Embark on a moderate 16.7km hike on Stage 21 of the Pekoe Trail, traversing from Uda Pussellawa to Kandapola. This stage offers a journey through scenic tea country, with stunning views of the Uva bowl and opportunities to experience local life.
Your trek begins in Uda Pussellawa, a small but vibrant town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka.
Highlights of Stage 21:
- Scenic Tea Trails: Walk along beautiful tea trails winding through valleys and verdant tea fields.
- Vegetable Plots: Pass by colorful vegetable plots, showcasing local agriculture.
- Gordon’s Estate: Visit Gordon’s Estate, situated on the border between the Central and Uva provinces.
- Uva Bowl Views: Enjoy spectacular panoramic views of the Uva bowl as you descend from Gordon’s Estate. On a clear day, you can spot Haputale, Lipton’s Seat, and Ella Rock.
- High-Elevation Rainforest: Hike through a cooling patch of high-elevation rainforest, teeming with wildlife, including birds, monkeys, and potentially even leopards.
- Hethersett Estate Fields: Traverse the picturesque Hethersett Estate fields.
- Heritance Tea Factory Hotel: Visit this iconic hotel, a beautifully converted tea factory recognized as one of the “100 Best Places to Stay in the World” by the Sunday Times UK, showcasing the successful blend of tourism and heritage conservation.
Trail Details:
- Distance: 16.7 km
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Elevation Gain: 1,109 m
- Elevation Loss: 459 m
- Maximum Elevation: 2,008 m
The trail leads you through picturesque tea trails, past vegetable plots, and alongside tea factories, offering a glimpse into the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. The descent from Gordon’s Estate provides breathtaking views of the Uva bowl, with its recognizable landmarks. The walk through the high-elevation rainforest offers a refreshing experience and the chance to encounter local wildlife. The Hethersett Estate fields and the Heritance Tea Factory Hotel are significant highlights, showcasing the region’s history and natural beauty. The stage concludes in the town of Kandapola.