Embark on a moderate 14.09km hike on Stage 5 of the Pekoe Trail, traversing from Pundaluoya to Watagoda. This stage takes you through the heart of Sri Lanka’s famed Dimbula tea region, offering a blend of village life, river crossings, and breathtaking mountain vistas.
Your journey begins in Pundaluoya, a charming hill country village. Prepare for a hike with some steep descents and trails that wind around villages and mountainsides. You’ll cross the Pundal Oya River, where you’ll be treated to spectacular views of a waterfall seemingly plucked straight from a scene in “The Jungle Book.”
Highlights of Stage 5:
- Pundal Oya River Crossing: Cross this picturesque river and enjoy the stunning waterfall views.
- Paddy Fields: Traverse through emerald green rice paddies, offering a tranquil respite.
- Vintage Red Telephone Booth: Keep an eye out for a charming vintage red telephone booth along the way.
- Wildflowers: Take time to appreciate the vibrant wildflowers that dot the roadside.
- Dimbula Valley Views: As you gain elevation, the magnificent Dimbula Valley unfolds before you, showcasing the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country.
- The “Great Wall”: Witness an impressive rock formation resembling a “great wall,” beyond which lies the Pundaluoya Valley and a picturesque tea estate perched atop the wall.
- Watagoda Train Station: Your trek concludes at the Watagoda train station.
Trail Details:
- Distance: 14.09 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 714 m
- Elevation Loss: 366 m
- Maximum Elevation: 1,352 m
As you journey deeper into the tea country, you’ll enter the historically significant Dimbula region, one of the first areas in Sri Lanka to be planted with tea. This stage offers breathtaking views, including the impressive “great wall” formation, which provides a stunning backdrop to the Pundaluoya Valley and its mountaintop tea estate – one of the most photogenic sights in the region.