5 Must-Visit Tea Plantations in Nuwara Eliya for a Taste of Tradition

Though not a well-known name, the Dambatenne tea factory is famously associated with an iconic name in the tea industry: Lipton. This is one of the earliest factories purchased by Thomas Lipton, the founder of the popular brand, and was also one of his most-favoured, according to local stories. The factory’s lore says Lipton liked to climb to the highest point in the estate and admire the surrounding view. The factory has meticulously preserved this fabled area, which is now called “Lipton’s seat". Visitors can hike up through tea plots to this summit, which even has a statue of a seated Lipton. History buffs will certainly love the many stories told about the factory and the old, colonial equipment the facility still uses to produce tea. Everyone else can enjoy the stunning scenery, hiking opportunities, and, of course, the tea (which the factory does not directly sell to consumers but you can still enjoy a cuppa in one of the many nearby cafes and hotels). 

Blue Field is located slightly away from the Nuwara Eliya town, about 20 km north of the city centre, but is well worth a trip to gaze at the verdant plantations surrounded by mist-covered mountains. The factory also allows guests to walk in the tea growing areas and watch workers dexterously plucking leaves, and perhaps even mingle. The short tours will also be great for visitors who want to add an interesting but quick stop to their itineraries. Visit on any day except Sundays, when the factory is open but does not process tea. 

This factory is located at the foothills of Pidurutalagala, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, which you can leisurely explore from nearby hotels like the Araliya Green City. The factory itself has an absolutely fascinating history behind it. It is said that it is built on the same site where the very first tea bushes in Sri Lanka were planted. The factory still has many artefacts from the colonial era, including machines that were used to manufacture tea about a century ago. Pedro factory provides 20-minute guided tours, which offer a considerably comprehensive introduction to the tea manufacturing process. You can hike from the factory to the Pidurutalagala range, which is only 2 km away. The scenic region offers other charming stops, namely the Bomburella Reservoir and the heart-stopping Lover’s Leap waterfall. An outing here will be great for both tea lovers and nature lovers. 

Halpewatte is one of the largest tea factories in Sri Lanka and is a great place to visit for those looking for an in-depth view of tea production. The factory is best known among tourists for its guided tours, which tend to be more informative and lengthy than the average tea factory tour. The factory is also quite close to Ella, famous for its picturesque gap, and will be an interesting stop for those on the way there. 

Formerly known as the Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Centre, this factory complex has a rich history going back to the 1800s. It is also one of the easiest tea factories to access from many of the popular places to see in Nuwara Eliya thanks to its convenient location close to the Kandy-Nuwara Eliya main road. Tours here offer breathtaking views of verdant vistas and imposing mountain ranges in the distance. Visitors can go on guided tours inside the factory and the surrounding tea-growing area, which includes a quick explanation of how tea is made. The complex includes a lovely cafe where you can enjoy various types of tea produced by the estate. You can also buy charmingly-packed flavoured tea boxes to take home as souvenirs!