Hiking the Pekoe Trail independently?
I want to hike Stages 1 and 2 of the new Pekoe Trail near Kandy. Are the trails marked well enough to do without a local guide?
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3 Answers from travellers
Yes! I just did Stages 1 to 4 entirely solo. The trail is fully mapped on the official Pekoe Trail app and on AllTrails. They also painted green and white markers on rocks and trees along the way. Very easy to follow.
Also, download the offline maps before you start. The cellular signal drops out completely in some of the deeper valleys between Kandy and Galaha.
Just beware of the estate dogs. Most are friendly, but carry a walking stick just in case they get territorial near the tea worker villages.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
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