Pekoe Trail Stage 1: the Hanthana ridge
The Pekoe Trail starts on the edge of Kandy. Stage 1 runs 13.01 km from the Ceylon Tea Museum over the Hanthana ridge to Galaha, with 537 metres of ascent and a high point of 1,067 metres. The trail authority rates it Easy, and it takes about three hours of walking through working tea estates and village paths. Your Pekoe Trail pass is arranged, and the car meets you at Galaha.
Alagalla
Alagalla is the ridge about 20 km west of Kandy, and it sees far fewer walkers than the famous peaks further south. The path climbs from the village of Pothapitiya through farmland and forest to the ridge, with steep sections that can be slippery after rain. On a clear morning the views stretch back across the hill country towards Kandy. Best from December to April.
Knuckles forest: Dothalugala and Mini World’s End
A drive into the Knuckles Range, part of the Central Highlands World Heritage Site. From the Conservation Centre at Deanston, where your permit is issued, you walk the Dothalugala trail, about 5.8 km through montane forest, then the short 1.5 km path to Mini World’s End, a cliff edge at about 1,190 metres. Leech socks are provided. Want more than a day? See the three-day Knuckles traverse.
On every day hike
- Private: just your group and your guide, at your pace.
- Pickup and drop-off at hotels and guesthouses in Kandy city.
- Passes and permits arranged in advance.
- Early starts, so you walk before the midday heat.
Bring walking shoes with good grip, a rain jacket, at least 1.5 litres of water and sun protection. If heavy rain makes a trail unsafe, we’ll move your hike to another day. See the packing list.
When to go
The Hill Country walks best in the Dry Season, December to March. From May the south-west Monsoon brings rain to the western slopes, including Alagalla, and leeches come out on the forest trails. The ridges above Kandy are still walkable in the Monsoon on a dry morning; your guide will tell you honestly if a day isn’t worth it.
