Teardrop Hotels offers guests unique access to stages of Sri Lanka’s The Pekoe Trail – With 10-night ‘Highlights of The Pekoe Trail’ journey

Teardrop Hotels offers a unique opportunity for guests to access stages of The Pekoe Trail from three of its spectacular tea country bungalows, Camellia Hills, Goatfell and Nine Skies with the launch of a 10-night ‘Highlights of The Pekoe Trail’ journey.

The journey allows adventurous travellers the chance to fully immerse in local culture by experiencing highlights of the 300 kilometre-long trail (made up of 22 stages) in manageable stretches, before returning ‘home’ to the comforts and authentic hospitality of Teardrop Hotels. 

Backed by the European Union (EU) as part of their EUR 5.3 million investment to support the revival of Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, with the additional support of $787,000 from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), guests of Teardrop in 2024 will experience the trail in its first fully open and operational year.  

Treks can be self guided or guided for an additional fee, and at each bungalow walkers are provided hiking boots, trekking poles, leech socks, insect repellent, sun hats and recommendations on where, when, and how long to walk depending on experience.

Beginning at the tropical jungle oasis of Wallawwa, guests will have time to recharge before heading to Camellia Hills in Dickoya. This uniquely designed five bedroom property in the highlands provides a comfortable base from which to tackle stages 7 and 8 of The Pekoe Trail, where old and new tea factories, ancient churches and Hindu landmarks can be found amongst rolling and remote countryside. After a day of exploring, guests can return to the comfort of cold towels, delicious homemade cakes and cookies, and freshly brewed Ceylon tea.

Further adventures at Camellia Hills include boat rides on the Castlereagh Reservoir, short walks to ‘secret’ picnic locations and scenic waterfalls, and late-night tea plantation walks. 

Next stop on the journey is Goatfell, a four-bedroom tea bungalow perched snugly among tea bushes on the Concordia Estate near Nuwara Eliya, a short 1.5 kilometres from stage 21, where walkers can meander through sprawling farmland, punctuated with natural rock formations and forests teaming with monkeys, birds and wildlife. 

Guests will feel the benefits of a true mountain escape, where an infinity pool overlooking stunning tea-fringed vistas to cool off after a long trek, dinner by a log fire and thoughtful turndown service guarantee the best night’s rest. Beyond The Pekoe Trail, experiences such as birdwatching on the property and nearby attractions Horton Plains, Adam’s Peak, Hakgala Botanical Gardens, and the historic Victoria Golf Course make this a hub for cultural exploration. 

Next up is Nine Skies, located just a few hundred meters from the start of stages 16 and 17 of the trail – along which Ella Rock, Little Adam’s Peak and the Nine Arches Bridge can be best admired. The property offers a warm respite with elegant suites, tropical gardens, and an infinity pool with incredible views of the Demodara railway line. Guests can enjoy long soaks in the tub after a day of walking or even a cooking lesson demonstration by the bungalow’s chef, who’ll share his secrets in making the perfect Sri Lankan curry.  

For those wishing to experience the coastline as well as the countryside, the 10-night journey includes two nights at Kumu Beach – where powder soft sand just footsteps away and open air living provides a place to unwind and reflect on the week’s adventure.  

The 10-night ‘Highlights of The Pekoe Trail’ starts from £4,250 / USD 5,420 based on two adults sharing a double room: 1 night Wallawwa on B&B, 2 nights Camellia Hills, 2 nights Goatfell, 3 nights Nine Skies on all-inclusive basis including breakfast, afternoon tea, lunch, dinner, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and 2 nights at Kumu Beach on B&B. Price includes picnic breakfast at Camellia Hills, tea factory visit at Goatfell, and Sri Lankan cookery demonstration at Nine Skies, train tickets from Hatton to Nuwara Eliya and from Nuwara Eliya to Demodara- Ella and all transportation in an air-conditioned car with an English-speaking chauffeur. Excludes visas and flights.