Sri Lanka’s Pekoe Trail has been named one of The World’s Greatest Places of 2025 by Time magazine.
This 186-mile trail, completed in March 2024, is the country’s first long-distance walking route, weaving together colonial-era dirt roads and railway tracks originally built by the British. Named after the high-grade black tea produced on Sri Lankan estates, the trail offers a unique journey through the island’s breathtaking landscapes and rich tea heritage.
While trekking tours along parts of the route have existed for years, this is the first time all 22 sections have been unified into a single trail. The initiative was spearheaded by sustainability consultant Miguel Cunat and funded by the European Union and the U.S. Agency for International Development.
The Pekoe Trail begins in the misty Hanthana mountains near Kandy, passing through tea plantations, eucalyptus forests, and villages before reaching Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s tea capital. Hikers can explore diverse terrains, including the sacred peak of Sri Pada. A newly launched app enhances the experience by providing route details, emergency information, and landmarks.
Each segment of the trail takes three to six hours to complete, while the entire journey can take several weeks, making it a must-visit destination for adventure seekers.
