Area
Kandy and the Hill Country
Type
Active
Wildlife & Nature
Grade
Standard
Who
Adults
Teens
Difficulty
Challenging
Duration
Half Day
The Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka's first long-distance hike, stretching from Hanthana to Nuwara Eliya and divided into 22 stages that showcase stunning tea plantations and iconic sites like the Nine Arch Bridge. Guided by local a local expert, you'll explore diverse landscapes while learning about the rich flora and fauna of the region. Each stage promises a peaceful, immersive experience in nature, often without encountering another soul. Engage with local communities along the trail for a deeper connection to this enchanting part of Sri Lanka.
The trail is managed by The Pekoe Trail Organization (TPTO), a nonprofit dedicated to the preservation and sustainability of local biodiversity and culture.
Guests are connected with previously hard to reach areas, bringing new economic opportunity to rural communities. TPTO supports local communities along the trail with tourism and business development training, celebrating the knowledge and skills of local people and elevating their livelihoods.
TPTO are also dedicated to protecting local biodiversity and minimising the footprint of tourism, with the trail following existing historic footpaths and revenue supporting local conservation projects.
Recommended Hotels Nearby
A selection of luxury hotel options in the area, handpicked and recommended by our travel specialists.
-
View Accommodation
Nine Skies
Clinging to a tea covered hill, with beautiful views over the hill country Nine Skies offers an intimate stay in a newly refurbished tea bungalow.
-
View AccommodationSantani Wellness Kandy
Santani is Sri Lanka's first dedicated spa resort which has brought luxury wellness to Sri Lanka. Set in the tranquil hills just over an hour from Kandy, Santani provides a relaxing and rejuvenating environment, and a variety of spa and wellness packages.
-
View AccommodationCamellia Hills
Camellia Hills is a luxurious five-bedroom bungalow nestled in Sri Lanka's tea plantations. It has a dining room, two lounge areas, and a swimming pool. The bungalow boasts breathtaking views across the Castlereagh Reservoir.
-
View AccommodationStafford Bungalow
A lovingly restored planter’s residence set within a working tea estate, Stafford Bungalow offers an intimate glimpse into Sri Lanka’s past, where slow mornings, high tea rituals and sweeping hill country views define the rhythm of your stay.
-
View AccommodationW15 Hanthana Estate Kandy
Recapture the nostalgia of the plantation era at this colonial bungalow set amid the tea plantations and lush green forests of the Hanthana Hills, enjoying the timeless elegance of the décor, butler service, pool, tennis court and drinks on the veranda.
-
View AccommodationRosyth Estate
Built in 1926, Roysth Estate is an old colonial planter’s bungalow set on a 62-acre private working tea and rubber estate. This charming property offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of rural Sri Lanka.
-
View AccommodationThotalagala
Thotalagala is a former 19th century plantation bungalow which has been lovingly converted into a luxurious boutique hotel in the east of the hill country.
-
View AccommodationCeylon Tea Trails
Walk among emerald hills at Ceylon Tea Trails, where restored tea-planters’ bungalows, personalized service and rich plantation heritage invite you to slow down, savor exquisite teas and live the timeless rhythm of Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands.
-
View AccommodationAarunya Nature Resort & Spa Kandy
Capture the peace and serenity of Sri Lanka with a stay at award-winning Aarunya, an exclusive collection of private pool villas overlooking the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Mountain Range, enjoying world class hospitality, superb cuisine, and dreamy spa.
More Experiences in This Area
Discover more things to do in the area and chat to our specialists about crafting these experiences into your tailor-made holiday.
-
View ExperienceGuided Tour of Kandy: Gods, Kings & Men
Today head to the center of Kandy, once known as the Kingdom of Kandy. Take some time to visit the famous UNESCO protected Temple of the Tooth. Next wander around the colorful market followed by some tea at the historic Queen's Hotel.
-
View ExperienceTrekking in the Knuckles Range
This is a must for trekking enthusiasts, who will love the striking landscapes and ever-changing fauna on this 4-5 hour trek from Illukkumbura to Riverston. Expect sweeping panoramas and waterfalls in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
-
View ExperienceKandy Market
Visit the colorful market in Kandy for textiles, as well as a lively atmosphere.
-
View ExperienceBiking in the Hills
Grab a helmet and set off on mountain bike trails that wind through Sri Lanka's tea estates, hillside villages, and highland ridgelines.
-
View ExperienceExplore the Tea Plantations
During your stay in the Hill Country, explore the tea plantations where you can see the tea pluckers at work, visit a tea factory, or go for a walk through the rolling green hills.
-
View ExperienceWalking in Horton Plains
Horton Plains is a beautiful national park in the Southern Hill Country with some wonderful hikes and breath-taking views.
-
View ExperienceTemple of the Tooth
This evening you will visit The Temple of the Tooth. The stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself.
-
View Experience
Soap-Making Experience
Experience a unique journey in Sri Lanka's Central Province, where a women-led business blends wellness, sustainability and luxury allowing you to explore the art of soap-making, enjoy fresh estate produce, and create lasting memories.
-
View ExperienceKandy Temple Trail
Head a little more off the beaten track to explore some of Sri Lanka's more historically and architecturally interesting temples. Gadaladeniya, Embekke and Lankathilaka are set away from the main tourist trail but are still easily accessible from Kandy.
Call us on 212 372 7009 to start planning