Today’s journey is both physically and mentally demanding, coupled with logistical challenges. Starting in Dayagama, one of the most secluded villages in Sri Lanka’s tea country, this stage takes you deep into a rarely explored part of the region. Nestled at the far end of the Agarapatana Valley, Dayagama offers an authentic and immersive experience in tea country, far from the usual tourist trails.

Reaching the endpoint, the old Far Inn within Horton Plains National Park, requires careful planning. While the direct distance is only 15 km, the main road loops back through Nuwara Eliya, making it a 65 km drive. Ensure your driver is well-coordinated; they will likely arrive at the endpoint just before you do.

The trail is physically taxing due to its steady uphill climb, but it is well-marked and manageable. Dayagama sits at an elevation of 1,421 meters, and your destination, Horton Plains National Park, lies at 2,138 meters. The consistent ascent will test your stamina.

Leaving Dayagama, the trail heads east toward the end of the valley. For the first 9.5 km, you will follow wide, straightforward tea trails, walking steadily toward the dense forest on the horizon. At this point, you enter Horton Plains National Park.

Important: Access to Horton Plains National Park requires an entrance ticket, which must be purchased in advance. Tickets are available at the park’s entrance points on the Nuwara Eliya Road and the road to Ohiya. The park is strictly regulated due to its ecological sensitivity and abundant wildlife. For detailed information, consult the Department of Wildlife Conservation website: http://www.dwc.gov.lk/. It’s crucial to travel in a group and, ideally, with the assistance of a national guide to navigate the park responsibly.

Once inside the park, the trail ascends through dense high-elevation rainforest, with its twists and turns immersing you in a pristine jungle environment. The forest is alive with the sounds of wildlife, including monkeys, deer, leopards, and a host of endemic bird species. This part of the journey offers an unparalleled connection to nature.

At the 14.5 km mark, the trail intersects the main road running through Horton Plains. A further 500 meters along this road brings you to the endpoint at the old Far Inn.

This stage is a challenging yet rewarding trek, offering breathtaking natural beauty and a deep dive into one of Sri Lanka’s most remote and unspoiled landscapes.

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