Guaranteed Departure : 14th – 23rd June 2026
Open to lovers of extended day-hiking and Caminos around the world.
This journey is conducted in association with Dr Sarah Pye – Queensland-based avid walker, committee member of the Sunshine Coast Camino Group, award-winning writer, conservationist and educator.
Walk the Highlands on the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka Step into Sri Lanka’s cool, emerald highlands on this 10-day small group walking adventure along the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka. Over seven carefully chosen stages you’ll follow waymarked paths through tea estates, misty valleys and character-filled hill towns, with expert local guides leading the way.
Read MoreCrafted in the spirit of our best Sri Lanka small group tours, this itinerary balances rewarding days on the trail with comfort and ease. You’ll enjoy hand-picked accommodation, warming evening meals and plenty of time to absorb the culture, scenery and stories behind the world-famous Ceylon tea country.
As one of our signature Sri Lanka group tour packages, this journey weaves together walking, heritage and meaningful local encounters – from blessings in Kandy and legends at Lovers’ Leap to village life in hidden valleys and a relaxed finale in Ella.
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25+ years of crafting award-winning journeys to Sri Lanka
Highlights at glance
- Walk seven stages of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka, covering around 80 km of highland paths and tea trails.
- Begin in historic Kandy, with a visit to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to bless your journey.
- Hike through classic tea country landscapes – rolling plantations, ridgelines and mist-filled valleys.
- Learn the Ceylon tea story at working factories and estates such as Pedro Estate and Court Lodge.
- Stay in characterful hotels, eco lodges and camps that reflect the spirit of Sri Lanka’s highlands.
- Visit hill towns like Nuwara Eliya, Haputale and Ella, each with its own charm and atmosphere.
- See trail icons including Devil’s Staircase, World’s End, Lovers’ Leap, Nine Arches Bridge and Demodara Loop.
- Enjoy a tranquil kayaking experience in Belihuloya, a gentle contrast to the hiking days.
- Travel in a small group, with the support and structure of expertly hosted Sri Lanka group tour packages.
1st Night : Kandy
Your first night in Sri Lanka unfolds in Kandy, the island’s cultural heart and the ideal place to ease into the rhythms of the highlands. Settle into your hotel surrounded by forested hills, cool breezes and lakeside calm. This is where your journey along the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka truly begins, offering a gentle introduction before the walking days ahead. As evening falls, visit the revered Temple of the Tooth, where soft drumming and fragrant incense create a serene atmosphere. It’s the perfect moment to prepare mentally and physically for the rewarding days of trekking Sri Lanka and hiking Sri Lanka.
On arrival at Colombo Airport, you’ll be met and transferred to Kandy, a pleasant drive into the central highlands. After checking in and freshening up, meet your local trekking guides who will accompany you along the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka. In the late afternoon or evening, visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where you may choose to attend the ritual offerings – a fitting blessing before your walking adventure begins.
2nd Night : Galaha
Your second night brings you to the peaceful rural enclave of Galaha, set among tea fields, forest edges and quiet village life. After completing Stage 1 of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka, the change in atmosphere is immediate—cooler breezes, slower rhythms and expansive views over the Hanthana foothills. This is tea country at its most authentic, where the pace softens and the landscape opens beautifully. As you unwind at your small hillside retreat, you’ll feel the shift from city to countryside, readying you for the deeper journey ahead. It’s an ideal place to reflect, rest and embrace trekking Sri Lanka at its best.
After breakfast, you’ll start the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka at the Ceylon Tea Museum on Hanthana Estate. Today’s walk, around 12.8 km (4–5 hours, Easy), follows a mix of tea estate tracks and quiet roads, with views over Kandy and, on a clear day, towards Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles Range. The trail descends gently towards Galaha, passing small communities and river crossings. At the end of the hike, transfer to your nearby hotel to relax. If you wish, you can also join an optional meditation session with a Buddhist monk – a calm, reflective end to your first walking day.
3rd Night : Kandapola
Tonight you stay in Kandapola, one of the most atmospheric corners of Sri Lanka’s tea country. After completing the challenging Stage 2 of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka, you’ll arrive at a beautifully restored tea-factory hotel where heritage textures meet cool mountain air. The building’s polished timber, industrial elements and sweeping plantation views create an inspiring sense of place. Kandapola feels remote yet deeply connected to tea history, offering a calm, refreshing break after a rewarding day on the trail. As mist settles over the ridgelines and lamps glow across the valleys, it becomes a memorable pause in your hiking Sri Lanka journey.
Today’s walk is one of the more demanding legs of this Sri Lanka small group tour – around 14.7 km (5–6 hours, Difficult) – but the rewards are rich. Setting out from Galaha, you’ll hike past tea fields, pine groves and forested slopes towards Deltota, then continue to Loolkandura, Sri Lanka’s first tea plantation, established in 1867 by James Taylor. Along the way you’ll encounter lookouts, estate villages and reminders of the early tea pioneers. At trail’s end, meet your vehicle and drive to Kandapola, where you’ll check in at your atmospheric tea factory hotel for the night.
4th & 5th Nights : Nuwara Eliya
Your two-night stay in Nuwara Eliya provides a gentle pause in your adventure, allowing time to rest, explore and enjoy the cool elegance of “Little England.” After completing Stage 22 of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka, the town’s tidy gardens, colonial buildings and crisp mountain air offer a delightful contrast to the rugged trails. Wander around Gregory Lake, visit botanical gardens or simply enjoy a warm drink by the fire as the mist rolls in. These two nights help restore energy and offer space to soak up highland culture—an ideal midpoint for anyone trekking Sri Lanka or hiking Sri Lanka.
A short transfer takes you to the start of Stage 22. This moderate walk of around 10.8 km (3–4 hours) links tea estates, village lanes and viewpoints as you make your way towards Pedro Estate. You’ll pass Court Lodge Tea Factory, founded in the 1890s, and enjoy vistas over valleys and neatly contoured plantations. Near the end of the stage, visit Pedro Estate Tea Factory to see modern processing in action and taste a fresh brew. From here it’s just a short drive into Nuwara Eliya, where you’ll check in and have the evening at leisure.
Today is deliberately unhurried – a chance to rest your legs and soak up the atmosphere of Nuwara Eliya. You can visit the Hakgala Botanical Gardens with their cool-climate flowers and towering trees, or opt for a guided trek to Bomuruella Waterfall. There is also the option of a meditation session with a local monk. Between activities, you might wander past English-style cottages, stroll around Lake Gregory or simply enjoy the cool air and mountain views. It’s a gentle, restorative day within this walking-focused Sri Lanka group tour package.
6th Night : Ohiya
Ohiya welcomes you with its dramatic mountain vistas, misty ridges and remote charm—an unforgettable setting after tackling Stage 11 of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka. Simple eco-style accommodation places you right at the edge of nature, where silence stretches across valleys and stars glow sharply in the highland sky. This is one of the most elevated points of your journey, a place where the air feels crisp and the scenery almost otherworldly. After a demanding day of trekking Sri Lanka, Ohiya offers the kind of quiet that resets both body and mind, leaving you fully immersed in the beauty of hiking Sri Lanka.
An early start takes you into Horton Plains National Park, where you begin Stage 11 – around 13.1 km (5–6 hours, Difficult). This is one of the most dramatic and elevated sections of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka. The path crosses moorlands and valleys, with side arcs towards viewpoints like World’s End and through landmarks such as Devil’s Staircase and the Udaweriya tea country. The stage finishes near the old Ohiya Tea Factory, where your driver meets you for the short transfer to an eco lodge in Ohiya. Expect simple comforts, cool evenings and starry skies.
7th Night : Belihuloya
Descending from the highlands into Belihuloya, you enter a landscape shaped by rivers, forests and the serene Samanalawewa Reservoir. Your stay at the riverside adventure camp offers a refreshing change of pace after the remote ridgelines of Ohiya. Here, the water reflects changing skies, birdlife calls from the treetops and the atmosphere softens beautifully. It’s the perfect setting for gentle activities such as kayaking or short nature walks, allowing your body to unwind before the final stages of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka. This night blends calm, warmth and nature—an ideal moment within any trekking Sri Lanka or hiking Sri Lanka journey.
After breakfast, you rejoin Stage 12 for a scenic, moderately graded day (around 14.25 km, 5–6 hours). The trail traverses the Udaweriya Valley, sometimes called a hidden valley, with far-reaching views over the southern plains and, on clear days, even a glimpse of the ocean. You walk towards Idalgashinna Railway Station, one of the prettiest on the line, before descending to Haldummulla to meet your vehicle. From there you travel to Belihuloya Adventure Camp, where the afternoon is set aside for kayaking on Samanalawewa Reservoir – a serene, low-impact way to unwind after several days on the trail.
8th & 9th Nights : Ella
Ella is your final highland base, a welcoming mix of dramatic landscapes, relaxed cafés and lively village energy. After completing Stages 13 and 16 of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka, two nights here give you time to stretch out, explore and celebrate your journey. The region’s natural icons—Little Adam’s Peak, Nine Arches Bridge and Ella Rock—lie close by, perfect for optional walks or gentle sightseeing. Evenings are best spent enjoying mountain views, trying local restaurants and reflecting on the stories gathered along the trail. It’s a fitting finale to an inspiring, rewarding week of trekking Sri Lanka and hiking Sri Lanka.
Today you’ll be driven to Haputale Railway Station to start Stage 13 – around 13.5 km (4–5 hours, Moderate). The path follows ridges and valleys past Nayabedda Tea Estate and towards Lipton’s Seat country, with sweeping views over the Thotalagala–Dambatenne Valley. You’ll walk through estate villages and fields before ending near the higher divisions of Nayabedda, close to a local Hindu temple at St. Catherine. Afterwards, transfer to Ella and check in to your hotel, with time to relax in the afternoon or explore the village’s cafés and viewpoints.
Your final walk is one of the most scenic yet gentle legs of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka – Stage 16, around 8.7 km (2–3 hours, Easy). Starting from Ella, the trail passes through the Ella Forest Reserve, small farms and tea gardens, crossing the iconic Nine Arches Bridge before continuing past Newburgh Tea Factory and towards the Demodara Tea Estate. It ends at Demodara Railway Station, famous for its looping rail line and tunnel. After time to explore, you return to Ella. The rest of the day is free for an optional hike to Ella Rock or a local cooking class, before gathering in the evening for a relaxed farewell dinner – a fitting finale to one of our most rewarding Sri Lanka small group tours.
Day 10 – Departure
After breakfast, check out and begin the scenic drive from Ella back towards Colombo and the airport (around five hours of travel, depending on traffic). Your journey along the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka may be ending, but the memories of misty ridges, tea-scented paths and highland hospitality will stay with you long after you leave – along with the quiet satisfaction that only a well-crafted walking-focused Sri Lanka group tour package can deliver.
Our hotels and camps are fully vetted and included under the Modest category selected for this Sri Lanka small-group tour. Since this is a group departure, you simply pay the 5–6 person rate shown. The 1–2 and 3–4 person rates are displayed only for comparison, to give you an idea of what a private tour would typically cost.
Modest
Accommodation
$ 4,377
1-2 persons
$ 3,067
3-4 persons
$ 3,900
5-6 persons
If you’re looking for a no-frills stay that’s easy on the wallet, and love to spend time with locals and explore the surroundings at your own pace, this is the perfect choice for you. This hotel style is wonderfully cosy, unique, mostly owner-run and provides you with a more personalised service.
Aayu Hanthana
Overlooking the lush Hanthana mountain range, AAYU Hanthana offers a peaceful sanctuary within reach of Kandy’s main attractions,
Dunali Mountains Hotel
Set among rolling hills and mist-covered valleys, Dunali Mountains Hotel offers a restful hideaway in rural Galaha. It provides the perfect transition between Kandy...
Heritance Tea Factory
Set high in Sri Lanka’s tea country, Heritance Tea Factory offers a rare blend of heritage charm and modern comfort, providing an exceptional base...
Seasons Villa
Located in the cool climate of Nuwara Eliya, Seasons Villa offers a cosy and peaceful stay surrounded by lush gardens and rolling hills, creating...
Hill Safari Eco Lodge
Perched on the edge of Ohiya’s misty mountains, Hill Safari Eco Lodge provides a rustic yet charming escape surrounded by forest, valleys and crisp...
Belihuloya Adventure Camp
Set along the edge of the Samanalawewa Reservoir, Belihuloya Adventure Camp offers an immersive outdoor experience in Belihuloya, providing a peaceful break between highland...
Ella’s Edge
Set on a hilltop overlooking the sweeping valleys of Ella, Ella’s Edge offers stunning panoramas and a peaceful atmosphere, making it the perfect base...
Plush
Accommodation
$ 0
1-2 persons
$ 0
3-4 persons
$ 0
5-6 persons
Indulgence without breaking the bank? Well, this is the category for you. Personalised and high-quality service, attention to detail, comfort and all modern amenities are hallmarks of this category, whilst being situated in some amazing locations.
Dreamy
Accommodation
$ 0
1-2 persons
$ 0
3-4 persons
$ 0
5-6 persons
The absolute best in comfort and experience, these high-end properties will make your jaw drop! Unique designs, private plunge pools, personal butlers… the list goes on at these boutique properties. Luxury here is not about star ratings and amenities, it’s about being away from crowds and having authentic, personalised experiences.
Everything you need to know about the tour
We’ve taken every possible measure to ensure your safety and comfort during this tour.
The hotels, tours, add-ons, guides and chauffeurs who are part of this programme are carefully vetted, so that you enjoy the highest quality standards and enjoy your tour with peace of mind. At any given point of the tour you will always be within reach of your guide or chauffeur, either physically or via phone (e.g: when you are out exploring on your own), for any assistance.
The important stuff:
- This is a walking-focused itinerary. Please consult us before booking if you have any questions regarding fitness level or suitability.
- Single travellers not sharing accommodation will be subject to a single supplement.
Included:
- Arrival transfer from the Airport, Colombo or Negombo to your accommodation in Kandy at the start of the tour.
- Accommodation in all listed hotels, eco lodges and adventure camps, based on comfortable double or twin sharing.
- Meals: Breakfast and dinner at hotels; packed lunches provided during hiking days to suit the rhythm of your trail adventure.
- Drinking water and refreshments throughout each hike.
- Official Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka pass and necessary permits for all walking stages.
- Local guide services for each stage of the trail, ensuring safety, insight and cultural connection.
- Private, air-conditioned van or mini-coach with an English-speaking guide for transfers and logistical support.
- Entrance fees to Horton Plains National Park, including access to key viewpoints and scenic trails.
- Guided visit to Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic, a spiritual prelude to your journey.
- Ceylon tea experience at Pedro Tea Factory, where you’ll learn and taste the island’s world-famous brew.
- Entrance to Hakgala Botanical Gardens, showcasing cool-climate flora and mountain views.
- Guided hikes to Bomuruella Waterfall and Ella Rock, two of the most iconic viewpoints in Sri Lanka’s highlands.
- Kayaking experience in Samanalawewa, Belihuloya, a peaceful contrast to your days on the trail.
- Farewell dinner in Ella, celebrating your successful completion of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka.
- All government taxes and service charges applicable at the time of booking.
Every inclusion is carefully designed to ensure your Sri Lanka small group tour along the Pekoe Trail is seamless, authentic and deeply rewarding — blending nature, culture and comfort in one perfectly balanced Sri Lanka group tour package.
Not Included:
- International flights to and from Sri Lanka.
- Travel insurance (mandatory for all trekking-based Sri Lanka group tour packages).
- Personal expenses including tips, laundry, telephone calls, snacks and beverages outside the meal plan.
- Bank or card transaction fees.
- Sri Lankan Tourist Visa (must be obtained online prior to travel).
About pricing:
Although it may sound strange for a tropical country, Sri Lankan hotels operate on seasonal rates. This is simply due to a particular region having attractions or weather that’s best enjoyed during a specific time of the year and also due to the demand coinciding with the European winter season. So it’s not uncommon to have two rates that apply on different dates in the same month.
But to make things less complicated for you, Experiential Journeys does things differently by giving you the lowest season ball-park rate on the website, and follows up with the exact rate upon receiving an inquiry or booking request along with the confirmed travel dates. You will not be charged anything until the final price is agreed upon.
Experiential Journeys is an Australian based company and uses AUD as the main currency. We serve a global community of travellers predominantly from New Zealand, U.K., U.S.A., Canada & U.A.E.
Experience
Possible experience in this tour
Some of these experiences are already included in the tour you are looking at, either as a full length or time limited activity. You have the freedom to pick out the ones you want during your tour and the extent to how you want to experience it.
5 hours
Destination Adventure: Trekking, Canoeing, and Mountain Biking – Belihuloya
Follow the trail on foot to a village with a secret, paddle through the butterfly reservoir on a canoe, and traverse the chilly mountain...
Nuwara Eliya
