Uda Pussellawa ⇌ Kandapola

STAGE IS OPEN – signage is in place and trail conditions are actively monitored.

TRAIL PASS: Now mandatory to walk this stage and can be purchased online at https://members.thepekoetrail.org/passes/create. Pekoe Trail Members are not required to buy a pass. If you would like to explore membership opportunities https://members.thepekoetrail.org

IMPORTANT NOTE: The stage is walkable and signposted. Look out for orange circles with a white arrow for directional signs and just the orange circle for way markers. Trail users are advised to consider all the information available and to heed local advice when available. The services of a professional trail guide is recommended. Trail users are responsible for all decisions as to the trail routes, trail conditions, weather, and safety. In addition to the hazards posed by steep terrain and mountain weather, hikers should be prepared for difficult route-finding and challenging trail conditions, dogs, leaches, heavy rain, intermittent thunderstorms, and plenty of sun. It is recommended to drink plenty of water when hiking. Access to emergency medical care and rescue is not always immediately available. Please ensure to carry your essential requirements such as, but not limited to, water, medicines, rations, and a raincoat with you at all times.

Please download the latest version of the map before navigating the stage to avoid missing out on any re-routing.

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DESCRIPTION OF THE STAGE

Today’s stage starts in Uda Pussellawa at an elevation of 1,275 meters and ends in Kandapola at an elevation of 1,936 meters. The elevation gain is considerable but well worth the physical effort and remember, we are walking on tea trails, so the ascent is gradual and manageable. Uda Pussellawa is a small but lively town with all the services you need: fruit sellers, small supermarkets, a bank, and a pharmacy. Take plenty of water with you.

We follow the main road out of town in the direction of Ragala for the first 700 meters of the trail and then peel off to the left as we begin to ascend on a well-trodden dirt track the villagers use. At the 1.7 km point, the trail turns back on itself, as we saddle onto the other side of this small valley. We zig-zag through verdant tea fields for 3 km and at the 4.7 km point we reach the highest point of this first section. We are walking on the Gordon Estate, along the border of the Central and Uva provinces. From here, we descend for another 2 km enjoying the spectacular views of the valleys below until we reach the “Ambalama Junction”, at the 6.7 km point.

From here, it’s a 6 km hike up towards Kandapola. The trail traces an old south-facing secondary road that takes us all the way up the hill. As we ascend, we are treated to sprawling views of the Uva bowl. On a clear day, one can easily make out the contour of Haputale, Lipton Seat, and Ella Rock, wrapping around the Uva bowl. This part of the tea country is also prolific at producing vegetables. People here are farming every centimeter of soil available for cultivation, to grow carrots or leeks.

At the 10.1 km point, we leave all the vegetable cultivations behind, as the trail takes us through the forest for approximately 3 km. This is a patch of autochthonous high-elevation rainforest. You’re on an old, virtually abandoned secondary road connecting Kandapola and the Uva Province. The forest is teeming with wildlife, birds, monkeys, and, of course, leopards as well. The change in temperature as you ascend is very noticeable, especially as you traverse and exit the forest.

At the 13 km point, we leave the forest behind and reach the highest point of today’s walk. We are now walking on tea trails and contemplating Hethersett Estate fields, and the iconic Tea Factory Hotel just in front of us.

The Heritance Tea Factory Hotel is a great example of how tourism can contribute to heritage conservation, by turning an abandoned tea factory into a hotel. In 2007, the Sunday Times UK listed The Tea Factory Hotel among the ‘100 Best Places to Stay in the World.

The trail loops around the hotel and heads down towards Kandapola. This exciting stage ends in front of the petrol station in the center of town.

PLEASE TAKE ALL YOUR RUBBISH WITH YOU AND IF YOU SEE ANY RUBBISH OTHERS LEFT BEHIND TRY TO TAKE IT - EVEN IF JUST A BOTTLE OR A PLASTIC BAG, EVERY BIT COUNTS - THANK YOU.

The Pekoe Trail is designed to support development and livelihoods in rural areas of Sri Lanka. Buying goods and services from local businesses helps communities along the trail to thrive.