Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail: A Journey Through Time and Nature

Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail has earned a coveted spot on Time Magazine’s list of The World’s Greatest Places of 2025. This 186-mile (300-km) trail is a must-visit for nature lovers and adventure seekers, offering an immersive experience through the island’s lush tea country, rich colonial heritage, and breathtaking landscapes.

What is the Pekoe Trail?

The Pekoe Trail, named after the premium-grade black tea produced in Sri Lanka, is the country’s first-ever long-distance hiking route. Completed in March 2024, the trail stitches together 22 sections of colonial-era dirt roads, footpaths, and railway tracks originally built during British rule. While trekking tours have been available along parts of the route for years, this is the first time all sections have been connected into a single, continuous path.

A Vision of Sustainable Tourism

This ambitious project was spearheaded by Sri Lanka-based sustainability consultant Miguel Cunat and received funding from the European Union and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). The goal was to promote eco-friendly tourism while supporting local communities and businesses along the trail. The route offers trekkers an opportunity to engage with local tea estate workers, small-scale farmers, and rural artisans, creating a meaningful and sustainable travel experience.

Unveiling the Beauty of Sri Lanka’s Hill Country

Starting in the misty Hanthana mountains near Kandy, the Pekoe Trail winds through:

  • Verdant tea plantations, showcasing Sri Lanka’s world-renowned tea industry
  • Eucalyptus forests, offering crisp mountain air and scenic views
  • Quaint villages, where travelers can experience local hospitality
  • Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak), a sacred pilgrimage site with stunning sunrise views
  • Nuwara Eliya, the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea industry, often referred to as ‘Little England’ due to its colonial charm

Each section of the trail varies in difficulty, requiring three to six hours to complete. Completing the full trail is a multi-week adventure, allowing hikers to witness the diverse beauty of Sri Lanka’s central highlands.

Technology-Enhanced Trekking

A newly launched Pekoe Trail mobile app enhances the trekking experience by offering:

  • GPS navigation and route details
  • Nearby landmarks and historical insights
  • Emergency contacts and safety information
  • Accommodation and food options along the way

This digital companion ensures a seamless experience for hikers, making the trail more accessible and enjoyable for both local and international travelers.

Why You Should Hike the Pekoe Trail

The Pekoe Trail is more than just a trek—it’s an invitation to explore Sri Lanka’s past and present through its breathtaking landscapes. Whether you are a history buff, adventure enthusiast, or tea lover, this trail offers a once-in-a-lifetime journey through some of the island’s most scenic and culturally rich areas.

Plan Your Pekoe Trail Adventure

As the Pekoe Trail gains global recognition, now is the perfect time to plan your trip. Whether you choose to complete the full route or explore select segments, you’ll be rewarded with unparalleled natural beauty, cultural encounters, and a deep connection to Sri Lanka’s tea heritage.

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