Loolkandura to Thawalanthenna – A Serene Tea Country Trek
✔ Walk through historic tea estates with panoramic views
✔ Experience authentic village life in the Sri Lankan highlands
✔ Moderate, well-marked trail suitable for most hikers
✔ Stunning scenery of rolling hills, waterfalls, and valleys
✔ Less crowded than other stages, offering peaceful solitude
1. Loolkandura Tea Estate (Start)
Begin at the birthplace of Ceylon tea, where commercial tea cultivation first began in 1867
Explore the old tea factory (if open) before setting off
The trail winds through lush tea fields, with misty mountain backdrops
2. Through Rural Villages & Spice Gardens
Pass small villages where locals tend to vegetable plots and spice gardens (cinnamon, cardamom, pepper)
Opportunity to interact with friendly villagers and learn about their way of life
3. Forest Trails & Waterfalls
Enter shaded forest paths with occasional streams and small waterfalls
Keep an eye out for birds (Sri Lanka grey hornbill, mountain hawk-eagle) and monkeys
4. Thawalanthenna (End Point)
A quiet village surrounded by tea plantations
Stunning views of the Knuckles Mountain Range on clear days
Local homestays and small eateries offer a chance to rest and refuel
Stage 3 of the Pekoe Trail offers a perfect blend of nature, culture, and history. The peaceful trails, stunning landscapes, and warm hospitality of the highland villages make this one of the most rewarding sections of the journey. Whether you’re a solo trekker, a nature lover, or a tea enthusiast, this hike will leave you with unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka’s hill country.
“Where every turn reveals another postcard-worthy view – a true escape into the heart of tea country.”
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