Why this section
The Pekoe Trail runs 300 km through Sri Lanka’s tea country in 22 stages, and most people walk a section rather than the whole route. Stages 12 to 16 are the Uva stages: the long climb from Udaweriya to Haputale, the tea estates below Lipton’s Seat, and the descent through Ella to the railway at Demodara. They take in the views most visitors come to the Hill Country for, in five days of walking.
The five stages
Distances, times and ratings are the Pekoe Trail Organisation’s. Your guide sets the pace and checks each stage’s condition before you walk it.
Udaweriya to Haputale
19.68 km, about 6 hours, with 1,493 metres of ascent and 1,834 metres of descent. The longest and hardest day: past Idalgashinna railway station and Adisham Bungalow, the Benedictine monastery above Haputale, to a high point of 1,975 metres. Stage 12 guide
Haputale to St. Catherine
14.60 km, about 4 hours, with 810 metres of ascent. Across the Nayabedda estate and up to Lipton’s Seat, the viewpoint named after the tea planter Sir Thomas Lipton, at a high point of 1,926 metres. Stage 13 guide
St. Catherine to Makulella
9.36 km, about 3 hours, with 526 metres of ascent and 1,156 metres of descent, mostly downhill below the Namunukula range. Stage 14 guide
Makulella to Ella
9.61 km, about 3 hours, with 330 metres of ascent, through the Kinigama forest reserve and into Ella, with Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak close by. Stage 15 guide
Ella to Demodara
9.50 km, about 3 hours, with 410 metres of ascent. Out of Ella through forest to the Nine Arch Bridge and on to Demodara, where the railway loops back over itself. Stage 16 guide
What’s arranged for you
- An SLTDA-licensed Sri Lankan guide for all five stages.
- Pekoe Trail passes for each stage.
- Transfers between your accommodation and each trailhead.
- Guesthouse or estate accommodation in the Haputale and Ella area, with breakfast and dinner.
- Luggage moved for you, so you walk with a day pack.
Not included: flights, travel insurance (required), lunches, tips for your guide, and personal walking gear. We can add a first-class train journey into the hills before you start. See the packing list.
When to go
The Hill Country walks best in the Dry Season, December to March. The Uva stages sit on the eastern side of the hills, so they catch less of the south-west Monsoon from May than the western stages do, and they often stay walkable later into it. Every stage’s status is checked with the Pekoe Trail Organisation before you set off.
Is it for you?
Stage 12 is a long, steep day, so you’ll want to be comfortable walking six hours with a lot of climbing. The other four days are three to four hours each. If you’d rather skip the hardest day, we can start you in Haputale and walk Stages 13 to 16. Try the fitness calculator if you’re unsure.
