TikaWeeks #41/2025: Sri Lanka update
Posted by John on 12th October 2025
Tikalanka is now an official Pekoe Trail DMC Partner, which means we have been trained and certified by The Pekoe Trail Organization to design itineraries that incorporate the trail responsibly, respectfully, and sustainably. Whether you’re looking for a day hike through the tea country, a weeklong walking journey, or a tailored experience that blends wellness, nature, and culture – we are the professionals who can make it happen and who bring the trail to life for travellers from around the world.
As an introduction to the Pekoe Trail, here are some highlights of the trail and ideas for enhancing your experience:
- Leopards on the Trail – Explore stages that pass-through leopard corridors and highland forests. Combine trekking with wildlife, for instance at Horton Plains (Stages 10 & 11), where elk and endemic birdlife are potential sightings along with the elusive leopards. We always emphasise responsible wildlife viewing by keeping to the clearly marked paths, staying an appropriate distance from wildlife, speaking quietly, wearing muted-coloured clothes, and taking all disposable garbage away (even collecting other people’s discarded items!).
- A Journey through Tea Heritage and Hill Country Splendour – A two-day immersive experience along the renowned Pekoe Trail. This specially crafted tour will take you through Sri Lanka’s tea heritage, stunning landscapes, and historical landmarks. (Stages 1 & 2)
- Tea & Trails: Sip & Trek through Sri Lanka’s Tea Heritage – This tour pairs hikes with visits to working tea estates and the Ceylon Tea Museum. You may also include tea-tasting sessions and overnight stays on plantations. Stages 1, 2, 7, 8 and 13 are particularly recommended for this experience.
- Family Footprints – For families, there are more gentle stages suitable for all the family (Stages 1, 6 & 16 in particular). We may also include cultural encounters such as cooking lessons, visits to temples and traditional villages, and arrange accommodation in community homestays as well as scenic train journeys to/from trailheads (Stages 14 & 15).
- Bird-Watcher’s Paradise – Early morning walks through montane forests offer you the opportunity to spot a variety of birdlife including endemics. Our own chauffeur guides are all expert amateur naturalists, or we may arrange local birding guides along the way. Stages 16 onwards are recommended.
- No-Man’s Trails – The trail’s quieter, less-travelled sections are ideal for solitude-seeking trekkers (Stages 3, 8 to 10, 13, 15 & 20). Visits to and stays in off-the-beaten-track villages and stargazing experiences (Stages 18 & 19) may be included in your itinerary.
- Challenging Treks – Avid trekkers may enjoy the more strenuous and technically difficult stages of the trail, particularly the elevated (Stages 10 to 14, 21 & 22) or longer sections (Stages 3, 9, 12, 19 & 21). We can provide training tips and altitude management advice.
- Luxury Glamping Retreats – The Pekoe Trail offers exclusive glamping experiences, combining luxury with nature. Guests may enjoy gourmet meals, spa treatments, and guided nature walks, perfect for couples, honeymooners, and luxury travellers, providing the ultimate getaway for those seeking indulgence in nature’s embrace.
- Wildlife Photography Workshops – Professional photographers lead wildlife photography workshops along the Pekoe Trail, focusing on capturing the diverse wildlife within the region. Aimed at photography enthusiasts and wildlife lovers, these workshops, such as “Lens on Wildlife: Capturing the Pekoe Trail’s Biodiversity,” allow participants to learn techniques while photographing the trail’s stunning flora and fauna.
- Family Adventure Weekends – The Pekoe Trail also offers family-friendly itineraries designed for all ages. These weekends feature shorter treks, nature games, and cultural activities that allow families with children to connect with nature. Activities such as “Family Footprints: A Weekend on the Pekoe Trail” encourage togetherness and adventure for families of all sizes.
- Cultural Immersion Festivals – The trail celebrates local traditions through immersive festivals that include music, dance, crafts, and culinary experiences from the communities along the trail. Aimed at cultural tourists and food enthusiasts, festivals like “Pekoe Trail Heritage Festival: A Celebration of Culture and Cuisine” offer a deep dive into the region’s unique heritage and traditions.
- Tea Tasting and Trail Walks – Guided tea tastings paired with scenic walks through local plantations highlight the Pekoe Trail’s tea culture. These tours are ideal for tea aficionados and culinary tourists who wish to learn about the intricate process of tea-making. “Sip and Trek: A Tea Lover’s Journey on the Pekoe Trail” is one such example that provides a sensory-rich experience.
- Eco-Conscious Clean-Up Campaigns – The Pekoe Trail engages both tourists and locals in environmental conservation by organising eco-conscious clean-up campaigns along the trail. These initiatives invite eco-conscious travellers and community members to contribute to trail stewardship, with campaigns like “Green Steps: A Day of Trail Stewardship” focusing on maintaining and preserving the trail’s natural beauty.
Categories: Accommodation, Culture, Honeymoon, News, Sightseeing, Sri Lanka, Sustainability, Travel tips, Wildlife
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