Sri Lanka’s enchanting beauty and rich heritage on the Pekoe Trail

The Pekoe Trail Advisor​ Miguel Cunat

Assistant Manager and Regional Coordinator Thilini Peiris and The Pekoe Trail's esteemed Signature Experience Focus Tourism Manager Vishadini Fernando

By Tania de Silva

Imagine a breath-taking journey through the lush heart of Sri Lanka’s central highlands, where The Pekoe Trail, recognised by National Geographic as a must-visit destination in 2024, invites you on a vibrant exploration of nature, history, and culture. As the first walking and hiking trail within the Serendipity Trails concept, The Pekoe Trail offers adventurers, history buffs, and nature enthusiasts over 300 kilometres of captivating landscapes, connecting the traveller more intimately to the island’s soul than ever before. The trail was partially opened with two stages ready for visitors from November 2023. Each stage is designed to cover between 12 and 15 km, making it accessible for people with different interests and fitness levels, including discerning travellers such as singles, couples, small groups, or families.

This unique experience, backed by the European Union with a € 5.3 million investment and additional support of $ 787,000 from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), marks a transformative moment in Sri Lanka’s tourism narrative. Arosha Perera, the project’s Communications Director, eloquently captures the essence of the trail, describing it as a journey that transcends time, weaving together a tale that echoes the beauty and diversity of the land it traverses. “The Pekoe Trail is more than a mere walk—it’s an immersive experience that infuses each step with a sense of discovery and vitality,” says Perera, highlighting the trail’s ability to blend the past with the present in a harmonious narrative.

Many stages of the trail commence and conclude in charming towns or villages nestled within tea estates, providing travellers not just with novel experiences but also contributing to job creation and the emergence of new, locally-run businesses in the rural sectors. This initiative boosts socio-economic progress in Sri Lanka’s Central Highlands. Traversing diverse landscapes of forests, tea gardens, mountains, valleys, and inviting rural hamlets, The Pekoe Trail invites those keen to explore the united efforts of twelve regional tea companies, offering an all-encompassing view of Sri Lanka through the adventurous explorer’s eyes.

Vishadini Fernando, the trail’s esteemed Signature Experience Focus Tourism Manager, muses on the trail’s serene aura of tranquillity and simplicity, promising an immersive experience that engages travellers emotionally with every step, emphasises the trail’s commitment to environmental preservation and promoting sustainable tourism, involving local communities in conservation efforts.

The trail leverages digital tools such as an interactive website, trail app, and podcasts to optimise visitor experiences. This modern approach aims to enhance engagement and provide comprehensive insights into the trail and its various attractions. Shehan Ramanayaka,the Project Director of The Tourism Resilience Project, speaks to the transformative power of slow travel, describing the trail as an immersive storytelling experience that enriches the traveller’s connection to Sri Lanka.

In the wilds, Miguel Cunat, The Pekoe Trail Advisor, shares his timeless wisdom, “The trail will open up to you when you are ready.” His words inspire adventurers to approach nature with respect and readiness, embarking on a magical and unforgettable journey surrounded by endless tea plantations, misty mountains, and the genuine hospitality of the locals.

The Pekoe Trail exemplifies the impactful role of sustainable tourism in fostering environmental conservation, cultural preservation, and socioeconomic growth. As travellers walk its length, they become part of a continuous narrative, a celebration of Sri Lanka’s rich past, vibrant present, and hopeful future, offering a profound way to experience and appreciate the essence of Sri Lanka.

For more information on The Pekoe Trail visit www.thepekoetrailsrilanka.com , www.facebook.com/ThePekoeTrailOfficial/ , www.instagram.com/thepekoetrailofficial/ 

Local hospitality  

The Project Director of The Tourism Resilience Project, Shehan Ramanayaka