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The Pekoe Trail is a 300+ kilometer, long-distance walking trail that winds through the heart of Sri Lanka’s famed tea country. Designed to immerse travelers in the island’s rich natural beauty and cultural heritage, the trail takes you through misty mountains, lush tea estates, remote villages, and historic colonial towns. The trail is named after Pekoe, a high-grade black tea synonymous with Ceylon tea, and it echoes the legacy of Sri Lanka’s 19th-century tea industry. Divided into 24 scenic stages, the trail connects the hill country towns of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Hatton, Haputale, Ella, and Badulla, offering a truly immersive experience of the island’s central highlands.
Exploring the Pekoe Trail from Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya
Conveniently located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, the Grand Hotel is the perfect starting point for exploring the Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka’s first long-distance tea country hiking route. This scenic trail covers over 300 kilometers from Kandy to Ella, taking travelers through historic tea plantations, misty mountain paths, and picturesque villages. Several accessible trail sections, including Stage 11 (Nuwara Eliya to Kandapola) and Stage 12 (Kandapola to Ragala), are located within a 15–30 minute drive from the hotel, offering flexible options for day hikes or multi-day trekking adventures. Visitors can travel to Nuwara Eliya by car via Colombo (approx. 5.5 hours) or Kandy (approx. 2 hours), enjoying breathtaking scenery along the way. Whether you're a nature lover, cultural explorer, or eco-tourism enthusiast, the Grand Hotel's concierge team can assist with guided tours, transport, and trail maps—making it easy to discover the very best of Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Beyond the Pekoe Trail, Nuwara Eliya offers a wealth of scenic and cultural attractions just minutes from the Grand Hotel. Visit iconic sites such as below.
01. Gregory Lake
Just 10 minutes from the Grand Hotel, this picturesque lake offers paddle boating, cycling paths, and scenic picnic spots.
2. Single Tree Hill
A moderate trek offering 360-degree panoramic views over Nuwara Eliya and surrounding tea valleys—ideal for sunrise walks.
3. Moon Plains
Known as the "Mini World's End", this eco-park offers sweeping views of nine mountain peaks and frequent sightings of deer, wild boar, and endemic birds.
4. Horton Plains National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site just an hour’s drive away. Don’t miss the hike to World’s End Cliff and Baker’s Falls.
5. Pedro Tea Estate
Just 3 km from the hotel, guests can enjoy a factory tour, walk through the plantation, and sample fresh tea overlooking the valleys.
6. Victoria Park
One of Sri Lanka’s most beautifully maintained public parks—ideal for birdwatchers and a relaxing stroll.
7. Hakgala Botanical Garden
Located 25 minutes from the hotel, this garden boasts rare orchids, roses, and a wide variety of highland flora.
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