Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17
Pick your date
Highlighted days have spots open. Grey days are sold out or not running.
September 2026
Loading live availability
Who is going?
Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
Select a highlighted day to see live departure times and the exact price for your group.
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before. Same price on Viator, Outty earns a commission.
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 5 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17 worth booking?
Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17 is a 4-hour experience in Ella, Sri Lanka, from $20 per person. It scores 68 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Solid Choice”, based on a 5/5 rating across 5 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 68 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (5)
- Duration
- 4 hours
- From
- $20 per person
Discover the beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country on a guided hike along the famous Pekoe Trail. Choose between Stage 16 or Stage 17, two of the most scenic sections near Ella. Stage 16 offers a relaxed walk through tea p
What you get
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Tea and coffee
About this experience
Discover the beauty of Sri Lanka’s hill country on a guided hike along the famous Pekoe Trail. Choose between Stage 16 or Stage 17, two of the most scenic sections near Ella. Stage 16 offers a relaxed walk through tea plantations, village paths, and rolling green hills, perfect for experiencing local life. Stage 17 features more dramatic landscapes, with mountain views, forest trails, and stunning ridgelines. Led by an experienced local guide, you’ll explore hidden paths, scenic viewpoints, and learn about the region’s tea heritage and culture.
What's included
Included
- Private transportation
- Bottled water
- Tea and coffee
Not included
- Gratuities
- Lunch
What you'll see and do
Nine Arches Bridge
Commissioned under the British in the year 1921, the Nine Arch Bridge stands proudly, a testament to the engineering and architectural brilliance of the early 20th century. Ideally placed between the Ella and Demodara railway station, those choosing to walk along the bridge will be presented with scenes of rolling hills and dense jungle to delight in. The Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the ‘Bridge in the Sky’ was constructed by connecting two bog mountains when constructing the Badulla – Colombo railway. This bridge is 300 feet in length, 25 feet in width and 80-100 feet in height. It is one of the best examples of colonial-era railway construction in the country. The Bridge can be reached by travelling 2km on Gotuwala road starting from Halpe Textile centre in Badulla Bandarawela road. The surrounding area has seen a steady increase in tourism due to the bridge’s architectural ingenuity and the profuse greenery in the nearby hillsides.(Stage 16)
30 minutes here
Demodara Railway Station is the most notable railway station in the country due to the spiral line at this location. It’s mostly popular by the name “Demodara Loop”. Because of the geographic situation of the nearby mountains, the railroad is designed to take a loop around the mountain and then go underneath the railway station. Demodara Loop is considered as the one and only such construction in the world that proves engineering marvels of colonial era. This glorious and picturesque small railway station is situated between Ella Railway Station and Uduwara Railway Station. This train journey is rated as one of the most scenic train rides in the world. It’s worth to go there at the time of train pass the station. That’s awesome.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Demodara Loop
Considered to be one of the best places to visit in Ella, the Demodara loop is definitely not to be missed out. The loop is known to be called the ‘circular loop’, the ‘spiral loop’ and even the ‘spiral ride’. Demodara tunnel and railway entrance referred to as the Demodare Loop, is where the rail line travels around a spiral loop beneath itself and appears out of a tunnel located precisely underneath the Demodare train station. This engineering marvel is the only spiral loop in the world where a tunnel lies under a railway station. Folklore claim the idea was inspired by observing a supervisor in a tea estate unfasten and retie his turban.
30 minutes here
A beautiful river flowing through the valley, adding a peaceful atmosphere to the trail with scenic views of water, rocks, and surrounding nature.
10 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Ella
We will pickup you at the hotel or wait in front of Bandarawela Railway station, we will pick you from there.
Meeting point
Ella
We will pickup you at the hotel or wait in front of Haputale Railway station, we will pick you from there.
Meeting point
Ella
We will pickup you at the hotel or wait in front of Ella Railway station, we will pick you from there.
Hotel pickup
Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 10 minutes before departure.
Ends at
We will pickup you at the hotel or wait in front of Bandarawela Railway station, we will pick you from there.
Ends at
We will pickup you at the hotel or wait in front of Haputale Railway station, we will pick you from there.
Ends at
We will pickup you at the hotel or wait in front of Ella Railway station, we will pick you from there.
Options you can book
Stage 16 - Ella to Demodara
Pickup included
Stage 17-Demodara to Hali Ela
Stage 17: Pekoe trail Stage 17 Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Ella Holidays
Know before you go
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 5 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
5 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
3 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Physical effort
2 mentionsExpect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.
Photo opportunities
1 mentionThe views and photo stops come up again and again.
Value for money
1 mentionTravelers feel they got more than they paid for.
Organization
1 mentionPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Traveler reviews
5 verified traveler reviews for Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Brilliant walk from Demodara to Ella.
What a great walking tour with Sampa! Prompt pick up from our accommodation in a tuk tuk, then a lovely walk through a tea plantation, past a Hindu village, then a Buddhist village to the famous Nine Arch Bridge we had crossed in the train the day before. Timing was perfect to get a fresh king coconut and another bottle of water five minutes before a train came over the bridge. Then it was just a short walk into Ella, our final destination. We saw lots of other people walking the trail but without a guide. Sampa made our experience so much more fulfilling as he told us what many of the flowers, trees and fruit were. We even tried mini guava straight from the tree! We saw Sri Lankan jungle fowl (similar to a pheasant) and a juvenile eagle, as well as a kingfisher and a woodpecker. Altogether a brilliant tour and well worth it (additionally the restaurant recommendations and contact with his tuk tuk driver were super useful).
Response from the operator: Thank you so much for sharing such a lovely review! We’re really happy to hear that you enjoyed the walk with Sampa and that he helped make the experience more than just a hike. It sounds like you had a wonderful day exploring the tea plantations, villages and Nine Arch Bridge, with some great wildlife and fresh fruit along the way! We’ll be sure to share your kind words with Sampa. Thank you again for choosing Ella Holidays and for recommending us. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we hope to welcome you back to Ella someday!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful guide and hiking experience
Dinuka, my guide, was excellent. He communicated well in advance and picked me up as planned. He was very knowledgeable about the area, the vegetation, local culture, etc, and was very easy to talk to. Highly recommended!
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful feedback! We’re so glad you enjoyed your hike with Dinuka. His knowledge of Ella’s nature and culture, along with his warm personality, always makes the journey memorable. We truly appreciate your recommendation and hope to welcome you back for another adventure!
via Tripadvisor
My experience with Ella Holidays as a solo lady traveller
My experience with Ella Holidays was excellent from start to finish. Right from the planning stage, they were incredibly supportive, answering all my questions and helping me with every detail. Since my goal was to cover the maximum distance by hiking in just a few days, I had many doubts—ranging from the hiking routes to booking bus and train tickets. However, they guided me through everything seamlessly. My guide, Dinuka, was outstanding—knowledgeable, patient, and always ready to help. His expertise made my journey smooth and enjoyable. I highly recommend Ella Holidays for anyone looking for a well-organized and hassle-free travel experience!
Response from the operator: Thank you for the wonderful review! We're so glad to hear that your experience with Ella Holidays met your expectations and that we could support you every step of the way. Your goal to cover so much ground in a short time was inspiring, and we're happy we could help make it happen. Dinuka will be honored to hear your kind words, he truly loves what he does. We really appreciate your recommendation and hope to see you again for another unforgettable adventure in Ella!
via Tripadvisor
Amazing trek though Ella
Dinuku was an absolutely amazing guide! I had an incredible day walking through the beautiful countryside of Ella. Trains, tea plantations, goats and lovely people along the way. Dinuku was incredibly knowledgeable, I learnt so much! It was an unforgettable experience.
Response from the operator: Thank you for your wonderful 5-star rating! We're thrilled to hear that you had an amazing experience with Dinu on The Pekoe Trail Stage 16. It's great to know that you enjoyed the beautiful countryside of Ella, the trains, tea plantations, and the lovely people you encountered along the way. We're glad that Dinu's knowledge made the day memorable for you. We hope to welcome you back for more unforgettable experiences in the future!
via Tripadvisor
Wonderful views, wonderful guided tour!
We booked a tour with Dinuka and we would love to have another with him. He was very attentive and it was an interactive experience. He knew the best spots to watch the train, and the train timetable as well. Would highly recommend a tour with Dinuka, whether for the train experience or any other tour in Sri Lanka.
Response from the operator: Thank you for the review and recommendation. Glad to hear that you enjoyed the tour with us.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 4 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $20 to $46
- Hotel pickup
- Available for selected locations
- Booked in 30 days
- 2
- Verdict
- Solid Choice
Why this scores 68
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Ella.
How much does Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17 cost?
+
Prices start at $20 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Ella usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17 take?
+
Plan for about 4 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Ella is not rushed.
Is Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17 worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 68 out of 100, which we label "Solid Choice". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 5 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Ella, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17 suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 4-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17?
+
Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Ella can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Ella and add a light layer if any part of the 4-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17 start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Ella within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Ella?
+
On Outty we rank every Ella experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Halpewatte Tea Factory Tour in Ella Sri Lanka, Halpewatte Tea Plantation Tour in Ella, Sri Lanka, Discover Ella - Ella Rock, Little Adam's Peak & Nine Arch Bridge. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Ella?
+
Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Ella?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Pekoe Trail Hiking Tour from Ella – Stage 16 or 17.
Pick your date
