Starting at the Watagoda Train Station, take a left turn across the railway line and follow a street flanked by modest homes and a volleyball ground on your right.

At the 0.3 km point, the path transforms into a dyke separating two lakes—one large, the other smaller. Shortly after, you’ll encounter a magnificent Hindu Kovil on your right, adorned with intricate carvings and a striking wooden door.

At the 1.3 km point, the trail meanders downhill, zig-zagging through the terrain. Here, a majestic banyan tree and a serene stream create a picturesque spot. The path continues for several hundred meters until it reaches the railway line. Turn left and walk along the tracks for 75 meters, where a trail branches off to your right.

The next 1.7 km offers a classic tea trail experience with mostly flat terrain through the Holyrood Estate. At the 3.7 km mark, you’ll arrive at the estate’s main bungalow. A charming sign on the warehouse façade reads, “Did you hug a tree today?”—a sentiment you’ll likely embrace on this journey.

Descending 100 meters in elevation, the trail leads to the estate’s impressive tea factory. After passing through the factory grounds, exit via a wide-open gate, turn left, and follow a tarmac road for 200 meters. Along the way, admire vibrant street art on a retaining wall—evidence of the region’s talented artists.

At the 5.25 km point, take a sharp left up a side street as the Pekoe Trail leaves the main road. After passing through a small village, the trail re-enters tea country. At the 5.6 km mark, cross the railway line for the third time and continue along the main road toward Thalawakele town.

After crossing the bridge into Thalawakele, the heart of the Dimbula tea district situated at an elevation of 1,198 meters with a pleasant average temperature of 18°C, this bustling transport hub offers a glimpse of Sri Lankan life amid stunning tea landscapes. Upon crossing the bridge, turn right over the railway line and walk along the platform. A short stairway leads to the Hatton-Talawakele Road. After a brief roadside walk, cross over and ascend into the Talawakele Estate.

Once you leave Thalawakele, the trail becomes enchanting, weaving through valleys and connecting small hamlets. This stretch feels like stepping into a fairy tale, reminiscent of “The Shire” in The Lord of the Rings. The ascent is gentle, leading to the St. Clair Tea Factory at the 9 km mark, which boasts its own train station. Pause to visit the factory or sip fresh tea. From here, a village track leads to views of St. Clair’s Falls, also known as “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka,” one of the country’s widest and most stunning waterfalls.

Shortly after, the trail zig-zags upward through manicured tea hills, offering magnificent views of the Kotmale Valley below, with the contours of the Nanu Oya River visible in the distance.

At the 12 km point, the trail reaches a small village within the Derryclaire Estate. Beyond this, a final hill and a stretch of shaded forest await.

At the 15.3 km point, the trail briefly joins the Talawakele-Hatton road at Kotagala, marked by a vividly painted Hindu Kovil. Kotagala serves as a convenient endpoint with a train station, tuk-tuks, and shops for restocking supplies. This marks the conclusion of the 6th stage of the trail, a journey filled with captivating scenery and cultural landmarks.

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