The Pekoe Trail Stage 2 — Galaha to Loolkandura, the Birthplace of Ceylon Tea
Stage 2 of The Pekoe Trail runs from Galaha to Loolkandura, the estate where James Taylor planted Sri Lanka’s first commercial tea bushes in 1867. It’s one of the most requested stages on the trail, and it earns that reputation through the hiking itself, not just the history. You move through working tea estates, quiet village roads and montane forest before arriving at the site where Ceylon Tea began.
Estate roads give way to forest trails, open ridgelines open up views across the central highlands, and daily life along the route (tea pluckers at work, children walking to school) has changed little in generations.
Quick Facts
| Route | Galaha to Loolkandura |
| Distance | Approximately 15 km |
| Duration | 5 to 6 hours |
| Difficulty | Moderate. One section requires advanced hikers, see current status below |
| Trail Type | Point-to-point |
| Recommended Start | 7.00 a.m. to 8.00 a.m. |
| Best Season | December to April. Check current conditions before hiking outside this window |
Before you set out, check the latest trail status through TrailWatch or The Pekoe Trail website, particularly around the Delthota area.
Getting There
Galaha is a short trip from Kandy by private vehicle, taxi or local bus, which makes it a convenient start point whether you’re hiking solo or with a group. Most hikers stay in Kandy the night before and leave early to make the most of the cooler morning air.
Loolkandura, the finish point, has road access too, so return transfers are straightforward. If you’re walking multiple stages back to back, arrange a luggage transfer in advance so you can hike with just a daypack.
Where to Stay
Kandy has the widest range of hotels, guesthouses and homestays, and is the default base for most hikers doing Stage 2. Some prefer staying closer to the start, in Galaha or on a nearby tea estate, for an earlier and more relaxed start.
After the hike, Loolkandura and Deltota have guesthouses and estate bungalows if you’d rather stay near the finish and spend a bit longer in tea country.
What Makes Stage 2 Different
History aside, Stage 2 covers a variety of terrain: open tea estates, native forest and ridgelines with views across the highlands on a clear day. Birdsong, butterflies and the occasional glimpse of wildlife are part of the hike, especially in the forested sections.
The trail also passes through working communities rather than staged tourist stops. What you see (tea pluckers, village life, children on their way to school) is simply daily life continuing around you. Many hikers say this is what makes Stage 2 feel different from the more scenic-only stretches of the trail.
The Hike, Section by Section
From Galaha, the trail opens gently through tea estates on gravel paths and estate roads, with wide views across the plantations and neighbouring hills. As you approach Deltota, the landscape shifts from cultivated tea to native forest. The air cools, the canopy closes in, and the trail narrows.
This forested stretch leads toward Loolkandura, where the trail reaches its historical high point: the site of Sri Lanka’s first commercial tea plantation, established by James Taylor in the nineteenth century.
Beyond Deltota, the trail passes through protected forest managed under conservation regulations. This section is currently under amber status following landslide damage, and it’s the one part of Stage 2 that needs extra planning before you go.
Current status: The section between Delthota and Hulan Ella Gala is under amber status. For live conditions, the safest way to hike this stretch right now, and news on the upcoming Stage 2B alternative, read the Trail Stage 2 Status Update.
Practical Tips
- Start early, between 7 and 8 a.m., for the coolest hours and best light.
- Carry enough water, energy snacks and a light rain layer regardless of season.
- Wear boots with real grip, particularly after rain.
- Check TrailWatch before you head out. Conditions in the forested section can change fast.
- Respect estate land and protected forest along the route. Stay on the marked trail.
For full safety information on the current amber section, including group size limits, local host guidance and emergency contacts, see the Stage 2 Trail Update below.
The Pekoe Trail Stage 02 Status Update
Final Thoughts
Stage 2 is the stage most hikers point to when they talk about what The Pekoe Trail is really about: tea country, history and small everyday moments most travellers never get to see. Hike it prepared, check current trail status before you go, and take the detour to Loolkandura seriously. It’s the reason the stage exists.
