- Stage distance
- 12.84 km
- Elevation gain
- +537 m
- Average duration
- 4 hours
- Trail difficulty
- Easy
- Planning region
- Kandy
About this stage
Stage 01 begins at the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hanthana and finishes at Galaha Post Office. The official route passes through the Hanthana Tea Estate and by landmarks including Upper Hanthana Church, Sandagiri Maha Stupa, Katusu Konda, Kithulmulla village, and Lunuwella Viharaya before descending towards Galaha. The official route narrative describes a gradual climb on concrete and gravel estate roads, followed by village, river-crossing, and forest sections on the descent. This changing surface makes downloaded official navigation more useful than a landmark list alone.
Travel Tips
- The Stage 01 page lists the route as open, while the organisation's newer network notice applies a general precaution to stages not under the higher Orange status. Check the homepage, Trail Watch, and app again before departure.
- The official stage index and Stage 01 detail page currently show different distance and duration figures. The statistics on this page follow the stage index; use the latest app route and allow extra time.
- Use the official app for navigation and download the stage map for offline use before starting.
- Do not hike alone. Start early, check official weather advisories, and share your route plan with your accommodation or a trusted contact.
- Carry your own water and food rather than relying on shops being open along the route.
- Wear suitable hiking footwear and carry rain protection for changing hill-country conditions.
- Respect religious sites, working tea estates, local communities, and all access instructions along the official route.
Reviewed places along this stage
These destination guides add context but do not replace the official stage route or current access guidance.
Practical videos