This stage begins in the town of Kotagala, marked by a vividly painted Hindu Kovil that serves as a prominent landmark. The trail veers to the left, following a straight road that skirts the outskirts of Kotagala. Entering the Drayton Estate, the path passes by the old tea factory, immersing you in the region’s rich tea heritage.

At the 2.3 km mark, the trail reaches Chrysler’s Farm Tea Factory. Shortly after, it crosses a small bridge before turning left. The roads here are wide and relatively flat, making for an easy kilometer of walking. At the 3.3 km mark, you cross the train line and begin ascending toward the day’s third and final hill. This section feels more secluded, offering a tranquil contrast to earlier parts of the trail. At the 4.7 km point, the hilltop reveals stunning views of Hatton town below.

At 5.9 km, the trail crosses the train line again, turns left near a tea shed, and traverses a small creek leading to tea fields. By 6.3 km, you’ll arrive at Singamalai Lake, a vital water source for Hatton and nearby villages. This serene spot is perfect for a picnic and a well-earned break.

The following 5 km wind through rolling green tea hills, gradually unveiling the first glimpses of the Castlereagh Reservoir in the Bogawantalawa Valley, known as the “golden bowl” of Sri Lanka’s finest tea.

At the 7.8 km mark, a football ground appears to the left—a testament to the sport’s popularity in tea country, perhaps more so than in other rural regions of Sri Lanka.

By 9 km, as you crest a hill, the Battalgalla Tea Factory comes into view alongside the distinctive red roof of the Dickoya & Maskeliya Cricket Club (DMCC), affectionately called The Darrawella Club. Renowned as one of Sri Lanka’s premier planters’ clubs, a visit here is highly recommended.

At 9.4 km, the trail briefly merges with the Agarapatana-Dick Oya road for about 400 meters before veering left near the planters’ club. Shortly afterward, the path crosses the Dick Oya River and ascends through a small hamlet, winding its way toward the next valley.

This stretch of the trail feels elevated, traversing the tops and sides of valleys. Christian churches dot the landscape here, reflecting the predominantly Tamil community, which practices Christianity and Hinduism. You might even encounter Father Alexander, the local pastor, who provides spiritual guidance and serves as a counselor to his congregation.

Brightly colored line rooms—terraced housing for tea workers—populate this region. Some are single lines, while others form larger villages complete with Hindu Kovils and Christian churches, offering a vibrant glimpse into the lives of tea estate workers.

At 12.1 km, the Castlereagh Reservoir comes into full view as the trail descends toward the valley below. Meandering through tea estate paths, you’ll encounter shortcut options for the fit and adventurous or more gradual routes for those who prefer a leisurely pace.

At the base of the valley lies Norwood, a lively tea town. The bridge at the 15 km mark signals your arrival at the town’s edge. The stage officially concludes 600 meters further into Norwood, offering a well-deserved rest in this bustling hub of Sri Lanka’s tea country.

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