Natural Leech Repellant Spray
Rs. 1450

Natural Mosquito Repellant Spray
Rs. 1450

Natural Sleep-Enhancing Balm
Rs. 850

Natural Beeswax Lip Balm
Rs. 790

Leech Repellent + Sleep Enhancing Balm Rs. 2500

King Coconut Body Custard
Rs.1,900

Organic King Coconut Oil
Rs. 2150

The post The Pekoe Trail Wellness Range: FRELLA x The Pekoe Trail first appeared on The Pekoe Trail.

The Pekoe Trail is more than a scenic route; it’s a catalyst for sustainable development and local entrepreneurship. One such inspiring story is that of Thushan, a young entrepreneur from Hantana. At the edge of Stage 1 of the Pekoe Trail, Thushan transformed his family’s traditional tea cultivation business into “Dunali Mountains,” a trail campsite offering close-to-nature accommodation for eco-conscious travelers.

Thushan’s journey into eco-tourism began through the Pekoe Trail business incubator, launched under the Tourism Resilience Project (TRP). This program provided him with the guidance, skills, and resources to reimagine his business, turning it into a competitive and high-potential venture. His passion for creating sustainable, immersive experiences has now made Dunali Mountains a focal point for visitors looking to truly connect with the natural beauty of Sri Lanka.

Thushan is just one of 60 micro, small, and medium tourism enterprises transformed by the Pekoe Trail business incubator, unlocking economic opportunities for individuals and communities along the trail.

Now, with the conclusion of the TRP, the Tourism Promotion and Trail Organization has taken the lead in sustaining and expanding these initiatives. As a nonprofit, The Pekoe Trail Company is committed to ensuring that the Pekoe Trail continues to benefit rural communities by fostering eco-tourism, supporting local businesses, and promoting sustainable practices.

The Pekoe Trail, originally funded by the European Union in Sri Lanka and the Maldives with additional support from USAID Sri Lanka, was designed not just as a tourism experience but as a platform to provide meaningful economic opportunities to the rural communities it touches. Today, under the stewardship of The Pekoe Trail Company, the trail remains a beacon of community-driven growth and sustainable development, with success stories like Thushan’s serving as a testament to its impact.

The post From Dream to Reality: Thushan’s Eco-Tourism Success Story first appeared on The Pekoe Trail.

The Pekoe Trail represents more than a journey through Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes—it’s a symbol of sustainable tourism and community-driven development. Following the successful completion of the Tourism Resilience Project (TRP), The Pekoe Trail Company was established as a nonprofit to carry forward the mission of empowering local communities and enhancing the Pekoe Trail experience.

During its tenure, the TRP’s business incubator program supported 60 micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the Uva and Central provinces. Through high-quality training, mentorship, and advisory services, local entrepreneurs were equipped to elevate their businesses and deliver exceptional experiences to travelers.

One such success story is that of Mr. Suranga Ruwan, Manager of the Mount Royal Hotel. Through the incubator program, Mr. Ruwan embraced the concept of slow travel, curating immersive offerings that invite visitors to stay longer and connect with the culture, nature, and communities along the trail. This transformation has enabled his business to thrive and contributed to the Pekoe Trail’s growing reputation as a world-class destination.

With the TRP now concluded, The Pekoe Trail Company has taken up the mantle of stewarding the Pekoe Trail. As a nonprofit organization, The Pekoe Trail Company is dedicated to fostering sustainable tourism, supporting local businesses, and ensuring that the Pekoe Trail continues to be a vibrant and inclusive destination. The Pekoe Trail Company builds on the foundation laid by TRP, with the continued vision of empowering communities and celebrating the unique stories of Sri Lanka.

This journey was made possible with funding from the European Union (EU), additional support from USAID, and implementation by IESC. Now, under the leadership of The Pekoe Trail Company, the Pekoe Trail is set to continue its legacy of resilience, sustainability, and community-driven success.

The post Building Sustainable Tourism Along the Pekoe Trail first appeared on The Pekoe Trail.

1. Stay on the trail at all times and follow the rules, regulations, and guidelines.
2. The Pekoe Trail is a nature trail – biopiracy and damage to the environment is punishable by law.
3. The trail pass should be on your device at all times, during your walk.
4. Be respectful of communities, plantation employees, and other travelers.
5. You accept that there are inherent risks from (including but not limited to) wild animals, adverse weather conditions, and terrain.
6. By accepting these terms & conditions you and those travelling with you, indemnify The Pekoe Trail and landowners along the trail of any liability.

The Trail Pass conditions

1. Hiking Guidelines and Prohibited Activities:

All users must adhere to the Hiking Guidelines while hiking along The Pekoe Trail to mitigate exposure to inherent risks. Additionally, users should refrain from engaging in Prohibited Activities to safeguard and maintain the integrity of The Pekoe Trail and its surrounding environment.

2. Liability:

We will not be able to guarantee your safety. In this respect, you will at all circumstances accept responsibility for any loss, damage or injury you may suffer as a result of the Inherent Risks you may have to encounter when traversing along The Pekoe Trail.

3. Governing Law:

These Terms are governed by the laws of Sri Lanka. Any disputes or claims related to these Terms or associated matters will be resolved according to Sri Lankan law.

4. Acknowledgement:

• I have read, understood, considered and agree to the terms and conditions herein-above and available on thepekoetrail.org/terms-conditions before choosing to use the Pekoe Trail.
• I acknowledge the risks and I will take responsibility for my own actions and that signing this form will be deemed as full acceptance and understanding of the above conditions.
• I am physically fit and in good health to traverse The Pekoe Trail.

The post Hiking Guidelines and Terms first appeared on The Pekoe Trail.

The Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka was selected in the “Top 20 Travel Experiences” category. BEST OF THE WORLD 2024 was created, researched, reported, and written in collaboration with National Geographic’s international editorial teams, which serve millions of readers through their magazines and websites around the world. This year’s travel guide celebrates not only must-see destinations but expands the franchise to include a complete and authoritative suite of must-do, must-stay, and must-consume recommendations for travelers to engage with these destinations more deeply and meaningfully. Among those top picks, The Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka is ranked number 16.

For the first time ever, Nat Geo’s BEST OF THE WORLD recommendations also include a selection of wellness retreats, hotels, cultural gems, and restaurants that National Geographic’s experts agree are “worth building a trip around,” as well as a list of the top 20 travel adventures for the year ahead. Also new for 2024 is a list of the top expert-approved travel products and a newly introduced set of changemakers who inspire National Geographic’s own global community of travel experts on where and how to travel.

“At National Geographic, we know that travel has the power to move you. That the experiences you have can make you see the world — and yourself — in a new light. Our expanded BEST OF THE WORLD franchise is the ultimate guide to the exceptional experiences that we and our global community of experts are most excited about right now, whether that’s hiking to the El Valle de Antón volcano in Panama or listening to live music in Kyoto or bear-watching in Alaska,” said Nathan Lump, National Geographic’s editor-in-chief.

Mr. Sagala Ratnayaka, Chief of Staff to HE The President, emphasized the national significance of this ranking. “Sri Lanka is set to attract a trending new international tourist segment with The Pekoe Trail that offers a world-class nature-based experience in our tea country. This recognition from Nat Geo validates the collaborative efforts of the Plantation companies, Sri Lanka Tourism, Dept. of Wildlife Conservation, Dept. of Forest Conservation, Sri Lanka Railways, the JEDB, the European Union and USAID in creating a world class walking trail.”

Commenting on this achievement the European Union Ambassador to Sri Lanka H.E. Carmen Moreno said, “We are thrilled that The Pekoe Trail continues to attract the global travel media limelight for Sri Lanka at a time when we need to maximize the momentum for tourism recovery. Funded by the European Union, The Pekoe Trail is a unique close-to-nature, wellness tourism experience for travelers, that also provides economic growth opportunities for communities along the Trail.”

National Geographic is synonymous with the best in travel, adventure, and exploration, and now our editors are sharing the full breadth of their insight across a variety of categories with our fans all over the world,” said Courteney Monroe, president of National Geographic Content. “Whether through the pages of National Geographic magazine, @NatGeo on Instagram, TikTok or YouTube, our BEST OF THE WORLD franchise has the power to ignite the explorer in everyone, from the professional traveler to the family looking for their next adventure.

The BEST OF THE WORLD 2024 list is available online now at NatGeo.com/BestOfTheWorld, where readers will be transported to each destination through spectacular photography and reporting.

The Pekoe Trail, a 300km, 22-stage discovery of Sri Lanka on foot, is creating international headlines for Sri Lanka as a destination for wellness and nature-based travel. It is a unique tourism experience that supports the long-term environmental sustainability of habitats as well as the social and commercial sustainability of the communities it passes through. Supported generously by the European Union (EU) with additional support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), The Pekoe Trail promises an immersive and enriching experience for those seeking to connect with the authentic essence of Sri Lanka and will be open to travellers in stages commencing November 2023.

The post The Pekoe Trail, Sri Lanka Makes National Geographic’s Coveted ‘Best of the World’ List for 2024 first appeared on The Pekoe Trail.