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….
Tag: Sri Lanka
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…
Sacred Rock Sanctuary. Dambulla Sri Lanka
As I ascend the gentle slope of the Dambulla rock, I look forward to yet another visit to this amazing temple complex. The name itself, Dambulla, resonates with significance – a fusion of “Damba,” meaning rock, and “Ulla,” meaning fountain. Fueled by tales that echo with centuries of history, the Dambulla Cave Temple, commonly referred to as the Royal Rock…
Discovering Delft. Palk Strait Sri Lanka
As the ferry approaches the small island of Nedunthivu in the northern stretch of the Palk Strait, I can’t help but feel the anticipation of exploring a place with such a rich history. The island, named Delft on the Admiralty Chart, stands out from its Tamil-named counterparts, showcasing its unique blend of colonial influences and…
Kala Oya Night Safari. Eluvankulama Sri Lanka
As an unapologetic repeat guest to the Backwaters Lodge, I’m back for the fifth time! This time, the thrill of the night safari along the mystic Kala Oya awaits, and I can hardly contain my excitement. As the sun dips below the horizon, and after savoring yet another fabulous meal, I make my way to the mooring…
Taking on Pekoe Trail 12. Udaveriya Sri Lanka
Today, unlike yesterday, finds us eager and prepared to tackle the formidable Pekoe Trail 12 early. This 14.8-kilometer trail, notorious for its difficulty, commences in Udaveriya and will ultimately lead us to Haputale. Along the way, we’ll navigate through overgrown paths, traverse enchanting pine forests, wander through tea estates, and flirt with the edges of precipices, all of which…
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…
Climbing Narangala. Badulla Sri Lanka
After months of planning, it is time to climb the Narangala mountain, and little do I know, this will be one of the most exhilarating experiences of my life. During the initial planning, and closer to the day, I am getting more and more disheartened that this mountain is going to be a bore. But…
Panorama of Splendor. Gampola Sri Lanka
Nestled amidst the lush hills of Sri Lanka, just off Gampola town, the Ambuluwawa Tower stands tall, beckoning adventurous souls to embark on a journey above the clouds. My recent expedition to this awe-inspiring structure promises both an adrenaline rush and a glimpse into the rich cultural tapestry of the region. With its remarkable height, warnings of…
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…
