Ella: Pekoe Trail Stage 15 Trekking From Makulela to Ella

Unlock the secrets of Sri Lanka’s enchanting tea country with the Ella: Pekoe Trail Stage 15 trekking experience. This moderate 5-hour journey takes adventurers on a captivating exploration through lush forests, offering breathtaking vistas of the valley and Little Adam’s Peak. More than just a scenic hike, this immersive trek introduces participants to the region’s rich cultural heritage, from the serene Allimale Bodhiya to the thundering Ravana Falls. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker or seeking a new way to experience Sri Lanka, this one-of-a-kind adventure promises to leave you spellbound. Discover the hidden gems that await along the Ella: Pekoe Trail.

Good To Know

• The Pekoe Trail Stage 15 trek starts at the Makulela viewpoint and ends at the Ella Train Station, covering a distance of approximately 6 km.
• The trek offers stunning views of the tea country, including Ella Rock and Little Adam’s Peak, and visits to the Allimale Bodhiya temple and Ravana Falls.
• The difficulty level of the trek is moderate, with a total elevation loss of around 240 meters and rocky, uneven terrain that may be muddy or slippery.
• The trek duration is approximately 5 hours and is suitable for trekkers with some hiking experience and a good fitness level.
• The trek package includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a picnic lunch, professional trekking guide services, and entrance fees to the attractions.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Activity Overview

The Pekoe Trail Stage 15 trekking activity offers adventurers a guided hike through Sri Lanka’s renowned tea country, lasting approximately 5 hours.

The trek starts at an elevation of 1240 meters and ends just over 1000 meters. Along the way, trekkers can enjoy scenic views from Ella Rock, including vistas of the valley and little Adam’s Peak.

The trail includes forested areas, jungle patches, and a steep descent through eucalyptus forest. Live tour guides in English and French are available, and free cancellation up to 24 hours is offered for a full refund.

The activity is suitable for all skill levels, making it an ideal way to explore the beauty of Sri Lanka’s tea region.

Pricing and Booking

For the Pekoe Trail Stage 15 trekking activity, prices start from $50.00 per person.

Hikers have the option to reserve their spot without paying upfront, thanks to the "reserve now & pay later" option. To check availability, simply inquire about starting times.

This activity offers:

• Free cancellation up to 24 hours for a full refund
• Live tour guide available in English and French
• No need for an advance payment to secure your booking

With these flexible pricing and booking options, trekkers can easily plan their Ella adventure along the Pekoe Trail Stage 15.

Highlights and Experience

As one embarks on this trekking adventure, they’ll be guided through Sri Lanka’s breathtaking tea country, offering a unique opportunity to immerse in the region’s natural beauty.

The highlights include stunning views from Ella Rock, overlooking the valley and Little Adam’s Peak.

Along the way, trekkers will visit the temple of Allimale Bodhiya and the captivating Ravana Falls, both steeped in the legends of the Ramayana.

The trail itself is a diverse journey, featuring forested areas, jungle patches, and a steep descent through an eucalyptus forest, culminating in a walk along the iconic railway track to the Ella Train Station.

Route Details

The first part of the trek is a delightful walk through a forested area, providing a serene start to the journey.

At around 800 meters, stunning views open up on the right-hand side, allowing hikers to take in the picturesque valley.

After covering 4.5 km, the trail mirrors the popular route to Ella Rock, a well-trodden path.

The final stretch involves walking along the railway track for approximately 1.5 km, ending at the charming Ella Train Station, the 75th station on the Main Line, located 271.03 km from Colombo.

The route includes:

• Forested areas
• Jungle patches
• Steep descent through eucalyptus forest
• Walking along the railway track

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Inclusions

Included in the price of the Pekoe Trail Stage 15 trekking experience are hotel pickup and drop-off services, a picnic lunch enjoyed during the hike, and the services of a professional trekking guide.

Entrance fees to the attractions along the trail, such as the temple of Allimale Bodhiya and Ravana Falls, are also covered.

On top of that, transportation to the meeting point is provided, ensuring a seamless and hassle-free start to the adventure.

With these inclusions, trekkers can focus on seeing the stunning scenery and rich cultural experiences that the Pekoe Trail has to offer, without having to worry about logistics or additional expenses.

Difficulty and Fitness Level

Trekkers should expect a moderate level of difficulty on the Pekoe Trail Stage 15. While the total elevation loss is around 240 meters, the trail includes some steep and challenging sections.

Hikers should be in good physical condition and prepared for:

• Steep descents through eucalyptus forests
• Uneven, rocky terrain in certain areas
• Potential mud and slippery conditions during wet weather
• Navigating the railway track for the final stretch

The guided tour is suitable for trekkers with some hiking experience, though those with a good fitness level and a sense of adventure will enjoy the scenic rewards along the way.

What to Bring

Hikers should bring several essential items for the Pekoe Trail Stage 15 trek. Comfortable, broken-in hiking boots or shoes are a must, as the trail includes steep descents and uneven terrain.

A lightweight, breathable rain jacket is recommended, as the weather can be unpredictable. Don’t forget to pack plenty of water, snacks, and a packed lunch, as the hike takes around 5 hours.

Sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses will help protect against the strong Sri Lankan sun. Trekking poles can be helpful for the steep sections.

Getting to the Meeting Point

Typically, visitors are picked up from their hotels or accommodations in Ella and transported to the starting point of the Pekoe Trail Stage 15 trek.

The meeting location is usually at the Makulela viewpoint, a scenic spot with panoramic vistas of the surrounding tea plantations.

Getting to the trailhead is hassle-free, as the tour operator coordinates the transportation for a seamless experience.

Depending on your location in Ella, the drive to the meeting point takes approximately 15-20 minutes.

Participants can expect a comfortable and efficient transfer to the start of the hike, allowing them to focus on the upcoming adventure.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off
• Transportation to the meeting point
• Scenic drive through tea country
• Approximately 15-20 minutes to reach trailhead

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Pet on the Trek?

Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the trek for safety and environmental reasons. The tour operator must ensure the well-being of all participants and the preservation of the natural surroundings along the route.

Is There Cellular Network Coverage Throughout the Trail?

The trail features reliable cellular network coverage for most of the journey, though there may be some spotty areas due to the mountainous terrain. Hikers can expect to maintain connectivity throughout the majority of the trek.

Are There Any Restroom Facilities Along the Route?

Along the route, there are a few basic restroom facilities available. Hikers can expect to find simple pit toilets or outhouse-style restrooms at some of the major landmarks and viewpoints along the trail.

Can I Rent Hiking Equipment on Site?

Hikers can’t rent hiking equipment on-site, but the tour company provides all the necessary gear, including sturdy hiking boots, backpacks, and walking sticks, to ensure a comfortable and safe trekking experience along the scenic route.

Is There an Option to Hire a Porter to Carry My Gear?

Yes, there’s an option to hire a porter to carry your gear. Porters are available for an additional fee and can assist in making your trekking experience more comfortable and enjoyable.

The Sum Up

The Ella: Pekoe Trail Stage 15 offers an unforgettable trekking experience through Sri Lanka’s stunning tea country. Spanning 5 hours, this moderate trek showcases breathtaking vistas, cultural sites, and the iconic railway track leading to Ella Train Station. Whether you’re a nature enthusiast or seeking an authentic cultural journey, this trail provides an unparalleled adventure in the heart of Sri Lanka’s picturesque highlands.

You can check availability for your dates here: