Sri Lanka has no shortage of hidden gems ready to surprise visitors looking for adventure and relaxation in equal measure. The island boasts stunning landscapes nestled between sea and mountains. Hiking enthusiasts will be delighted to discover a 300 km pathway called the Pekoe Trail which leads through some of the most staggering landscapes in the whole of Sri Lanka. Crossing through the hills and highlands on the island, the trail serves up some simply breathtaking panoramic vistas. Exploration begins in Kandy and crosses tea plantations, villages and forests and you can even discover the home of Lipton tea. A trek spanning some 22 stages to enjoy during a visit to this island perfectly located in the heart of the Indian Ocean.

The Pekoe Trail sets off from Kandy and ends in the small town of Nuwara Eliya, also nicknamed “Sri Lanka’s little England” in reference to the colonial architecture of its buildings. Sprawling across a total of 300 km, many jewels span the entire length of this trail. Whilst Kandy is renowned for its Buddhist Temples, it is also well known for its forests and mountains which are home to tea plantations. The tone is set during the first stage as far as Thawalantenna where hikers enter into a valley surrounded by running water, rivers and idyllic small villages as far as Watagoda.

Along the entire trail, hikers can enjoy the fragrant odours of the plantations across the valleys which serve up panoramic views over the iconic lakes and vegetation. Horton Plains, a Unesco world heritage nature park, can be enjoyed on the 12th stage before then heading onwards towards the home of Lipton at Sainte-Catherine. A stroll around the plantations from which the green tea is shipped to all four corners of the globe is well worth the visit where you can discover the traditional farms and houses.

Before finally arriving at Ella Rock, the famous Sri Lankan mountain. From the summit there is a magnificent view across the entire valley. And just a few kilometres further on, the Nine Arch Bridge will not fail to amaze hikers. The famous rail bridge built in the 20s is a real architectural masterpiece standing 24 metres tall and boasting 9 arches blending perfectly into the luxurious surrounding vegetation. The rest of the trail is peppered with waterfalls, rice paddies and forests leading to Nuwara Eliya, the final stage where visitors can unwind.

It is possible to join the Pekoe Trail at different stages, with some being easy and ideally suited to families; just be sure to pack your hiking boots! Find out more on this site.