m
Max Elevation :
1,066 m

Climb along more village roads towards the Newburgh Tea Factory and zig-zag towards chena cultivations, tea estates, railway tracks, and a small lake. One of the highlights of the stage includes the Demodara Tea Estate surrounded by tea trails. The stage ends at one of the most scenic train stations in the hill country: the Demodara train station. The station is most notable for its spiral rail line known as the ‘Demodara Loop’, which passes under itself, going around the loop and emerging from a tunnel that runs directly beneath the railway station.

Top attractions along Stage 16 of The Pekoe Trail

Explore the best attractions and points of interest from Ella to Demodara.
Nine arches bridge
Nine arches bridge
A major tourist attraction also known as the ‘bridge in the sky’ standing at an impressive 80 feet high and 300 feet long, this bridge is made only out of stone, brick, and cement.
Eco Domes waterfall
Eco Domes waterfall
A recently discovered waterfall in the village of Yahalewela nestled among banana trees, tall grasses and tea bushes. The cascading waterfall is a welcome mid-hike stopover to cool off, refresh yourself, and fill your water bottles.
Newburgh Kovil
Newburgh Kovil
A hindu temple located in the village of Newburgh.
Little Adam’s Peak viewpoint
Little Adam’s Peak viewpoint
An impressive 360-degree view overlooking the Ella gap. On a clear day it is even possible to see the Great Basses Lighthouse off the Southern Coast of Sri Lanka.
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Immersive experiences around the hip hilltowns Ella

Go off the beaten path with these unique experiences: learning to cook Sri Lankan food, taking an exhilarating train ride, and visiting tea estates.
Ella spice garden cooking lessons
Ella spice garden cooking lessons
Learn to cook authentic Sri Lankan rice and curry by picking, sampling and tasting local spices. After this, you get to roll up your sleeves and try your hand at making traditional curry.
Demodara Loop
Train ride- Demodara Loop
Most notable for its spiral rail line known as the 'Demodara Loop', which passes under itself, going around the loop and emerging from a tunnel that runs directly beneath the railway station. According to local folklore, one of the engineers drew inspiration after observing a Kankany (supervisor) in a local tea estate undo his turban and re-tie it around his head.
Demodara tea estate
Visit a colonial-era tea factory built in 1928 and taste high grown blends from the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country.
Sri Pushparamaya
A Buddhist temple on the outskirts of Ella town.
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Other Stages to Explore

Stage 14 - St. Catherine to Makulella
This trail begins at St. Catherine, a tea plantation workers' village sitting high up...
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The Trail Path from the Pekoe Trail Stage 15 in Sri Lanka: Makulella - Ella
Stage 15 - Makulella to Ella
This stage begins at a Buddhist temple in Makulella, a small village overlooking...
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The Pekoe Trail route for stage 17 - Demodara to Hali Ela
Stage 17 - Demodara to Hali Ela
This stage begins at one of the most scenic train stations in the hill country...
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Scenic trail through tea estate, Pekoe Trail Stage 18: Hali Ela - Ettampitiya
Stage 18 - Hali Ela to Ettampitiya
Beginning in the town of Hali Ela, a remote part of Sri Lanka’s tea country...
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Hill Towns and Cities along The Pekoe Trail

The Pekoe Trail winds its way across some of the most spectacular towns and cities in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Make a pit stop in the tea country and explore these charming tea country towns each with their own unique landscape, attractions, and experiences.
Haputale
Haputale
Perched at the southern edge of Sri Lanka’s hill country, Haputale is a busy town often cloaked in mist due to its location on a long, narrow mountain ridge.
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Hatton
Hatton
Hatton lies deep in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country on the south central hills. It is here that the creme de la creme of Ceylon tea flourishes; fragrant and delicately flavoured.
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Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya
A bustling hill station nestled in the heart of the central highlands and situated in the shadow of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, Pidurutalagala. Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka.
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Kandy
Kandy
A bustling hill station nestled in the heart of the central highlands and situated in the shadow of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, Pidurutalagala. Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka.
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