The fourth stage of The Pekoe Trail begins with a journey through the residential areas of Tawalantenne and New Kotmale, gradually descending toward the Ramboda Oya crossing at the 2.7 km mark, where a main bridge spans the river.

After crossing the Ramboda Oya, the trail follows the main road for another 2 km before turning left onto a village path that ascends the mountain. This path winds through a charming rural landscape, passing homes and gardens.

As we climb, breathtaking views of the Kotmale Dam unfold. This massive hydroelectric and irrigation dam, Sri Lanka’s second-largest hydroelectric power station, was constructed between August 1979 and February 1985. It creates the Kotmale Reservoir, renamed the Gamini Dissanayake Reservoir in honor of the prominent Sri Lankan politician.

Kotmale is a region rich in history and legend. It is said that ancient kings of the Gampola Kingdom used the inaccessible terrain around Pussellawa and Kotmale as a refuge from enemies. The Sinhalese prince Dutugamunu reportedly hid here to escape his father, King Kavantissa. The Kandyan Kings also sought refuge in Kotmale for the sacred tooth relic during political upheavals, most notably during the British occupation in 1815.

One notable landmark is the Kotmale Mahaweli Maha Seya, a towering 84-meter stupa with a 61-meter diameter, visible at the far end of the lake. It commemorates the eighteen shrines and temples submerged during the construction of the Kotmale Reservoir.

The trail continues upward along an abandoned British-engineered road, designed with an ideal gradient and width for bullock carts and small vehicles. Though overgrown and neglected, it retains its historical charm.

At the 7 km point, we arrive at the remnants of an old tea factory, offering what could easily be considered one of the most spectacular views in Sri Lanka’s tea country. Adjacent to this is a modern road, built during the construction of a major underground power station located half a kilometer away. This road-to-nowhere was crucial during the project’s development but now lies largely unused.

The next 2 km zigzag up the mountain along a recently cleared path, leading to the small village of Choicy. At exactly 9 km, you’ll reach the highest point of the day. From here, the trail begins a gentle descent toward Pundaloya.

The views across the valley during the descent are mesmerizing. Along the way, we pass a small river and a shrine on the left-hand side. The stage concludes with a 4 km walk along a country road, ending at a junction in the town of Pundaloya.

Responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources and allow for long-term environmental quality.