Embark on a moderate 9.36km hike on Stage 14 of the Pekoe Trail, traversing from the high-altitude village of St. Catherine to Makulella. This stage offers another incredibly scenic route, with panoramic views, glimpses of local life, and historical connections to Sri Lanka’s tea heritage.
Your trek begins in St. Catherine, a tea plantation worker’s village perched high on a plateau. This area is famous for its proximity to Lipton’s Seat, the vantage point where Sir Thomas Lipton, the “father of Ceylon tea,” would survey his vast tea empire.
Highlights of Stage 14:
- Lipton’s Seat Vicinity: Start your trek near the iconic Lipton’s Seat, a place steeped in tea history.
- Mountain Villages: Experience the charm of mountain villages, with their colorful vegetable plots and local homes.
- Diverse Landscapes: Traverse a variety of landscapes, including a patch of eucalyptus forest, village cultivations, and of course, rolling tea plantations.
- Namunukula Mountain Views: Marvel at the majestic Namunukula mountain (Nine Peaks), one of Sri Lanka’s highest peaks. This mountain served as a navigational landmark for Chinese fleets during the Ming Dynasty, according to historical accounts.
- Historic Bungalows: Pass by historic bungalows, remnants of the British colonial era.
- Balagala Village and Kovil: Explore Balagala village, home to an impressive and enormous Hindu Kovil.
- Forested Areas: Enjoy the tranquility of walking through beautiful forested areas.
Trail Details:
- Distance: 9.36 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 526 m
- Elevation Loss: 1,153 m
- Maximum Elevation: 1,872 m
The descent on this stage follows old estate roads engineered by British planters. You’ll pass the historic Balagala Tea Planters Bungalow and walk through Balagala village, with its impressive Hindu Kovil. The trail then meanders through lovely forested areas, eventually leading to the Buddhist Temple in Makulella, marking the end of Stage 14.