There’s something magical about starting a hike at a train station in Sri Lanka’s hill country. As you stand at Watagoda Train Station, the cool mountain air fills your lungs, and the distant whistle of a train echoes through the valleys. Stage 6 of the Pekoe Trail beckons—a 14.9-kilometer journey that weaves through the very heart of Dimbula, Sri Lanka’s legendary tea-planting district.
Highlights of Stage 6:
Highland Lakes at Watagoda:
Walk along a dramatic dyke separating two serene highland lakes, with water on either side creating a tranquil opening to your journey.
Ornate Hindu Kovil:
Encounter a magnificent Hindu temple adorned with intricate carvings and a striking wooden door, showcasing the region’s rich cultural heritage.
Majestic Banyan Tree:
Rest beneath a towering banyan tree beside a babbling stream—one of the trail’s most picturesque and peaceful spots.
Holyrood Estate & Tea Factory:
Journey through classic tea country and visit the impressive Holyrood Tea Factory, complete with its charming “Did you hug a tree today?” sign.
Talawakelle Town:
Experience the heart of the Dimbula tea district, Sri Lanka’s largest tea-growing region, with its bustling streets and authentic local atmosphere.
St. Clair’s Falls:
Marvel at the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka,” one of the country’s widest and most stunning waterfalls cascading through the tea estates.
Kotmale Valley Views:
Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Kotmale Valley and the winding Nanu Oya River from elevated tea-covered hillsides.
Railway Crossings & Tea Estate Life:
Cross railway lines three times and pass through working tea estates, immersing yourself in the daily rhythm of Sri Lanka’s tea industry.