Today’s stage begins at St. Catherine, situated in the upper divisions of the Nayabedda Tea Estate at an altitude of 1,875 meters, making it the second-highest starting point of all Pekoe Trail stages. Though only 9.5 km in length, this stage is filled with the magic of the tea country: vibrant villages, sacred sites, lush tea plantations, forested paths, historic bungalows, and breathtaking views of mountains and valleys. The route descends to Makulella at 1,262 meters, creating a mostly downhill journey. If tackled in reverse, it becomes a challenging climb, though the beauty of the trail remains undeniable in either direction.

The weather in this region is notoriously unpredictable, with sudden temperature drops when clouds roll in and intense tropical sun when the skies clear. Equip yourself with sun protection, warm clothing, and a fully charged phone. Careful navigation via GPS is crucial, especially when descending near Balagala, where a steep escarpment adds an element of caution.

St. Catherine is a tea plantation worker’s village sitting on a high plateau, renowned for its proximity to Lipton’s Seat, a favorite viewpoint of Sir Thomas Lipton. The first 500 meters pass through the village, where homes are surrounded by cultivated plots growing carrots, beans, leeks, and cabbage—produce destined for local markets in Haputale and Bandarawela. From here, the trail enters a short stretch of eucalyptus forest before beginning a gentle zig-zag descent along the edge of the plateau, winding through more village homes, tea fields, and small farms.

At 1.5 km, the last hamlet is left behind, and a short forested section opens up to one of the most spectacular locations on the trail, marked by a hollow pine tree that local villagers honor with reverence. This spot offers panoramic views dominated by Namunukula, or “Nine Peaks,” a towering 2,036-meter mountain. Historically, this peak served as a landmark for Admiral Zheng’s fleet during the 15th-century Ming treasure voyages.

The descent continues on an overgrown section of an old British-engineered estate road, originally built to transport tea leaves. The trail’s gentle gradient winds endlessly downhill, forming countless bends that rival Sri Lanka’s famous “18 Bends” road. At 3.6 km, a small cabin provides shelter if needed, while at 4.6 km, a wooden structure marks the entrance to a pear farm. Shortly after, the trail circumvents the Balagala Tea Planters Bungalow before entering the village of Balagala, which boasts an impressive Hindu kovil visible to the left as you pass through.

Back on tea estate paths, the trail heads north. At 6.9 km, it makes a sharp right turn, crosses the main road, and loops back for 25 meters before reconnecting with a tea trail on the left. Precision in following your GPS is critical here to avoid straying off course. At 7.8 km, the path veers into a shaded forest for just over a kilometer before emerging at Makulella. The stage ends at the Buddhist temple Allimale Bodhiya, a fitting conclusion to a day filled with natural beauty, cultural encounters, and historical intrigue.

This stage of The Pekoe Trail is a quintessential tea country experience, offering an unforgettable journey through a landscape steeped in history and unmatched in its scenic charm.

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