Today’s stage is a challenging uphill journey, taking us from the town of Hali-Ela, at an elevation of 730 meters, to Ettampitiya, situated 1,246 meters above sea level. The trail initially heads northwest before turning southwest, traversing a remote and less-explored region of tea country.

Starting at either the Hali-Ela Train Station or the town itself, we leave via a village road winding through paddy fields and toward nearby houses. At the 1.1-kilometer mark, we arrive at the Sri Bimbarama Temple. If visiting, remember to cover your shoulders and legs, using a sarong or similar item if necessary.

The next 150 meters involve an uphill walk past local homes, followed by a gradual descent through cultivated land and village houses, leading to the Ketawala Hali-Ela Road. After walking 700 meters alongside this road, we take a left turn, descending toward paddy fields and crossing a stream to continue along a twisting path through village homes. The trail eventually transitions into a tea estate, where the climb to the iconic Dickwella Tea Factory at the top of the hill begins.

At 3.1 kilometers, we encounter the majestic stupa of the Sri Sambodhi Temple, marking the second prominent Buddhist temple along the route. The next 4 kilometers involve a steady ascent on estate roads, gaining approximately 300 meters in elevation. As we climb, the views of the valley below grow increasingly spectacular. At the 7-kilometer mark, we reach old tea sheds beside the Katawala-Ettampitiya Road. Here, we turn left onto a tarmac road for 300 meters before ascending a tea trail that curves to the left.

The following 1.5 kilometers loop back toward the valley, circling the hill and passing the Dickwella Tea Factory above. The views here are stunning. At the 8.9-kilometer point, we reach a small shop, ideal for rest and resupplying water. After a 700-meter walk along the road, a fork presents itself, with a tea trail diverging to the left. We follow this trail.

For the next 1.5 kilometers, the tea trails guide us past a small lake on the right before briefly intersecting the main road at the 10.6-kilometer mark. The trail soon diverges again onto a scenic path. At 11.3 kilometers, we take a smaller tea trail climbing to the right, toward tea plantation worker houses ahead. Zig-zagging upward, the trail reaches the hill’s summit before descending through the houses to rejoin the main road.

Turning left on the main road, we descend past a quarry, with just 2 kilometers remaining. At a junction, the GPS guides us onto a tea trail to the right, which we follow until reaching the urban outskirts of Ettampitiya at the 13.1-kilometer point. By 13.5 kilometers, we join the Ettampitiya-Hali-Ela road, passing a petrol station on the right and entering the town. Ettampitiya offers a range of services and shops to explore.

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