Take a walk along a mountain top, connect with your breath next to a stream in the forest, or find your peace in the vast open spaces of Sri Lanka’s tea country. Walking is the perfect way to appreciate the detail and nuance of the charm and slow living in the island’s tea country.
Ceylon Tea Trails introduces a collection of new trails, hikes and bike routes that traverse parts of the UNESCO World Heritage-classified Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. The new trails venture far and wide, and are guided by our team of naturalists who will ensure a safe and well-informed adventure.
All trails offer explorers a distinct sense of space and remoteness – many parts of the trail are along unmarked paths that snake through tea plantations, forests, and mountain ridges where you will encounter few people along the way (and if you’re lucky, leopard tracks!).
Connection to nature is constant. One of the trails traverse alongside the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary that is home to a unique collection endemic birdlife and flora, while another trail offers guests a first-hand look into a leopard conservation and reforestation project that Ceylon Tea Trails is actively supporting.
A collection of forest reserves and national parks in the hill country make for interesting walking excursions for the nature-lover. Horton Plains National Park comprises of montane grassland and cloud forest, and is home to many endemic species of both flora and fauna. A fascinating landscape, birds, primates, and smaller critters make Horton Plains a must-visit destination. The views from the “World’s End” cliff are stunning on a clear day as well.
The trails also offer fascinating elements of history and folklore, from the history of tea planting in the region, quaint old churches of historic significance, to a rocky plateau that is believed to have been an “airport” used by the mythical god “Ravana” in ancient times.
A longer cycling trail takes guests alongside two prominent watersheds – the Castlereagh and Moussakelle reservoirs – and through quiet forest roads and alongside grasslands and waterfalls.
The five bungalows features walking trails between them, many of which present stunning views. The trails snake through beautifully manicured tea gardens, tranquil patches of forest and jungle, and pass streams and mini waterfalls.
Walking is a delightful way of experiencing our stunning landscapes, lush and exotic flora, abundant bird life and the sweet rhythm of life in a tea garden.
We recommend a guided walk, however, to get the most out of the trail experience. A guest favourite is to walk the trails from one bungalow to another for lunch or tea. Transport back to your bungalow can be arranged with prior notice.
Each trail takes the better part of a day to complete, includes refreshments and picnic lunches, and can be customised to suit guest preference.
