HIKING TRAILS
The Pekoe Trail - A Pinnacle of Hiking Trails in Sri Lanka
January 15, 2026 | By WonderScapes Team
The Pekoe Trail is a 300+km walking trail traversing the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The trail is the first in a series of walking trails by Serendipity Trails designed to allow visitors to discover the varying terrain, history, culture, food, and local communities across Sri Lanka by foot.
As the first of hopefully many long-distance walking trails in Sri Lanka, it is made up of 22 stages, which can be completed in short sections, or as part of a multi-day experience taking visitors through an eclectic mix of hilltowns, tea plantations, remote villages, sanctuaries, viewpoints, forests, and cultural and historical locations.
The interconnecting trail demonstrates the island's diversity, encourages sustainable travel and brings economic opportunity to rural communities in order to promote a more holistic traveler experience that embraces adventure, nature, wellness, and sustainability.
| Stages | From | To | Distance (Km) | Elevation Gain (m) | Avg Time to complete |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Hanthana | Galaha | 12.8 | 492 | 3 h 52 min |
| 2 | Galaha | Loolkandura | 14.69 | 771 | 4 h 41 min |
| 3 | Loolkandura | Thawalantenna | 17.23 | 673 | 5 h 50 min |
| 4 | Thawalantenna | Kumbaloluwa | 9.5 | 445 | 3 h 28 min |
| 5 | Kumbaloluwa | Watagoda | 11.85 | 686 | 3 h 47 min |
| 6 | Watagoda | Kotagala | 14.86 | 414 | 4 h 15 min |
| 7 | Kotagala | Norwood | 15.5 | 442 | 4 h 37 min |
| 8 | Norwood | Bogawantalawa | 15.85 | 655 | 4 h 40 min |
| 9 | Bogawantalawa | Dayagama | 16.46 | 672 | 5 h 3 min |
| 10 | Dayagama | Horton Plains | 14.88 | 889 | 4 h 31 min |
| 11 | Horton Plains | Udaweriya | 13.12 | 326 | 4 h 2 min |
| 12 | Udaweriya | Haputale | 14.76 | 484 | 4 h 54 min |
| 13 | Haputale | St. Catherine's Seat | 13.48 | 735 | 4 h 11 min |
| 14 | St. Catherine's Seat | Makulella | 9.38 | 130 | 3 h 12 min |
| 15 | Makulella | Ella | 10.12 | 261 | 2 h 56 min |
| 16 | Ella | Demodara | 8.75 | 299 | 2 h 50 min |
| 17 | Demodara | Hali-Ela | 12.99 | 531 | 4 h 20 min |
| 18 | Hali-Ela | Etampitiya | 13.96 | 718 | 4 h 9 min |
| 19 | Etampitiya | Loonuwatte | 18.6 | 669 | 5 h 50 min |
| 20 | Loonuwatte | Uda Pussellawa | 12.37 | 636 | 4 h 2 min |
| 21 | Uda Pussellawa | Kandapola | 16.71 | 1,052 | 5 h 30 min |
| 22 | Kandapola | Nuwara Eliya | 10.81 | 300 | 3 h 2 min |
Travel Experts
Our team of travel experts explores Sri Lanka to bring you the best travel experiences and insider tips.
From the beginning of the trail to the end there are number of attractions to see and enjoy. Further detours can be made to make each stage into a fabulous day outing. Contact us to make customized tour based on Pekoe trail for you. We can arrange accommodation options and excursions to nearby attractions. Below list consists of natural and man-made attractions you'll come across when on the trail at various stages.
While much of the trail is relatively flat, certain sections can be steep and slippery. It is advisable to wear sturdy, well-fitted hiking shoes that provide good grip and support on uneven terrain.
Weather conditions in the mountains can change quickly, with sudden showers occurring unexpectedly. Bringing a lightweight raincoat is recommended. It is also wise to carry waterproof protection for electronic devices.
Despite the cool climate, the sun can be quite strong, especially around midday. A hat or cap will help protect you from direct sunlight.
Please carry at least 2 liters of drinking water. Although there may be natural water sources along the trail, their safety and purity cannot always be guaranteed.
If trekking during the rainy season, leeches are commonly found in certain areas. Wearing leech socks will help ensure a more comfortable hiking experience.
Trekking poles can help reduce strain on your legs and provide extra balance and support, especially during steep climbs or descents.
Sri Lanka has two major monsoon seasons:
The Pekoe Trail runs through the Central Highlands and covers several sections that experience monsoon rains at different times of the year. Even during the monsoon season, mornings usually have less rainfall than afternoons, allowing the trail to be enjoyed for most of the year. However, during severe weather conditions, certain sections may be temporarily closed for safety reasons. Visitors who have booked passes will be informed promptly about any closures or updates.
Contact us to make a customized tour based on the Pekoe Trail for you. We can arrange accommodation options and excursions to nearby attractions.
Book your Pekoe Trail adventure with WonderScapes Travels today and experience the stunning beauty of Sri Lanka's hill country. Your journey awaits!
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