Enjoy a relatively easy yet visually stunning hike on Stage 4 of the Pekoe Trail, a 14.04km journey from Tawalantenne to Pundaluoya. This stage offers a delightful mix of village life, natural beauty, and panoramic vistas.
Your trek commences in Tawalantenne, leading you along quiet village roads bordered by vibrant rice paddy fields. You’ll cross the Ramboda Oya, the river that feeds the renowned Ramboda Waterfall. Keep an eye out for mulberry trees – their ripe berries make for a delicious trail snack as you wander through meticulously maintained tea estates.
Highlights of Stage 4:
- Ramboda Oya: Cross this scenic river, the source of the majestic Ramboda Waterfall.
- Paddy Fields: Enjoy the tranquil beauty of the terraced rice paddies.
- Kotmale Reservoir: Marvel at the vast expanse of the Kotmale Reservoir, Sri Lanka’s second-largest hydroelectric power station.
- Kadadora Viharaya: Spot this Buddhist temple nestled on the banks of the Kotmale Reservoir.
- Old British Engineered Road: Walk along a historic road, originally built for bullock carts and small vehicles, now transformed into a paved road leading to an abandoned tea factory.
- Unparalleled Tea Estate Views: Enjoy what are considered some of the finest views in Sri Lanka’s tea country.
Trail Details:
- Distance: 14.04 km
- Difficulty: Easy
- Elevation Gain: 1,044 m
- Elevation Loss: 964 m
- Maximum Elevation: 1,263 m
A highlight of this stage is the old British-engineered road. Originally designed for bullock carts and smaller vehicles, it has been transformed into a perfectly tarmacked road leading to the remnants of an abandoned tea factory. The views from this point are truly exceptional, showcasing the beauty of Sri Lanka’s tea-covered hills. Adding to the intrigue, this seemingly modern road is rarely used, a mystery in itself. Built for a nearby underground power station, it has remained largely unused since the project’s completion. The trail concludes in the charming town of Pundaluoya.