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Camellia Quest: 7 Days on the Pekoe Trail (Private Tour)

7 Days
[wte_itinerary_downloader]
  • Medium
  • Private Departure
  • All Site entrance fees and park fees are included
  • Year around
  • Included
  • Guides speaking other languages are available for an additional fee
  • Kandy
  • Belihuloya
  • Yes. Up to 45 Days
  • Through all the day
  • Only 10% to confirm
  • Yes
  • Car/ Van with A/C
  • Available subject to the coverage
  • Pre & Post -Tour additional Services

Overview

Embark on an unforgettable journey through the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka, exploring the lush tea-growing regions of the central highlands, where some of the world's finest tea is cultivated. This 7-day trekking adventure in Sri Lanka offers stunning landscapes adorned with tea plantations stretching across rolling hills, essential to both Sri Lanka's economy and cultural heritage.

Throughout this Camellia Quest: 7 Days on the Pekoe Trail, you'll visit tea estates and factories, witnessing the entire tea production process from plucking the leaves to processing and packaging. Learn about the rich history of tea cultivation in Sri Lanka, dating back to the British colonial era when the industry was established. Enjoy tea tastings, sampling different varieties of Ceylon tea, and learning to distinguish between the various grades and flavors.

Experience the mystical atmosphere of the tea estates, often shrouded in mist, adding to the allure of your journey. Our team of experienced trekkers ensures a safe and enjoyable hiking experience, showcasing the finest hiking spots in Sri Lanka. This program offers the perfect blend of adventure and nature, making it an ideal way to explore the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka.

In addition to the tea trail, the programme includes cultural visits to historic sites like the Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the scenic highlights of Nuwara Eliya and Ella. Engage with local communities, including visits to schools, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture of the region. Stay in comfortable accommodations, mostly operated by locals, ensuring both comfort and a community-oriented experience throughout your adventure.

Join us for a unique trekking experience that combines the natural beauty and cultural richness of Sri Lanka, all while traversing the iconic Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka.

Highlights at a glance

  • Experience an unforgettable 5 stages of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka: Trek through 300 km of scenic trails in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, covering 60 km over 5 days.
  • Get the blessings at the Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Start your adventure on the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka with a visit to this revered Buddhist site.
  • Trek through tea country: Immerse yourself in the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka’s tea plantations, stretching across rolling hills and misty valleys along the Pekoe Trail.
  • Witness the process of making world-renowned Ceylon tea: Visit tea estates and factories along the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka to see the journey of tea leaves from plucking to packaging.
  • Explore historical and cultural sites along the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka: Enjoy guided visits to Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ella, experiencing the rich cultural heritage along the trail.
  • Interact with locals and engage in authentic experiences: Connect with the local community along the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka, visit schools, and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, making this a truly memorable hiking adventure.
  • Stay in Comfortable Accommodations: Enjoy your stay in cozy lodgings, predominantly operated by locals, offering comfort and fostering a community-oriented experience throughout your trekking adventure in Sri Lanka.

Itinerary

  • Day
    1

    Arrival in Kandy (Transfers from any location could be arranged)

    Welcome to Your 7-Day Pekoe Trail Adventure in Sri Lanka! Arrive in Kandy [ own arrangements ] and check in at your hotel. If you need assistance, we can arrange transfers to Kandy from any location. Meet your local trekking guides and visit the most sacred Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic to receive blessings before starting your 7-day trekking adventure on the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka. Kandy, steeped in historical and religious significance, is full of legends, medieval palaces, spice trails, and sacred temples. Reverently known as the hill capital, Kandy offers the serenity of a land where time seems to slow down. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, built in the 16th century, houses Lord Buddha’s tooth and is surrounded by artistic murals and paintings depicting the journey of Buddhism. You will find the daily rituals, or ‘pooja,’ held amidst drumming and chanting, very intense and colorful, attracting many worshippers daily. Embark on this unique journey through the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country, where the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka promises breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural experiences, and unforgettable adventures.

    kandy view in sri lanka experiential journeystooth relic temple at kandy sri lanka experiential journeyshistoric hotels queens hotel at kandy in sri lanka experiential journeynature view at kandy in sri lanka experiential journey
    Dinner
    Hotel Stay

    Aayu Hanthana <img class="" src="https://scontent.fcmb4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t39.30808-6/448896513_389156877477212_5828359471628512617_n.jpg?_nc_cat=104&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=833d8c&amp;_nc_eui2=AeEv0pXDWeWqkbqmKzuyMgZfp5gOK1D1MeOnmA4rUPUx4xdgdMfyx7GWm5UZ2otaZIU&amp;_nc_ohc=cK098xbf_scQ7kNvgGbDagc&amp;_nc_zt=23&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fcmb4-2.fna&amp;oh=00_AYBhGfweztSVsCTI25qELlGzAinazoFrCEXpVzhLtEqp7g&amp;oe=668D62FE" alt="May be an image of lighting, indoors and living room" width="224" height="150" />

  • Day
    2

    Pekoe Trail Stage 1 - Hantana to Galaha

    This is the inaugural stage of the Pekoe Trail, commencing at the Ceylon Tea Museum on the Hanthana Estate. A visit to the museum itself offers enriching insights. The trail features gentle elevation gain, following concrete and gravel roads toward Galaha, offering splendid vistas of Kandy. On clear days, the highest point affords views of the Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles Mountain range. Descending from this peak, the trail leads to a river crossing just before Galaha. Meet your chauffeur and vehicle near the Galaha Post Office, then proceed to your hotel nearby. Enjoy the remainder of the day at leisure, with an optional local walk to mingle with the community. Overnight accommodation awaits you at your hotel in Galaha, marking the end of your first day on the Pekoe Trail adventure. TREKKING DISTANCE: 12.8 km (Hantana Tea Museum to Galaha) DURATION: 4-5 hours GRADING: Easy

    Breakfast + Dinner
    Hotel Stay

    Showy Mountain View Hotel <img class="" src="https://scontent.fcmb4-2.fna.fbcdn.net/v/t31.18172-8/11958087_431003343756430_1193461659053400261_o.jpg?_nc_cat=111&amp;ccb=1-7&amp;_nc_sid=13d280&amp;_nc_eui2=AeFAtL46N0L3KIqF63UgkrKab2q7FBwQobpvarsUHBChuveC9Av9IOjiO0-l7VoU__w&amp;_nc_ohc=UjaK8IZgrfAQ7kNvgHEhJMt&amp;_nc_ht=scontent.fcmb4-2.fna&amp;oh=00_AYDKyJRAax7e4CwsMZkrIWpHTo6Qjehn8FkZp5lftQZ5gA&amp;oe=66AEEFEE" alt="No photo description available." width="237" height="178" />

  • Day
    3

    Pekoe Trail Stage 3 - From Loolecondera to Thawalanthenna. Drive to Kandapola

    After enjoying breakfast at your hotel in Galaha, you will be transported to the starting point of Stage 3 of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka. This stage commences at Loolecondera Estate, the pioneering tea plantation established in 1867 by Scotsman James Taylor. The trail begins with a challenging ascent, followed by mostly flat estate roads with gentle inclines and declines. Traverse the historic Dimbula Road, constructed by British engineers over 150 years ago to connect Kandy with the surrounding valleys, facilitating the growth of the tea industry. The scenery along this route is enchanting, offering panoramic vistas. The final stretch of the trail covers approximately 5 km downhill, concluding near the Gampola-Nuwara Eliya road. From there, you will be transferred to Kandalpola and checked into your hotel. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, reflecting on the day's trek and preparing for more adventures along the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka. TREKKING DISTANCE: 18.1 km (Loolkandura to Thawalanthenna) DURATION: 6 - 7 hours GRADING: Hard

    tourist experience at bogawanthalawa sri lanka experiential journey
    Breakfast + Dinner
    Hotel Stay

    <span style="font-weight: 400;">Tranq-Villa Rika</span> <img class="" src="https://a0.muscache.com/im/pictures/9f2a9405-bb99-4c68-a123-223eb97eb39b.jpg?im_w=720" alt="Imagen del alojamiento 18" width="225" height="169" />

  • Day
    4

    Stage 22 - Kandapola to Pedro Estate. Drive to Demodara

    This is the last section of the 22-stage Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka, and we are completing this section in reverse order. Following breakfast at your hotel, you will be transported to the trailhead to begin the journey from Kandapola to Nuwara Eliya. Starting in Kandapola town, just 14 km east of Nuwara Eliya, the trail winds through tea estate tracks past Court Lodge Tea Factory, established in 1890, and quaint villages nestled in the valley. As you trek through the serene tea trails, don’t miss the enchanting Lovers’ Leap Waterfall, steeped in local folklore about a tragic love story between a prince and a village maiden. The trail culminates near Pedro Estate Tea Factory, a short 3 km from Nuwara Eliya town. Optionally, you can visit the Pedro Estate Tea Factory and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea at their tea center before concluding the trail. Meet your chauffeur guide at Pedro Estate Tea Factory and proceed to Demodara. The evening is yours to explore the surroundings at your leisure, reflecting on the memorable experiences along the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka. TREKKING DISTANCE: 10.8 km (Kandapola to Pedro Estate) DURATION: 3 - 4 hours GRADING: Moderate

    Breakfast + Dinner
    Hotel Stay

    <span style="font-weight: 400;">Berghaus Bungalow</span>

  • Day
    5

    Reverse Trail of Pekoe Trail Stage 16 - Demodara to Ella

    Today is a relaxed day on the Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka. Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your hotel before heading to the trailhead for the shortest stage of the trail, from Demodara to Ella. Ella is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka, renowned for its scenic beauty and charm. The trail begins at Demodara Train Station, famous for its picturesque trailway loop where the railway track passes underneath itself. The trek is pleasant and manageable, offering delightful encounters with local farmers in their chena cultivations and tea pluckers at work. The highlight of this stage is the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, standing 80 feet tall and 300 feet long. Capture mesmerizing moments as trains pass over the bridge and wind through tunnels, offering a glimpse into Sri Lanka's colonial-era railway charm. Conclude the trek at Ella Railway Station, where your chauffeur will meet you. Transfer to your hotel in Makulella, just a short distance from Ella. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, exploring the vibrant streets of Ella or relaxing with a chilled beer, reflecting on the day's adventures along the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka. TREKKING DISTANCE: 8.8 km (Demodara to Ella) DURATION: 2-3 hours GRADING: Easy

    demodara nine arch bridge in sri lanka experiential journeytourist trekking experience at bogawanthalawa sri lanka experiential journeytrekking at bogawanthalawa sri lanka experiential journeytrekking experience at bogawanthalawa sri lanka experiential journey
    Breakfast + Dinner
    Hotel Stay

    Hideaway Trails

  • Day
    6

    Reverse Trail of Pekoe Trail Stage 14 - Makulella to St.Catherine’s Seat. Drive to Belihuloya

    Embark on the final leg of your 7-day Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka adventure today. You'll start by traveling to Makulella, where the reverse trek to St. Catherine’s Seat begins. Despite covering just over 9.5 km, this stage is rich with the essence of the trail—villages, temples, tea plantations, farms, historic bungalows, forests, and sweeping mountain vistas. Commencing from Makulella Village, traverse through fragrant eucalyptus forests and the quaint villages of Liyangahawela and Balagala, offering ample opportunities to interact with locals. Don't miss the impressive Hindu temple at Balagala, a cultural gem along the route. Much of the trail follows an old British-planter engineered estate road, originally crafted for transporting tea leaves to nearby factories. Your journey culminates at St. Catherine, a high-altitude village renowned for Lipton Seat, where Sir Thomas Lipton once surveyed his expansive tea plantations. Meet your chauffeur at St. Catherine and proceed to Belihuloya, where your accommodation awaits at a tranquil riverside resort, nestled in a serene environment by the Belihuloya River. Reflect on the incredible experiences of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka, surrounded by nature's beauty and cultural richness. TREKKING DISTANCE: 9.5 km (Makulella to St.Catherine’s Seat) DURATION: 2-3 hours GRADING: Moderate

    Breakfast + Dinner
    Hotel Stay

    River Garden Resort &nbsp;

  • Day
    7

    Canoeing Expedition in Samanalawewa Reservoir and Departure - Belihuloya

    Start your final day with a serene canoeing expedition in the Samanalawewa Reservoir, an ideal way to unwind and soak in the morning tranquility. After your canoeing adventure, return to your resort for a leisurely breakfast. As you prepare to continue your journey, we can assist in arranging additional services, whether you're interested in a beach extension or planning a post-trip adventure to the south. Reflect on the unforgettable experiences of the Pekoe Trail Sri Lanka as you look forward to your next destination.

    canoeing experience at belihuloya sri lanka experiential journey
    Breakfast

Our Services Include

  • Accommodation in the mentioned hotels/campsites/guest houses on a double-sharing basis
  • All breakfasts and dinners
  • Meet & Greet Service at the airport
  • All required transfers during the tour, starting from Kandy
  • Entry Permits to Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Trekking trails
  • Cost of Trail Passes for all Pekoe Trail Stages
  • Well-experienced local trekking guides for all treks
  • Snacks and water during the treks
  • Management of all trekking trails, including backup and first aid services
  • All government taxes and service charges

Our Services do not Include

  • Optional Activities. not mentioned in the program. [if any additional service is required please inform us we will arrange the service accordingly.]
  • Early check-in / late check-outs (in Sri Lanka the check-in is offered at 1400 hrs and the check-out is at 12 noon).
  • Christmas & New Year Eve dinner supplement. (24th & 31st December)
  • Any Airfare, any insurance fee.
  • Any Visa fee.
  • Anything not mentioned in inclusion above.
  • Any optional tours or transfers.
  • Any expenditure of personal nature like tabled drinks, laundry, tip, telephone calls, soft/ hard drinks, still/video camera fee (if any) etc.
  • Tipping to the local Driver Guide.

FAQs

What happens after I confirm the tour?

When it comes to the accommodation, all the reservations are subject to availability at the time of confirmation, and as soon as we have received the payment, our Tour Operations Team will take in charge of your tour and proceed with the reservations. In case a hotel mentioned in your itinerary has no availability, we will find you an alternative. No changes will be done without your approval!

Will I receive a schedule with exact timings for my tour?

We will make a rough day-by-day schedule for your tour, but won’t set you exact timings for each and every activity - unless there is a an activity which start at a specific time. Since you will be traveling by private vehicle, with a knowledgeable driver-guide, we want you to have your part in decision making. With the help from him, you may tune the schedule to your rhythm.

Am I allowed to do any extra stops or visits?

Along the destinations included in your itinerary, you are free to take as many stops as you want to. When it comes to additional visits and destinations that are located out of the original route, the extra kilometers will be taken in consideration. For your journey, we will calculate a total mileage that is sufficient for the whole tour and mentioned in your itinerary. If this limit is exceeded, we will charge a supplement according the extra mileage.

Am I allowed to do any changes to my itinerary during the tour?

We’ll do our best to accommodate the programme in your needs and wishes, if something urgent occurs during your tour. In a situation that requires changing the accommodation, the cancellation policies of the hotels concerned are to be taken on account.

Will I need a visa?

Since the 1st of January 2012, all travelers must be in possession of a visa when arriving in Sri Lanka. Citizens from Singapore and The Maldives are the only exempt. Visitors can apply for Visa via https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/, or upon arrival at the airport. There is a small fee to pay, and you must have at least six months left on your passport at the time of travel to obtain one.

Are credit cards widely accepted?

MasterCard and Visa are widely used and accepted by many local shops, restaurants and hotels, but it’s always better to double check. Other major cards such as AmEx and DinersClub are accepted often also.

Experiential Journeys: Pioneering Wildlife and Experiential Travel Founded in 2000 by visionary entrepreneur Anuruddha Bandara, Experiential Journeys has grown into the leading specialist in Wildlife Tourism and Experiential Travel across Sri Lanka, India, and the Maldives. With five specialised accommodation brands in Sri Lanka, we offer the country's most unique Tented Accommodations and Lodges. Our shift from mass-produced packages to personalised tour solutions reflects our deep understanding of evolving global travel trends. Committed to responsible tourism, we focus on community benefits, conservation, minimal carbon emissions, and preserving local culture. Celebrating 24 years of innovation, we proudly collaborate with over 140 national and international partners, continuing to make a positive impact worldwide.

+94 702228222
20/63, Fairfield Garden, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka (10800)

[email protected]

See it online https://www.srilankaecotourism.com/trip/camellia-quest-7-days-on-the-pekoe-trail-private-tour/