There’s something magical about waking up in the Sri Lankan highlands, especially when you’re staying at Heritance Tea Factory. Perched at over 2,000 metres above sea level and located directly on Stage 21 of the world-renowned Pekoe Trail, this hotel is more than just a retreat, it’s part of the landscape itself.
Recognised by TIME as one of the World’s Greatest Places of 2025, the Pekoe Trail is a 300-kilometre long-distance walking route that winds through old colonial estate roads, tea plantations, eucalyptus forests, and charming hill country villages. With Heritance Tea Factory uniquely positioned along one of its most accessible stages, we were able to step out straight from the hotel and begin a gentle hike, guided by a naturalist who brought the trail and its rich history to life.
As the morning mist lifted, we found ourselves weaving through rows of vivid green tea bushes, stopping at scenic viewpoints that stretched far across the valleys. And just as our legs began to tire, we rounded a bend to discover something unforgettable: a table beautifully laid out amidst the tea fields, overlooking an endless ridge of forested hills.
This was the Pekoe Trail Picnic Breakfast, a one-of-a-kind experience curated by the hotel. As we took our seats, the view alone would have been enough. But then came the food. Local Sri Lankan delights, from string hoppers with creamy dhal and potato curry, to pani pol pancakes and the crunch of roast paan, each bite was packed with local flavour and cooked to perfection. A tiffin of dosa and wadai sat warm beside a tray of banana cake, kithul treacle, and creamy buffalo curd. All of it paired beautifully with a fresh cup of Yara Tea, brewed just metres from where we sat.
We lingered there, breathing in the cool highland air, wrapped in the aroma, sipping coffee and taking in the beauty of the mountains. It was calm, unhurried, and deeply grounding. Later, back at the hotel, we were treated to a short Balinese foot massage at the Coco Spa, followed by a guided tour of the Mini Tea Factory where we saw firsthand how the leaf transforms from bush to brew.
But it was that breakfast, with its backdrop of misty peaks and complete stillness, that truly made this experience a memory I’ll carry with me. There was something magical about being surrounded by tea fields, the scent of fresh roti and cinnamon in the air, and not another soul in sight. It felt like the entire highland had paused just for us.
At Heritance Tea Factory, experiences like these are more than just curated moments, they’re a seamless blend of heritage, nature, and heartfelt hospitality. Whether it’s hiking the famed Pekoe Trail or savouring a hillside breakfast in silence, every detail is crafted to connect you with the soul of Sri Lanka’s tea country.
Book now and experience the legendary trail and the historic Heritance Tea Factory at https://www.heritancehotels.com/teafactory/offers/heritance-exclusive/
