In the company of a Tea Trails Naturalist or Experience Guide, walk or cycle (or both!) through our trails and explore the scenery of Sri Lanka's tea country. A broad spectrum of biodiversity exists in hill country - especially ours - as the plantations are interspersed with forest patches that are home to a variety of biodiversity from endemic amphibians to birds and leopards.
Experiences
trekking the trails
Discover a broad spectrum of biodiversity
Bungalow-to-Bungalow Trails
The trails connect the various bungalows which are from 4km to 15km apart. Follow our Bungalow-to-Bungalow Trails or enjoy one of the many tea trails that surround each bungalow. The collection of trails we present here can be self-guided or you might like to hike in the company of a Tea Trails Naturalist or Experience Guide for a deeper dive into the history of the valley and the biodiversity that exists in the hill country.
Dunkeld Bungalow Trail | Ravana's Airport | 4 to 5 hours (Round Trip) | GUIDED
King Ravana is a central figure in the ancient Indian epic, the Ramayana. He is portrayed as a formidable demon king of Lanka who abducted Sita, the wife of Lord Rama. Ravana was a highly intelligent and powerful ruler with ten heads, symbolising his immense knowledge. Despite his villainous role in the epic, Ravana is also acknowledged for his devotion to Lord Shiva and his unparalleled musical talent. The story of Ravana serves as a timeless narrative exploring the triumph of good over evil. According to legend, King Ravana had six “airports” to land his flying machine, Dandu Monara (Peacock Flying Machine) in Sri Lanka. Today we hike to one of these locations, a giant slab of flat rock on the ridge crest between the Maskeliya and the Bogawantalawa Valley.
Dunkeld Bungalow Trail
First we zig zag up the mountain to the ridge passing a small community of estate workers. We then saddle onto the other side of the valley which offers beautiful views of the Maskeliya Reservoir and Adam’s Peak. Ravana’s Airport is a place of contemplation and reverence stepped in mythology best visited in the early morning.
Summerville Bungalow Trail | Tea Fields and Community | 1.5 hours (Loop)
This 4.6km trail is one of two walks from Summerville Bungalow. Both similar distances and both offer breathtaking views of the reservoir below. While the other takes you to the abandoned tea factory, this one takes you to a quaint community where tea plantation workers live, beside their vibrant Kovil. This leisurely walk is perfect for early mornings or late afternoons, and you can effortlessly complete it in less than two hours.
Summerville Bungalow Trail | Tea Factory | 1.5 hours (Loop)
This short walk takes you in a loop up and around the tea fields immediately behind Summerville Bungalow. It is one of two short loops we offer around the property, both easily done in under 2 hours. Take a left turn onto the main road as you leave Summerville and walk for a few hundred metres on the main road. Soon the GPS will prompt a hard right dog-leg as you leave the road and head up the mountain on a tea estate road. We zig-zag up the mountain and soon reach the abandoned Tea Factory which offers magnificent views of the valley and the reservoir below. The trail gracefully descends, providing a delightful morning or late afternoon stroll.
Dunkeld Bungalow Trail | Gorthie | 2 to 3 hours (Loop)
A fairly easy morning or late afternoon stroll on the southern slopes of the Bogawantalawa Valley, offering wonderful views of the lake and tea fields on the other side of the valley. Soon after we leave Dunkeld we’re on the road we came on when we arrived at the property. We follow this estate road for approximately 2 km until we reach the main Norwood-Maskeliya road. After we walk 200 metres down this road, we take the left track down towards the Gorthie Bungalow and at the junction below turn right and walk back up to Dunkeld on a wide and scenic tea estate road.
Dunkeld Bungalow Trail | Tea Factory | 1 hour (Loop)
This is a short loop around the tea fields surrounding the bungalow. We walk down towards the Dunkeld Tea Factory and then zig-zag back up. The entire walk is easily done in one hour or a little longer at a slower pace. This is the same route you will be taking when visiting the Dunkeld Tea factory where our resident Tea Planter shows you what goes into creating the perfect cup of tea. Views over the lake are spectacular all along this short walk.
Bungalow-to-Bungalow | Tientsin to Norwood (or vice-versa) | 4 to 5 hours (one way)
The trail from Tientsin Bungalow to Norwood Bungalow offers a picturesque journey through the Bogawantalawa Valley, presenting both natural beauty and glimpses of local communities. As the trail progresses, it gradually transitions into a series of zig-zags along the tea estate roads. Throughout the hike, there are several vantage points that afford breathtaking views down the valley. Additionally, the trail offers glimpses across the expanse of the Castlereagh Lake, providing a serene backdrop to your adventure.
Tientsin Bungalow Trail | Kew Gap View Point | 4 to 5 hours (Round Trip) | GUIDED
A challenging yet rewarding 5-kilometre hike from Tientsin Bungalow to the scenic Kew Gap. The trail winds uphill with a gentle gradient. Along the way, the journey is adorned with small local shrines, village homes and lots of verdant tea fields. We pass by The Kew Catholic Church and Kew Tea Factory. At the summit, a lovely panorama of the Maskeliya Valley unfolds crowned by the iconic silhouette of Adam’s Peak.
Tientsin Bungalow Trail | Kew Heritage | 2 to 3 hours (Loop)
The Kew Heritage Trail meanders gently up through the undulating landscape of tea plantations towards the small village of Kew with its iconic factory and prominent catholic church. Offering panoramic views of the Bogawantalawa Valley, the trail winds its way back to Tientsin through the tea gardens and a local village, allowing you to absorb the beauty of your surroundings once more.
Norwood Bungalow Trail | Panoramic Maskeliya View Point | 2 to 3 hours (Round Trip)
A rewarding 2.5-kilometer trail from Norwood Bungalow up and over the ridge weaving through the heart of Norwood’s tea estates. The trail leads to a hidden gem, a breathtaking viewpoint that offers panoramic vistas of the Maskeliya Valley. From this elevated perch, the landscape unfolds revealing the undulating hills and valleys below, with the iconic silhouette of Adam’s Peak gracing the horizon.
Bungalow-to-Bungalow | Norwood to Castlereagh and Dunkeld (or vice-versa) | 3 to 4 hours (one way)
An enchanting 8-kilometre hike from Castlereagh Bungalow to Norwood Bungalow unfolds along charming tea estate roads. The trail winds past Dunkeld Bungalow, Gorthie Bungalows, and two quaint villages. As you tread along the path, Castlereagh Lake offers mesmerizing reflections of the surrounding hills. The silhouette of Hatton Rock rises in the distance. The aroma of freshly plucked tea leaves fills the air as you approach the renowned Norwood Tea Factory.
Castlereagh Bungalow Trail | Village and Tea Fields | 2 to 3 hours (Loop)
A lovely early morning or late evening 6-kilometre loop around Castlereagh Bungalow. First, the village road winds through the heart of the community, passing a few shrines, temples, the local school, and a few local shops. As the path gracefully ascends, the landscape transforms into a quilt of lush tea fields. The trail saddles up, revealing panoramic views of the Castlereagh Lake where the shade of a few impressive trees offer respite as you meander back to Castlereagh Bungalow.
Castlereagh Bungalow Trail | Tea Factory | 1 hour (Loop)
A short and delightful 2.5-kilometer loop around the captivating tea fields enveloping Castlereagh Bungalow in Sri Lanka. First we meander gently along a village trail, leading you past the local cricket pitch, a local school and quaint houses. The trail then loops back up toward the Dunkeld Tea Factory, a testament to the region’s tea-making heritage. The loop takes you back to Castlereagh on lovely tea estate roads offering panoramic views of the Castlereagh Lake below.
Norwood Bungalow Trail | Upper Norwood Division Tea | 1 hour (Loop)
This is a short and easy trail that meanders through the lush tea fields surrounding Norwood Bungalow. We exit the bungalow and follow a footpath that connects with the main ‘tea trail’ linking Norwood with the Stockholm Estate on the other side of the ridge. The trail then loops back towards Norwood at a higher elevation. At its highest point the trail offers fabulous views of the valley below.
Tientsin Bungalow Trail | Tea Trail | 1.5 hours (Loop)
Nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes surrounding Tientsin Bungalow, this gentle loop is an ideal morning or late afternoon walk. The village you see to your left as you exit the bungalow is also called Tientsin. We’re surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills as you follow the meandering path. The trail offers panoramic views of the upper Bogawantalawa Valley on both sides, north and south – both ridges standing at an approximate elevation of 1600 metres. These are the same views the famous 19th century photographer Julia Margaret Cameron, one of the pioneering figures in the history of photography, would have seen almost 150 years ago.
Hiking tips
- Wear comfortable and lightweight clothes.
- The hotel can provide umbrellas if needed.
- The terrain can be unsteady sometimes, hence it is advisable to wear walking shoes.
- Drink plenty of water. We can provide refreshments if required.
- Make sure you protect your head and skin from the sun.
- We have leech socks that you are welcome to borrow.
responsible Hiking
- Leave no trace: Leave the environment as you found it.
- Respect wildlife: Observe animals from a distance and avoid disturbing them.
- Please ask permission before you take pictures of people.
- Dress respectfully. Please refrain from hiking shirtless.
- Dress modestly at religious sites.
- Please avoid giving money directly to people who ask.
browse other experiences
Our experiences are mindfully curated to offer an authentic, intimate exploration into the essence of Sri Lanka.
