We’re thrilled to share some exciting news—Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail has earned a well-deserved spot on TIME Magazine’s World’s Greatest Places 2025! This recognition shines a global spotlight on one of the island’s most scenic and culturally rich trekking routes, stretching across 300km of breathtaking landscapes. Whether you’re an avid hiker or a traveler seeking to immerse yourself in nature and history, the Pekoe Trail promises a truly unforgettable experience.

Winding through Sri Lanka’s lush tea country, mist-kissed mountains, and charming plantation villages, the trail offers more than just a walk—it’s a deep dive into the soul of Sri Lanka’s highlands. The trail not only brings you face-to-face with panoramic views and biodiversity, but also connects you to the centuries-old legacy of Ceylon tea, with opportunities to meet locals, spot colonial-era landmarks, and explore the rhythm of life in the hills.

BEGIN AT SPRING VILLAS KANDY

The adventure begins right here in Kandy, the heart of Sri Lanka’s hill country—and there’s no better base than Serenique Kandy. Nestled in a peaceful corner of the city yet minutes from its main attractions, Spring Villas offers the perfect blend of comfort, serenity, and local charm. As the official starting point of the Pekoe Trail, Kandy is not only geographically ideal but rich in heritage, making it the perfect place to start your trekking journey.

Stage 1: Hanthana to Galaha

The first stage of the Pekoe Trail covers a distance of 12.8 km, beginning from the Hanthana Tea Museum and ending in the peaceful village of Galaha. Just a short 15-minute tuk-tuk ride from Spring Villas, the trailhead is easily accessible. The walk will take you through enchanting pine forests, hidden waterfalls, and tea estates with sweeping views of the Hanthana mountain range—ideal for nature photography and quiet reflection.

At the end of your trek, the village of Galaha awaits, where you can rest and reflect before a 30-minute tuk-tuk ride brings you back to the comfort of Spring Villas.

Our Services for Pekoe Trail Trekkers

To make your journey seamless and stress-free, Serenique Kandy offers refreshment packs, ideal for your hike, and tuk-tuk transfers to and from the trail. Whether you’re heading out early or returning after a long trek, we’re here to ensure you’re well taken care of.

A Trail, A Story, A Stay to Remember

Come be a part of something extraordinary. Whether you’re taking on the full 300km or exploring a single stage, let Serenique Kandy be your home base for the Pekoe Trail experience. Adventure awaits—step into the hills and write your own story.

The Pekoe Trail is one of Sri Lanka’s most extraordinary hidden gems—an immersive journey through the heart of the central highlands that captures the island’s natural beauty, rich history, and timeless charm. Spanning over 300 kilometers, this long-distance trail winds through some of the most scenic and biodiverse landscapes in South Asia. As you walk along its winding paths, you’ll find yourself surrounded by lush tea plantations, ancient pine forests, mist-draped mountains, hidden waterfalls, and the soothing sounds of birdsong echoing through the hills.

The trail weaves through vibrant tea estates where pickers in colorful saris harvest leaves by hand, continuing a tradition that dates back over a century. Along the way, you’ll pass sleepy village communities, colonial-era bungalows, and panoramic viewpoints that offer sweeping vistas of valleys, ridges, and endless green. It’s a journey where the air is crisp and cool, the skies shift with the mountain mists, and time seems to slow down just enough for you to truly breathe, observe, and appreciate the moment.

Walking the Pekoe Trail is not just about the physical journey—it’s about connecting with nature, learning about the island’s tea heritage, and embracing the simple rhythms of life in the hill country. It’s ideal for hikers, photographers, birdwatchers, and anyone who simply wants to reconnect with the earth. With every footstep, you’ll feel more in tune with the landscape around you and the stories it quietly tells.

If you’re visiting Kandy, the cultural and geographical gateway to Sri Lanka’s hill country, exploring even one stage of the Pekoe Trail is an experience you should not miss. It’s a chance to escape the busy pace of city life and step into a world of natural serenity and breathtaking beauty. Whether you’re on a short stay or a longer adventure, the Pekoe Trail offers something truly special—a chance to experience Sri Lanka slowly, deeply, and soulfully. And when you return from the hills, there’s no better place to unwind than at Serenique Kandy, where comfort meets charm at the edge of nature. Let the magic of the trail—and your stay—stay with you long after your trek is done.

Written by Thashmika Cooray, in partnership with Serenique Kandy.