Welcome to your Pekoe Trail Trek
හදිස්සියට් කොරොස් කටෙත් අතලන්ට බැරිලූ (Rushing and hurrying things makes, you overlook simple things) – Sinhalese Proverb
The Sri Lankan high tea country, nestled in the Central Highlands, is a realm of emerald hills, mist-veiled peaks, and endless rows of neatly trimmed tea bushes. This region, shaped by colonial history and carpeted in lush greenery, is the heart of the island’s famed Ceylon tea industry.
From the rolling plantations of Nuwara Eliya and Ella to the remote estates of Bogawantalawa and Haputale, the highlands exude an old-world charm — with colonial-era bungalows, winding railway lines, and cool, crisp air that carries the scent of earth and eucalyptus. Tea pickers in colorful saris pluck leaves by hand, a tradition unchanged for over a century, while waterfalls tumble down mossy ravines and clouds drift lazily over the hillsides.
Winding through this landscape is the Pekoe Trail — a 300+ kilometre long-distance walking route that weaves together remote villages, working tea estates, and forested hilltops.
Divided into 22 stages, the trail offers hikers an immersive, off-the-beaten-path journey through Sri Lanka’s tea country, combining natural beauty with cultural depth.
Trekkers pass through hidden paths used for generations by estate workers, cross wooden bridges over gurgling streams, and ascend to breathtaking viewpoints overlooking valleys and reservoirs.
Along the way, the trail reveals the human stories of the hill country — Tamil communities, colonial legacies, sacred shrines, and a living connection to Sri Lanka’s most iconic export. It’s a walk through time, tea, and terrain, where every bend brings a new perspective on the island’s highland soul.
The Pekoe Trail Organisation is a not for profit that curated the Pekoe Trail with funding from the EU and additional support from USAID, whose mission is to ensure that the trail remains accessible, safe, and beneficial for all—hikers & local communities alike
Your Journey
Day 1: Arrive Colombo
Day 2: Colombo to Kandy (approx 3hrs)
Day 3: Kandy to Hanthana Estate (Trail Head). Hike to Galaha 4 hrs – 12.8 km
Day 4: Galaha to Loolkandura 5hrs – 14.7km
Day 5: Loolkandura to Thawalantenna 6 hrs – 17.2 km
Day 6: Thawalantenna to Kumbaloluwa 4.5 hrs – 9.5 km
Day 7: Kumbaloluwa to Watagoda 4.5 hrs – 11.9km
Day 8: Watagoda to Kotagala 4.5 hrs – 14.9km
Day 9: Kotagala to Norwood 5 hrs – 16.5km
Day 10: Norwood to Bogawantalawa 4.5 hrs – 15.9km
Day 11: Bogawantalawa to Dayagama 5 hrs – 17km
Day 12: Dayagama to Horton Plains 5 hrs – 16km
Day 13: Horton Plains to Udaweriya 4 hrs – 14.3km
Day 14: Udaweriya to Haputale 6 hrs – 19.7km
Day 15: Haputale to St Catherine’s 4 hrs – 14.6km
Day 16: St Catherine’s to Ella 6 hrs – 19.5km
Day 17: Ella to Demodara 3 hrs – 9.5km
Day 18: Demodara to Hali Ela 4.5 hrs – 13.15km
Day 19: Hali Ela to Etampitiya 6 hrs – 14.7km
Day 20: Etampitiya to Loonuwatte 6 hrs – 21km
Day 21: Loonuwatte to Kandapola 9 hrs – 30km
Day 22: Kandapola to St Pedro 4.5 hrs – 11.3km
Day 23: Nuwara Eliya to Beruwela our beachside escape (Approx 5 hrs)
Day 24: Relax at Beruwela
Day 25 Relax at Beruwela
Day 26: Journey Onward
Guest Portal
You can update all your personal information directly in our Guest’s Portal. There, you can add your Insurance, Flight Details, and anything else we need for the trip. When you first click on the link you will be asked to reset your password. Please use the same email address you used for your booking.
GETTING THERE AND AWAY
Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport is named after former Prime Minister S. W. R. D. Bandaranaike & began life as an RAF airfield during WWII, RAF Negombo
The major entry and entrance point into Sri Lanka by air, will be through Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Negombo, 33kkm north of the capital.
It is served by many direct services to and from Australia (Melbourne & Sydney), Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
Sri Lanka also makes a great stopover destination on route to the Maldives for some diving or a little R&R!
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS
The first Europeans to visit Sri Lanka in modern times were the Portuguese. The Portuguese founded a fort at the port city of Colombo in 1517 and gradually extended their control over the coastal areas.
A valid passport is required by all foreigners travelling to Sri Lanka.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months after your trip concludes (return home date) to allow you to apply for a travel visa.
Visa Information
Check here for the most up to date Sri Lankan entry advice:
https://protocol.dfat.gov.au/Public/Missions/186
Check here for the most up to date travel advice:
https://www.smartraveller.gov.au/destinations/asia/sri-lanka
International guests, please consult your relevant government advisory body.
We've Got You Covered
GENERAL TRAVEL ADVICE
All No Roads staff and teams consider guest safety and wellbeing an absolute priority and always follow the travel advice and guidelines of the World Health Organisation (WHO) and Smartraveller. To further maintain the safety of our travelers, we promote good personal and hand hygiene along with adherence to safe food preparation practices.
SPECIAL DIETARY REQUIREMENTS
We are able to cater to all common special dietary requirements.
Please advise us prior to your departure if you have any food allergies we should be aware of.
The No Roads team will do everything it can to support any trekkers with allergies that might require a special diet, by informing all in-country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made for all meals. We do, however, suggest and encourage all affected guests to assist us by providing this information while travelling in situations or instances where it may be required.
WATER
Visitors should drink only bottled water, which is widely available. Do not drink tap water, even in major hotels, and try to avoid drinks with ice.
Many hotels and guest houses will have a large jug (think office water cooler) from which you are able to fill your own bottle.
Note: However, no matter how safe the water may be, we insist that all travellers use either water purification tablets such as Aquatab (iodine) or Steri Pen.
WOMEN’S HEALTH
On top of the normal health considerations, women are advised to bring a tube of Canesten and an applicator. The Canesten is used for the treatment of thrush (which can be very painful if left untreated) and can be applied to both internal and external thrush.
Prescriptions can be filled at local pharmacies; it’s best to know the generic name of your drug, however, to save time and possible confusion, it is recommended you bring most of your medicinal and sanitary needs with you (availability may be limited).
MEDICINES
All travellers are recommended to carry a personal first aid kit with medicines for common ailments, cuts and bruises, pain killers, etc. Anyone using any prescription medicines regularly should carry a supply for the whole duration of their expedition.
Please consult your doctor and include items and medicines that may be required for you or for the area you are traveling in. No Roads does not supply any medicines and takes no legal responsibility for any medical treatment or professional medical support to our clients.
We will do everything we can to support guests that have disclosed a medical condition, allergy or anaphylaxis, by informing all in-country personnel and ensuring reasonable provisions are made. We do, however, suggest and encourage all guests in this situation to assist us by reconfirming this information in situations or instances where it may be required to ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable adventure experience.
*If you have something you are particularly prone to such as ear infections, sinus problems or mild asthma bring what you need with you.
Insurance
Emergency Medical Evacuation Insurance is a requirement for all guests travelling on our expeditions.
Once you have booked an expedition we suggest booking your travel insurance as soon as possible to protect your investment and other associated costs. Trip cancellation insurance will reimburse you for any non-recoverable air or land expenses should you have to cancel your trip due to personal or family illness or leave the expedition early due to other reasons.
For our Australian guests, we are offering policies from NIB Travel for adequate cover, and you can contact our office direct, via phone or email, to obtain an insurance quote from us.
For guests travelling with us from outside Australia, please check Travel Insurance options within your Country.
If you should receive an injury 12 months prior to your travel date, you must contact the Insurance Company with details to ensure you are covered for this injury whilst travelling. Should you not do this and require medical assistance for this injury whilst travelling you may not be covered by the insurance company.
In the event that an aircraft evacuation is required, No Roads Expeditions will undertake to arrange the evacuation on the condition that the expenses are reimbursed by the passenger before departing the Country.
Note: Accidents caused by the inappropriate consumption of alcohol or drugs may void your travel insurance.
For policies purchased before 1 September 2026
No Roads Expeditions Pty Ltd ABN 49087049956 is a distributor of nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 and receives a commission for nib products purchased through No Roads Expeditions Pty Ltd. No Roads Expeditions Pty Ltd cannot give advice about nib products, and any factual information provided is not intended to imply a recommendation or opinion about nib products. Before you buy, please read the Product Disclaimer Statement, Financial Services Guide and Target Market Determination available from us. If you have a complaint about a nib product, see the Product Disclosure Statement for the complaints process. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193.
For policies purchased on or after 1 September 2026
No Roads Expeditions Pty Ltd ABN 49087049956 is a distributor on behalf of AWP Australia Pty Ltd, ABN 52 097 227 177, AFSL 245631, trading as Allianz Global Assistance (AGA). nib Travel Services (Australia) Pty Ltd (nib), ABN 81 115 932 173, AFSL 308461 acts as a third party administrator on behalf of AGA, managing claims, complaints, enquiries and sales. Terms, conditions, exclusions, limits and applicable sub-limits apply. This is general advice only. Before you buy, you should consider whether the product is appropriate for you, the Product Disclosure Statement (PDS), Financial Services Guide (FSG) and Target Market Determination (TMD) available from us. This insurance is underwritten by Pacific International Insurance Pty Ltd, ABN 83 169 311 193, AFSL 523921.
Get a Quote
While we don’t anticipate any uninvited medical disruptions during your trek, No Roads wants to keep your mind at ease and help you get adequate assistance and cover for your well-earned time away. It is extremely important that we ensure you’re covered during your great alpine experience.
We are able to provide you with Travel Insurance for your trip, allowing you to tick this off your ‘To-Do Lis”t as soon as possible. We strongly recommend that you take out baggage loss and accident insurance!
Already have a trusted insurance provider?
No problem at all! Our primary concern is that you have adequate cover.
Got a Pre-Existing Condition?
Simply notify us accordingly. After our team initiated your personal quote, simply call the NIB Insurance Team and they’ll complete an assessment on your behalf. In many cases, no additional premium will apply. Many common conditions are automatically covered.
Please note: Australia has a Reciprocal Health Care Agreement (RHCA) with Italy which may cover some of your medical costs in the Italian public health system. Click here for more information.
For all other nationalities please explore insurance providers in your country.
Again, if you’ve any questions, don’t hesitate to ask info@noroads.com.au.
Things to Remember with Insurance
A Credit Card/Travel Card that can be used internationally. Often, any medical centre or hospital will require payment sooner than some insurance companies will have approved payment (meaning you need to be able to pay them, then seek reimbursement from your insurer).
The international emergency contact number for your insurance company. We will initiate emergency procedures for you, however, it is a far easier process for you to coordinate matters with the insurance company directly (most things we are unable to finalise on your behalf).
Documents to keep on your person, or obtain in event of emergency:
A copy of your flight itinerary with information including – Ticket Number, Airline Reference Number (PNR), Agency Flight Reference Number (if purchased via a travel agency/3rd party as well as contact information for them)
A copy of a Medical report (if you required treatment) and keep copies of all receipts for anything that you have been required to pay.
Remember t
o travel with a copy of your policy or at least your policy number and provider
Sri Lanka is a multi-religious country, with Buddhism being the majority religion (around 70% of the population), followed by Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity
IMMUNIZATION
In order to enter Sri Lanka, all travellers must follow the Health Protocol Requirements.
These requirements are fluid and are changing according to international COVID 19 developments. Please click here for more information about arrival requirements in Colombo.
COVID 19 – Recommended for all visitors to Sri Lanka.
While there are no mandatory vaccinations required for entering Sri Lanka, it’s highly recommended to consult with your doctor or a travel clinic about recommended vaccinations, including those for Hepatitis A, Hepatitis B, Typhoid, and potentially Japanese Encephalitis, depending on your travel plans and activities.
We adhere to strict hygiene guidelines so all our food is hygienically prepared, cooked and served.
Typhoid: Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis A: Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Tetanus: Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 weeks before travel.
Hepatitis B: Recommended for Sri Lanka. Ideally 2 months before travel.
Plan ahead for getting your vaccinations (seriously, vaccinations are one thing that should NEVER be left until the last minute when TIME can truly be your enemy). Some of them require an initial shot followed by a booster, while some vaccinations should not be given together.
You do not need to carry an extensive medical kit as your Trekking Group Leader carries a comprehensive first aid kit for the group and staff. However, we do advise you to carry your personal medicine.
Insect-borne diseases
Malaria: While not a major concern in all areas, it’s important to take precautions against mosquito bites, especially in certain regions.
Accommodation
Many of the accommodation options are like the Heritance Tea Factory, repurposed 19th-century tea factories, perfectly situated to now provided rest & comfort for those walking The Pekoe Trail
ACCOMMODATION ON THE PEKOE TRAIL
Accommodation along the Pekoe Trail is wonderfully diverse, reflecting the charm and variety of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. While the trail itself is not yet heavily commercialized (which adds to its appeal), trekkers will find a mix of tea estate bungalows, eco-lodges, guesthouses, and boutique hotels scattered along the route, particularly near larger towns like Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale, and Hatton.
In rural areas, accommodation can be more basic but still comfortable, often hosted by local families or small-scale homestays that offer an authentic glimpse into estate life. Many converted colonial-era planters’ bungalows offer upscale stays with sweeping views, fireplaces, and traditional meals — ideal for those seeking luxury and history.
Staying Safe & Respectful
Apart from being a large tea producer, Sri Lanka is famous for its cinnamon, an indispensable ingredient for many of its fabulous food. It is said to have originated from the teardrop nation and first found by the Egyptians in 2000 BC.
TIPPING
Tipping in many countries can be a problem and can add a great deal of stress to your holiday. Remember Tipping is entirely voluntary and how much you give depends on how you feel about the service you have received, and also how much you can realistically afford.
Tipping is customary in Sri Lanka, particularly for good service in restaurants, bars, hotels, and with drivers and guides, with a general recommendation of around 10% of the bill or fare, or rounding up the fare.
- Tipping is expected for good service, especially in touristy or business areas.
- A tip of around 10% of the bill is generally recommended, but you can tip more for exceptional service (15-20%).
- If a service charge is already included on the bill, you can still tip a small amount for good service. Hotels:
- Tips are appreciated in hotels and serviced apartments, especially for baggage handlers.
- Baggage handlers typically expect a tip of around 100-200 rupees. Drivers and Guides:
- Tipping is a good way to show your appreciation for their service.
- A tip of around USD $5-10 per day is a good amount for private drivers or tour guides.
- For jeep drivers and other guides, expect around Rs. 1000. Taxis and Tuk-Tuks:
- While not strictly expected, rounding up the fare or leaving some small change is a nice gesture. General Tips:
- Tips are not necessary but appreciated.
- Consider rounding up the fare to the nearest hundred or giving an extra 100-150 LKR for good service.
- Keep small change handy for tipping.
- If you receive bad service, you don’t feel obligated to tip.
It’s time for a confession.
We weren’t always this confident at what we do!
This was never through a lack of trying, but the reality is after 20 years sending people to remote parts of the world, we’ve picked up a thing or two…
POWER IN SRI LANKA
MONEY
The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
Exchange Australian dollars at the airport or commercial banks in major centres.
Most major towns and cities have ATMs, but not all accept international cards. Hotels and major shops accept credit cards.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Many of the places you will visit are pristine. As travelers, we should try to have as little impact on these natural environments as possible. As such we recommend the following:
- Please do not dispose of plastic bags and wrappers along the trail. These may be put in your backpack and disposed of at your local hotel at the end of the day.
- Follow the well-marked walking trail (for both your safety and to maintain the integrity of the landscape).
- Do not touch or fed any wildlife spotted on the way as you might cause severe harm to the animal.
By abiding by these simple guidelines, you will be protecting the local environment for the people who live there and for their children’s children.
Know The Lingo
Sinhala (spoken by approximately 90% of the population) & Tamil (spoken by around 20% of people) are the two official languages of Sri Lanka, with English also a recognised language.
There are 2 main languages spoken in Sri Lanka. Singala (70%) and Tamil (20%). Below is a small list of some important Singala phrases.
SOME BASIC SINGALA TO GET YOU STARTED
Greetings and civilities
Welcome greeting- Aah-yu-boh-wahn
Good morning – Su-bhah u-dhaa-sah-nak
Good evening – Su-bhah dhah-dhaa-vahk
Good night – Su-bhah raahth-ri-yahk
Goodbye – Aah-yu-boh-wahn
How are you? – Ko-ho-ma-dha?
I am fine – Hon-dhin in nah-waah
What is your name O-beh nah-mah mo-kahk-dhah
My name is… – Mah-ge` na-ma.(Your name)
I do not understand – Mah-the theh-ren-neh na-ha
Can you answer in English – Eengri-sien ke-unah
General
Yes – O-ww
O.K. – Hon-dhai
No / not – Nae/ na-ha
Thank you – Sthoo-thiy
Please – Kah-ru-naah-kah-rah-lah
Excuse me – Sah-maah-vahn-nah
Sorry – Kah-nah-gaah-tuy
This – Me-ka
That – E`-ka
Toilet- Va-si-ki-li
Water- Wa-thu-rah
Give Us A Shout
NO ROADS EXPEDITIONS
Office: (03) 95988581
24 hrs Access:
Irene Miller + 61 430 705 222
Peter Miller + 61 425 726 623
Email: info@noroads.com.au
IN COUNTRY
Hashani Priyanka +94 76 947 9243