This stage begins in Ettampitiya, a small, yet busy town deep in Sri Lanka’s tea country. In the first part of the hike, you will cross the Uma Oya river, which is a tributary of Sri Lanka’s longest river, the Mahaweli. This river crossing marks a significant point in the trail, as it is the point from where you gradually begin to ascend towards the busy hill town of Nuwara Eliya.
You continue to walk through some of the most remote parts of the tea country, past tea fields, village homes, a Buddhist temple and towards the Ettampitiya Estate Bungalow.
At one point, you will cross an old suspension bridge where you might find kids swimming or villagers washing their clothes in the river. This is a great place to take a refreshing dip or cool off if you need a short break. Highlights of the trail include magnificent views of the Uma Oya valley as you continue to walk along lovely tea trails and picturesque paddy fields towards the end of the stage in Lunuwatte.
