If you're looking for adventure during your Work the World placement, the Pekoe Trail is where you’ll find it. The 22-section hike combines breathtaking scenery, rich cultural experiences, and the peace of being in nature, away from it all.
Officially established in March 2024, the trail offers a unique new way to explore Sri Lanka’s stunning landscapes and immerse yourself in its vibrant culture.
A Journey Through Tea Country
The Pekoe Trail meanders through Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea country. When you arrive, you’ll find yourself staring, wide-eyed, at the lush green plantations sprawling across hills that undulate towards a distant horizon. As your attention wanders over the landscape, you’ll catch sight of local tea pickers’ brightly-coloured saris that fleck the landscape.
You can amble your way along paths cut through the fields to watch them at work as they carefully select the finest leaves ready for drying. Make sure you don’t miss out on stopping at one of the many local tea factories for a herbal pick-me-up.
Rich Cultural Encounters
Walking the Pekoe Trail isn’t just about the natural beauty — it's also an opportunity to engage with local communities and experience rural Sri Lankan culture in a way few others can.
The trail passes through small villages, where you can experience a more traditional way of life. You might try local food and even participate in cultural ceremonies. This immersive experience allows you to connect with the warmth and hospitality of the Sri Lankan people, making your journey even more memorable.
Biodiversity and Wildlife
The Pekoe Trail is a parade of Sri Lanka’s most exotic wildlife. The country is exceptionally biodiverse and has species that exist nowhere else on Earth. The trail passes through various ecosystems, from dense forests to open grasslands, each teeming with wildlife.
There are more than 500 bird species, and the keen-eyed among you might spot deer, monkeys, leopards, wild boar, and elephants, among other species. The trail's natural diversity makes every step a new opportunity for discovery.
Physical and Mental Well-being
Hiking through the Sri Lankan wilderness will change you for the better. The hike has obvious benefits for your cardio health, strength, and endurance. But more than that, being in nature reduces stress, enhances mood, and boosts overall mental well-being.
Between the once-in-a-lifetime ‘wow’ moments, the trail gives you plenty of time for reflection and mindfulness, making it a rejuvenating escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
Lace up your boots!
Walking the Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka is more than just a hike; it's an adventure that offers a deep connection with nature, culture, and history. And if your legs get tired, you can hop on a mountain train to take in the views.
One of the stages is just 12km from the Work the World house in Kandy, making it ideal for a day hike after placement. Or, you and your Work the World housemates could plan a longer route over one of your weekends.
Planning your journey is as easy as a few taps. All you have to do is download the Pekoe Trail App, and away you go.
So. Lace your boots, pack your backpack, and get ready to explore one of Sri Lanka's most enchanting trails.
BUILD YOUR ELECTIVE
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Get insight into what's in store for you on an overseas elective of your own. Choose your area of study below to get started.
