Embark on a moderate 14.76km hike on Stage 12 of the Pekoe Trail, traversing from the remote Udaweriya Valley to the scenic hill station of Haputale. This stage offers a journey through one of the Pekoe Trail’s most secluded valleys, with breathtaking views and encounters with local life.
Your trek commences in the isolated Udaweriya Valley, offering some of the most stunning vistas in Sri Lanka’s tea country. On a clear day, you might even catch a glimpse of the ocean far to the south.
Highlights of Stage 12:
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy sweeping views of the southern plains of Sri Lanka, perhaps even spotting the distant coastline.
- Rural Villages: Walk past abandoned villages nestled in the lowlands, offering a glimpse into a simpler way of life.
- Tea Trails: Follow tea trails used by local villagers connecting Udaweriya to Haputale and Ella.
- Tropical and Pine Forests: Hike through a mix of lush tropical and fragrant pine forests.
- Idalgashinna Train Station: Discover this picturesque colonial-era railway station, renowned for its beauty and the high number of tunnels between it and the next station.
- Thangamale Sanctuary: Walk along the train tracks past this lesser-known forest reserve, also known as the Thangamale Bird Sanctuary, where you have a good chance of spotting endemic highland birds.
- Adisham Bungalow: Meander past the famous Adisham Bungalow, now a Franciscan monastery.
Trail Details:
- Distance: 14.76 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 998 m
- Elevation Loss: 1,355 m
- Maximum Elevation: 1,968 m
The trail leads you past a derelict tea factory and along tea trails, where you’ll likely encounter friendly villagers and their goats. This valley feels like a place untouched by time. As you hike, you’ll traverse between the lowlands to your right and the Uva bowl to your left. A particular highlight is the walk through the tropical and pine forests, leading towards the Idalgashinna train station. This colonial-era station is a gem of the central highlands. Continuing along the railway tracks, you’ll pass the Thangamale Sanctuary, a haven for birdlife. The trail also meanders past the historic Adisham Bungalow. Your hike concludes at the Haputale train station.