This stage begins at a point easily visible from the Demodara train station, where the train line spirals through a tunnel beneath the railway station and winds around the mountain. The journey starts with the first kilometer running along the wide Demodera-Spring Valley Road. Heading northeast, the path circles a small hill housing Nine Skies Bungalow, a charming old planter’s house restored and operated as a boutique hotel by the Teardrop Collection. At the 800-meter mark, we cross the Badulla bridge, shortly after which a sharp left turn takes us up a gradually ascending concrete trail twisting its way toward the tea fields in a northern direction.

By the 3.6-kilometer point, we reach the office and tea shed of the Demodara Tea Estate, Oetumbe Division. From here, a sharp right turn leads past a few houses before rejoining a tea trail that gently descends for 400 meters, crossing a small bridge over a creek and leading to a large flat playground. Multiple paths radiate from this playground, so checking your GPS is recommended. If on the correct path, a straight 100-meter climb marks the beginning of the push up the hill ahead. The next 2 kilometers offer a gradual and enjoyable ascent along a trail that skirts the hilltop, rising approximately 200 meters to its highest point. At the 6.5-kilometer mark, this peak provides breathtaking views of Demodara and Ella, making it an ideal spot to pause for snacks and refreshments.

From here, the trail remains clear, with stunning views unfolding as the descent toward Hali-Ela begins. This rarely visited part of tea country is enchanting, with the next 3 kilometers following a straight and steady downhill path. At the 8-kilometer mark, we reach a junction adorned by a magnificent purple Bougainvillea. Taking the second exit, we descend a leafy path shaded by a forest of towering trees. By the 9-kilometer mark, a large tea-weighing station signals a turn in the trail, which then winds further downward and into a tea workers’ village serving the Rosette Estate. Just over 4 kilometers remain.

Leaving the village, the path follows a narrow tarmac road toward the Unugalle Estate. At the 11.2-kilometer mark, we reach a crossroads and continue downhill along the tarmac road. At 11.4 kilometers, a left turn offers a shortcut down a trail that saves 300 meters and reconnects to the main road below. For those preferring the road, staying on course is equally valid.

At the 12.1-kilometer point, we arrive at the Uva Planters’ Club, a historic landmark in the region. Founded in 1880 and initially known as the Uva Gymkhana Club, it has long been a social hub for the expatriate planting community. Its rich history includes discussions and plans that shaped the region’s development, with its influence predating the railway extension to Haputale in 1894 and Badulla in 1924. The club remains active today with 145 members, primarily professionals and plantation workers. For further details, their Facebook page offers more insight.

As we leave the Uva Planters’ Club, a small road to the right leads to the Unugala Hospital. Continuing along the tarmac road to the 12.5-kilometer mark, we take steps down to the train station. Alternatively, following the tarmac road also leads directly to the station. The Hali-Ela Train Station marks the conclusion of this stage.

Responsible interaction with the environment to avoid depletion or degradation of natural resources and allow for long-term environmental quality.