Immerse in Sri Lanka's tea plantation trails and mountain vistas
Auyobowan! and welcome to the pearl of the Indian ocean – Sri Lanka.
Sign up with ECC Adventures for an exclusive 4-day hiking tour of Sri Lanka’s mountains. Centred within the historic city of Kandy, our itinerary includes hiking to tropical mountain tops and exploring historic routes and valleys, carved through Sri Lanka’s famous tea plantations.
We will summit Katusu Konda or Knife-Edge, one of the 7 peaks of ‘Hanthana Plains’, and Alagalla mountain peak, an ancient lookout spot, filled with exciting legends and equally fantastic views. Moving on, we head towards Sri Lanka’s tea plantations to explore 2 out of the 22, recently revitalised, Pekoe Trails. Both the trails will take us through world famous tea estates that are surrounded by mountainous jungles, a variety of animal life and ecosystems, local communities, villages and endless acres of tea plantations. A hike unlike anything you’ve witnessed before.
Teaming up with a local award-winning adventure company, we put together one-of-a-kind itinerary allowing you to discover Sri Lanka, one hike at a time.
Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s name takes on many sounds from the likes of Taprobane, Palaesimondoundu, Serendib, Lakdiva and Ceylon, just to name a few, throughout it’s 2500 year old history. It is also home to just as many diverse landscapes and untold hidden gems, all waiting to be discovered by modern day adventurers and explorers like yourself.
Situated in the middle of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a large island that is unique in unimaginable ways. Not only does the country offer a get-away for history and culture buffs, but it is bursting with biodiversity and natural wonders everywhere you look.
With Sri Lanka’s popularity as a tourist hub growing with each passing year, we are offering you the chance to explore the central mountains of the country around Kandy, away from the crowds. This custom-made itinerary will allow you to immerse yourself in the lavish greenery of the country as well as discover how nature and humans intertwine to produce one of the world’s most favourite beverages.
Upcoming Dates
Sunday, September 8th, 2024 – Thursday, September 12th, 2024
Price AED 3,500
Last day to sign up for this event is on or before the 25th of August 2024.
NOTE: All trekkers must organise their international flights to Bandaranayake International (CMB) from the UAE. For flights recommended to fit in with our group itinerary and airport pick-ups please see details under International Flights section under FAQ.
This itinerary is classed under intermediate to intermediate+ and will range from easy to moderately difficult hikes and will require some steep climbs and instances of bouldering.
1st Day – Algalla Hike – Moderate/Intermediate
2nd Day – Katusukonda hike – Moderate/ Intermediate+
4th Day – Pekoe trail stage 1 – Chill/ Beginner
5th Day – Pekoe trail stage 2 – Moderate/Intermediate
Day 1
Travel from Colombo to Kandy
Morning pickup is from the airport and we drive to Kandy, the ancient capital city of Sri Lanka. Situated about 115 km away from Colombo, the drive takes 3 to 4 hours.
After checking in, rest of the day is all yours. You can either do some sight-seeing or chill at the hotel before our hiking expedition begins from day 2.
Kandy
Locally known as Nuwara or Maha Nuwara (The City or the Main City), Kandy is situated in the Central Province. It was the last locally ruled Kingdom before Sri Lanka fell into the hands of colonial powers. Nowadays, it is a bustling town, yet somehow manages to retain its proud heritage everywhere you look.
Kandy Lake sits right in the middle of the city. Sri Lanka’s longest river, Mahwaeli river, also flows not too far from the centre. Meanwhile, various mountain ranges overlook the city from all sides, providing safety and a scenic splendour that has made Kandy a cultural and a protective bastion throughout its colourful past and present.
Kandy’s most famous attraction is the Temple of the Tooth, which is a cultural fortress and home to one of Buddha’s relics, a tooth. An extremely venerated Buddhist place of worship all are welcome to visit the temple and take in its beautiful architecture and history. Please remember to dress appropriately if you visit the temple.
Day 2
Alagalla Hike
Our voyage into Sri Lanka’s mountains begins today. First off though, we need to drive past the suburbs of the Central Province to the border of Sabaragamuwa Province, to Alagalla Mountain range which transects the two provinces.
Alagalla mountain along with other mountain ranges around the area provided an almost impenetrable fortress against enemies of the Kandyan Kingdom during various invasions. Thereby, serving as an important look-out point during these battles and today you will get the chance to walk on history’s trails as well as embody the boastful natural beauty of the area.
We start off by traversing through scenic jungle terrain and then hiking to the summit known as the ‘Lion’s Maw’. The climb to the rocky pinnacle there-after requires somewhat of a daring climb including some bouldering. At the top however, you will be rewarded to breathtaking beauty that is exclusive to tropical terrains.
This hike is moderate in difficulty and is approximately 7.6 km long, reaching an elevation gain of 520 m.
Day 3
Katusu Konda hike (Lizard’s back or Knife-Edge peak)
A 45-minute drive from Kandy city will take us to Sri Lanka’s famous Hanthana mountain range. Providing an iconic backdrop to the ancient city of Kandy it consists of a total of 7 peaks. Today we summit one of these peaks; Katusu Konda (Lizard’s back), also known as Knife-Edge, gaining 400 m in elevation.
The hike begins at a slow and steady pace, but once at the top of the peak, you will be awarded exhilarating views of valleys and lush green forests below. Enjoy one of Sri Lanka’s most beautiful sights and sounds and feel the zen of nature overtake you.
Katusu Konda is the most popular and the easiest peak to summit in the Hanthana range, but don’t be fooled by its humble stature in comparison to its sibling peaks. This trek will not only offer a buffet for the senses, but front-row seats to an adventure filled with waves of adrenaline bursts as you gently take a walk on the proverbial knife’s-edge.
Day 4
Pekoe Trail Stage 1
Today we will slow down the adrenaline bursts and embark instead on an exploration of one of Sri Lanka’s best kept secrets: The Pekoe Trail. We walk through Sri Lanka’s famous tea estate routes that exposes the country’s beautiful mountainous ecology while it intertwines with tea plant cultivations.
The full trail consists of 22 segments totalling about 300 km long, but today we will hike stage 1 – Hanthana to Galaha. A 12.8 km trail, starting at Sri Lanka Tea Museum and through one of the country’s largest and oldest tea plantations, Hanthana Tea Estate. You will walk along a distinct path, taken by estate workers for hundreds of years.
Stage 1 trail takes you alongside Katusu Konda which we conquered yesterday, giving you the chance to marvel at it one more time. This time however, from far, along with the rest of peaks of Hanthana mountain range. Apart from local villages, you will also walk past a Hollywood point of fame on this trail: the dramatic mountain facade featured in 1983’s Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. In fact, many parts of the movie were filmed in and around the Kandy and Hanthana area.
Today’s hike ends in Galaha, another local village. It will also be the starting point for tomorrow’s hike.
Your transport will pick you up at the end of the hike and take you back to your hotel in Kandy. Spend the rest of today’s evening winding down in preparation for our last hike into the Pekoe trail.
Day 5
Pekoe Trail Stage 2
We check-out of our hotel early and travel to the starting point of today’s hike which is Stage 2 of the Pekoe Trail.
Galaha to Loolkanda trail is slightly more challenging than yesterday’s hike. Not only is the hike longer,14.7 Km, but we also gain an elevation of 853m.
Beginning the trail in Galaha, the charming village surrounded by the many hills and mountains of the region, we take paths and roads that carried people and carriages to Deltota Tea Estate for hundreds of years. Passing through tea plantations manicured by hand, you will also walk past colourful Kovils. These are places of worship built for the Hindu communities who have lived here since colonial times.
This trail has many ups and downs and twists and turns. All encircling the mountain that were originally covered in forests prior to tea plantations.
On our way, we also pass Deltota, a lively local village and then through LoolKandura Estate. Sri Lanka’s first tea plantation, established in 1867 by the ‘Father of Sri Lankan Tea’, Scotsman James Taylor. Continue along the tea trails where you will walk through some of the most scenic tea bushes with views that include a massive rock formation and tropical rainforests. This stage ends in Loolkandura.
Travel back to Colombo from Kandy
After our de-briefing, it is time to bid farewell to Sri Lanka’s hill capital and it’s stunning mountains. Nonetheless, during the drive back to Colombo the road from Kandy to Colombo never disappoints. So, keep an eye-out for exceptional views all along the way as the roads entwine through busy city centres.
The drive takes about 4-5 hours and you can choose to be dropped off at the airport or in Negombo.
- Transfers from and to Bandaranyake International (CMB) airport
- Accommodation for all 4 nights in Kandy (Day 1 until morning of Day 5)
- Entrance fees to national parks
- All meals: Half-board at accommodation and picnic lunch during the hike
- Snacks and refreshments during the activity
- English speaking, certified instructors and guides throughout the trip
Accommodation
You will be staying at the same accommodation in Kandy, throughout your trip on a twin-sharing basis. Set in beautiful surroundings overlooking mountains, your accommodation for this trip will be at Serendip Stone, Kandy.
Note: Please note that accommodation details are based on availability and we reserve the right to change hotels with no prior notice.
Meals
You will be on half-board basis at your accommodation and will receive a picnic style lunch during our activities.
Transportation
Transport throughout the trip is provided including pick-up from the airport (provided that participants arrive on Day 1 in afore-mentioned Fly Dubai flight) as well as drop off on Day 5. In addition, for those who wish to stay an extra night in Colombo, we will also be able to drop you off in Negombo at designated locations.
Whats’ NOT included
- International flights
- Visas if required
- Any extra meals or purchases made during the trip
- Accommodation on the evening of Day 5
- Energy Bars and personal snacks
- Water bottle or Camel pack (2L minimum)
- Quick dry hiking wear (long sleeved shirts and long trousers)
- Footwear suitable for hiking
- Swimwear (optional)
- Light towel
- Personal first aid kit
- Toiletries including toilet roll for camping
- Sun protection (Sun glasses, sun screen and hats)
- Rain jacket
Optional, but highly recommended:
- Cameras/GoPro
- Power Banks
- Binoculars (optional)
SRI LANKA VISA AND ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
To learn more about travel requirements to Sri Lanka please visit:
https://www.immigration.gov.lk/pages_e.php?id=14
and https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/information
All participants are responsbile for obtaining any visas or other entry requirements to enter Sri Lanka.
FLIGHTS TO COLOMBO
Our trip offers a group pick up and drop off from Bandaranayake International Airport, in Colombo, to Kandy to your accommodation and vica versa.
Our recommended flight is with Fly Dubai that arrive between 8.00-9.00 a.m in the morning of Day 1 and departs at 2.00 a.m the day after Day 5.
Alternatively you can spend the night in Kandy or Negombo and enjoy more of Sri Lanka before flying back to the UAE. This extra night however is not included as part of this itinerary cost.
INSURANCE REQUIREMENTS
We have teamed up with Extreme Adventures Sri Lanka, south Asia’s award-winning adventure tour operator to bring you the activities of this itinerary. They adhere to strict safety protocols and conduct exhaustive risk assessments before any extreme or high-risk activity, taking into factors such as weather conditions, participant skill levels, and the specific challenges posed by each location. They also provide high-quality gear, as well as taking advantage of advanced technology and state-of-the-art communication systems to enhance safety measures ensuring that all participants’ safety remains priortiy, while not compromising on the fun and the thrill of each experience.
However, we highly recommend a travel or adventure insurance to cover any unforeseen circumstances if your local insurance does not cover the activities outlined in this itinerary.
Weather
August to September are dry months in Sri Lanka and is considered best times to take part in the activities outlined. However, Sri Lanka is situated in the tropical belt, therefore sunny and humid. Also unexpected showers are a delight all visitors must embrace.
Cancellation and refunding policy
Last day to sign up for this event is on or before the 25th of August 2024.
– Cancellations made on or before 25th of August, will be eligible for a full refund (minus any adminstration or transfer fees incurred).
– Cancellations made between 26th and after will not be eligible for any refunds.