Today’s stage is one of the most exhilarating on the Pekoe Trail, offering a rare opportunity to explore the remote and awe-inspiring Udaweriya Valley. Known as the “Hidden Valley,” this secluded gem overlooks southern Sri Lanka, and on a clear day, you might just catch a glimpse of the distant ocean. The breathtaking views are undoubtedly among the finest in the tea country.

The journey begins at the old, derelict Udaweriya tea factory. The first 1.7 km takes you through the valley itself, culminating at a tea trail crossroads near an old house, your highest point of the day at 1,948 meters. This tranquil spot, seemingly frozen in time, offers a glimpse into rural life, with curious villagers and a family of goats adding to the charm.

From this peak, the trail transitions into a gradual descent towards Haputale. Follow the marked path on your GPS, and soon you’ll encounter an abandoned village. This deserted settlement, perched between the lowlands to your right and the Uva bowl to your left, evokes admiration for the engineers who once carved this improbable track through the landscape.

Beyond the village, the tea trail narrows into a walking path, historically used by locals traveling between Udaweriya, Idalgashinna, and Haputale. However, the trail’s maintenance has declined since the village was abandoned, so watch your footing.

At the 3 km mark, the path delves into a stretch of high-elevation rainforest for about 1 km before giving way to a surreal pine forest. The transition is stark and mesmerizing. The narrow jungle path can be slippery, so tread carefully, and be mindful of a few fallen trees as you exit the forest at 4.1 km. Precision is key here—losing your way might lead you downhill toward Idalgashinna Railway Station via the valley, which is not ideal. Stick to the GPS-guided path through the forest to reach the station.

Idalgashinna Railway Station, perched on a ridge at an elevation of 1,893 meters, is a marvel of 19th-century engineering. Built in 1893, it straddles the climatic divide between Sri Lanka’s southern and eastern regions. The station offers panoramic views: to the north lie Boralanda, Welimada, and Udu Pussellawa, while the south reveals Beragala, the Hambantota coastline, and Udawalawe National Park.

The next stretch involves walking along the railway tracks for about 1 km. Trains are infrequent, and their approach can be heard well in advance. A short tunnel is unavoidable but manageable—it spans about 100 meters and takes less than a minute to traverse. Once through, the trail resumes, zig-zagging downhill toward Beragala. If visibility is poor or the trail becomes too slippery, descending to Beragala may be a safer option.

From here, a well-established trail leads toward Haputale, tracing the southern side of the ridge. The views remain spectacular, but the lack of shade means sun protection is essential. At the 13.5 km point, you’ll pass a small village, offering an exit point for those needing to descend.

The final stretch is a gentle 2 km descent to the junction where the Pekoe Trail meets the main road to Haputale. However, this road can be busy, so proceed with caution. At the 14 km mark, the trail re-enters the railway for a short distance, leading to Haputale Station, where today’s stage concludes.

For those with time and curiosity, a visit to Adisham Bungalow is a worthwhile detour. Located just over the hill on the northern side of the ridge, the bungalow is a short tuk-tuk ride from the trail’s junction with the main road at the 15.3 km point. Built in 1931 by Sir Thomas Villiers, a prominent English planter and aristocrat, the house was designed in Tudor and Jacobean styles. Today, it serves as a monastery and museum, preserving its original fittings and furniture. Adisham’s rich history and architectural elegance make it a fitting end to a day of exploration.

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