December 29, 2021
Uncover the wilderness of the hill country
In the company of a Tea Trails Naturalist or Trail 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 the 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. Our Naturalist will offer in-depth narrative to the surrounding flora and fauna, share insights on life in a working tea plantation, as well as interesting factoids on history and heritage that combined make for an informative experience. Our Guides are also privy to some fun ‘off the beaten path’ trails for more adventurous explorers.
Trails between Bungalows
A great way to spend a full day outdoors is to hike, walk and bike between our five bungalows, stopping for refreshments, lunch and tea at each. We offer 14 scenic trails as part of our Bungalow to Bungalow Trail experience.
These trails 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.
The Pekoe Trail
Among the myriad trails nestled within the Ceylon Tea Trails, the Pekoe Trail stands out as an exceptional addition to your journey through the hill country. The Pekoe Trail is a 300-kilometer curated long distance walking trail through the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, one of Asia’s best kept secrets.
The 22 - stage walking trail takes you through some of the finest ecology and mountain terrain in the South of Asia as you begin your journey in Kandy and make your way to Nuwara Eliya, passing through Haputale, Hatton and Ella. The first of its kind and a bucket list experience of a lifetime, The Pekoe Trail takes trekking in Sri Lanka to new heights.
While our bungalows graciously serve as accommodations listed on the Pekoe Trails site, we are delighted to facilitate your access to Stage 6, 7, 8 and Stage 9 from Ceylon Tea Trails, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of this picturesque terrain.
The 22 - stage walking trail takes you through some of the finest ecology and mountain terrain in the South of Asia as you begin your journey in Kandy and make your way to Nuwara Eliya, passing through Haputale, Hatton and Ella. The first of its kind and a bucket list experience of a lifetime, The Pekoe Trail takes trekking in Sri Lanka to new heights.
While our bungalows graciously serve as accommodations listed on the Pekoe Trails site, we are delighted to facilitate your access to Stage 6, 7, 8 and Stage 9 from Ceylon Tea Trails, ensuring an unforgettable exploration of this picturesque terrain.
Pekoe Trail - Stage 6
Watagoda to Kotagala
The starting point of this trail is easily accessible from Summerville Bungalow, with Norwood, Castlereagh and Dunkeld Bungalows available for accommodation. The journey to the starting point typically takes between one to one and a half hours.
You begin this stage at the Watagoda Train station, which continues past highland lakes and towards a wonderful banyan tree with an idyllic little stream running beside it. Your journey then stretches onto classic tea trails towards the Holyrood Estate. While walking, keep an eye out for a sign at a warehouse that reads “did you hug a tree today”.
You begin this stage at the Watagoda Train station, which continues past highland lakes and towards a wonderful banyan tree with an idyllic little stream running beside it. Your journey then stretches onto classic tea trails towards the Holyrood Estate. While walking, keep an eye out for a sign at a warehouse that reads “did you hug a tree today”.
Pekoe Trail - Stage 7
Kotagala to Norwood
Summerville Bungalow remains the top choice for accommodation. However, Norwood, Castlereagh, and Dunkeld Bungalows are located 40 minutes to an hour away from the starting point.
This trail begins in Kotagala, deep in Sri Lanka’s tea country. The trail winds its way past Chrysler’s Farm Tea Factory, a colonial-era tea factory built in 1870, its bright blue roof contrasting against the verdant green tea bushes, making it hard to miss. You will climb a hill where you can look down on the hill town of Hatton. You will encounter Singamalai Lake, a small lake that provides all the drinking water for Hatton and the surrounding villages. It also makes for a great picnic spot.
This trail begins in Kotagala, deep in Sri Lanka’s tea country. The trail winds its way past Chrysler’s Farm Tea Factory, a colonial-era tea factory built in 1870, its bright blue roof contrasting against the verdant green tea bushes, making it hard to miss. You will climb a hill where you can look down on the hill town of Hatton. You will encounter Singamalai Lake, a small lake that provides all the drinking water for Hatton and the surrounding villages. It also makes for a great picnic spot.
Pekoe Trail - Stage 8
Norwood to Bogawantalawa
Norwood Bungalow is the ideal choice for this section of the trail, while Dunkeld and Castlereagh are located about 30 to 45 minutes from the starting point. Summerville Bungalow is also around 20 to 25 minutes away from the starting point.
This trail begins in Norwood, the gateway to the Bogawantalawa Valley - also known as the ‘Golden Valley of Tea’. On your walk, you climb up towards a ridge that separates the Bogawantalawa Valley and the Maskeliya Valley, considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the tea country, which is also home to the sacred summit of Adam’s Peak. From the top of the ridge, zig zag your way to Norwood Estate where you will enjoy wonderful views of the Maskeliya side and catch a glimpse of Adam’s Peak across the lake. Walk across small village streets and railway lines towards Talawakelle town, the centre of the Dimbula tea planting district, which is de facto, the largest growing tea area in Sri Lanka.
This trail begins in Norwood, the gateway to the Bogawantalawa Valley - also known as the ‘Golden Valley of Tea’. On your walk, you climb up towards a ridge that separates the Bogawantalawa Valley and the Maskeliya Valley, considered one of the most beautiful valleys in the tea country, which is also home to the sacred summit of Adam’s Peak. From the top of the ridge, zig zag your way to Norwood Estate where you will enjoy wonderful views of the Maskeliya side and catch a glimpse of Adam’s Peak across the lake. Walk across small village streets and railway lines towards Talawakelle town, the centre of the Dimbula tea planting district, which is de facto, the largest growing tea area in Sri Lanka.
Pekoe Trail - Stage 9
Bogawantalawa to Dayagama
For the best experience, Tientsin Bungalow is highly recommended, as the other bungalows are located at a greater distance from the starting point.
This stage begins in the town of Bogawantalawa, which gives its name to the entire valley. The Bogawantalawa valley is home to legendary tea estates such as Norwood and Kew, surrounded by mountains shrouded in mist and emerald landscapes.
On the trail, you will pass the Bogawana Tea Factory, a colonial-era tea factory built in 1891. You will see a rocky ‘v’ shaped mountain pass ahead of you called the “Jacobs Ladder”, which feels like a gateway to another world. The landscape changes dramatically on the trail from tea plantations to undisturbed grasslands and on towards the hills of the hidden Bopaththalawa valley.
This stage begins in the town of Bogawantalawa, which gives its name to the entire valley. The Bogawantalawa valley is home to legendary tea estates such as Norwood and Kew, surrounded by mountains shrouded in mist and emerald landscapes.
On the trail, you will pass the Bogawana Tea Factory, a colonial-era tea factory built in 1891. You will see a rocky ‘v’ shaped mountain pass ahead of you called the “Jacobs Ladder”, which feels like a gateway to another world. The landscape changes dramatically on the trail from tea plantations to undisturbed grasslands and on towards the hills of the hidden Bopaththalawa valley.
THINGS TO NOTE
- It is advisable guests inform their butler and confirm by evening, the day prior to the experience.
- Leech socks can be purchased at the bungalow.
Tea Trails Experiences
Discover Sri Lankan Cuisine
A more hands-on introduction to our island fare. Guests will get to mix their own spices, season their ingredients and cook their own lunch, under the watchful eye ...
Kayaking on Castlereagh Lake
Spend your mornings on an aquatic adventure on the Castlereagh Lake as you paddle along in hi-spec kayaks, taking in the first light of the day.
Nuwara Eliya Heritage Excursions
Nuwara Eliya, 48 km from Tea Trails, was first conceived as a health resort - a ‘hill station’ in British jargon - around the year 1825.
Private Tea Tasting
A neat row of warm cups of tea in varying colours. Our resident tea planter unearths the subtle influences of the flavours. Take slow sips. Indulge.
Tea Infused Dinner
Bringing together the subtle influences of the flavours of tea, this is a signature culinary experience unique to Tea Trails. Teas grown in various areas of Sri Lanka have distinctly different flavour profiles, and...
Tea Planter’s Tiffin Lunch
The location is on the hillside above Dunkeld Bungalow flanked by tea and jungle on either side, with vistas of the rolling tea fields that start from the glassy Castlereagh Lake and creep
Tennis
Play Tennis at Tientsin Bungalow’s clay court, reminiscent of British planters having an afternoon game after a hard morning in the fields and factory.
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