This stage begins in Pundaluoya, a small hill country village. Prepare yourself for a hike with steep descents and trails that take you around villages and mountainsides. You will cross the Pundal Oya River where you will be spoiled by spectacular views of a waterfall straight out of a scene from the Jungle Book.
As you gain elevation curving around mountains, the Kotmale River gorge comes into view. Look out for a vintage red telephone booth as you make your way. Stop to smell the patches of wildflowers growing on the sides of the road or take short breaks on the sections of emerald green paddy if you need to rest.
As you make your way into the true heart of the tea country, you will see the historically significant tea-growing regions of Dimbula, one of the earliest districts to be planted with tea.
On this stage, you’ll also see breathtaking views of a ‘great wall’, resembling something out of Game of Thrones – as it is seemingly insurmountable. Beyond ‘the wall’ is the Pundaluoya Valley, with a tea estate that sits on the very top of that wall making it one of the most photogenic parts of the tea country. The stage ends at the Watagoda train station.
