• Begin your Pekoe Trail adventure in the beautiful Hanthana Tea Estate. The trail climbs gently through tea plantations, pine forests and quiet mountain landscapes, revealing spectacular views of Kandy, the Hanthana Mountain Range, Victoria Reservoir and, on clear days, the Knuckles Mountain Range.
• Along the route, your professional Pekoe Trail Host will share stories of tea cultivation, local village life and the unique biodiversity of the region.

The hike begins at the historic Ceylon Tea Museum on the scenic Hanthana Estate. From here, the trail climbs gradually through one of Sri Lanka's oldest and largest tea-growing areas, with broad views across Kandy and the seven peaks of the Hanthana Mountain Range.

The route changes from quiet estate roads to gravel paths and shaded forest sections. Along the way, hikers pass cultural landmarks, small villages and places connected to Sri Lanka's tea heritage. Near the higher parts of the stage, the landscape opens towards Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles Range before the route descends towards Galaha.

This stage combines natural scenery, local community encounters, tea-country history and a touch of cinematic heritage, making it an ideal introduction to The Pekoe Trail.