Reversing the Pekoe Trail 13. Haputale Sri Lanka

It’s been a while since I last ventured onto the Pekoe Trail, and my excitement is palpable. Today, I’m setting out on an adventure along Pekoe Trail 13, a 13.5-kilometer point-to-point hike that promises to lead my four female friends and me through some of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful landscapes.

Ideally, Pekoe Trail 13 starts at Haputale and ends at St. Catherine’s Seat, renowned for its panoramic views of rolling hills and lush tea plantations. However, we’ve chosen to reverse the route, following the advice of thushinatuk, to make the trail more manageable by descending instead of climbing.

With our backpacks loaded with water bottles and snacks, we finally begin our journey, albeit later than planned due to an unexpected delay during our drive from Colombo.

A tire puncture forced an unplanned pitstop – a minor setback on our path to adventure.

To reach St. Catherine’s Seat, we travel along the Nayabedda Estate road, which is a journey of over an hour from Haputale town.

The location, nestled in the upper division of Nayabedda Tea Estate, treats us to breathtaking views of Bandarawela, Diyatalawa, and the surrounding mountains of the Uva Basin.

Since it’s already lunchtime, we opt to kickstart our hike with a picnic lunch amidst a picturesque tea field, adorned with the vibrant purple blooms of Morning Glory (Ipomoea purpurea). Rejuvenated and satisfied, we set off on our trek at 12:45 pm, acknowledging that it’s much later than we initially planned.

The initial stretch of the trail takes us along estate roads, some shrouded in mist, before unveiling the dappled skies. My camera roll steadily fills with snapshots of the colorful wildflowers that dot our path.

Transitioning from estate roads to untamed trails is always an adventure. As we progress, I’m struck by how nature reclaims its territory.

From Nayabedda Estate, we hike through the Pitaratmalie Division. It’s here that my phone dies to a lack of battery, causing a brief panic attack until we manage to download the map on another device. It’s a lesson in the importance of better pre-departure preparation, as navigating this mostly overgrown and unmarked trail without a map can be quite confusing and can be disastrous.

The path ahead is challenging, with branches and vines obstructing our way, but our adventurous spirit keeps us going. Laughter and chatter echo through the woods as we support each other through the dense undergrowth, forging bonds that only outdoor adventures can create.

We allow ourselves plenty of pitstops to hydrate and refuel, savoring the moments as we go.

As the sun dips below the horizon, we finally reach our destination, tired yet exhilarated. Pekoe Trail 13 has been an incredible journey through overgrown terrain, filled with laughter, adventure, and the unbreakable bonds of friendship. This hike has connected us not only to nature but also to each other, and for that, I am profoundly grateful.

Good to know:

Leisure Mount View is where we stayed. And it was worth every minute we spent there! Contact Hashan for reservations. 

Check for weather updates.

Leech socks are recommended in wet/damp weather

Wear good hiking shoes

Take lots of water and snacks

Have your trail app ready, because the trail is mostly unmarked and unexpected detours are possible

And Do Not Litter!