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.
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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.
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View AccommodationElephant Stables
From its hilltop position, Elephant Stables boasts breathtaking views over Kandy and the Knuckles mountain range. This ancestral home turned boutique hotel offers guests a tranquil stay from which they can explore Kandy's cultural heritage.
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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.
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View Accommodation
Goatfell
Goatfell is a beautiful and intimate 4 bedroom bungalow retreat located in the heart of the hill country on a working tea estate. Recently opened, this is a hugely exciting addition to the Hill Country and a great base from which to explore.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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View AccommodationStone House Kandy
Originally owned by a Kandyan family, the Stone House was fully refurbished in 2014 by its new owners and is now a five-bedroom boutique villa offering luxurious accommodation, a private setting and a personalized service.
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View AccommodationUga Halloowella
This intimate retreat comprises just six suites in a lovingly restored 1912 colonial planter’s bungalow. With sweeping views over tea terraces and the Castlereagh Reservoir, it combines historical charm, modern luxury, and immersive highland hospitality.
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.
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View ExperienceTrain from Kandy to Hatton
The 2 hour train journey to Hatton is a glorious way to see the rolling countryside from your observation car, as you climb into the hills and tea plantations.
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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.
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View ExperienceKandy Market
Visit the colorful market in Kandy for textiles, as well as a lively atmosphere.
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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.
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View ExperienceElla City Tour
Explore Ella with your chauffeur guide. Ella is blessed with some of Sri Lanka’s most spectacular views. On this tour you will visit Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, Ravana Cave and Bambaragala Park.
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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.
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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.
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View ExperienceKandy Royal Botanical Gardens
The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Kandy, is renowned for its wide variety of plant species
and beautiful flowers. Of particular note is the collection of a variety of orchids.
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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.
Call us on 858 345 1762 to start planning