Pekoe Trail – Stages 1 & 2
The Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka's premier long-distance hiking route, winding 300 km across 22 stages from Kandy's Hanthana Mountains to Nuwara Eliya. Stages 1 and 2 are among the most accessible and rewarding sections, an ideal day excursion from Villa Subashri with a short drive to Kandy as the starting point.
Named after pekoe, a grade of fine Ceylon tea plucked from the youngest leaves, the Pekoe Trail is Sri Lanka's premier long-distance hiking route, winding 300 km across 22 stages from Kandy's Hanthana Mountains to Nuwara Eliya. A responsible tourism initiative funded by the European Union, the trail passes through approximately 80 villages and towns, connecting tea estate roads, forest paths, and colonial-era carriage roads built to carry tea down from the highlands.
Stages 1 and 2 are among the most accessible and rewarding sections, an ideal day excursion from Hantana House.
Stage 1: Hanthana to Galaha (13 km, 4–4.5 hours, Moderate) — Beginning at the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hanthana, the trail winds through the seven peaks of the Hanthana tea estates with sweeping views over the Kandy Valley, passing forest sections and rural villages before ending at Galaha.
Stage 2: Galaha to Loolecondera (Moderate) — A historically rich stage passing through the Deltota Estate and arriving at Loolecondera, the site of Sri Lanka's very first tea plantation, established by Scottish planter James Taylor in 1867. Hikers can visit James Taylor's Seat, a hilltop viewpoint where the father of Ceylon tea once surveyed his pioneering estate.
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Highlights
• Tea Plantation Walks: Through some of Kandy's most scenic highland estates.
• Colonial Tea History: Walk the very ground where Ceylon tea began.
• Panoramic Viewpoints: Sweeping Kandy Valley and hill country vistas.
• Village Encounters: Authentic interactions with tea estate communities.
• Birdwatching: Endemic species including Scimitar Babblers and Sri Lanka White-eye.
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Visitor Tips
• Best Time: January to April — dry season for clear skies and drier trails.
• Stages 1 and 2 start at the Ceylon Tea Museum, Hanthana, approximately 30 minutes by vehicle from Villa Subashri.
• Start early — both stages take 4+ hours; midday heat can be demanding.
• Wear proper hiking shoes — paths include rocky terrain and steep sections.
• Leeches are common especially after rain — bring leech socks or salt.
• Carry sufficient water, snacks, sunscreen, and insect repellent.