Today’s stage begins in the charming town of Lunuwatte, heading west along a village road toward the Sri Wisuddharamaya Temple. Shortly after starting, you’ll pass a picturesque lake on your left and the temple on your right.

The trail continues downhill into the paddy fields below. At the 1.5 km mark, the climb begins, winding steeply through village roads. This section, the most challenging of the day, zig-zags uphill until you leave the village behind and enter a serene eucalyptus forest. From this point onward, the journey unfolds through forests and tea plantations, offering 10 kilometers of tranquil countryside, evenly split between uphill and downhill sections.

By the 3 km mark, you’ll find yourself amidst eucalyptus and pine trees, gradually ascending as the trail skirts the eastern side of a forested hill. The imposing mountain ahead may seem daunting, but The Pekoe Trail skillfully navigates its contours. The eucalyptus trees, planted decades ago to stabilize the slopes, dominate this landscape. Take in the wilderness and stunning eastern views as the clear, narrow path winds gently around the hill.

At 4.5 km, you’ll reach the fascinating Sthripura Caves, a site rich in mythology. The name “Sthripura” (also spelled Isthripura) derives from the Sanskrit and Sinhalese word “Sthri,” meaning woman, and “Pura,” meaning town. Legend has it that King Walagamba hid 500 queens in these caves for their protection (Basnayake, 1983).

Continuing northwest along a visible tea trail, you’ll pass a small estate worker village on your left as the path ascends steadily. By the 6 km point, you’ll pass the Estate Manager’s Bungalow before reaching a tea-trail junction at 6.8 km. This junction, perched on the border of the Central and Uva provinces, offers stunning views of both valleys. Take the trail to the right and follow the ridge for approximately 1.5 kilometers, including a brief section of pine forest.

At 8.7 km, the descent begins, taking you first through another eucalyptus forest and then down a maze of tea trails. Looking ahead, you’ll glimpse the direction of tomorrow’s journey toward Ragala. After descending for a stretch, you’ll encounter a short uphill section at the 10.7 km mark, followed by a small bridge crossing. From here, it’s just 1.5 kilometers to Uda Pussellawa town.

The tea trail eventually merges with an old country road leading downhill into the village. You’ll avoid the main Uda Pussellawa–Ragala Road entirely, as this secondary path takes you directly to the heart of town. At the 12 km mark, the trail narrows briefly, passing between a house on your right and a fence on your left before widening again for a gradual descent into Uda Pussellawa.

Uda Pussellawa is a reasonably large village and an important local hub, offering basic facilities, shops, and ATMs. This stage combines stunning natural beauty, historical intrigue, and a peaceful journey through remote tea country—a day to remember!

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