Steady Views, Storied Bridge. Pekoe Trail 16. Ella Sri Lanka

We woke to a cool, lemon-gold morning at Senasuma Homestay, a quiet little guesthouse tucked into a corner of Ella. After a quick breakfast of hoppers, fruit and coffee, we joined the rest of our group of ten friends from across the UK, Italy, France, Ireland, Poland, Greece and Belgium and ambled out at 9 a.m., ready…

Hiking Against the Forecast. Pekoe Trail 21 Kandapola Sri Lanka

Stage 21 of the 300km Pekoe Trail is typically hiked from Uda Pussellawa to Kandapola, but for our adventure, we decided to do it in reverse—to avoid much of the climb. Covering a total distance of 19 kilometers over seven hours, this hike turned out to be a journey of changing landscapes, local hospitality, and…

Mountain Diaries

Exploring the Majestic Mountains of Sri LankaMountain climbing is more than a hobby for me—it’s a journey of endurance, connection, and discovery. Each ascent presents challenges of steep trails and rocky terrain, accompanied by the reward of fresh air and breathtaking views. Reaching the summit offers a sense of triumph, as each peak carries its…

A Hike of Unexpected Twists: Pekoe Trail Stage 3 Loolecondera Sri Lanka

Our day begins in the sacred city of Kandy at 5 a.m., where we arrived just yesterday afternoon. With backpacks stuffed with breakfast, lunch, plenty of water, and snacks, we reach Loolecondera Tea Estate two hours later by hired van, the starting point of Pekoe Trail Stage 03, considered to be the hardest of the…

Mist-ifying Beauty. Pekoe Trail 11. Horton Plains Sri Lanka 

The cold morning air wraps around us like a comforting embrace as we gather outside the Acacia Inn, our starting point for the day’s adventure on stage 11 of the Pekoe Trail, from Horton Plains to Udaveriya.  With temperatures hovering around 14 degrees Celsius, we layer up, eager to embark on the journey that lies ahead….

Tale of Two Landscapes. Pekoe Trail 10. Horton Plains Sri Lanka

Setting off on the Pekoe Trail 10 in reverse, we commence our adventure at 8 a.m., starting with a 4-km trek through the enchanting landscapes of Horton Plains. The crisp morning air greets us as the seven of us set foot on the trail, eager for the adventures that lie ahead. It is mandatory to…

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…

Discovering the Pekoe Trail 01. Hanthana Sri Lanka

It is an early morning start from Colombo and we reach Kandy in time for a hearty breakfast, before we embark on the Pekoe Trail. As an avid hiker and determined to make the most of my 60s, I can’t resist the opportunity to explore this much talked about 300-kilometer Pekoe Trail and document my…

Hiking the Pekoe Trail 06. Watagoda Sri Lanka

As I step onto the Pekoe Trail 06, I’m immediately struck by the beauty that surrounds me. Towering trees loom above me, casting dappled shadows across the winding path ahead. My hiking companions and I set out from Watagoda, eager to explore the 14.8 kilometer trail that will lead us to Kotagala.