Trekking From Kandy to Ella

Trekking from Kandy to Ella is an exhilarating journey that takes adventurers through the heart of Sri Lanka’s lush landscapes. Over the course of seven days, hikers traverse a diverse terrain, seeing the country’s rich cultural tapestry. From serene tea plantations to charming homestays, this moderate trek offers an unparalleled experience, with expert guides sharing insights on the region’s natural wonders. With daily distances ranging from 10 to 20 kilometers, the journey promises to captivate the senses and leave a lasting impression. But what truly sets this trek apart is the personalized approach, ensuring an unforgettable adventure for every participant.

Contents hide

1 Overview of Trekking Route

2 Itinerary Highlights

3 Accommodation and Meals

4 Transportation and Guide

5 Entrance Fees and Attractions

6 Meeting Points and Pickup

7 Language and Group Size

8 Cancellation and Payment Options

9 Frequently Asked Questions

Key Points

The Kandy to Ella trekking route covers approximately 90 kilometers and takes 7 days to complete, divided into 15 stages.
Accommodations along the trek include guest houses, tea plantation bungalows, and homestays, catering to a range of budgets and experiences.
The trek is suitable for moderately fit individuals and offers a combination of natural landscapes, culture, and guided expertise.
The tour package includes entrance fees, transportation, and a local guide who provides knowledge on the route, attractions, and local culture.
Flexible booking options, such as free cancellation and reserve now, pay later, ensure a hassle-free planning process for travelers.

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Overview of Trekking Route

The trekking route from Kandy to Ella traverses the scenic Pekoe Trail, covering a distance of approximately 90 kilometers over the course of 7 days.

Hikers will experience a mix of landscapes, from rolling tea plantations to misty mountain vistas.

The trek is divided into 15 stages, with each day’s journey ranging from 10 to 20 kilometers.

Accommodations along the way include simple guest houses, tea plantation bungalows, and homestays, providing a glimpse into the local way of life.

The trek is suitable for moderately fit individuals, and the price per person starts from £1,176.59, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Badulla.

Itinerary Highlights

On the first day, hikers traverse the Pekoe Trail’s Stage 1 from Hanthana to Galaha, where they’ll spend the night in a simple guest house.

The next day, they move on to Stage 2 from Deltota to Loolecondera, again staying in a simple guest house.

On day three, the trail takes them from Loolecondera to Thawalamthena, where they’ll overnight in a hotel or guest house in Nuwara Eliya.

The fourth day features a walk through Horton Plains National Park, followed by Stage 11 to Udaweriya and a stay in a tea plantation bungalow.

The remaining stages take hikers to Haputale, Bandarawela, and finally Ella via Ella Rock on the final day.

Accommodation and Meals

Accommodation for the trek ranges from simple guest houses to cozy tea plantation bungalows, ensuring a comfortable stay along the way.

On the first three days, hikers will stay in basic but clean guest houses in Galaha, Loolecondera, and Nuwara Eliya. At the Udaweriya tea plantation, they’ll enjoy the serene bungalow setting.

In Haputale and Bandarawela, guest houses and homestays provide a more local experience.

Meals are included throughout, with a mix of hearty dinners, satisfying breakfasts, and delicious packed lunches. Hikers can look forward to sampling authentic Sri Lankan cuisine, from curries to fresh produce, all accompanied by ample bottled water to stay hydrated on the trail.

Transportation and Guide

Transportation for the trek is provided via a combination of car and tuk-tuk, ensuring a comfortable and efficient journey. A local trekking guide accompanies hikers throughout the 7-day itinerary, sharing their expertise on the route, cultural highlights, and natural landmarks along the way.

Transportation	Guide Services
Car	English & French
Tuk-Tuk	Private Group
Included in Price	Local Expertise

The guide’s local knowledge and personalized attention make for an immersive and enriching trekking experience, as hikers explore the scenic Pekoe Trail from Kandy to Ella.

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Entrance Fees and Attractions

The tour package includes entrance fees for the attractions visited along the Pekoe Trail, ensuring a seamless and enriching trekking experience.

Trekkers will have the opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Sri Lanka, including:

Horton Plains National Park, known for its diverse flora and fauna, as well as the iconic ‘World’s End’ viewpoint.
Tea plantations, where they can learn about the history and production of Ceylon tea.
Ella Rock, a popular hike that offers panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys.

These inclusions allow trekkers to fully enjoy the local culture and environment, creating lasting memories of their journey from Kandy to Ella.

Meeting Points and Pickup

The tour commences with pickup from the railway station in Kandy or selected hotels around the city, ensuring a seamless start to the trekking adventure. This convenient pickup service allows participants to relax and focus on the exciting journey ahead without the hassle of arranging their own transportation.

The meeting points are strategically chosen to cater to the needs of trekkers, whether they’re arriving by train or staying in Kandy accommodations. This personalized attention ensures a smooth transition from the bustling city to the serene natural landscapes that await along the Pekoe Trail.

The tour guides are there to greet and guide participants, making the start of the trek a stress-free experience.

Language and Group Size

Live tour guides are available in both English and French, catering to the diverse language preferences of participants.

The private group experience ensures personalized attention and a more intimate trekking journey, allowing for a greater connection with the natural surroundings and culture along the Pekoe Trail.

The benefits of the private group format include:

Flexible scheduling and customization to suit the group’s needs and pace
Opportunities for deeper interactions with the local communities and guides
Enhanced safety and security, with the guide tailoring the experience to the group’s abilities

This combination of language options and private group setting ensures a truly immersive and memorable trekking experience from Kandy to Ella.

Cancellation and Payment Options

Travelers can take advantage of a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, entitling them to a full refund.

On top of that, a reserve now and pay later option is available, allowing for convenient booking and payment flexibility.

This trekking experience from Kandy to Ella via the Pekoe Trail offers these hassle-free booking options to cater to the needs of all travelers.

With prices starting from £1,176.59 per person, the 7-day trek encompasses various accommodation types, meals, transportation, and guided services.

Whether you need to adjust your plans or prefer to secure your spot first before paying, these flexible policies ensure a seamless booking process for your trekking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book the Trek for a Solo Traveler?

Yes, the trek from Kandy to Ella can be booked for solo travelers. The tour operator offers a private group experience, and solo travelers are welcome to join. Solo travelers will be paired with other participants during the trek.

Do I Need Any Special Equipment or Gear for This Trek?

For this trek, hikers typically need hiking boots, a backpack, water bottle, sun protection, and rain gear. The tour operator can provide a packing list with recommended gear to ensure you have everything needed for the 7-day trek.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Requirements for This Trek?

This trek has no strict age or fitness requirements. However, it’s suitable for reasonably active adults as it involves moderate hiking over 7 days. Participants should be able to walk 4-6 hours per day on hilly terrain.

Can I Customize the Itinerary to My Preferences?

Yes, the trek itinerary can be customized to your preferences. The tour operator is flexible and can accommodate changes to the daily stops, activities, and accommodations based on your interests and needs. Simply discuss your preferences with the guide.

What Is the Currency Used for Expenses During the Trek?

The currency used for expenses during the trek is the Sri Lankan rupee (LKR). The price of the trek is listed as £1,176.59 per person, indicating the Sri Lankan rupee is the primary currency for the trek’s costs and services.