^{Photo Credit: Jennifer Hopps}

When you think of Sri Lanka, I’ll bet long-distance hiking wasn’t the first thing that came to your mind.

The Pekoe Trail might change that. This new, 22-stage, 180-mile (300 km) hiking route takes hikers through misty villages, tea estates, and up into the central highlands of this island nation. 

Starting near Kandy, this mega-hike follows historic cart tracks used for transporting tea leaves. Stage one spans 15 kilometers, treating hikers to breathtaking views of iconic landmarks like Hanthana Towers and the Temple of Doom filming site.

Whether you want to tackle one stage or the entire trail, the Pekoe Trail promises an unforgettable fusion of nature and culture.

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