Pekoe Trail hiking tour from Ella: Stage 16 or 17

Walk tea plantations and colonial-era landmarks on two different Pekoe Trail routes.

A guided hike along the Pekoe Trail near Ella, Sri Lanka, where you choose between Stage 16 (a relaxed walk through tea plantations and village paths) or Stage 17 (more dramatic mountain views and forest ridgelines). A local guide leads the route, pointing out hidden paths and the region's tea heritage. Private transportation, bottled water, and coffee or tea are included.

Step-by-step itinerary

Hike Pekoe Trail and visit landmarks

• Walk along Nine Arch Bridge
• Explore Demodara Railway Station
• Visit Demodara Loop and tunnel
• Enjoy river valley scenery

The experience

The Nine Arch Bridge (a 300-foot colonial-era railway viaduct built in 1921) anchors Stage 16, where you walk through rolling tea plantations and village paths to reach it. The bridge itself stands 80 to 100 feet high, connecting two mountains as part of the old Badulla-Colombo railway line. From there, the trail continues through the surrounding green hillsides and dense jungle. Stage 17 takes a different route entirely, climbing toward Demodara and its famous spiral railway loop: an engineering marvel where the track loops beneath itself and emerges from a tunnel directly under the station. Both stages run 4 to 5 hours and pass through the same landscape of tea estates, forest, and a river valley, but the landmarks and elevation change differ.

Your guide is a local who knows the hidden paths and can explain the tea heritage and culture as you walk. Private transportation picks you up and brings you back, so you don't arrange your own way to the trailhead. Bottled water and coffee or tea are provided during the hike. The route is suitable for all fitness levels, though it is not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

• Private transportation from your location.
• bottled water throughout the hike.
• coffee and tea provided during the walk.
• a local English-speaking guide leading the entire route.

Options for this experience

2 options

Stage 16, running from Ella to DemodaraGuide in English · 08:30Pickup is included

Stage 17, running from Demodara to Hali ElaGuide in English · 08:30Stage 17 of the Pekoe Trail, with pickup included

You see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates & prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to6h before

AgesAdult (13 to 70 years) · Child (3 to 12 years) · Infant (under 3): free

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated 8 days ago

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditions

Operated by Ella Holidays

Is this one for you?Choose Stage 16 if you prefer a gentler walk through working tea plantations and village life with the Nine Arch Bridge as the landmark. Pick Stage 17 if you want higher elevation, forest trails, and the Demodara Loop railway station as your destination.

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Top questions

Can children come?

Yes. Ticket types: Child (3 to 12 years); Infant (under 3): free.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What's the difference between Stage 16 and Stage 17 on the Pekoe Trail?

Stage 16 is a relaxed walk through tea plantations and village paths, ending at the Nine Arch Bridge. Stage 17 features more dramatic mountain views, forest trails, and ridgelines, passing the Demodara Loop railway station instead.

How long does the Pekoe Trail hike take?

The hike takes 4 to 5 hours, depending on which stage you choose and the pace of the group.

Is the hike difficult, and do I need to be very fit?

The trail is suitable for all fitness levels. It is not recommended only for travelers with poor cardiovascular health. Otherwise, most people can manage the terrain.

What does the Nine Arch Bridge look like, and why is it worth seeing?

The Nine Arch Bridge is a 300-foot railway viaduct built in 1921, standing 80 to 100 feet high. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in Sri Lanka and offers views of rolling hills and dense jungle from the bridge itself.

What is the Demodara Loop, and will I see it on Stage 17?

The Demodara Loop is a spiral railway line where the track loops around a mountain and passes beneath a tunnel located directly under Demodara railway station: the only such engineering feat in the world. Stage 17 passes this station and the loop.

What's included in the tour price?

Private transportation to and from the trailhead, bottled water, and coffee or tea during the hike are included.