Prepare for a challenging 13.96km hike on Stage 18 of the Pekoe Trail, traversing from Hali Ela to Ettampitiya. This stage takes you through a remote and less-traveled part of Sri Lanka’s tea country, offering a glimpse into rural life and stunning scenery.
Your trek begins in Hali Ela, a remote town nestled within the tea-growing region.
Highlights of Stage 18:
- Village Life: Walk along village roads, experiencing the authentic atmosphere of rural Sri Lanka, with paddy cultivations, Buddhist temples, and local homes lining the route.
- Diverse Landscapes: The trail meanders through a mix of cultivated land, small winding roads, tea estates, tea sheds, and alongside small gurgling streams.
- Dickwella Tea Factory: Visit the iconic Dickwella Tea Factory, a highlight of this stage, and enjoy uninterrupted panoramic views of the rolling hills and valley below.
Trail Details:
- Distance: 13.96 km
- Difficulty: Difficult
- Elevation Gain: 706 m
- Elevation Loss: 215 m
- Maximum Elevation: 1,257 m
The trail offers a diverse experience, winding through cultivated lands, along small roads, and through verdant tea estates dotted with tea sheds. The small streams add to the charm of the landscape. A particular highlight is the Dickwella Tea Factory, a landmark offering spectacular views of the surrounding hills and valleys. The stage concludes in the town of Ettampitiya.