Anastasia Smith
Sri Lanka's lush green hillsides are carpeted with emerald tea plantations, a legacy of the British colonial era. A Sri Lankan tea plantation tour is a sensory overload of sweeping vistas, fresh mountain air, and of course, the chance to delve into the world of Ceylon tea, a hot favorite for centuries.
Hop aboard the scenic train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and marvel at the breathtaking views of rolling hills blanketed in tea plantations. Once in Nuwara Eliya, embark on a guided tour of the region's renowned tea estates, where you'll learn about the tea-making process from leaf to cup. Wander through verdant fields, visit tea factories to see how tea is processed, and enjoy a tasting session to sample different varieties of Ceylon tea. Don't forget to snap photos of the picturesque landscapes and colonial-era bungalows that dot the countryside. Nuwara Eliya is a popular hill station known for its temperate climate and scenic beauty, making it a must-visit destination for any trip to Sri Lanka and a perfect inclusion on any list of famous tourist places in Sri Lanka.
Strap on your hiking boots and set off on a scenic trek through the tea plantations surrounding the picturesque town of Ella. Follow winding trails that meander through lush greenery and mist-covered hills, passing by terraced tea gardens and cascading waterfalls along the way. Take in panoramic views of the Ella Gap and surrounding valleys as you hike to viewpoints overlooking the sprawling tea estates. Be sure to stop at a local tea factory to learn about the tea-making process and enjoy a refreshing cup of freshly brewed tea amidst the stunning natural scenery.
Discover the hidden gems of Haputale's tea country on a guided tea trail experience that takes you off the beaten path. Venture into the heart of the highlands and explore lesser-known tea estates where you can interact with local tea pluckers and learn about their traditional methods of harvesting tea leaves. Enjoy leisurely walks through scenic landscapes, stopping to admire panoramic views of mist-covered mountains and verdant valleys. Wrap up your day with a visit to a tea factory to witness the tea-making process firsthand and indulge in a tasting session of premium Ceylon teas.
Combine tea tasting with cultural exploration on a guided tour of Kandy's tea plantations and surrounding attractions. Begin your day with a visit to a local tea estate, where you'll learn about the history of tea cultivation in Sri Lanka and witness the art of tea plucking in action. Afterwards, explore the historic city of Kandy and visit cultural landmarks such as the Temple of the Tooth Relic and the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. Round off your tour with a traditional Sri Lankan lunch at a local restaurant, where you can savour authentic flavours and dishes.
Delve into the history of Sri Lanka's tea industry with a visit to the iconic Dambatenne Tea Factory, founded by the legendary Sir Thomas Lipton. Join a guided tour of the factory and gain insight into the tea production process, from withering and rolling to fermenting and drying. Learn about the innovative methods introduced by Sir Thomas Lipton that revolutionized the tea industry in Sri Lanka and beyond. Cap off your visit with a tea-tasting session, where you can sample a variety of Lipton teas and purchase souvenirs to take home.
Discover the captivating allure of Matale District's Dimbula region, an esteemed locale within Sri Lanka's Central Province renowned for its tea production. Embraced by lush landscapes and set against the backdrop of the central mountains, Dimbula emerges as a bastion of tea cultivation, alongside its counterparts Nuwara Eliya and Uva. Spanning elevations from 3,300 to 5,600 feet, the tea gardens of Dimbula yield a bounty of "mid-grown" and "high-grown" teas, each boasting distinctive flavours and characteristics. Notably, Dimbula holds a significant place in the world of tea, with brands like Twinings and Taylors of Harrogate exclusively selecting Dimbula teas for their blends. The dry season, from January to March, heralds the harvesting of the most prized teas, capturing the essence of Ceylon's tea tradition. Explore Dimbula's renowned estates such as Bogahawatte, Bogawantalawa, and Kirkoswald, where every sip encapsulates the rich heritage and unparalleled craftsmanship of Sri Lanka's tea culture. After a day of discovery amidst the verdant hills, consider unwinding at a luxurious hotel such as Heritance Kandalama, nestled amidst the stunning scenery.
