Pekoe Trail Stage 01 - Hanthana to Galaha

The Beginning of the Trail

The first 1.4 km of the trail start with a footpath leading through vegetation up a slight uphill. At the beginning of the trail, the foot path breaks in three ways. Choose the middle path. You must concentrate on the trail map in this section, as there is a slight chance of taking the wrong trek. The footpath winds along the slope and merges into a dirt track which leads into a junction at the 1.4-kilometer point where it meets the Kandy-Hantana road. You can rest a bit while refreshing yourself with a cup of Belimal (a Bael flower herbal drink) and jaggery.

The Ascent

After you finish resting, look forward to seeing the W15 signboard ahead. Take this road and walk along it until you reach the junction that breaks the road in two. The road to the right leads to the W15 Hantana Estate Hotel. You must take the road to the right, which runs past the Hill Country Sports Shooting Club and Sugarcane Quarantine Center.

At about 5 kilometers on the trail, you'll see a small stupa on top of a hill. This is a meditation center, and it is not recommended to visit this place as it would disturb the monks. Around this point, to your left, you'll see the expanse towards Knuckles Forest Reserve and Victoria Reservoir.

The Descent to the Galaha

The downhill trek begins along a gravel road. Please be extra careful, especially on rainy days, as the stones can become slippery. The path continues through the surrounding vegetation and reaches a spot believed to be a filming location for the Indiana Jones movie. This place is also marked on Google Maps, making it easy to find. From here, the trail follows an open stretch close to the Galaha Road.

Along the way, you will find several small tea sheds where you can take a break and refresh yourself. At around the 10 km mark, the road passes through a pleasant, tree-covered area that is enjoyable to walk through. This part of the trail is more populated, and you may see local villagers going about their daily activities. Continue along the road until you reach the main road that crosses a bridge.

After crossing the bridge, follow the main road and enter the pine forest. There is an option for you to either follow the main road to Galaha or take the uphill trek through the pine forest. The trail ends at the Galaha post office.