Planning a trip to the Ella and Nuwara Eliya areas and combine hiking with waterfalls and tea plantations, away from the main tourist spots.

Question
We are planning a trip to the Ella and Nuwara Eliya areas and would love to combine hiking with waterfalls and tea plantations, ideally away from the main tourist spots. Which parts of the Pekoe Trail would you recommend?

Answer
That sounds like a wonderful plan and very much in line with the experience offered by The Pekoe Trail.

For a trip that combines hiking, waterfalls, tea plantations, and quieter landscapes around Ella and Nuwara Eliya, we recommend focusing on the following sections:

Ella / Haputale region

• Stages 12 & 13: These stages offer stunning views, access to lesser-visited waterfalls, tea estates, forested paths, and estate communities slightly away from the main tourist areas, while still being conveniently close to Ella.

• Stage 14 can also be added if you have more time, extending your walk through scenic tea country and quieter rural sections.

Bogawantalawa / Maskeliya region (en route to Nuwara Eliya)

• Stages 10 & 11: Ideal if you are travelling towards Nuwara Eliya, these stages showcase expansive tea-country scenery, rolling hills, and a more immersive rural experience with fewer crowds. The higher elevation also brings cooler temperatures, especially in the mornings.

Nuwara Eliya area

• Stage 22: Easily accessible from Nuwara Eliya town and can be combined with a visit to Lover’s Leap Waterfall, offering classic up-country landscapes, tea estates, and panoramic views.

These stages can be easily combined with visits to tea factories, scenic viewpoints, and waterfall stops, depending on your pace and interests. We recommend checking current stage conditions before you hike and obtaining a trail pass, which supports local communities and helps us manage and maintain the trail.