best tea plantation tour sri lanka

The Lowdown on Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka

In this post we’ll discuss everything you need to know about tea plantations in Sri Lanka. No trip to Sri Lanka would be complete without spending a little time visiting a Sri Lankan tea plantation in the Hill Country.

On a tea plantation visit you can learn all about tea picking and tea processing and also enjoy some fine Sri Lankan tea tasting.  It’s probably a much more exciting prospect if you’re a tea lover, but even if you’re not, the Hill Country (or Tea Country, as it’s sometimes called) is arguably the most scenic part of the island and worth a visit.

You’ll find rolling hills clad with row upon row of luscious, green tea plants. It’s often shrouded in a fine mist, and is the perfect escape from the heat of Sri Lanka’s wonderful beaches (if you need an escape!).

The tea plantations of Sri Lanka offer such a beautiful contrast to the rest of Sri Lanka, and Hill Country is well worth including in your Sri Lankan itinerary along with some wildlife spotting on a safari in Udawalawe National Park or Yala National Park .

Before we go into all the information you need about visiting the tea plantations in Sri Lanka, you should bear in mind that you may need a Sri Lanka visa to enter the country. The visa can be applied for online.

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Jump to section: Sri Lank tea plantation areas | Tea history | What to expect from a tea estate visit | Best tea plantations to visit

Where are the Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka’s tea country is located mainly in the central highlands, although some of the tea growing areas spread as far as the coast.

The reason that tea grows well here is because of the topography and the climate. The fertile soil, humidity and higher rainfall provide excellent tea growing conditions and tea plants thrive.

It’s also quite a bit cooler in the highlands than the coastal areas due to its elevation.

One thing to bear in mind is that the Tea Country climate is changeable, and can be quite damp and rainy, so pack a fleece and a lightweight waterproof if you plan to visit a Sri Lanka tea plantation, just in case!

Sri Lanka’s Tea Growing Areas

There are a number of Sri Lankan tea plantations covering large areas of the Hill Country, so the chances are you won’t be too far from one wherever you are in Sri Lanka.

The main tea growing areas in Sri Lanka are :

• Nuwara Eliya
• Uda Pussellawa (between Nuwara Eliya and Ella)
• Uva (area around Ella and Badulla)
• Sabaragamuwa (sweeping from west of Kandy down past Horton plains and to Udawalawe)
• Dimbulla (between Hatton and Nuwara Eliya)
• Ruhuna (southern province of Sri Lanka encompassing Yala)

The tea produced varies depending on where it’s grown. The higher the elevation, the lighter and subtler the tea. Higher elevation tea plantations are found around Haputale and Nuwara Eliya.

The lower the elevation, the stronger and less subtle the tea. Lower elevation tea plantations are found near the coast in the area around Galle, where you’ll find plenty of things to do and also in Matara.

Tea plantations in Haputale

Sri Lanka’s Tea History

Sri Lanka, or Ceylon, as it was known when it was a British colony, is one of the largest tea producers in the world.

It’s said that the first tea plant was brought back (i.e. smuggled!) from China by the British in 1824. It was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, Kandy.

In 1867, a Scottish man and a huge name in tea, James Taylor, started growing the first commercial crop of tea on the Loolecondera Estate in Kandy . Although the first tea factory in Sri Lanka is no longer in operation, you can take a historic tour.

After a blight of the coffee crops, tea began to take over as the main crop of Sri Lanka, and now around 350 million kg of tea per year are exported by Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka makes some of the best tea in the world, and it’s ranked just behind Chinese tea, Indian tea and Kenyan tea.

It’s not just the large tea estates producing tea, there are thousands of smallholders all contributing to the Sri Lankan tea industry.

How many tea plantations are there in Sri Lanka? That’s pretty hard to answer as there are lots (and lots) of tiny smallholdings.

Tea production in Sri Lanka is huge which is just as well because according to Google, tea is the most popular beverage in the world.

Vintage Ceylon Tea Poster

What To Expect From A Tea Plantation Tour in Sri Lanka

If you love your tea and would like to learn more about the history and production process, it’s well worth enjoying a tea plantation tour in Sri Lanka.

There are dozens of working factories you can tour for free, or at a small cost.

A typical tea plantation tour will take you through the fields to see the tea leaves being picked. You’ll then follow the leaves as they make their way around the factory.

They’re washed, dried, and shredded, and then the final loose leaf tea product is packed into tea chests.

It’s fascinating to see a tea factory in action; from processing freshly picked leaves through to packing the finished product.

Tea drying process

At the end of the tour, you’ll learn how to make tea. Don’t expect to find any Typhoo teabags here.

What you will see is a cup of tea being made properly, with loose leaf tea in teapots and tea strainers. And then for the tasting.

Tea tasting on a tea factory tour

As already mentioned, the tea industry in Sri Lanka is huge and employs many people, but we learned during our trip from one of our drivers that tea picking is extremely hard work, and the workers are not paid very much.

We had huge respect for the tea pickers when we observed them busy at work during our tour of the Sri Lankan tea estates.

Sri Lankan tea picker at work

The Most Popular Tea Plantation Tours in Sri Lanka

The most popular places to visit tea plantations in Sri Lanka are Kandy, Ella, Haputale, and Nuwara Eliya.

This list of tea estates in Sri Lanka covers the main tea factories in these areas that you can visit to learn more about the tea industry in Sri Lanka.

Kandy Tea Plantations

Kandy (also known as the ‘Hill Capital’) is usually on most people’s itineraries. It’s the second-largest city in Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage site, particularly famous for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

If you don’t have time to venture further from Colombo into the Hill Country, then make sure you visit Kandy  for a tea factory tour.

You can also get away from the main tourist spots on this tour of the lesser know Matale area .

Temple of the Tooth Kandy

Kadugannawa Tea Estate

Kadugannawa is about 20km west of Kandy. It’s a great factory to visit because the lady giving the tours speaks great English and is very detailed in her explanation.

You will get the full explanation about black and green tea production from picking the leaves to the final product.

The tours are relatively quick which is good for the kids and are also free, with tea tasting at the end and a boutique with beautifully packaged tea gift sets.

Hanthana Tea Estate Factory

While in Kandy, make sure to pay a visit to the Ceylon Tea Museum located in a former tea factory.

You can learn a lot about tea production, view machinery and there’s a shop and cafe with beautiful views over the region.

Ella  Tea Plantations

The rolling green hills of Ella with views of Little Adam’s Peak make it a beautiful place to stop over and visit a tea factory. The hill station has grown hugely in popularity and there is so much for families in Ella now.

See also our guide for things to do in Sri Lanka with kids .

See here for Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arch Bridge tour (with free 24 hour cancellation).

Train crossing Nine Arch Bridge in Ella

Halpewatte Tea Factory

If you want to visit a t ea factory in Ella, Halpewatte is a good option. It’s the largest tea factory in the Uva region and only about 3km out of Ella on the road north.

Entrance is LKR 525 / £2. It can be a bit hit and miss with non-production days, but it seems it is mostly not operational on Mondays.

Tours last between 45 mins – 1 hour with tea tasting at the end and a shop for gifts and souvenirs.

If you’re really pushed for time and won’t have a chance to visit Halpewatte, you could visit the Newburgh Tea Factory which is on the way to Little Adam’s Peak on the Passara Road. It produces green tea only and offers a quick insight into tea making.

Haputale Tea Plantations

Haputale is about an hour on a very scenic train ride southwest of Ella. The landscape is undulating, luscious emerald hills.

On a fine day, it’s said you can see down to the south coast. Unfortunately, we visited on a cloudy and rainy day – but don’t let that put you off! The scenery was still stunning and very dramatic.

If you’re based on Haputale, here is a tour from Haputale taking in Ella, Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak .

Dambatenne Tea Factory

The main factory in this area is Dambatenne. It was built by Sir Thomas Lipton in 1890 and is one of the best tours you can do in the hill country.

Realistically you will probably only do one tour on your trip (we did two but it was probably a bit much for the kids!).

We chose Dambatenne because we could take a quick and very scenic train ride over from Ella and we wanted to check out Haputale and the view from Lipton’s seat.

The tour fee is LKR 250. It is best to get there early on in the day, partly for the weather but also processing is more likely to take place in the morning.

The factory is huge and the tour we had was very comprehensive although have heard that some people had a very rushed tour.

We were the only ones there (probably because of the weather!) so maybe that had something to do with it.

We watched the production process from beginning to end and enjoyed a lovely tasting at the end. There is no production on Sunday or Monday.

It is quite a hike up from town to Dambatenne so with little ones we recommend a tuk-tuk.

You can take a tour from Ella of Dambatenne and Liptons Seat. See here for details .

Dambetenne Tea Factory

Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantations

The Kandy to Ella train journey is one of the most scenic in the world, but at seven hours it can be quite long for little ones. What you can do is take a trip on a shorter section, like Ella to Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya is beautifully scenic with a few other things to do, but mostly it’s about the scenery (along with the 19th-century colonial vibes and architecture).

If you are stopping in Nuwara Eliya and want to visit a tea factory, you can try Mackwoods.

Rolling green hills of Nuwara Eliya

Mackwoods Tea Centre

Mackwoods is quite a short tour (good for the kids) so you get a rough overview rather than an in-depth explanation.

The tour is free with tea tasting included. You can also buy cake in the tea room to go with your tea. There is a gift shop but it’s quite expensive.

Pedro Tea Estate

Pedro Tea Estate is the probably the most famous tea factory in Nuwara Eliya but as it produces a light tea, most of the production takes place at night.

You also cannot take photographs here. If you still want to go, it is about 3.5km East of Nuwara Eliya. Entrance is LKR 250 with tea tasting.

Different quality of tea

Interesting fact – a good old mug of tea, or builders tea as we call it, is made up of the dregs of the crop called ‘dust’!

We hope that you will manage to work a couple of days in the Hill Country into your itinerary.

Even if you’re not a tea enthusiast and are not tempted by the tea plantations in Sri Lanka, then it’s still worth going for the views and train rides!

Top Tip when Visiting Tea Factories in Sri Lanka

When doing any kind of tour, try to use the toilet facilities in your (or a nearby) hotel when possible, as the facilities in some of the factories are the hole-in-the-ground squat toilets that can get a little messy!

Final thoughts on Sri Lanka tea

Is Sri Lanka tea good? We get asked this a lot. We say yes, but we also say go see for yourselves. It’s about a whole lot more than just the tea.

Find Accommodation in Sri Lanka’s Tea Country

There are a lot of accommodation options in the Hill Country, but we feel that it’s the ideal place to stay in colonial style, plantation accommodation for a more authentic stay.

We’ve highlighted our favourite Sri Lankan tea estate accommodation for each budget. If you don’t find what you’re looking for, you can find more on Booking.com .

Thotalagala Plantation House Hotel – if you’re staying in the Hill Country and want to feel like you’re being transported back to the colonial days of British Ceylon, this is the place to stay.

Winner of various Condé Nast awards, it’s a beautiful tea planter’s bungalow on the Dambetenne Tea Estate in Haputale . The views from the pool and the grounds in general are just outstanding.  It is family-friendly, although no children under 6.

Goatfell –  former tea plantation bungalow perched high up on a hill near Nuwara Eliya . It has been beautifully restored and allows total relaxation, whether on the covered veranda or by the infinity pool overlooking the tea plantations.

They offer interconnecting rooms for families, or large rooms that can fit extra beds.

Goatfell Nuwara Eliya

Craig Appin by Jetwing – a small, 4-bedroom colonial bungalow on the slopes of the Dickoya Tea Estate in Nuwara Eliya . They have a large family room and beautiful gardens.

The Plantation Villa Resort in Kalutara, offering yoga, cooking, a wonderful pool area, a children’s playground and huge grounds with mini waterfalls.

Heritance Tea Factory – lovingly restored former tea factory with some of the original machinery still in place. It’s perched on the top of a hill in Nuwara Eliya with 360 scenic views (if you’re not shrouded in mist). Outdoor play area for kids, childcare services and spa facilities are available.

Tea Hills Bungalow – not entirely a budget option, but one of the best value options in Hatton . They have large, family rooms and beautiful views.

The Castlereagh Resort – a lovely, simple but clean guesthouse in Hatton with a large family room with a balcony overlooking the lake.

If you found this post useful, why not bookmark it, share it with friends or pin it for later? 

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On the three-hour drive from the capital city, Colombo, to Kandy, Mr. Yapa pulled over twice so that I could visit roadside stands selling delicious locally grown cashews and boiled corn on the cob. Kandy sits in a valley beside a placid lake that was ordered by the region’s last Sinhalese emperor. Like most Sri Lankan cities, Kandy, which has a population of 109,000, has the unzoned, mangy atmosphere of a once-small village that proceeded over generations to become sloppily urbanized.

Dear Friends, Greetings and wish you happy new year 2023. Just I read your article and it is informative on tourism. The article brings more information on tea history, production, process and traveling. I highly respect your right to information. However, the major part of the tea plantation is the LIFE of the WORKERS….? I couldn’t find anything about their sufferings, poverty, development…. and living & working conditions in your article…..? Thanks.

Dear Dr Sivapragasam, thank you for your comment. The article is more about what to expect from a Sri Lankan tea plantation visit and where to go, rather than covering the politics surrounding working conditions of the workers. However, I do actually mention in the article that the working conditions are very hard and that workers are not paid very much. You can find this under the ‘What to expect from a tea plantation tour in Sri Lanka’. Thanks for reading.

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The 5 Best Tea Plantations to Visit in Sri Lanka

• Last Updated March 23, 2024
• Sri Lanka , Asia

Head into the southern highlands of Sri Lanka and you will find misty green hills swelling up around you, each covered with row upon row of deep green tea bushes that stretch out as far as the eye can see. Looking closely, you will see that these mountainsides are speckled with colour and alive with activity: women carefully work their way along the pristine rows of shrubs, barefoot with a basket strung across their backs, as they pluck, pick, bag and weigh the tea leaves.

Of all the cultural and commercial exports that Sri Lanka has given to the world, it is tea that is synonymous with the island. Since the Victorian era, tea cultivation has underpinned Sri Lanka’s economy and was the main driving factor for prosperity during the British colonial period. The industry remains important today and after surviving a disastrous nationalisation (followed by swift re-privatisation) Sri Lanka remains one of the top 3 producers in the world, with tea products accounting for a quarter of the Island’s earnings.

The majority of these estates are found in Sri Lanka’s Southern Hill Country. While the region has countless charms – waterfall-covered mountains and jaw-dropping scenery where rattling railway stock clunks its way through old-world colonial towns and country piles seemingly copy-pasted from Middle England – it is the tea plantations that are the main draw of these highlands.

The History of Tea in Sri Lanka

Although Sri Lanka is famed for its tea, coffee was once the main product of the nation’s hills. It was brought here by the Arabs, long before Europeans set foot on the island, with the Sinhalese using the leaves to flavour their curries rather than brewing the beans. When the British arrived on the island, after failed attempts at growing both sugar and indigo, they decided to give coffee a try, inspired by its success in the other colonies of Jamaica, Guyana and Dominica

Ceylon saw a coffee rush as military men, civil servants and even civilians invested in plantations, lured by the promise of wealth and exoticism. Unfortunately, after months at sea followed by long treks through the hills on foot, most found that the ‘estates’ that they had purchased were nothing more than patches of virgin forest that had been stolen from the Kandyans.

Despite this, the British managed to oversee successful coffee production until the 1880s when the crop was devastated by hemileia vastatrix ‘ known as ‘Devastating Emily’ – a fungus of the leaf that was laying waste to plantations all over the world. Thankfully James Tayor, a bearded Scotsman known by his men as Samy-dor – The Master God – had already turned his hand to tea production, planting a few shrubs in 1967 at a modest 19-acre estate in Loolecondera. Following the coffee blight that swept Ceylon, coffee states were purchased on the cheap and transformed into tea plantations. By 1940, other 1,200 tea estates existed across the country, transforming Ceylon’s economy and making the nation the world’s greatest tea exporter.

The Best Tea Estates & Factories to Visit in Sri Lanka

Pedro tea estate.

Sitting in the shadow of the lush greenery of Pidurutalagala, 3km east of Nuwara Eliya, Pedro Tea Estate was established on the very spot that James Taylor planted his first tea bushes and kick-started the Ceylon tea industry. Established in 1885, the factory was under British ownership until it was nationalised in 1975, before being reprivatised just a decade later. Despite its plantations and tea fields being less picturesque than others, it is one of the most easily accessible estates in the hill country and the 20-minute long tours take you through the entire manufacturing process, from grading to packaging, where you will see plenty of pieces of colonial-era equipment that is still in operation.

Overlooking the factory building is the picturesque Lovers Leap Ethical Tea Boutique where you can enjoy sipping on the local produce amongst a lush mountainous backdrop with a splendid view of the Bomburella Reservoir. Nearby, you will also find the Lover’s Leap Waterfall which plunges over a cliff face at the foot of Pidurutalagala and can be reached via a relatively serene 2km hike from the Pedro estate.

Where : Just off the A5, South of Nuwara Eliya When : Daily 8.30 am – 5.30 pm; Tours cost Rs. 200

Damro Labookelie Tea Estate

The expansive Damro Labookelie Tea Estate, set in 5000 acres or gorgeous rolling hillside 20km north of Nuwara Eliya, is much more scenic than Pedro Tea Estate with the surrounding countryside feeling much more unblemished and unspoilt. The factory was originally part of the MAckwoods conglomerate, founded in 1841 and nowadays contains a rather modern and visitor centre complete with a café where you can sample the estate’s teas. Due to its easy to each location on the main road between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya, the factory can become busy during the high season but the brief free tour gives a good overview of the production process.

Where : Just off the A5, between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya When : Daily 8 am – 5 pm; Tours are free.

Dambatenne Tea Factory

The name Lipton is now synonymous with tea worldwide, but the Lipton empire had humble beginnings in Ceylon. In 1890, Thomas Lipton stopped at the island en-route to Australia where he purchased a number of small, failing tea plantations in order to cut out the middleman in the burgeoning tea business that eventually grew into a global empire. Of all his plantations, he held Dambatenne in the highest regard.

The factory can still be found between Haputale and Bandarawela, equidistant from both. While many of the tea factories around Sri Lanka have modernised, the slightly disheveled Dambatenne site still produces tea much the same as it did when it was first built in 1890, with the old machinery and process remaining unchanged for 130 years. Tours are available, however, there is no tea for sale on-site. If you want to see the whole factory in operation, it is best to arrive before noon.

Around 7km by curving hillside roads from the factory is Lipton’s seat, perched high above Dambatenne and named after the estate’s owner. It is one of the finest viewpoints in all of Sri Lanka, so much so that Sir Thomas Lipton often came up here to admire the scenery, often bringing business associates so he could wow them with the splendour of his plantation. It will take around 2 hours to hike up to the hill’s peak, although rather than trekking around wide hairpins, it’s possible to speed up the journey by taking shortcuts up stone steps that are hidden between the rows of tea bushes.

Gradually, as you get higher, the views become more expansive until you reach the highpoint at the statue of Thomas Lipton at the hill’s summit where the 360-degree vista of the surrounding countryside stretches all the way to the coast on a clear day. as mist and clouds can obstruct the view on most afternoons, I would recommend reaching the summit early morning. Even if you don’t fancy the uphill slog, you can reach the Seat by tuk-tuk for a few hundred rupees and enjoy a leisurely walk back to Dambatelle.

Where : Distretto di Badulla When : Daily 8 am – 6 pm; Tours cost Rs. 250

Halpewatte Tea Factory

Being one of the biggest factories in the hill country, Uva Halpewatte tea factory is the perfect staring point for people looking to get to grips with Sri Lankan tea production. Dating from 1940, Halpewatte runs one of the best and most informative tours on the island, taking you through the process from picking to the final product.

The factory is located just 5km north of Ella and most local tuk-tuk drivers will be able to take you there, although they can charge up to RS. 1000 for a return trip. Alternatively, the factory can be reached by taking two buses, first catching the bus towards Bandarawela and alighting at Kumbawela junction before hopping on an onward bus to Badulla. You will need to get off just after the 27km post at Halpe Temple and walk the rest of the way.

Tours take place every day except Mondays and the day after public holidays since there is no tea plucking on Sundays.

Where : Badulla Road, Hela Halpe When : Daily 8 am – 5 pm; Tours do not take place on Mondays.

Blue Field Tea Factory

Located in Ramboda, 20km north of Nuwara Eliya on the road to Kandy, Blue Field Tea Garden was founded in 1921 is known for its high grown tea that it produces on its 193-acre site situated 1285 meters above sea level in the misty mountains. It’s estimated that Blue Field produces around 30,000 kg of tea each month. Although the tours of the factory are short, they are professional and highly informative if not as in-depth as others on offer around the island. However, the onsite restaurant is worth a visit if you are passing on your way to or from Nuwara Eliya and visitors are free to wander the surrounding terraces and watch the tea pluckers at work.

Note: There is no tea processing on Sundays.

Where : Nuwaraliya, road, Ramboda When : Daily 8 am – 6.30 pm; Tours are free.

Where to Stay in the Hill Country

Nuwara eliya.

There aren’t many backpacking hostels in Nuwara Eliya but of the few that exist,  Laughing Leopard  is the best. Located just 10 minutes from the central bus station, this hostel has a focus on sustainability, furnished with colourful upcycled materials in an early 20th-century bungalow.

For a more upmarket experience, consider a couple of nights at the 5-star  Heritance Tea Factory . Set on a hilltop away from the town, the Heritance was built within the wonderfully preserved shell of the Hethersett Estate Tea Factory. Despite the exterior, the inside of the hotel is cosy and modern, with many of the old plantation’s machinery being incorporated into the stylish design.

Bandarawela and Haputale

As Bandarewala isn’t a mainstay on the tourist trail through Sri Lanka’s hill country, accommodation options can be few and far between. However, the time-warped  Bandarawela Hotel  may be worth a visit in and of itself. One of the only hotels in town, the Bandarawela began life as a planter’s clubhouse 1893 and still sits atop a long and winding driveway at the entrance to the town like a rambling wooden reminder of the past.

It’s been over 90 years since the owners stopped updating the décor and furniture, meaning that the hotel is a veritable time capsule – you half expect to see a group of men in pith hats and Gurka shorts to come rambling through the lobby, elephant guns in hand – with wrought iron beds, polished wooden floors and faded sepia photographs adorning the walls. It certainly is unique and the perfect place to stay if you have even a passing interest in the area’s colonial history.

Being a tourist and backpacker hub, there’s a glut of budget hostels in Ella, with many being fairly sub-par. Of the bunch, Tomorrowland Hostel is often the best rated. It’s fairly basic, as well as quite an uphill trek from the main road, but they have an on-site bar and the views across Ella from the hostel are stunning.

Also located high above the town,  Laura  is particularly good value, with large, modern rooms that are exceptional for the price that you pay. A highlight is being able to enjoy breakfast on their large terrace while enjoying the mountain views.

A stunning eco-resort set amongst the rolling hills of the Uva Greenland Tea Estate,  98 Acres  features 6 beautiful cabanas, some with their own private pool. However, the communal pool is nice enough and their on-site facilities include a gym, spa and yoga sessions. Although I didn’t stay at 98 acres, I did stop by to eat at their café, Café 98, and can confirm that the hotel is probably one of the best in town.

A Guide to Buying Tea in Sri Lanka

You may think that buying tea from the estates that are dotted around the country – essentially direct from the source – would be the cheapest option but unfortunately, the shops at most factories add a rather severe mark up to most of their products. The small tea emporiums in local towns and the larger retailers in Sri Lanka’s major cities offer the same tea for a lower price. In Colombo, the Sri Lanka Tea Board Shop and Dimlah Tea Shop sell a wide range of teas while Withered Leaves and Orchid House in Galle offer high-quality produce. The best option in the hill country is the large Mlesna Tea Centre in Bandarawela, opposite the Bandarawela Hotel.

It is worth considering the variety and grade of tea you wish to purchase. Black tea is ubiquitous in Sri Lanka and is the most widely produce variety but green tea is also popular and white tea – known here as Silvertip tea – is the most expensive.

Within these three different varieties, the tea is graded by size and quality. Tea ‘dust’ and broken leaves are the cheapest while whole leaves are considered higher quality and the tips (the youngest, delicate leaves that are plucked from the top of the bush) are reserved for the most expensive products.

Staying in a Tea Estate Bungalow

Although the indelible mark that Britain’s colonial rule of Sri Lanka left on the nation is – as with most of the Empire’s lasting legacy – mostly negative, the luxurious tea estate bungalows that dot the southern highlands now make for an atmospheric stay that gives guests an unforgettable taste of old Ceylon’s colonial lifestyle. The majority of the estates were originally built in the 19th century for British Estate managers and perch in the higher reaches of Sri Lanka’s hills and cloud forest where dramatic views, sprawling gardens, and walking trails that wiggle through the rolling plantations are all begging to be seen. Here are the best places to experience Sri Lanka’s old-world hospitality.

Ceylon Tea Trails

A series of 5 tea-planter bungalows, each individually designed, dating back to 1888 and set amongst the luscious terraces of Bogawantalawa. Sitting high above Castlereagh Lake near Adam’s Peak, the estate has a beautiful infinity pool and each bungalow comes with its own butler and executive chef.

Ashburnham Estate

An hour’s drive east of Kandy in the rugged peaks of the Knuckles Range, Ashburnham Estate is a boutique bungalow-cum-guesthouse dating back to the 1930s sitting within a 100-acre working tea estate. The estate is perfectly placed for visitors to both Kandy and the Cultural Triangle.

Rosyth Estate House

Although the original three-bedroom bungalow at Rosyth Estate House dates back to 1926, a number of new pavillions have since been added, bringing the room count to 10. Its intimate size adds to the welcoming atmosphere and there is a small pool, spa, and yoga pavilion on site.

A Note on Working Conditions for Tea Pickers

Tea production is incredibly labour intensive and low tech, with much of the process still using Victorian era technology (in some cases, still using the very same pieces of 150-year-old machinery). The entire operation – from plucking the leaves to packing the finished product – takes around 24 hours.

It is thought that almost 5% of Sri Lankans work in the nation’s multi-billion-dollar tea industry with around 300,000 people, mostly Tamil women, working the fields of estates where they pluck the two youngest leaves and bud from the end of every branch by hand.

Migrant Tamil Laborers were initial brought to Sri Lanka from Sri Lanka due to the lack of workers in the highlands and were employed to work the coffee plantations on a seasonal basis, six months a year. When production skewed towards tea, where production is continued year-round and the leaves are plucked every seven days on the dry season (twice as often when it is wet), thousands of expatriates, so-called “Tea or Plantation” Tamils settled permanently. Within a decade, almost a million qulis arrived, shipped over in cramped, dank conditions and forced to walk from the coast to the highlands. By the turn of the century, 7% of Sri Lanka’s population was made up of Tea Tamils.

Their descendants still work the island’s fields today and remain one of the poorest, most marginalised groups in Sri Lanka. Unfortunately for these poorly paid workers, many Sinhalese still regard them as Indian, foreign, and low-caste despite living in the country for many generations.

Head to one of the many plantations listed above and you will see these women standing amongst the bushes of the leafy hillsides, tarpaulin sacks strapped to their heads and shauls draped over their shoulders to protect them from the sun. According to the BBC, the average tea plucker earns 600 Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR), which is approximately £2.20, if they reach the desired quota of 18kg a day. This is reduced to 300 LKR if they do not reach it. An investigation by the Thomson Reuters Foundation in 2019 found that wages can be as low as 26 rupees a day (£0.11) after the deduction of debt repayments, salary advances and other fees. Often ethical brands pay no better than others.

Living conditions can be poor, with some of the barrack-style housing being located in the very same buildings built by the British in the 1920s. Often, the homes only have electricity or running water for a few hours each day

Demonstrations by civil society groups have recently askied for an increase of the minimum wage to 1,000 rupees a day (£3.60).

Dave McClane

David McClane is a photographer and travel writer based in Leeds, UK. Since first picking up a camera on a yearlong journey through Central and South America in 2014/2015, He has carefully documented his travels through almost 50 countries.

Itinerary: 2 Weeks in Central and Southern Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya – A Slice of ‘Little England’ in the Heart of Sri Lanka

A Guide to Galle Fort: Sri Lanka’s Dutch Colonial Gem

24 Hours in Colombo: A Self-Guided Itinerary

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• 7 Best Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka For Lush Green Getaways

16 Jun 2023

Sri Lanka, the verdant island country that lies in the Indian Ocean like a teardrop of India, is known for numerous entities, especially its plantations, temples, and the list might seem endless if you are looking for wholesome encounters. This Pearl of the Orient features an unimaginable window to sneak peek at the lush green rolling slopes of tea, coffee, and spice plantations and get enticed by the aromatic surroundings. If you wish to explore the spectacular tea plantations in Sri Lanka , continue reading to encounter the wholesome experience.

About Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka

The never-ending coastline, historical remains, exotic flora & fauna, and enthralling water sports are in contrast with regional rolling plantations where one can understand how their favourite sups, especially tea & coffee are picked and processed. The refreshing ambience of these tea plantations is not only admirable for tea lovers but equally or even more admired by nature lovers or for those who wish to unravel the exquisite topography of the place they are exploring.

Shrouded with a spree of mist, these tea plantation tours in Sri Lanka serve to be delightful escapades to ditch the scorching heat. These plantations are widespread in the central highlands region and extend until the remote coastal terrains. The exuberance of these yields is due to adequate topography and climate. Humidity and higher rainfall result in outstanding tea growth across the island country. However, there are specific regions that are considered the best for exploring tea plantations in Sri Lanka. The following are the prime tea growing areas:

• Nuwara Eliya
• Uda Pussellawa
• Sabaragamuwa

History of Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka

The first tea plant was introduced in Sri Lanka by the British in 1824. The place was under colonial control and the Royal Botanical Gardens was chosen to be the perfect ground for the growth of Camellia Sinensis then.

Later in 1867, James Taylor introduced growing tea on the Loolecondera Estate in Kandy as a commercial crop. Gradually, tea emerged be the main yield of Sri Lanka, and today exports over 350 million kg of tea every year.

Famous Tea Plantation in Kandy

Kandy, the serene hill capital of Sri Lanka is known for its rejuvenating sights featuring verdant plantations of tea. It has remained to be the first site from where tea was introduced in the country and thrived over the years, successfully outreaching other regions too, including coastal boundaries. The following are the premier tea estates in the region:

1. Kadugannawa Tea Estate

Nestled in the outskirts of Kandy, Kadugannawa is about 20 km from the main city. The property hosts guided tours in English detailing the various aspects covering production, selection, and export. Here, you get an introduction to the production of black and green teas and reach the final product before it knocks the international tea markets. Tasting a variety of teas along with purchasing related gifts at home are some interesting activities to indulge in before proceeding further with your local exploration.

3 Fabulous Resorts In Kandy, Sri Lanka For A Memorable Stay

2. Hanthana Tea Estate Factory

Home to Ceylon Tea Museum, Hanthana Tea Estate Factory in Kandy was established in 1925. Apart from tea estate exploration, you can also visit the Ceylon Tea Museum and capture glimpses of its historical background. Learning the production of tea, viewing machinery & its working, along with packaging and exporting the final product to different parts of the world are the encounters that can be experienced here.

Famous Tea Plantation in Ella

Ella Tea Plantations showcase rolling green hills covered with regional yields. Home to the famous Adam’s Peak, travellers usually stop over to sneak peek at the lush green surroundings and get refreshed by the aroma of locally cultivated spices and herbs.

1. Halpewatte Tea Factory

This tea estate was established in 1940 in the vicinity of Ella at an altitude of 1230 metres. In 2008, the factory earned the title of being the largest tea producer in the company. Currently, the estate produces over 1,50,000 kilograms per month and the vast grandeurs are admirable for nature lovers.

15 Best Resorts In Sri Lanka That Are Perfect For Your 2023 Vacay!

2. Haputale Tea Plantations

Haputale Tea Plantations was established in 1905 and is known for producing quality black tea. From guided tours to tea tasting, the estate offers illuminating experiences to visitors from near and far. The estate is about an hour from Ella and features luscious emerald hills.

3. Dambatenne Tea Factory

Dambatenne Tea Factory was built by Sir Thomas Lipton in 1890 and hosts one of the best tea plantation tours in the country. This scenic tea estate is spread across acres of verdant hilly terrains and serves to be home to the famous Lipton Seat viewpoint.

43 Most Beautiful Places In Sri Lanka You Must Visit In 2023

Famous Tea Plantation in Nuwara Eliya

Home to Hakgala Botanical Gardens and the famous Seetha Amman temple, Nuwara Eliya also welcomes visitors who wish to capture glimpses of tea estates and relish freshly extracted yields. The following are the popular tea estates in Nuwara Eliya and nearby areas:

1. Mackwoods Tea Centre

Nestled in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, Mackwoods Tea Centre is known for featuring one of the best tea plantations in Sri Lanka. It is perched at an altitude of about 1500 metres above sea level and exhibits exclusively hand-picked amalgamations of silver tips and orange pekoe. The estate was established in 1841 by Captain William Mackwood and is the second-oldest producer in the country.

2. Pedro Tea Estate

Located in the shadow region of Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, Pidurutalagala, Pedro Tea Estate was inaugurated in 1885. The estate hosts 20-minute guided tours and details on the entire manufacturing process, that is from grading to packaging.

22 Places To Visit In Nuwara Eliya In 2023: The Mini London Of Sri Lanka!

The entry fee to visit these tea estates varies and it entirely depends upon the property you are planning to visit. Ideally, the average cost for touring these tea plantations is between LKR 250 to LKR 350. However, there are many estates in the country that host free tours and you don’t need to pay anything additional.

Being the fourth largest producer of tea in the world, the island country has thousands of tea estates offering exclusiveness to your favourite sups. Matale, Abdulla, Kegalle, etc. are other districts that abound with tea plantations. You can book your future Sri Lanka trip with TravelTriangle and capture impeccable glimpses of these tea plantations in Sri Lanka.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka

Where shall I go to visit tea estates in Sri Lanka?

Kandy and Nuwara Eliya are the most popular cities in the country to explore tea estates, followed by the Ella region.

Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka during Covid?

Ensure you follow all the mandatory travel guidelines mentioned by the authorities to ensure a safe experience. Remain masked and keep sanitising your hands regularly after touching surfaces.

What are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka?

Dambulla Cave Temple, Yala National Park, Arugam Bay, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Galle, Jaffna, Commonwealth War Cemetery, Temple Of Tooth, Nuwara Eliya, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Nine Arch Bridge, etc. are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka.

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Discover the Best Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka: A Guide to the History, Culture, and Flavors of Sri Lankan Tea

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and lush green tea plantations. Tea cultivation in Sri Lanka dates back to the 19th century when the British introduced it to the island. Today, Sri Lankan tea is celebrated globally for its exceptional quality and unique flavors. Exploring the tea plantations in Sri Lanka offers a captivating experience, allowing visitors to witness the intricate process of tea production and indulge in the aromatic blends that the country has to offer.

Tea is an integral part of Sri Lanka’s history, culture, and economy. Renowned for its distinct flavors and rich heritage, Sri Lankan tea plantations attract visitors from all around the world. In this guide, we will take you on a journey to discover the best tea plantations in Sri Lanka, delve into the fascinating history and culture behind them, and explore the diverse flavors that make Sri Lankan tea truly exceptional.

The History of Tea in Sri Lanka

Tea cultivation in Sri Lanka began in the mid-19th century under British colonial rule. The British recognized the island’s ideal climate and fertile soil for growing tea. Large-scale plantations were established, and the industry quickly flourished. 

The introduction of tea transformed the Sri Lankan economy and became one of the country’s major exports. The legacy of the British influence can still be seen in the architecture and infrastructure of the tea estates.

The Culture of Sri Lankan Tea

Tea is deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan culture and plays a significant role in daily life. Sri Lankans take pride in their tea heritage and regard it as a symbol of hospitality. Tea is not just a beverage but a ritual that brings people together. 

The tea culture in Sri Lanka emphasizes the importance of quality and the art of brewing the perfect cup. From the bustling tea stalls on street corners to the elegant high tea ceremonies, the tea culture in Sri Lanka is diverse and captivating.

The Different Varieties of Sri Lankan Tea

Sri Lanka produces several varieties of tea, each with its own distinct characteristics. The most famous type is Ceylon tea, which is known for its bright color, brisk flavor, and fragrant aroma. Ceylon tea is further categorized into different grades based on the size and quality of the tea leaves. Other popular varieties include green tea, white tea, and flavored teas infused with herbs, fruits, and spices. Sri Lankan tea offers a range of flavors to suit every palate.

Exploring the Best Tea Plantations

Nuwara Eliya is often referred to as the “Little England” of Sri Lanka due to its cool climate and colonial charm. The tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya are nestled amidst mist-covered hills and offer breathtaking views. The tea grown here has a delicate flavor and is sought after for its exquisite taste.

Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is home to several renowned tea estates. The plantations in Kandy are known for producing full-bodied teas with a robust flavor. Visitors can explore the lush green landscapes, interact with tea pickers, and witness the tea production process firsthand.

Ella is a picturesque town located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The tea estates in Ella are surrounded by scenic beauty, including cascading waterfalls and panoramic views. The tea produced here has a distinct floral aroma and a smooth, mellow taste.

Hatton is another prominent tea-growing region in Sri Lanka, situated in the heart of the hill country. The tea plantations in Hatton offer a glimpse into the labor-intensive process of tea cultivation. The teas from Hatton are known for their bold flavors and rich amber hues.

Bandarawela

Bandarawela is a lesser-known gem in the world of Sri Lankan tea . The tea estates in Bandarawela produce teas with a unique character and depth of flavor. Visitors can immerse themselves in the serene surroundings and savor the distinct taste of the teas grown in this region.

The Tea Production Process

The tea production process involves several stages, including plucking, withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying. Skilled tea pluckers meticulously handpick the tender tea leaves, ensuring only the finest leaves are selected. The leaves undergo a series of processes that determine the final flavor and quality of the tea. The expertise of tea tasters and master blenders is crucial in maintaining the high standards that Sri Lankan tea is known for.

Tea Tasting and Appreciation

Tea tasting is an essential part of the tea plantation experience. Visitors can participate in guided tea tasting sessions where they learn to distinguish the subtle nuances of various tea flavors. Professional tea tasters guide participants through the sensory experience, educating them about the aroma, appearance, and taste of different teas. It is an opportunity to appreciate the complexity and artistry behind a well-brewed cup of tea.

Health Benefits of Sri Lankan Tea

Sri Lankan tea is not only a delight for the taste buds but also offers numerous health benefits. It is rich in antioxidants and polyphenols, which have been associated with reducing the risk of heart disease, improving digestion, and boosting the immune system. Regular consumption of tea has also been linked to enhanced cognitive function and stress reduction.

Sustainable Tea Farming Practices

Sri Lankan tea plantations have embraced sustainable farming practices to minimize their environmental impact. Many estates adhere to organic farming methods, avoiding the use of harmful pesticides and promoting biodiversity. Additionally, fair trade initiatives ensure that tea workers receive fair wages and work in safe conditions. Visitors can support these ethical practices by choosing teas from certified sustainable sources.

Where to Buy Sri Lankan Tea

After visiting the tea plantations, you may want to bring home some authentic Sri Lankan tea . There are numerous places where you can purchase high-quality teas, including specialty tea shops, local markets, and even online platforms. Look for the “Lion Logo,” a symbol of authenticity and quality assurance for Ceylon tea.

Visiting the pearl of the Indian Ocean is a wonderful opportunity, but you need the right guidance and a tour that meets all your expectations. At Surabi Lanka, we believe your journey is personal, and your goals are unique. Which is why we’re excited to offer you the chance to design your own custom tour. No need to settle for someone else’s idea of perfection. Create a once-in-a-lifetime experience that reflects your vision and will stay with you for years to come. Take the first step towards your dream adventure and contact us today to start creating your own personalized journey.

Exploring the tea plantations in Sri Lanka is an enchanting experience that takes you on a journey through the history, culture, and flavors of this remarkable beverage. From the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya to the scenic landscapes of Ella, each tea plantation offers a unique perspective on the art of tea production. By immersing yourself in Sri Lanka’s tea heritage, you not only get to indulge in exquisite flavors but also gain a deeper appreciation for the craftsmanship behind every cup of tea.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

• Absolutely! Tea plantations in Sri Lanka are open to visitors, and guided tours are available to provide an immersive experience.
• The best time to visit is during the dry seasons, which are from January to March and July to September.
• Yes, many tea plantations offer tea tasting sessions where you can learn about the different flavors and aromas of Sri Lankan tea.
• Yes, there are several hotels and guesthouses located near the tea plantations, providing a comfortable stay amidst the scenic landscapes.
• Look for the Lion Logo, which ensures the authenticity and quality of Ceylon tea. Additionally, purchasing from reputable sources and trusted brands guarantees a superior tea experience.

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Tea plantations in Sri Lanka – Tea history, tea regions & tea tours

Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean is a paradise for tea lovers.

Enjoy the taste of our fine Ceylon tea and the fascinating process of tea making during your Sri Lanka holiday . It will be one of the most memorable experiences of your trip.

Being an avid tea lover myself, I have explored every nook and cranny of the Ceylon tea country to find the best tea experiences for our guests.

Let me guide you on where to go and what to expect during your tea plantation tour in Sri Lanka. I promise you this is the only article that you need to read about tea plantations in Sri Lanka to be prepared for your tea adventure.

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty details of tea making, let's briefly look at how it all started here in Sri Lanka.

Tea history in Sri Lanka

At the beginning of the British Colonial Era, coffee was the main crop that was grown in Sri Lanka. When the fungal disease, coffee rust, devastated the coffee cultivation in Sri Lanka, the British had to look for alternatives. Tea is one such alternative that was tested in the island nation in the colonial era.

The first tea plant was introduced to the country in 1824 in the Royal Botanical Gardens of Peradeniya.

By 1867 the Scotsman, James Taylor (called "the father of Ceylon Tea") produced the first commercial crop of tea at the Loolecondera Estate in Kandy. That is considered as the beginning of the tea industry in Sri Lanka.

As tea took off on the island it soon became the main commercial crop of the country, which today amounts to about 350 million kilograms exported each year!

If you are visiting Kandy during your Sri Lanka holiday, visit the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hanthana to learn more about our rich tea history. Built on the premises of a once fully functioning tea factory, the museum is an ideal place to get some insights into the different tea-making processes used in the past.

Popular tea regions in Sri Lanka

Ceylon tea is categorized based on where it is grown, as the elevations and the climate of the region are main contributors to the flavour profile of tea.

For instance,  a lighter, more subtle tea grows in the higher elevation tea plantations like Dimbulla and Nuwara Eliya. On the same note, the low grown tea types from the Galle-Matara areas will give you a stronger tea note.

Here are the main tea growing regions in Sri Lanka. For the ease of reference, I am categorizing them as high-grown, mid-grown and low-grown.

High-grown tea plantations in Sri Lanka

High grown tea is found in the central highlands of Sri Lanka at elevations over 6000ft. Nuwara Eliya, Uda Pussellawa and Dimbulla are the main high-grown tea regions of the country.

• Nuwara Eliya  – One of the major tea growing districts in the country since its first tea yields in the 1870s plantations. This small town, fondly known as the little England, produces some of the most relished tea types in Sri Lanka, such as Orange Pekoe (OP) and Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP).
• Uda Pussellawa  – While being a neighbour to Nuwara Eliya, the climate of the Uda Pussallawa region is quite different due to its location. The tea itself is slightly darker and appears more potent in flavour compared to the tea found in the Nuwara Eliya region.
• Dimbulla  – If you are travelling through Hatton to Nuwara Eliya, you are in the Dimbulla tea country. Tea from this region has a golden-orange hue and a clean and fresh aftertaste.

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Mid-grown tea plantations in Sri Lanka

Mid grown tea is produced at an altitude of 2000 to 4000 ft above sea level and is commonly found in the Central and Uva provinces of Sri Lanka.

• Badulla  – Badulla is a tea region located in the Uva province of Sri Lanka. The tea that you find in Badulla generally has a mellow, smooth taste which is a unique flavour profile that you do not find anywhere else in the country.
• Kandy  - The hill capital of Kandy that is well known for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a popular destination among travellers to Sri Lanka. Kandy is another location for mid-grown tea with its bright and robust infusions.

Low-grown tea plantations in Sri Lanka

You can find tea plantations that belong to the low-grown tea category in the Sabaragamuwa and Southern provinces of Sri Lanka at elevations that do not exceed 2000 ft.

• Sabaragamuwa – All the way from the west of Kandy to Udawalawae, passing through Horton Plains, you may see the tea-growing regions in Sabaragamuwa. Tea in this area grows at about 600m above sea level. Due to the long period of sunshine and dry weather here, this tea variety presents a noticeably different aroma with a hint of caramel.
• Ruhuna  – Another region famous for low-grown tea with its full and strong flavours, Ruhana offers intensely black and withered looking tea leaves due to its climate and topography. You can find this tea in the southern province close to the coast.

Best tea plantation tours in Sri Lanka

The thriving Sri Lankan tea industry is in place thanks to many small and large tea plantations distributed across the island. If you're a tea lover like me, your holiday will not be deemed complete until you visit one.

Upon arrival at a tea plantation you can have a guided walking tour across the vast tea fields. Observe the expert tea pluckers in action as they gently pluck two leaves and a bud from each tea bush.

You may then follow the tea leaves as they journey through the tea factory and undergo the various stages in processing. Your guide would escort you around the factory, explaining each step in tea processing and its purpose.

Most tea plantation and factory tours will end with a tea tasting session where you can indulge in the freshly brewed teas that are graded based on their strength.

Note that you can experience these comprehensive tea tours at only a few of the larger scale tea plantations in the country. Some factories offer their tours for free, while others may charge a small fee at the entrance.

If you intend to experience a well-organized tour conducted at a working tea estate, here are my recommendations for the best tea plantations tours in Sri Lanka.

Tea plantation tours in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a great location to enjoy a tea plantation tour. In fact, most of our tea plantation tours take place in Nuwara Eliya. This is partly because you can find some of the most picturesque tea plantations on the island in Nuwara Eliya and because it is a central location that is easy to integrate into most Sri Lanka itineraries.

If you are keen to enjoy a tea plantation tour in Nuwara Eliya, visit any of the following locations. You are guaranteed to have an amazing tea tour.

• Pedro Estate – Nuwara Eliya 

Established in 1880, the Pedro tea estate presents the perfect opportunity to explore a thriving tea plantation in Sri Lanka. Nestled in the backdrop of the Piduruthalaga mountain (Sri Lanka's highest mountain), Pedro estate in Nuwara Eliya is a great spot to observe the colourfully clad tea pluckers. Watch them pluck the tea leaves, and maybe even try your hand at plucking some! After the plantation tour, you may head to the tea factory to observe the processing of tea leaves.

• Damro tea factory -Ramboda - Labukele

You can have a regular tea factory tour at Damro and visit their tea plantation while you are there. If you prefer a more immersive experience, Damro offers specially organized tours that take you into the depths of the tea plantation in a 4x4 vehicle where you get to observe the tea plucking sessions up close. You also have the option to try some tea plucking side by side tea plantation workers during this tea safari.

• Blue Field Tea Factory - Ramboda

Blue Field is another tea factory that we often visit on our Sri Lanka tea tours. Not only do they demonstrate the manufacturing process, but you also get insights into brewing the perfect cup and identifying different types of tea. If you like to visit their tea plantation during your tour, simply inform your guide at the tea factory. He/she will be more than happy to arrange it for you.

• Glenloch tea factory -Ramboda

Located at around 27km north of Nuwara Eliya, the tea factory tour of Glenloch provides an informative tea experience. You can observe some of the oldest machinery dating back to the colonial days still being used in the tea production process here. Upon request you will also be able to visit its verdant tea plantation.

• Heritance tea factory hotel

If you arrange a stay at Heritance Tea Factory Hotel, you're in for a treat. The hotel was once a functioning tea factory, but today they provide luxury accommodation to guests alongside the model tea factory they use to educate tea enthusiasts.

They have specialized experiences where you go through A to Z of tea plucking. They will even go to the extent of decking you out in the local attire and guiding you through their organic tea field. You'll learn from the professional tea pluckers the art of collecting your own tea leaves into a basket.

Back at the Mini Tea Factory, their chief tea taster will inspect your collections and reject anything unsuitable. Afterwards, he would take you on a tour of the mini-factory as he explains the entire process of tea production.

In addition to tea plucking experiences, they can even arrange a special tea tasting session on request. Their chief taster will guide you through the elaborate tea tasting process, which is a skill in itself.

A trained tea taster can examine the tea leaves' colour, size, and shape and define their quality. They may also explain underlying tea notes and identify which regions they were grown in.

Tea plantation tours in Hatton

Hatton, a hillside town in the Nuwara Eliya District, is home to a few picturesque tea gardens worth the visit. Consider spending a few nights at an exquisitely refurbished tea planter bungalow to experience an authentic tea-inspired holiday if you're visiting here.

A stay at the luxurious boutique hotel Ceylon Tea Trails will not only provide you with the experience of residing at a planter's bungalow dating back to the Colonial period, but you are also at the liberty to sign up for some curated tea experiences.

With a couple of nights' stay at Ceylon Tea Trails hotel, you can experience the guided tea tours at the Dunkeld Tea Factory, where their resident planter would take you through the tea making process. The hotel also offers a tea planter's picnic lunch where you walk through the tea field to reach your picnic spot and take in the stunning vistas as you enjoy your meal.

True tea-lovers will enjoy staying at these estate bungalows built in the 1800s. They also come with Swiss-trained butlers, gorgeous antique furniture and a planter-in-residence.

From Hatton, you may arrange a tour of the Talawakelle Tea Factory, through which you may explore some of their thriving tea plantations spread across the Nuwara Eliya district.

Tea plantation tours in Ella

Ella has lately become a favourite destination for nature-loving travellers visiting Sri Lanka. The little hillside town offers plenty of hiking trails crossing through lush greenery and misty pine forests.

In my opinion, the tea plantations that you find in Ella are not as beautiful as the tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya. However, you may take a day tour to Dambathenna tea factory, where the tea plantations are stunningly beautiful.

If you're tight for time and would still like to experience a tea tour while in Ella itself, the Kinellan Tea Factory, Newburgh Green Tea Factory, Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory offer excellent tea factory tours.

Tea plantation tours in Galle

If your Sri Lanka holiday is mainly for the sun, sea, and sand the island has to offer, then you have likely planned a tour centred around the country's south coast.

If that is the case and the mountainous central regions are too far away for a day trip, you can still experience a low country grown tea plantation tour at the Handungoda Estate. They specialize in the manufacturing of Virgin White Tea, and you can experience a guided tea plantation tour followed by a tea tasting session at no cost.

Tea plantation tours in Kandy

Suppose you are travelling to Kandy City for some culture and heritage and heading back to Colombo . In that case, it is still possible to arrange a tea plantation tour in Kadugannawa at the Kadugannawa tea factory.

However, I must add that there are far better tea plantations tours you can experience in Sri Lanka if you can head towards the Nuwara Eliya region. Simply spend an additional night in Kandy and take a day tour to Blue Field, Damro or Glenloch Tea Factory.

There you have it. These are my top choices for a tea plantation tours in Sri Lanka. I hope I have made your island tea tour planning a bit more convenient with this information. A brief summary of the article is as follows.

Tea plantations in Sri Lanka can be categorized as high-grown, mid-grown and low-grown tea, based on their elevation. For most travellers the tea plantation tours in Nuwara Eliya are the most recommended as this beautiful tea plantation region is easy to incorporate to their itineraries. If you are not visiting Nuwara Eliya during your Sri Lanka holiday, you may still enjoy a tea plantation in Hatton, Ella, Kandy and Galle.

As always, I am looking forward to reading your comments. If you enjoy this article, you might also enjoy our article, " Is Sri Lanka worth visiting? ".

Happy travels!

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Hi Thanks! For the detailed information. I am very much looking forward to Visit the plantations and have a tea experience on how they elaborate the tea and learn about it. If someone is willing to join, I plan to go there in June this year!

Hi Mirna, I am glad to hear that you enjoyed the article. Hope you will make a lot of fond memories on your Sri Lanka trip.

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Where to take a Sri Lanka tea plantation tour

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The lower mountain slopes of Sri Lanka’s lush  highlands are swathed in millions of tea bushes making up the estates. These historic tea plantations are a legacy of British colonial culture, while the sight of Tamil pickers in colorful garments gathering delicate tea leaves by hand remains an archetypal image of Sri Lanka.

Advent of tea

The Chinese Emperor Shen-Nung is generally credited with discovering tea around 5,000 years ago, when a few leaves from a wild tea bush fell into a pot of water he was boiling. Rather than waste the contaminated water, he drank it, and in so doing became the first person to taste a cup of tea. In the 19th century, the topography of Sri Lanka’s highlands was changed forever by the advent of tea. 

History of tea in Sri Lanka

During the 1860s, a universal blight that destroyed Sri Lanka’s extensive coffee plantations led to the cultivation of tea instead. Plants imported from India flourished in the crisp, damp air of the central highlands, and large tracts of the hill country were hurriedly cleared by waves of British settlers attracted by the possibilities of the island’s so-called 'green gold.' Fortunes were rapidly made as Sri Lanka’s highland environment was transformed within two decades, from thick jungle to endless swathes of manicured tea bushes that continue to blanket the hill country today. 

Freshly harvested tea leaves in Sri Lanka. Photo: Chanut Adrien/Shutterstock

How tea is made

Tea begins its journey from hillside to cup with a gentle tug between the thumb and forefinger of one of the island’s thousands of Tamil tea pluckers. The freshly gathered leaves (only the topmost bud and two leaves are plucked in order to guarantee the freshness and purity of the resultant tea) are promptly carried off to the nearest tea factory. The leaves are first withered in blasts of hot air to remove excess moisture, then rolled and crushed to release any remaining sap and trigger fermentation. After a carefully calculated length of time, the leaves are fired in huge ovens to produce bulk black tea, and sifted into different-sized particles. This entire process, from bush to finished tea, takes no more than 24 hours.

Sri Lankan tea

Sri Lankan teas are ranked according to their point (and height) of origin: 'high-grown' (the finest teas, grown at altitude in the estates around Nuwara Eliya), 'mid-grown,' and the fuller-flavored but relatively coarse 'low-grown' teas, produced in the foothills. Expert tea tasters will then classify the tea according to strength, flavor and color, before the graded teas are sold at auction. Much of the best tea is exported, although an increasingly wide selection of local teas is becoming available in local shops. Look for unblended, single-origin teas from leading up-country estates – an authentic taste of Sri Lanka in a cup.

Stay in restored colonial bungalows on a Bogawantalawa Valley tea estate and discover the tea production process on a tour of the plantation as part of Insight Guides' Sri Lanka Deluxe trip .  

Tea plantation in hill country near Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. Photo: maheshg/Shutterstock

Sri Lanka tea plantation tours

A number or tea factories and estates in Sri Lanka’s Hill Country offer informative tours for visitors. West of Kandy, at the venerable Geragama Tea Factory, you can observe how plants are grown in the estate and discover how different types of tea are produced in the factory, before enjoying tea and a slice of cake. 

Heading south towards Nuwara Eliya, the Blue Field Tea Factory at Ramboda offers comprehensive tours detailing the manufacturing process, and a variety of different teas are available to purchase.

Not far away, at the Damro Labookellie Tea Centre , you can take a tour, stroll through the verdant plantations, or just stop for a reviving cup of tea and the chance to buy freshly plucked leaves from the estate.

At the 19th-century Pedro Tea Factory, north of Nuwara Eliya, you can visit the tea fields and factory before taking in views of the estate as you sip a refreshing brew.

Further south, Dambatenne Tea Factory outside the town of Haputale offers enlightening tours explaining the production process and is within easy reach of Lipton’s Seat where you can enjoy panoramic views of the historic plantations as you savor, you guessed it, a restorative cup of tea.

Discover the beauty of the tea country hills around surrounding Nuwara Eliya on Insight Guides' Unforgettable Sri Lanka trip .

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Updated 15 November, 2019

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Best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is better known as Little England of Sri Lanka . The climate, surroundings, and architecture of this area are different than other villages. Due to its cooler climate, it is the most important area for tea production in Sri Lanka. Exploring tea plantations is not the only thing to do in Nuwara Eliya. Read our full Nuwara Eliya guide.

Places to visit in Nuwara Eliya

Visit the tea plantations and factories in sri lanka.

Nuwara Eliya is known for her impressive lush green tea plantations. These are best to visit via tuk-tuk. For around $7, you can arrange a full-day trip to the tea plantations, tea factories, viewpoints, and the Ramboda waterfall. Stop at several viewpoints overlooking the plantations and drink tea at the impressive tea factories.

Here are all your hotel options in Nuwara Eliya.

We can recommend the Bluefield Factory and Bluefield Tea Gardens. You will get a small tour around the factory to see how the tea process works. The prices at the factory’s shop are 300% of what it should be so maybe just wait and buy this in town.

Tip: Make sure you have a small cash on you like 20/50LKR. Each employee that get caught on your photo will ask you for a tip.

Ramboda Falls in Nuwara Eliya

On the day trip route, you will pass multiple waterfalls and one of them is on the side of the road. Get in the water and climb even further up to multiple levels. Be careful, some parts are slippery. 

It will take 45 minutes to reach the Ramboda Falls which is at the end of the route tea plantations route.

Walk to World’s End near Nuwara Eliya

Get up really early in the morning and get ready for a good 4 km walk to World’s End. World’s End is located in the Horton Plains National Park which has a UNESCO  status. The 9.5 km round trip takes around three hours. Keep an eye on the weather conditions; rain or fog can totally ruin the experience. Rainy season in this region lasts from April to September.

Also read: Things to do in Unawatuna, Sri Lanka

By @luventy08

Chill around Gregory Lake

Take some time to relax a bit around Gregory Lake. People with boats and jet skis are cruising on the lake. There are some restaurants, you can do horse riding or play in the kindergarten. ;-)

Best time to visit Nuwara Eliya

It’s better to say what’s the worst time to visit. From June till the end of August, it will be the monsoon.

Keep in mind that it can get very cold in Nuwara Eliya compared to other areas in Sri Lanka. We had 10 degrees in the evening in September.

How to get to Nuwara Eliya?

Nuwara Eliya is in between the world-famous Sri Lanka’s most beautiful train ride between Kandy and Ella . 

A ticket from Kandy will cost you around $2,50 / 400 LKR. The ride takes 4 hours from Kandy and has been mentioned as one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. ( Get your tickets here )

Locals and tourists both use the train so expect the same friendly smiles or questions. Visiting Sri Lanka in high season? Try to buy your 2nd or 3rd class tickets in advance since there are limited tourist seats available.

Tip: Get one of the early trains as they don’t really stick to their schedule. You don’t want to drive through the tea plantation while it’s dark outside.

Where to stay in Nuwara Eliya

Get off the famous train from Kandy to Ella a little earlier and spend a night in the natural beauty of Nuwara Eliya, which is well-known for its luscious tea plantations.

Hotels in Nuwara Eliya 😴

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

1. Street Food Tour by Tuk Tuk

2. Ella Day Trip with Train Ride & Tea Factory - All Inclusive

3. Tea Plantation Tour in Ella, Sri Lanka

4. 14-Day Private Tour All Around Sri Lanka

5. Tea Tasting in Nuwara Eliya

6. Galle Fort And Tea Factory Visit

7. Explore Colombo City with Culinary Experience at Famous Restaurant

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Exploring the Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka: A Journey Through Lush Landscapes

Discover the Enchanting World of Sri Lankan Tea

Table of Contents

Introduction.

Welcome to a mesmerizing journey through the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka’s tea plantations. In this article, we will delve into the captivating beauty and rich history of tea cultivation in this tropical paradise. From the mist-covered hills to the meticulously manicured tea estates, Sri Lanka offers a unique and immersive experience for tea enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. So, pack your bags and join us as we embark on a memorable exploration of the tea plantations in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, has a long-standing reputation as one of the world’s finest tea producers. The country’s tea plantations are nestled amidst picturesque landscapes, creating a breathtaking vista that is nothing short of awe-inspiring. These emerald green fields stretch across vast terrains, creating a harmonious blend of nature’s beauty and human endeavor. Let’s delve deeper into the enchanting world of Sri Lankan tea and unravel the secrets hidden within its verdant embrace.

A Glimpse into Sri Lanka’s Tea History

Before we embark on our journey, let’s take a moment to appreciate the historical significance of tea in Sri Lanka. Tea cultivation in the region dates back to the early 19th century when the British introduced tea plants to the island. Initially, coffee was the main cash crop, but due to a devastating fungal disease known as coffee rust, tea emerged as the new agricultural staple. The fertile soil and favorable climatic conditions of Sri Lanka proved to be ideal for cultivating tea, leading to its rapid expansion and transformation into one of the country’s primary industries.

Geography and Climate of Sri Lanka’s Tea Plantations

The geography and climate play a crucial role in the success of Sri Lanka’s tea industry. The tea plantations are located in the central highlands of the island, characterized by cool temperatures, high humidity, and abundant rainfall. The elevation ranges from 2,000 to 6,000 feet above sea level, creating ideal conditions for the cultivation of high-quality tea leaves.

Lush Landscapes of Sri Lanka

Breathtaking Beauty of the Tea Plantations

The tea plantations in Sri Lanka exhibit awe-inspiring beauty. As you wander through the verdant fields, you’ll be captivated by the symphony of vibrant colors, the neatly pruned tea bushes, and the tranquility that envelopes the surroundings. The gentle slopes and terraced gardens create a mesmerizing panorama, providing an ideal escape from the bustling city life.

Tea Plantation Tours

To fully immerse yourself in the tea culture of Sri Lanka, there are different tour options available.

• Guided Tours : Joining a guided tour allows you to have an in-depth understanding of the tea production process. Knowledgeable guides take you through the plantations, explaining the nuances of tea cultivation, harvesting, and processing.
• Self-Guided Tours : For a more personalized experience, you can embark on a self-guided tour. Armed with a map and basic information, you can explore the tea estates at your own pace, absorbing the serenity of the surroundings and indulging in your own tea adventures.

Tea Tasting and Experiencing the Tea Culture

No visit to Sri Lanka’s tea plantations is complete without indulging in a tea tasting session. Whether it’s in a quaint teahouse or a luxurious tea estate, you can savor a variety of teas, including black, green, white, and herbal infusions. Engage with knowledgeable tea experts who will guide you through the flavors, aromas, and brewing techniques, giving you a deeper understanding of Sri Lanka’s tea culture.

Cultural Experiences

In addition to the tea-focused activities, the tea plantations offer a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture. Interact with local tea pluckers, immerse yourself in their traditions, and learn about their way of life. You can also visit nearby villages and explore the unique customs, cuisines, and handicrafts that form an integral part of Sri Lankan culture.

Tea Cultivation and Harvesting Process

Tea cultivation in Sri Lanka follows a meticulous process. The tea plants are carefully nurtured, pruned, and plucked, with only the top two leaves and a bud being harvested. These leaves undergo various stages of withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying to produce the distinct flavors and aromas found in different types of tea.

Exploring Tea Plantations on a Guided Tour

To truly immerse yourself in the beauty of Sri Lanka’s tea plantations, consider taking a guided tour. Knowledgeable guides will lead you through the tea estates, sharing insights into the cultivation process, historical significance, and sustainability practices. You’ll have the opportunity to witness the breathtaking landscapes, interact with tea pickers, and even try your hand at plucking tea leaves.

The Tea Varieties of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is renowned for producing a wide range of tea varieties, each with its unique characteristics and flavors. The most famous type is Ceylon tea, which is synonymous with exceptional quality and taste. Within the realm of Ceylon tea, there are various subcategories, including black tea, green tea, white tea, and oolong tea. The teas are classified based on factors such as the elevation at which they are grown, the size of the leaves, and the processing methods employed. The distinctive terroir of different regions imparts subtle nuances to the teas, making each cup a delightful sensory experience.

Unveiling the Tea-Growing Regions

Sri Lanka’s tea plantations are primarily concentrated in six main regions, each offering a unique terroir and flavor profile. Let’s explore these regions and discover the treasures they hold:

• Nuwara Eliya : Situated at an elevation of over 6,000 feet, Nuwara Eliya is the highest tea-growing region in Sri Lanka. The cool climate and misty atmosphere create an environment ideal for producing delicate and aromatic teas. Nuwara Eliya teas are revered for their light and floral notes, making them a favorite among tea connoisseurs.
• Dimbula : Located in the central highlands, the Dimbula region is known for its well-balanced and full-bodied teas. The combination of cool temperatures and abundant rainfall yields teas with a bright golden color and a brisk, refreshing taste. Dimbula teas are often enjoyed with a dash of milk and sugar, epitomizing the classic Ceylon tea experience.
• Uva : Nestled amidst rolling hills and mist-covered valleys, the Uva region is known for its distinctive teas with a rich and bold character. The teas produced here are renowned for their robust flavors, evoking a delightful complexity that lingers on the palate. Uva teas are often enjoyed without milk, allowing their natural flavors to shine.
• Kandy : Located in the heart of Sri Lanka, the Kandy region is blessed with fertile soils and a temperate climate. The teas cultivated here exhibit a medium body and a rich amber color. Kandy teas are known for their strength and versatility, making them an excellent choice for both traditional black tea enthusiasts and those seeking a robust iced tea.
• Ruhuna : Situated in the southern part of the island, the Ruhuna region is known for its low-grown teas. These teas are characterized by their deep, reddish-brown liquor and strong, full-bodied flavors. Ruhuna teas are perfect for those who prefer a bold cup of tea that can stand up to milk and sugar.
• Sabaragamuwa : Embraced by mist-laden mountains and fertile valleys, the Sabaragamuwa region is home to teas known for their exquisite balance and mellow flavors. These teas possess a unique sweetness and gentle astringency that make them a delightful choice for any tea enthusiast.

The Art of Tea Plucking and Processing

The journey through Sri Lanka’s tea plantations is incomplete without a closer look at the meticulous art of tea plucking and processing. Skilled tea pluckers gracefully move through the fields, hand-selecting the tender leaves that will eventually transform into the tea we savor. The freshly plucked leaves undergo a precise process that involves withering, rolling, fermenting, and drying. Each step contributes to the tea’s unique characteristics and flavor profile, resulting in the aromatic brew that graces our cups.

Exploring the tea plantations in Sri Lanka is a captivating journey that immerses you in the natural beauty, rich history, and delightful flavors of Ceylon tea. From the misty hills of Nuwara Eliya to the rolling fields of Ruhuna, each region offers a unique tea experience that reflects the diverse terroir of the island. So, indulge your senses, sip a steaming cup of tea, and let the enchanting landscapes transport you to a world where time stands still.

1. What is the best time to visit the tea plantations in Sri Lanka?

The best time to visit the tea plantations in Sri Lanka is during the dry season, which typically extends from December to April. During this period, the weather is pleasant, and the skies are clear, allowing for breathtaking views of the tea-covered hills.

2. Are there guided tours available for exploring the tea plantations?

Yes, there are numerous guided tours available for exploring the tea plantations. These tours provide insightful information about the tea-making process, offer panoramic views of the estates, and even allow visitors to participate in tea plucking activities.

3. Can I sample different types of teas during the plantation tours?

Absolutely! Most plantation tours offer tea tasting sessions, allowing visitors to savor a variety of teas and appreciate the nuances in flavor and aroma. It’s an excellent opportunity to expand your tea palate and find your personal favorites.

4. Are there accommodations available in close proximity to the tea plantations?

Yes, there are several charming accommodations available near the tea plantations, ranging from luxury resorts to cozy guesthouses. Staying in these serene surroundings offers an immersive experience and allows you to wake up to the enchanting beauty of the tea fields.

5. Are there any local customs or etiquettes to be mindful of when visiting the tea plantations?

When visiting the tea plantations, it is customary to show respect to the workers and the environment. Avoid littering, seek permission before entering private tea estates, and adhere to any specific guidelines provided by the tour guides.

6. Can I purchase tea directly from the plantations?

Yes, most tea plantations have on-site tea boutiques where you can purchase freshly harvested teas to take home as souvenirs. It’s an excellent opportunity to acquire high-quality teas directly from the source.

7. Is Sri Lanka known for its tea production?

Absolutely! Sri Lanka is renowned for its high-quality tea production and is one of the world’s largest exporters.

8. What are the best tea regions to visit in Sri Lanka?

Some of the best tea regions to visit in Sri Lanka are Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Ella, and Bandarawela.

9. Can I taste different types of tea in Sri Lanka?

Yes, Sri Lanka offers a wide range of teas, including black, green, white, and herbal infusions, which you can taste and experience.

10. Are there guided tours available in tea plantations?

Yes, guided tours are available in tea plantations, allowing you to learn about the tea-making process and explore the beautiful landscapes.

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Visit Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka – Exploring Tea Country

As you travel around Sri Lanka you can’t fail to notice the tea plantations.   Take a trip into the Hill Country of Sri Lanka and you’ll see gently rolling hills covered with the bright green of tea plants.  And any Sri Lanka itinerary would not be complete without a visit to a tea plantation.   Tea and its production employs more than a million Sri Lankans, which is about 4.5% of the population.   And to be fair, even if you don’t visit one of Sri Lanka’s tea plantations, you’ll see a lot of tea even just as you travel around.  Here’s our guide to visiting tea plantations in Sri Lanka.

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Around 4% of the land in Sri Lanka is given over to tea plantations. When taking the train, up from Kandy, through hill country, passing by Hatton, Nuwara Eliya and onto Ella you will still see a whole lot of tea life through your train window.  If you decide to visit a tea plantation you’ll learn about the growing of tea, how tea is picked, how tea is processed, and also get to taste some Ceylon tea.  The country reverted to its traditional name of Sri Lanka in 1972 but retained the name “Ceylon” for the marketing of teas.  It’s a pretty strong brand identity as Ceylon tea accounts for more than 17% of world exports of tea.

#1 DAY TRIP

Visit a tea plantation by Tuk Tuk

Take a full-day tour to visit the most famous tea plantation in Sri Lanka, Lipton’s Seat, see tea being picked, visit a tea factory, and get to taste Ceylon Tea.

Our experience in the tea plantations of Sri Lanka began as we took the train and headed up into the Hill Country.   It’s a magical ride. The train clunks its way up hills, round curves, through plantations. You’ll see tea pickers and fields and fields of green.

Patterns like quilts of the greenest sea, accented with bright reds and oranges – and the grinning faces of the pickers as you pass. No waves though, these (mostly) women are working. And it’s a tough task that they have.

The Best Tea Plantations to Visit in Sri Lanka

There are several tea plantations and tea factories that you can visit in Sri Lanka here are the best tea plantations to check out while you’re in Hill Country.

The Pedro Tea Factory, Nuwara Eliya

At the Pedro Tea Factory that we visit 4 kilometers outside the town of Nuwara Eliya, we’re told that the pickers must deliver 16 to 18 kilograms (35 to 40 pounds) of tea each day to get paid, depending on the plantation that they work at. If they deliver 10 kilograms (22 pounds), they get a half day’s pay.

The wage here is minimal – and as recent reports have shown, life is tough for a plantation worker. Imagine yourself getting  1,000 LKR a day for delivering 16-18  kilos of tea.  Each and every day. And while women make up the majority of the workforce they also earn less than the men.

We’re taking a tour here – after a short tuk-tuk ride to the factory, we don the aprons and hats to walk around the factory and join our guide after paying our entrance fee which will also include a cup of tea at the end.

First, we see where the tea is brought in from the fields.

We follow our guide up the stairs and wait as one of the plantation workers loads up three bags of tea and carries them up the stairs. We carry water and day packs.

Drying the Tea

The tea is put to dry slightly and wilt for 16 hours. These 30-meter-long containers are about 30 centimeters deep with hot air blown from below to take the moisture out of the tea.

Curl a leaf between your fingers when it’s wet and it will snap. When it’s sufficiently wilted, it will bend. The hot air comes from a wood-fired furnace in another building.

We move on and photos are forbidden. In case, presumably, we are there to steal the century-old technology that is being used here.

It’s all incredibly simple. There are a series of machines around the room, each does one particular job. From cutting, to sorting, to drying. The smell is wonderful. The machinery is old. Presumably original. And yet it all works.

We finish the tour sitting on a balcony overlooking the plantations below – sipping a cup of tea in porcelain cups, then head to walk down through the bushes themselves.

Picking Tea

It’s only the tips of the leaves that are picked. And only the young leaves, before they become too tough. The bushes are picked every six days. We try it ourselves. It’s pretty easy. Picking one tip, I mean. I decide that picking 16 kilos a day might be somewhat more difficult.

The Types of Tea Grown in Sri Lanka

We learn that there is one type of tea bush – the Camellia sinensis. Just one. Whether you end up with green tea, black tea, or silver tip, it’s all about how the tea leaf was processed that makes it into what ends up on the supermarket shelf.

Tea Processing in Sri Lanka

• GREEN TEA is made from tea leaves that are dried and steamed after harvesting.
• BLACK TEA is dried and crushed – this process allows enzymes to convert and create the more distinctive flavor and darker color of black tea.
• SILVER TIPS – or WHITE TEA is allowed to wither in natural sunlight before processing. The name comes from the fine silvery-white hairs on the un-opened buds of the tea bush, which gives the plant a whitish appearance.

Tea Grading in Sri Lanka

We end by understanding more about the grading of the tea, from the highest quality to the lowest grade. I am astounded that I am so ignorant. To me, tea was always just tea.

There is Orange Pekoe, there is Broken Orange Pekoe, and four other process types right down to dust. Yep. Dust. The dust is for local use only, the lowest of the tea grades for the poorest of the people.

Touring the Dambatenne Tea Factory, Haputale

We took another factory tour, at the Dambatenne Tea Factory, high over the town of Haputale. We had walked down from the foggy Lipton’s Seat, where we’d enjoyed hot tea, jaggery, and the most amazing samosas and curried potatoes with roti for breakfast.  Tea became popular in the UK during the late 1880s – shipped primarily from China. However, it wasn’t until Sir Thomas Lipton (of Liptons Supermarkets and Lipton Tea fame) visited Sri Lanka – then called Ceylon – bought himself some defunct coffee plantations, planted tea, shipped in Tamils from nearby South India and cut shipping times and costs, that it became available to the general public. (There’s more about Lipton, his history, and his tea plantation in  my guide to visiting Lipton’s Seat here. ).

We visited Lipton’s Seat twice, once from Haputale and then again, when we returned to Sri Lanka we came  here from Ella.

Drinking Tea in Sri Lanka

We’ve drunk tea throughout our travels, but here in Sri Lanka, it’s the first time it’s been presented in a teapot, with white tea cups and saucers. It was in Nuwara Eliya that I had the best cup of tea that I’ve ever had. Turned off the evil stuff by a bout of Glandular Fever and oodles of hot sweet milky tea at the age of 13, I’ve been a conscientious objector to the stuff since.

The Trans-Mongolian train and then two months in China and a month in Japan brought me back into the fold. Sri Lanka has made me a positive supporter. But I must say, I’m a fan of light, sweet black tea. No sugar, no cloying milk to despoil the delicate flavor. And please keep that strong evil Yorkshire Tea away from me. Chai, too, will turn my stomach.

There’s something so quintessentially civilized about taking tea that comes out of a teapot. That is poured into a teacup. And a teacup that has a matching saucer. It feels almost decadent.  For a seriously decadent afternoon tea experience head to the Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya , it is truly delightful.

So much of this tea experience revolves around the people we’ve met in Sri Lanka. Everywhere we travel in this country, we find friendly, helpful people. Wanting to know your name. Where you’re from. And more times than not, actually not wanting to sell you anything. Well, not in an relentless Vietnamese sort of way.

More than any part of Sri Lanka, it was in the hill country, in the tea plantations, and the good homestays, it was walking and meeting people and staying in their homes, that we got a true sense of Sri Lanka.

Travel Tips for Exploring Sri Lanka

• Considering travel insurance for your trip? World Nomads offers coverage for more than 150 adventure activities as well as emergency medical, lost luggage, trip cancellation, and more.
• Get online immediately with an eSIM for Sri Lanka
• Download and install a VPN BEFORE you travel to Sri Lanka > discount coupon here
• Book your airport transfer with Welcome Pickups
• Read about transport in Sri Lanka in our guide here
• Our guide to booking trains in Sri Lanka
• You will 99% likely need a power adapter for Sri Lanka – there’s more here.
• Book the best Sri Lanka tours and guides on Get Your Guide
• Save money in Sri Lanka with a Wise debit card
• Book Trains in Sri Lanka with 12goAsia
• Book accommodation in Sri Lanka with Booking

Final Words on Visiting Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka

While the beaches may be nice, the Sri Lanka Transport provides a slice of adventure, the games of cricket are fun with a party atmosphere, and the food worth is getting fat for, it is the people who make Sri Lanka. The most welcoming, friendly, genuine folks that we’ve met, who welcome you to their country with both arms outstretched – and who make sure you have a card to give to others, who you’ll recommend them to.

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Sri Lanka, a tapestry of emerald green, unfolds, revealing one of the world's most captivating landscapes – the tea plantations. Renowned globally for producing some of the finest teas, these Tea plantation tours in Sri Lanka are not merely agricultural ventures; they are living testaments to a rich history, a harmonious blend of nature's bounty and human endeavour.

Stretching back to the colonial era when British planters transformed the island's landscape, Tea cultivation in Sri Lanka has evolved into more than just cultivation sites. They are vibrant cultural landmarks, repositories of tradition, and gateways to a serene, idyllic way of life. From the southern hills of Ella to the central highlands of Nuwara Eliya and beyond, these plantations offer an unparalleled journey into the heart and soul of Sri Lanka's tea legacy.

List Of 15 Famous Tea Plantations In Sri Lanka

The landscapes are vistas of endless rows of tea bushes that cascade down hillsides, creating a visual symphony of rolling waves of green. Mist often blankets the plantations, adding an air of mystique that transforms the scenery into an enchanting wonderland. The sight of tea pluckers, their hands swift and practised weaving through the fields in colourful sarees, is a timeless spectacle that evokes a connection between generations and traditions.

• Nuwara Eliya | The Little England of Sri Lanka
• Ella | A Serene Retreat Amidst Sri Lanka's Lush Hills
• Kandy | The Cultural Heartland of Sri Lanka
• Hatton | Gateway to Sri Lanka's Tea Country
• Dickoya | Tranquil Tea Plantations and Colonial Charm
• Bandarawela | Immersing in Sri Lanka's Hillside Splendor
• Haputale | A Quaint Hill Station with Breathtaking Views
• Ratnapura | Unveiling the Gem Capital of Sri Lanka
• Ambewela | High Altitude Beauty and Dairy Delights
• Talawakele | Amidst Rolling Hills and Tea Plantations
• Pussellawa | A Journey into Sri Lanka's Tea-Growing Legacy
• Ramboda | Cascading Falls and Picturesque Landscapes
• Dunkeld | A Slice of Tranquility in Sri Lanka's Hills
• Pedro | Exploring Nature's Splendor in Sri Lanka's Highlands
• Kenilworth | Unforgettable Experiences in Sri Lanka's Hillside Hideaway

1. Nuwara Eliya | The Little England of Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya, often called the "Little England" of Sri Lanka, exudes a unique charm dating back to the colonial era. Nestled amidst mist-covered mountains, this picturesque town boasts well-manicured gardens, colonial-style architecture, and a cool climate that earned it the moniker of "City of Light." Visitors can explore tea plantations, stroll through Victoria Park, enjoy boat rides on Lake Gregory, and take in stunning views from Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.

Things to Do:

• Visit Victoria Park
• Explore tea plantations
• Boat rides on Lake Gregory
• Admire colonial architecture

Nearby Tourist Places: Horton Plains National Park, World's End viewpoint.

2. Ella | A Serene Retreat Amidst Sri Lanka's Lush Hills

Ella is a haven of tranquillity set amidst the lush hills of Sri Lanka. This charming village offers stunning vistas of rolling tea plantations, dramatic cliffs, and cascading waterfalls. The famous Ella Rock hike rewards trekkers with panoramic views, while the Nine Arch Bridge, an engineering marvel, evokes a sense of wonder.

• Hike to Ella Rock
• Visit Nine Arch Bridge
• Explore Ravana Falls

Nearby Tourist Places: Little Adam's Peak, Demodara Loop, Ella Spice Garden.

3. Kandy | The Cultural Heartland of Sri Lanka

Kandy is the cultural heartland of Sri Lanka, known for its rich history and vibrant traditions. The revered Temple of the Tooth, which houses a relic of Lord Buddha, is a spiritual centre and a UNESCO World Heritage site. The annual Esala Perahera festival is a mesmerising procession of dancers, drummers, and elephants showcasing the city's cultural heritage.

• Visit the Temple of the Tooth
• Explore the Royal Botanical Gardens
• Enjoy Kandy Lake,

Nearby Tourist Places: Peradeniya, Gadaladeniya Temple, Embekke Devalaya.

4. Hatton | Gateway to Sri Lanka's Tea Country

Hatton is the gateway to Sri Lanka's tea country, offering a glimpse into tea cultivation and production. Surrounded by rolling hills covered in vibrant tea estates, Hatton provides an immersive experience for those interested in tea-making. Visitors can tour tea factories, witness pluckers at work, and savour the aroma of freshly brewed Ceylon tea.

• Tour tea factories
• Witness tea plucking
• Hike Adam's Peak
• Enjoy scenic train rides

Nearby Tourist Places: Adam's Peak, Devon Falls, St. Clair's Falls.

5. Dickoya | Tranquil Tea Plantations and Colonial Charm

Dickoya captivates with its serene tea plantations and colonial charm. The area boasts historic bungalows and estates that evoke the colonial past of Sri Lanka. Visitors can take leisurely walks through verdant tea gardens, enjoy panoramic views, and immerse themselves in the relaxed pace of life. The fusion of tranquil beauty and historical significance creates a unique atmosphere in Dickoya.

• Explore colonial bungalows
• Visit Pedro Tea Estate
• Take leisurely tea estate walks.

Nearby Tourist Places: Pedro Tea Estate, Thotupola Kanda.

Read More : Hill Stations In Sri Lanka 

6. Bandarawela | Immersing in Sri Lanka's Hillside Splendor

Bandarawela enchants visitors with its hillside splendour and natural beauty. Surrounded by tea plantations and misty mountains, this town offers opportunities for trekking, birdwatching, and exploring the local culture. The Bandarawela Hotel, a colonial-era property, adds a touch of nostalgia, while the vibrant bazaar showcases the daily lives of the locals.

• Enjoy leisurely walks
• Experience the local bazaar
• Explore Diyaluma Falls
• Discover Lipton's Seat viewpoint.

Nearby Tourist Places: Diyaluma Falls, Lipton's Seat.

7. Haputale | A Quaint Hill Station with Breathtaking Views

Haputale is a quaint hill station known for its breathtaking views and temperate climate. Perched atop a ridge, it offers panoramic vistas of verdant valleys and distant mountains. The Lipton's Seat viewpoint provides an iconic panoramic view of the surrounding tea plantations. Haputale is a gateway to exploring the lesser-known beauty of Sri Lanka's central highlands.

• Visit Lipton's Seat
• Explore Adisham Bungalow
• Enjoy panoramic views
• Trek to Mini World's End.

Nearby Tourist Places: Adisham Bungalow, Lipton's Seat.

8. Ratnapura | Unveiling the Gem Capital of Sri Lanka

Ratnapura, known as the "City of Gems," goes beyond tea plantations to offer a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka's rich gemstone industry. Surrounded by lush landscapes, this city is renowned for its sapphire and other precious gem deposits. Visitors can explore gem mines, learn about the gem-cutting process, and perhaps even purchase a piece of Sri Lanka's geological treasure.

• Explore gem mines
• Learn about gem-cutting
• Experience gemstone markets

Nearby Tourist Places: Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Udawalawe National Park.

9. Ambewela | High Altitude Beauty and Dairy Delights

Ambewela, located at a high altitude, is a place of serene beauty and dairy delights. The rolling hills are adorned with lush grasslands and dotted with dairy farms. Visitors can witness the dairy farming process, taste fresh milk and cheese, and enjoy the crisp air and pastoral landscapes. The Ambewela Farm is a highlight, offering guided tours that showcase the dairy operations amidst stunning highland views.

• Tour Ambewela Farm
• Enjoy fresh dairy products
• Relax in the serene environment.

Nearby Tourist Places: Horton Plains National Park, Hakgala Botanical Garden.

10. Talawakele | Amidst Rolling Hills and Tea Plantations

Talawakele is a destination nestled amidst rolling hills and tea plantations, offering a tranquil escape for nature enthusiasts. The area is characterised by its verdant tea estates, where rows of tea bushes create a picturesque panorama. Visitors can take guided tours of tea factories to learn about tea-making, from plucking to processing.

• Explore the lush surroundings
• Enjoy tea estate walks.

Nearby Tourist Places: Devon Falls, St. Clair's Falls.

Read More : Street Food Of Sri Lanka 

11. Pussellawa | A Journey into Sri Lanka's Tea-Growing Legacy

Pussellawa invites visitors on a journey into Sri Lanka's tea-growing legacy. This region is renowned for its tea estates that continue the tradition of producing some of the world's finest Ceylon tea. The landscape is a patchwork of vibrant green tea plantations, with misty mountains as a backdrop.

• Explore tea estates
• Learn about tea cultivation
• Experience the charm of tea plantations.

Nearby Tourist Places: Ramboda Falls, Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple.

12. Ramboda | Cascading Falls and Picturesque Landscapes

Ramboda captivates with its cascading waterfalls and picturesque landscapes. The Ramboda Falls are a highlight, where water tumbles down in a spectacular display. The surrounding hills are adorned with tea plantations, adding charm to the area. Visitors can enjoy nature walks, capture breathtaking views, and immerse themselves in the tranquil beauty of Ramboda.

• Admire Ramboda Falls
• Enjoy nature walks
• Capture picturesque landscapes

Nearby Tourist Places: Labookellie Tea Factory, Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple.

13. Dunkeld | A Slice of Tranquility in Sri Lanka's Hills

Dunkeld offers a slice of tranquillity nestled in Sri Lanka's hills. This lesser-known gem is characterised by its serene landscapes, tea gardens, and cool climate. Visitors can explore the lush surroundings, enjoy leisurely walks through tea plantations, and relish the calm and serenity that Dunkeld exudes.

• Explore tea gardens
• Take leisurely walks
• Relax in the serene ambience

14. Pedro | Exploring Nature's Splendor in Sri Lanka's Highlands

Pedro beckons those seeking to explore nature's splendour in Sri Lanka's highlands. This region is renowned for its scenic beauty, with mist-covered hills and expansive tea estates. The Pedro Tea Estate is a prominent attraction, offering guided tours that provide insights into the tea-making process. The opportunity to connect with nature while learning about tea cultivation makes Pedro a delightful destination.

• Tour Pedro Tea Estate
• Explore lush landscapes
• Learn about tea-making
• Enjoy panoramic views.

Nearby Tourist Places: Lover's Leap Falls, Hakgala Botanical Garden.

15. Kenilworth | Unforgettable Experiences in Sri Lanka's Hillside Hideaway

Kenilworth promises unforgettable experiences in Sri Lanka's hillside hideaway. Tea plantations envelop this charming destination and boast a serene atmosphere. Visitors can explore the lush gardens, enjoy panoramic views, and immerse themselves in the tranquillity that defines Kenilworth.

• Immerse in tranquillity
• Explore lush gardens

Nearby Tourist Places: Pidurutalagala, Single Tree Hill.

Read More: Best Places To Visit In Sri Lanka 

In the verdant landscapes of Sri Lanka, the tea plantations stand as a testament to the harmonious union between nature's bounty and human endeavour. These organic tea estates in Sri Lanka paint a picture of sustainability, where the rolling hills are adorned with meticulously nurtured tea gardens. As you journey through these tea plantations, you're not just witnessing the cultivation of one of the world's most beloved beverages; you're immersing yourself in a legacy that has spanned generations. With a backdrop of mist-covered mountains, these tea gardens in Sri Lanka offer an idyllic escape from the hustle of modern life. In embracing these tea gardens, you'll find tranquillity and beauty that transcend words. The hills seem to whisper tales of generations past, of pluckers and artisans who have shaped these landscapes with love and care. So, as you bid adieu to these organic tea estates in Sri Lanka, take with you their essence – a blend of history, nature, and the promise of a better, greener world. Plan your vacation with Adotrip for the most smooth and hassle-free journey.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka

Q1. Where are the main tea plantations located in Sri Lanka? A1. Some main places to visit are:

• Nuwara Eliya

Q2. Can visitors take guided tours of tea estates to learn about the tea-making process? A2. Yes, visitors can take guided tours of tea estates to learn about the process of tea-making.

Q3. What are the different types of tea produced in Sri Lanka? A3. The different types of tea produced in Sri Lanka include:

• Oolong tea.

Q4. Are there any opportunities for visitors to pick tea leaves or participate in harvesting? A4. Yes, some tea estates in Sri Lanka allow visitors to pick tea leaves or participate in harvesting experiences.

Q5. Are there any tea factories open to the public for tours and tastings? A5. Yes, many tea factories in Sri Lanka are open to the public for tours and tastings. Some notable ones include:

• Mackwoods Labookellie Tea Centre
• Pedro Tea Estate
• Damro Labookellie Tea Centre
• Bluefield Tea Gardens
• Glenloch Tea Factory

Q6. What are the best months to visit tea plantations in Sri Lanka? A6. The best months to visit tea plantations in Sri Lanka are generally from January to April and from August to September.

Q7. Are there any tea-themed souvenir shops or tea-selling centres? A7. Yes, there are tea-themed souvenir shops and tea-selling centres in various tea plantation areas in Sri Lanka.

Q8. Can visitors interact with tea pluckers or workers during their visit? A8. Yes, visitors can often interact with tea pluckers or workers while visiting tea plantations in Sri Lanka.

Q9. Are there any panoramic viewpoints within or near the tea estates? A9. Yes, there are panoramic viewpoints within and near the tea estates in Sri Lanka.

Q10. Are there any eco-friendly practices or certifications associated with tea production? A10. Yes, there are eco-friendly practices and certifications associated with tea production in Sri Lanka, including Rainforest Alliance and Organic certifications.

--- Published By  Adotrip

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A Blend of Tea and Culture: Tours and Guides in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the fourth largest tea producer in the world. Tea plantations were introduced to the teardrop island in 1867 by the British, who wanted to compete with China. Sri Lanka now produces some of the finest teas in the world, from single origins to mixed fruit blends. See the process in action with these top tea tours and guides in Sri Lanka.

Sammy tours.

A tailor-made, private and personal tour is the treatment Sammy Tours delivers. Combining local knowledge with flexibility, Sammy will accommodate small groups, from individual travellers up to a group of eight. As a guide, he will recommend some of the best places to go across the island and simultaneously cater for your personal wishes by allowing you to guide the path of his air-conditioned mini-bus and decide for yourself the places to visit. Included in his tours are trips to some of the oldest tea factories in Sri Lanka, with a walk through the fields followed, of course, by that all important cup of tea.

Rickshaw Travel

Providing visitors with specialized knowledge of Sri Lanka, Rickshaw Travel guides you through the best parts of the tea hills via car, train and jeep, allowing you to engage with the mesmerizing surroundings. This three-day tour provides an insight into the tea making history of Sri Lanka by visiting the old tea factories and exploring the process behind Ceylon tea. This is before a walk around Horton Plains National Park, one of the top national parks in Sri Lanka and an example of the natural beauty of Nuwara Eliya. An early start ensures you see the landscapes at their best, while a picnic breakfast in the World’s End gorge is a definite highlight.

Halpewatte Tea Factory

This day tour gives you a look into how the newer factories function. Halpewatte Tea Factory specialises in producing some of the finest single origin tea in Sri Lanka and has been doing so for the past 35 years. The factory stands as one of the largest tea factories in the region of Uva. They responsibly promote sustainability through their tea production, in addition to their engagement with tourism in the areas of Bandarawela and Ella. With knowledgeable staff, Halpewatte gives you a glance into the bustling and varied work of growing tea for the rest of the world to enjoy. You can now visit with Culture Trip as part of our specially curated small-group Sri Lanka tour .

Hundungoda Tea Estate

For those with a little less time, the Hundungoda Tea Estate gives you an opportunity to visit a tea plantation a little more quickly. During the tour you will be led by an experienced guide who will introduce you to the process of growing and harvesting, while providing in depth information about Sri Lankan tea culture. In addition to the tea tour, the estate is home to cinnamon plantations with luxury bungalow accommodation for those who care to stay longer. Luxury SUVs are available to those requiring a lift to the plantation and a tour will typically last around one hour. There’s also a golf course and a tea museum.

Boutique Sri Lanka

Offering a selection of suggested itineraries, Boutique Sri Lanka provides bespoke tours for visitors who want to pick and choose the highlights of the trip. They present a comprehensive range of itineraries, from plantation trails to colonial tea tours, unfolding the history of tea production in Sri Lanka. They will also assist you with booking flights and organising a driver for your trip.

Sri Lanka ‘Tea Trails’ Tour

The five-day Tea Trails tour combines Sri Lankan culture and nature. As soon as you arrive, your chauffeur and guide will be on hand to answer any questions before taking you to Kandy, with a detour to the elephant orphanage in Pinnawela, home to 80 elephants. While in Kandy, take the chance to watch a cultural dance performance. You’ll then be whisked off to Nuwara Eliya, where the cool climate provides the perfect environment for tea growing.

Bluefield Tea Gardens

For an in-depth day exploring the Sri Lankan tea-making process, head to Bluefield Tea Gardens . Bluefield offer personalised tours through their farm, providing in-depth guides and descriptions of all the stages behind tea production. The Tea Center in Nuwara Eliya is also a good place to purchase some of the best quality teas from the region, while the beautiful property also has a restaurant and cafe at the front. If you’re travelling with kids, there’s a children’s play area.

Green Holiday Travels

Since 2011, Green Holiday Travels has been organising professionally planned tours for visitors to Sri Lanka. Keen to introduce tourists to the rich culture of the country without negatively impacting on its nature and heritage, they are forward thinkers in sustainable tourism for the island. Their six-day Hills and Tea Plantations tour will guide you through all the hot spots of the country’s tea production, while also stopping at cinnamon gardens in Colombo, the Dutch Church of Wolfendhal and the captivating landscape of Kitulgala.

Heritage Expediciones

For those serious about tea, Heritage provide flexible week-long trips with their Tea Educational Tours. The tour takes you to a number of interesting places such as the Colombo Tea Auctions. These auctions, which have been running since 1883, take place twice weekly within the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce. Here you will see 700 factories trading and buying and you will also witness the largest single origin tea auction in the world. Visits to all the major tea centers such as Giragama, Balangoda, Mlesna and Dilmah are included, as well as a look at the Hantana Tea Museum. The final day is one of rest; the relaxation method is your choice, whether it be seaside or poolside.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.

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Tea plantation visit

Learn the antiquated art of tea production on a visit to a fascinating lowland tea plantation near Galle. Wander the estate, and tour their small on-site tea factory. You’ll also learn how they produce white tea, a prized variety which is stocked in famous tea houses around the world including the distinguished Mariage Frerès in Paris.

Tea plantations in Sri Lanka: Smart tourist guide

Are you a true tea lover who is planning a trip to Sri Lanka, the famous tea country? There is no better choice than to see and explore all the diversity of tea plantations in Sri Lanka, enjoy the subtle taste of genuine Ceylon tea, and take a closer look at the tea production process. This will be a fascinating experience as you have never seen anything like this!

However, what destination to choose? What are the best tea plantations in Sri Lanka for visitors? We are here to help you with planning your tea plantation tour.

Tea plantations in Sri Lanka: What should you know?

Sri Lanka is a hill country that is mostly in the central highlands regions. Several tea plantations also grow along the coastal line.

Sri Lanka is a cradle of green tea fields that are grown to become the famous Ceylon tea (named after the former name of this country). Today, Sri Lanka is also called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” with its unique culture, lush greenery on the rolling green hills, ultimately cool climate, and, of course, the unique Ceylon black tea.

While China mainly produces green tea, Sri Lanka is famous for its black tea plantations. As a misty hill country, it is just a perfect place for tea cultivation. Rising higher, the vast tea plantations provide better-growing conditions for Sri Lankan tea. The higher the working tea estates are located, the more exquisite taste that Ceylon tea has.

The brief history of the Sri Lanka tea

The local tea history starts in 1824 when the first tea plant was introduced to Sri Lanka. Firstly, it was displayed in the Royal Botanical Gardens as an exotic Chinese plant. However, after a while, some more tea plants were introduced from different Indian regions.

Thus, it was revealed that the climate in Sri Lanka is so perfect for growing tea. A few decades later, by the end of the century, it turned into the whole tea industry.

Tea planting in Sri Lanka quickly became a great alternative to coffee growing. It quickly became a super alternative variant to the coffee plants that were prone to a fungal disease known as coffee rust, tea fields successfully replaced them with time.

The official start of Sri Lankan tea production was in 1867 when James Taylor presented his first commercial tea crop. This plantation where the tea business started will become later the world-known Pedro Tea Estate.

After a while, tea estates gradually replaced coffee plantations. They took over the country and quickly became an essential part of Sri Lanka economy.

Today, Sri Lanka remains one of the main tea industries for about 200 years. Since the 19th century, Sri Lanka is still  the fourth-largest tea producer in the whole world .

Are there tea plantations in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is famous for its incredible tea plantations scattered all over the country. What is more,  the world tea crop contains about 17 percent of Sri Lanka’s tea!

Since tea production is an essential part of Sri Lanka’s economy, tea is also named “green gold”. From colonial times, tea-making became an integral part of Sri Lanka’s life.

There are  seven main tea plantations in Sri Lanka .

Three of them are defined as  higher elevation tea plantations  that are   located at the highest elevation in the country (generally, over 6000ft above sea level):

• Nuwara Eliya
• Uda Pusselawa

Two of them are  mid-grown tea plantations  located at about 2000 to 4000 ft above sea level :

Two more tea plantations are located lower than 2000 ft above sea level and are considered  low-grown tea plantations :

• Sabaragamuwa

How to choose the best accommodation in Sri Lanka?

There are no traveling tours possible without the right choice of accommodation. In Sri Lanka, you have all the variants up to your budget – you can either afford to stay at a luxurious hotel or find a cozy bungalow if you are tight on budget.

Every tea plantation tour includes accommodation, so you can choose an affordable variant for you. Some hotels are family-friendly, or even oriented toward the larger groups of tourists.

Top 5 tea plantation regions in Sri Lanka

Having a bright tea history of about 200 years long, Sri Lanka has become a popular destination for lots of tea lovers from all over the world. You can have an incredible chance to see the live tea plantations in Sri Lanka , visit the best tea factories, learn more about tea production, try different types of tea, and enjoy the scenic views!

#1. Nuwara Eliya tours

Nuwara Eliya is a large and rich hill country region that belongs to the most essential parts of Sri Lanka’s tea production.

As one of the biggest and highest tea plantations, Nuwara Eliya offers you a wide diversity of activities that will make your Sri Lanka holiday unforgettable. Most tea plantation tours are located here, so you can see the most of the diversity in the tea industry if join them.

Nuwara Eliya is widely known for producing a great part of the best Sri Lankan tea varieties, particularly the high-quality Orange pekoe tea.

For those who are fond of sightseeing, Nuwara Eliya offers the most beautiful views of the best tea plantations and tea gardens, well-trimmed tea bushes, and rolling green hills.

Enjoy the best locations included in the Nuwara Eliya tea plantation tour!

#1.1.   Blue Field Tea Factory tour:  When traveling north of Nuwara Eliya towards Kandy, you can stop at this location in Ramboda.

Starting its history in 1921, Blue Field Tea Factory is well-known today for its higher-elevation tea plantations.

Choosing the Blue Field Tea tour, you have a great opportunity to watch the tea processing and take a closer look at the brewing magic. A trained tea taster can tell you how to identify various types of tea.

If you want to arrange this tour, just contact your guide at the factory. They will be glad to help you with a perfect tea tour!

#1.2. Damro Tea Factory tour:  One more tea plantation tour in Ramboda that offers a few options for visitors. You can either select a regular factory tour or take a closer look at the local tea plantation. Traveling in a vehicle, you can see the professional tea pluckers working at the plantation.

Damro Labokelee is one of the biggest tea estates that is easy to reach by the main road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya. This tour is also called the “tea safari” as it includes amazing tea estate exploration on the wheels.

#1.3. Glenloch tea factory:  In Ramboda, you can also join this factory tour. For those who like informative tours, Glenloch tea factory offers an observation tour that reveals more about the tea production history.

In the Glenloch tea factory, you can see the oldest machinery in Sri Lanka that still work since colonial times. It is even more interesting than visiting a museum, as the machinery still produces high-quality tea! Additionally, you can visit the local tea plantation as well.

#1.4. Heritance tea factory:  For those tourists who look for tea-making involvement, the best option is to stay at Heritance Tea Factory Hotel.

Heritance Tea Factory Hotel is a great transformation from an old tea factory into a large, fascinating hotel. The hotel offers a scenic view of the hill country region with luscious emerald hills, the comfort lodging, and the unique experience of a tea-making tour!

Being one of the most significant tea locations in Sri Lanka, Heritance Tea Factory also provides unique opportunities for tourists. When visiting a local tea plantation, you can join the professional tea pickers and have an amazing tea-plucking experience.

The hotel itself is an educative model of a tea factory that involves the guests in the tea-making process. Along with tea plucking experience on the tea fields, you can have a chance to go through the production process in the factory hotel. As a great final bonus, you will gain a tea pack that is full of handpicked tea leaves!

#1.5. Pedro Tea Estate tour:  This tea plantation tour also provides the opportunity to explore local tea plantation life. This tea estate is settled on the exact spot where Mr. James Taylor planted the first tea bushes to start his Ceylon tea empire.

From the shadow place on Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, you can watch the tea pluckers harvesting the fresh and green tea leaves, or even leave your cozy shelter and join them! The most unforgettable experience is to take some hand-plucked tea leaves from your trip.

#1.6. Goatfell Hotel:  If you enjoy the cozy bungalow-like accommodation, Goatfell is your best bet! You can either stay in one of the four rooms or make a group booking for the whole place with your family and friends.

Staying at Goatfell, you can enjoy the picturesque hill country views and explore the historical architecture of Sri Lanka – and that is all from your cozy spot in the sitting room!

#1.7. Mackwoods Tea Centre:  If you are looking for a brief tour, especially when traveling with kids, Mackwoods will suit you best. You can take a close but brief look at the local tea plantations with the basic explanation from the guide.

The pros of tours are the free guidance, the tea tasting option, and the tearoom that you can visit to have a tasty snack with the local tea. There is also a local gift shop – and this is also a con, as the souvenirs are expensive enough!

#2. Hatton tours

Hatton is a scenic tea-growing town located on the hillside in the Nuwara Eliya District. Although it is quite small, it still offers a few great options for tea lovers. When visiting Hatton, you have an opportunity to spend a great tea holiday in the superb tea planter bungalow or stay at the luxurious  Ceylon Tea Trails hotel. 

#2.1. Dunkeld Tea Factory:  An amazing tour for those who are fond of tea creating and tea tasting! Stay at Hatton for a couple of days and visit the Dunkeld Tea Factory. Arrange this guided tour and the meeting with a professional tea planter, and you will dive into the world of genuine Sri Lanka tea.

Explore the tea processing secrets, join the picnic on the tea plantation, enjoy a delicious meal, and have an unforgettable experience! The accommodation is a specifically stunning point, with all its luxury features.

#2.2. Talawakelle Tea Factory:  Staiyng in Hatton, you can book an exploration tour of the Talawakelle Tea Factory and explore the local tea plantations. The tour will suit you best if you are short of time.

#3. Ella tours

Ella is a small hill town and one of the most favorite tourist destinations. As a working tea estate, it includes several fascinating tours that offer both visiting tea factories and enjoying the scenic views while taking a chosen tour.

Along with authentic accommodation, you can also join any of the local tea tours. Here are several local factories and incredible tours to opt for while traveling to Ella:

#3.1. Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory:  This is one more great option to visit. In the Uva region, this is the biggest factory that offers you a fantastic tour with a few pleasant bonuses.

The whole tour takes about an hour. While taking this tour, you can join the tea-tasting session and feel like a true chief taster! You will learn how to define tea varieties by a list of characteristics and find out the differences in taste of the brewed tea. At the end of the tour, you can get some local souvenirs and bring a gift for your family and friends.

#3.2. Newburgh Tea Factory:  A good brief alternative to the Uva Halpewatte tour for those who are short of time. This is also one more tour that allows you to observe Little Adam’s Peak and take a closer look at the Sri Lanka tea-making process.

#4. Kandy tours

Kandy is the second-largest Sri Lankan city and one of the best venture choices. This city is also called the “Hill capital” and is famous for being added to the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The main sight in Kandy is the famous Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.

Along with exploring Kandy itself, you can also join the local tea plantation tours:

#4.1. Hanthana Tea Estate Factory:  This is one of the Sri Lankan historical factories. Along with walking through the tea estate, visit the  Ceylon Tea Museum to explore the local tea history since 1925. Involve yourself in the tea production and packaging, make acquaintance with the old working machinery, and become a part of the unique tea experience!

#4.2. Kadugannawa Tea Estate:  A great idea is to take a tour of the tea factory in the Kadugannawa tea estate. The great English-speaking guide provides an amazing tour with clear explanations of all the details.

Both green and black tea are produced in Kadugannawa, and you can see the whole way of tea, from plucking to packaging.

As the tours are not too long, this is a good choice for those who travel with kids. In addition, free tea tasting and nice souvenir sets with local tea are also included.

#5. Haputale tours

#5.1. Dambatenne Tea Factory tour:  If you are looking for the best tea plantation tours in Sri Lanka, the Dambatenne Tea Factory is definitely one of your best bets! It is a picturesque tea estate with a significant history.

This tea factory was established by Sir Thomas Lipton (hence the name of this world-famous tea brand!) in 1890. Lipton’s project started as a modest group of plantations, and hardly he guessed what a successful start it was. As the tea business brought significant profit, the factory started growing and developing with time.

Today, it is the main factory in Ella that offers one of the best and most popular tea plantation tours. You can see the old colonial-time machinery still working and producing high-quality Sri Lanka tea. However, you can’t get a pack of tea while taking this tour.

The tour is absolutely stunning and informative. You will have enough time to explore this huge and fascinating factory. As a rule, the best idea is to arrive at the factory in the morning so that you can see the whole area and explore all the details.

You can also observe the plantation from Lipton’s seat, the famous viewpoint of the Dambatenne’s owner. The vast and splendid plantations stretch far in front of your eyes!

#5.2. Haputale Tea Plantation tour:  This tour is most suitable for travelers who enjoy sightseeing. Opt for a breathtaking train tour, and you can see the emerald rolling hills, vast tea plantations, Little Adam’s Peak, and the local showplaces such as Nine Arch Bridge.

Where is the best tea grown in Sri Lanka?

Nuwara Eliya  district is famous for growing  Orange pekoe tea  – the best and highest quality Sri Lanka tea. Today, Nuwara Eliya town s worldwide-known as the “little England” where one of the most valuable tea varieties is produced.

Who is the largest tea producer in Sri Lanka?

The famous  Akbar Brothers  company is known to be the largest tea producer in Sri Lanka. This company produces a wide diversity of green and black tea varieties that can come both loose and bagged, either herbal or specifically flavored. This is also the biggest world tea exporter from Sri Lanka.

What are the drawbacks of Sri Lanka tea plantation tours?

When going on the tea plantation tour, keep in mind that toilet facilities are often not included inside the hotels. Thus, some tea factories are not equipped with inner toilet facilities- instead, you can find outdoor squat toilets that are nothing but holes in the ground.

To avoid outdoor messy facilities, try to use an indoor toilet in your hotel if you can.

What are the best national parks in Sri Lanka?

While traveling to Sri Lanka, you can also visit the national parks and see the local wildlife. Leopards, elephants, a wide range of bird species, and many other animals are possible to see there!

Here is a list of the top 12 national parks in Sri Lanka:

• Angammedilla National Park
• Bundala National Pakr
• Gal Oya National Park
• Horton Plains National Park
• Kaudulla National Park
• Kumana National Park
• Lahugala Kitulana National Park
• Minneriya National Park
• Pigeon Island National Park
• Udawalawe National Park
• Wasgamuwa National Park
• Yala National Park

Final thoughts

As you can see, there are plenty of tea plantation tours in Sri Lanka for any taste and budget. Find the one that suits you best, and come to see this exquisite tea island!

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• Superior Deluxe
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• Presidential Suite
• The Seven Seas
• Admiral’s Room
• The Nautilus
• The Porthole Bar
• The Clipper Bar
• The Sunset Lounge
• Local Cuisine
• Attractions
• Things to do
• Special Sri Lankan Offer
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• Geoffrey Bawa’s Architecture

• The Bawa trails
• Madhu River Safari
• Out of the blue
• Splendor and magnificence
• Fancy an adrenaline rush?
• The turtles of Kosgoda
• Mangrove boat tour and watersports in Bentota
• A culinary escapade at the Galle Fort
• Colombo by jeep

Taste the world’s finest tea

• A stroll along the ramparts
• Walk in the wilderness

Visit the island’s only tea plantation to produce over 25 different individual variations of tea. Sample their range, including exotic varieties like Virgin White Tea which is untouched by human hands and enjoy a delicious cup of Oofonq tea and chocolate cake, at the Planters bungalow. On your way to the tea plantation or on your way back, a walk through the streets of Galle Fort willmake it a complete trip to the south.

Recommended Time

Morning or Evening *Year-round

4 - 5 Hours

Return transfers, Guided plantation visit, Oofong tea and chocolate cake, Bottle of water

What to Bring/ Wear

Comfortable clothing, Walking shoes or comfortable footwear, Cap/Hat, Camera, Shades

Please enter the below details

• Things to do in Hatton
• How to get to Ceylon Tea Trails
• The Weather in Hatton
• Norwood Bungalow
• Castlereagh Bungalow
• Dunkeld Bungalow
• Summerville Bungalow
• Tientsin Bungalow
• Luxury Room
• Garden Suite
• Master Suite
• Owner’s Cottage
• Afternoon Cream Tea
• Al Fresco Barbeque Lunch
• Discover Sri Lankan Cuisine
• Junior Chef
• Private Tea Tasting
• Tea Infused Dinner
• Tea Planter’s Tiffin Lunch

Stunning Pools

• Butler Service
• Garden Games
• Lush Gardens

Jacuzzi with a view

• Idyllic Summer Houses

The Tea Experience

• Adam’s Peak Ascent
• Guided Trail Exploration
• Kayaking on Castlereagh Lake
• Trekking the Trails
• Biking the Trails
• Kandy Heritage Excursions
• Nuwara Eliya Heritage Excursions
• White Water Rafting
• Luxury Baths
• In-Room Spa Treatments
• Scenic Walks and Hikes
• Special Offers
• Intimate Celebrations
• Positive Impact
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Welcome to Ceylon Tea Trails

Luxury tea bungalows in sri lanka.

Steeped in history and immersed in the verdant scenery of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage Central Highlands, Ceylon Tea Trails is the perfect blend of past and present. Perched at an altitude of 1250 metres, our five historic tea-planter bungalows embody our natural hospitality: effortlessly relaxed and refined without pretence. Guests are invited to slow down amid our fern and flower-fringed landscape, where gourmet cuisine, tea adventures, shimmering swimming pools and timeless classic pursuits await, from afternoon tea to tennis and croquet.

Who else but the pioneering family behind Dilmah Tea could conceive of Ceylon Tea Trails’ perfect blend? With its sustainable ethos and social initiatives via the Merrill J Fernando Foundation, Tea Trails is styled with love and has earned the resort Sri Lanka’s first inclusion within Relais & Châteaux.

Ceylon Tea Trails features in “Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby” the iconic BBC documentary television series. Rather than simply enjoying the luxury, the celebrity hosts Monica Galetti and Rob Rinder go behind the scenes to work alongside staff members and discover what it takes to operate such unique and high-end establishments.

Your private oasis steeped in heritage and charm Our Planters’ Bungalows

Five historic tea-planter bungalows, each with 5 or 6 rooms, are spread across 2000 hectares, between 4km and 15km apart, each with its own setting and charm. Three of our bungalows enjoy a lakeside perch - Summerville; Dunkeld; Castlereagh; Norwood and Tientsin are nestled amid the emerald valleys, with mountain and tea-estate views.

Set in the heart of a tea estate, with panoramic views of the mountains and tea pickers at work, Norwood has 6 rooms and an incredibly open, liberating feel. The swimming pool is backdropped by two towering bamboo bushes, which have thrived here for more than 80 years.

Overlooking Lake Castlereagh and fringed by greenery, delightful Dunkeld has 5 rooms and is the closest bungalow to the Dunkeld Tea Factory. One of Dunkeld’s most obvious highlights is its curved infinity pool, with a heated Jacuzzi as its striking centrepiece, both surveying the quiet reservoir below.

Castlereagh

With its pretty, pinky-peach facade and view-toting summerhouses, Castlereagh has a romantic, feminine charm all of its own. The bungalow, with 5 rooms, is set in a peaceful wooded glade on the banks of Lake Castlereagh, drawing cooling breezes from the water.

Summerville

Summerville puts a more modern spin on Ceylon Tea Trails’ signature hospitality. Built in 1923, at an altitude of 1,219m, the 5 roomed bungalow boasts sweeping views of Lake Castlereagh and the humped mountain ridges beyond, bristling with trees and vegetation.

Our oldest bungalow, the 6 roomed Tientsin, is beloved for its spellbinding gardens, which unfurl like a series of emerald saris, embellished with jewel-bright flowers and frondy palms. Amid this hushed expanse, lichen-clad statues, chirruping birds, a lily pond, tucked-away stone benches and a tennis court await.

Your Home Away From Home

Our bungalows are equipped with everything you could possibly need to feel at home: elegant bedrooms, a cosy lounge and library with a help-yourself bar, a dining room and a view-toting veranda. Tientsin, Dunkeld and Norwood also have a billiards room. Bungalows are decorated with fascinating Sri Lankan photographs revealing tantalising insights into 20th-century tea-plantation life, alongside botanical prints, monochrome floral prints, maps and more. Antique curios and knickknacks such as vintage crystalware, gleaming gramophones, old-fashioned cameras and antique teapots decorate rooms and communal areas. Outdoor charms include abundant gardens & a sparkling swimming pool and heated Jacuzzi Bungalows also have summerhouses and a croquet lawn. Tennis-lovers will appreciate the tucked-away clay tennis court at Tientsin, harking back to the days when British planters would let off steam with an afternoon match.

Flawless Cuisine Dining

At Ceylon Tea Trails, days begin with the lovely ritual of Bed Tea, as our hosts bring a fresh pot of tea to you upon waking, and end with four-course dinners and postprandials by a crackling fire – but your room rates also include all the gourmet treats and refreshments you could think of in between. You may wonder if there are enough hours in the day to fully do our food and drink justice. Our advice is to get up early!

Key Features

Fully Inclusive

Our rates are fully inclusive of gourmet a la carte meals, beverages including wines & spirits, laundry and the Tea Experience.

Land on Castlereagh Lake

The best way to arrive at Tea Trails, 30 minutes from the international airport. Soak in the scenic vistas as you land on our lake.

Tea Trails is the gold standard for personalised butler service, starting from bed tea as you awake.

Soak in our heated outdoor hot tubs at Tientsin, Norwood, Castlereagh & Dunkeld.

Complementing the magnificent vistas of lakes, hills, valleys and lush tea plantations are the bungalows’ own charming gardens.

All bungalows offer large swimming pools with gorgeous views. Enjoy a refreshing dip after exploring the trails.

The Story of Ceylon Tea

Of the pioneer British planters in Ceylon, who, propelled by a tenacity of purpose, reconstructed in the 1860’s a vast money spinning new tea industry out of the shambles that were the ruined coffee plantations, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle wrote: “No often is it, that men have the heart, when their one great industry is ruined, to rear up in a few years another as rich to take its place: and the tea fields of Ceylon are as fine a monument to courage as is the lion of Waterloo”.

Escape to the magical heartland of Ceylon Tea Curated Experiences

Our experiences are mindfully curated to offer an authentic, intimate exploration into the essence of Sri Lanka. We also offer activities with healthy doses of fun, adventure and pampering, along with a holistic wellness offering for guests to escape their urban life and soothe mind, body, and soul. A selection of engaging activities for families - with a special selection for kids - are on hand as well, to round out the perfect getaway.

Begin at the Dunkeld Tea Factory at morning light. Follow our resident tea planter along the traditional process of withering, rolling and drying tea.

The unspoiled beauty of the surrounding valleys and hills. Adventure out on one of our bikes and uncover the quintessential beauty of the hill country

Think bright, crisp mornings. The golden sun glistening over the Castlereagh Lake. Adopt the slow, restful pace of the highlands of our island.

Spend your mornings on an aquatic adventure on the Castlereagh Lake as you paddle along in hi-spec kayaks, taking in the first light of the day.

A neat row of warm cups of tea in varying colours. Our resident tea planter unearths the subtle influences of the flavours. Take slow sips. Indulge.

Lake Cruise

Embark on an experiential day out on the Castlereagh Lake complemented by stunning views of the misty mountainscape and tea valleys.

Curating Meaningful Journeys

Our values and vision are inspired by our Founders, the Fernando family, who believe that business is a matter of human service. Our portfolio of resorts are located in scenic and environmentally sensitive areas, enabling us to drive our sustainability agenda across Climate Action, Land & Sea and People & Culture.

A stay at Ceylon Tea Trails would not be complete without a walk along our nature trails encompassing lush tea landscapes, local settlements and rich cultural heritage. Along these trails lie the hidden gems of flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky enough, a leopard pugmark or some fresh scat - the best indicator that we share these paths with the resident leopards of the Peak Ridge Forest Corridor. Guided by our naturalists, get a peek into what a conservationist’s day looks like, walking through our remote camera trails exploring the wilderness of the highlands.

Merrill J. Fernando 1930 - 2023: The Passing of an Icon

A Glimpse of Our World

Explore our Island of Treasures

Known as Ceylon until 1972, Sri Lanka means Resplendent Island. Just off the southern tip of India, the island is about the size of Ireland and home to 20 million people. The small island packs in a continent’s worth of attractions with 8 UNESCO world heritage sites, mountainous tea country, spectacular wildlife, epic food, and breathtaking coastlines combine to form a tapestry, filled with intriguing characters that bring the story of today’s Sri Lanka to life. The country has a rich cultural heritage with its strategic location along the ancient silk route. Ancient Greeks called it Taprobane, Persians and Arabs referred to it as Serendib, the origin of the word “serendipity”.

Resplendent Special Offers

Private Escape Offer

Save up to $1900 by booking a 5-room bungalow

Summer at Tea Trails

Save 15% off your stay, 30% saving on spa and more

Island Escapes with Ceylon Tea Trails

Save 10% on Fully Inclusive Basis

Ten Night Tea Retreat

Save 25% for ten nights on Fully Inclusive Basis

Extended Stay Savings

Save 25% for six nights or more

Walking Holiday Offer

US$ 6,752 for six nights on Fully Inclusive Basis

Advance Purchase Savings

Book 60 Days In Advance to Enjoy 20% Saving

Stay for five nights, pay for four

Last night free for a consecutive five night stay

Three or Four Nights Offer

Save 15% for three or four nights on Fully Inclusive Basis

Four-Night Discovery Offer

US$ 4,988 for four nights on Fully Inclusive Basis

Ceylon Tea Trails Selected for the Coveted Condé Nast Traveler US and UK Gold List 2023

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6 Incredible tea plantation hotels in Sri Lanka to fall in love with

• 8 minute read

• November 22, 2020

Table of Contents

A brief history of tea production in sri lanka, choosing your sri lanka tea plantation hotel, ceylon tea trails, hatton, ashburnham estate, kandy, madulkelle tea and eco lodge, kandy, goatfell, nuwara eliya, heritance tea factory, nuwara eliya, kahanda kanda, galle.

Sri Lanka offers plenty to the avid traveler with its romantic landscapes, verdant mountains, golden beaches, remarkable national parks , and, of course, lush tea gardens and tea plantations. As of 2020, Sri Lanka remains the fourth largest tea producer in the world, producing just under 350,000 tons of tea. In fact, around 17 percent of the world’s tea crop is grown on the island nation. With so many thriving tea plantations scattered across the country, it is little wonder that Sri Lanka is excellent for tea factory tours, tea plantation visits, and even tea estate vacations. If you’re looking for an unforgettable stay up in the hills, look no further. We’ve curated a list of charming accommodation spots — from hotels to bungalows to eco-lodges — hidden amidst lush tea slopes. Read on to discover six of the best Sri Lanka tea plantation hotels that you can stay overnight at .

In 1824, a tea plant from China was smuggled into Sri Lanka — or “Ceylon”, as it was known — by the British and planted in the Royal Botanic Gardens for display. Over time, several more tea plants from other regions such as Calcutta and Assam in India were brought to the island. It was discovered that the humidity, rainfall, and cooling temperatures of the country’s central highlands provided the perfect climate to yield quality tea crops. Thus began Ceylon’s foray into tea production, which very quickly surpassed the country’s coffee production. By the late 1880s, nearly all of Ceylon’s coffee plantations and coffee stores had been converted to tea plantations and tea factories. 

Today, Sri Lanka remains one of the biggest exporters of tea. Even more impressive is its reputation for producing the cleanest teas in the world due to stringent pesticide restrictions. While Sri Lanka grows various types of tea, it is most famous for its Ceylon tea , prized for having a distinct aroma and delicious full-bodied flavor. Ceylon black tea is often the tea base of choice in breakfast tea blends.

Why stay at a tea plantation?

Staying at a tea plantation offers a truly unique Sri Lankan experience. There is no better way to appreciate the country’s most precious crop. Staying at a tea plantation also gives you the chance to step right back into the 18th century, allowing you to choose from charming tea bungalows, converted tea factories, and even beautiful colonial-style homes to spend the night.

The biggest thing to look out for when choosing your tea plantation hotel is, of course, the inclusion of on-site visits to the tea plantation . A local tour of the tea plantation grants you a great opportunity to increase your understanding of Sri Lankan tea production — from the plantation process to the selection, picking, processing, and selling of the tea. If tea plantation visits are not stated in the hotel description, we suggest asking the accommodation for confirmation before booking. Many of the best Sri Lanka tea plantation hotels offer a selection of tea-related activities outside of plantation visits, such as tea tasting sessions, scenic high tea picnics, and even tea picking experiences.

To inspire you, here’s our list of excellent tea plantation hotels in Sri Lanka, each nestled within a tea plantation estate or located extremely close to one. Pick your favorite!

What we love about Ceylon Tea Trails: Luxurious and spacious tea planter bungalows perched at an altitude of 1,250 meters that provide the ultimate hill country escape. A trip to the nearby Dunkeld Tea Factory complements the stay perfectly!

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Located on a sprawling tea estate in Hatton, surrounded by the most scenic of hill country panoramas, sit five distinctive and historic tea planter bungalows that complete the luxurious Ceylon Tea Trails . Each bungalow is fitted with five or six bedrooms and decorated in a charming, signature colonial style. Three of the bungalows are perched high enough to provide jaw-dropping views of the sparkling Castlereagh Lake. With incredible attention to guest comfort, each Ceylon Tea Trails bungalow comes with its own chef and butler, spacious gardens, and gorgeous scenery, delivering a truly private ambiance and experience.

Unique tea experiences: Ceylon Tea Trails is part of the “best of Sri Lanka” circuit, created by the Dilmah Tea Company, which features distinctly unique resorts across the country. Guests of the property are treated to a proper guided tour at the nearby Dilmah Tea Dunkeld Tea Factory, accompanied by one of the resident tea planters. Other tea experiences include tea tastings, tea-infused dinners, and excursions through the tea gardens.

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What we love about Ashburnham Estate: The beautifully-refurbished planter’s bungalow from the 1930s, surrounded by 100 acres of a working tea estate that offer excellent views of the Knuckles Mountain Range and hides secret waterfalls and plunge pools.

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The Ashburnham Estate guesthouse provides a perfect getaway up in the hills. Cozy in all the right ways, the estate features six well-appointed guest rooms, each one embellished with a distinct and unique style. A swimming pool, manicured gardens, and plenty of natural scenery make the property all the more charming. One of the hidden gems here is a river that runs through the land, its fast-flowing waters and steep drops creating some very impressive natural waterfalls and plunge pools that guests are free to visit.

Unique tea experiences: Tea experiences at the Ashburnham Estate include educational tea field tours with the estate manager, high tea and picnic moments at scenic hilltop locations, and guided walks and hikes that take you through the tea plantations and into the surrounding cloud forests.

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What we love about Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge: Unique to all the other properties on this list, Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge gives you the opportunity to bunk in one of their luxury tents right in the midst of the tea fields!

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For any traveler looking for something different, Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge is the place to call home for a few days. A stay here will guarantee incredible views of the Knuckles Mountain Range from almost anywhere on the grounds, not to mention exclusive access to the estate’s thriving tea fields. With its unique accommodation option of luxurious tents fitted with en suite bathrooms and private terraces overlooking the tea plantations, you’ll find no better way to experience the rural highlands.

Unique tea experiences: The hotel offers various activity packages that you can book, from tea plantation trekking to tea factory visits. Outside of tea experiences, you can also sign up for a culinary tour with a resident chef to visit some of the organic vegetable gardens on the site.

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What we love about Goatfell: With just four bedrooms, a night at this impressive tea bungalow is an intimate affair. You can even book the entire place and take up all the rooms, perfect for large families and group stays.

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Hidden away in the misty hill country of Kandapola, amidst the green tea bushes of the Concordia Estate, is Goatfell , a former estate manager’s bungalow-turned-boutique hotel. Beyond its cozy sitting room, quaint gardens, and grand tea field views from the infinity pool, you’ll uncover an explorer’s dream, complete with the colonial-era architecture of Nuwara Eliya and dramatic views of Horton Plains National Park in the distance.

Unique tea experiences: After an afternoon of strolling through the estate’s waist-high tea bush-lined roads with your very own private guide, you can enjoy freshly-brewed afternoon tea in the picturesque garden that overlooks the nearby plantations. 

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What we love about Heritance Tea Factory: Once a working tea factory, the property has been transformed into a 50-room hotel that overlooks the still-growing tea plantations that surround it. Wake up to the sight of beautiful emerald-green tea fields right outside your window!

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Heritance Tea Factory is located in Nuwara Eliya, a hill country region in the Central Province that is considered one of the most important locations for tea production in Sri Lanka. The hotel prides itself on providing a tranquil abode with all the necessary comforts, from spacious rooms to warm service. At its impressive elevation, the hotel’s guest rooms offer superb sweeping views of the hill country in all its glory, from rolling tea fields to undulating tree-speckled mountains. Their most premium suite, the Flowerdew Suite, is acknowledged as the highest living space in all of Nuwara Eliya, providing impressive panoramic views of Ragala and the Randenigala reservoir.

Unique tea experiences: Heritance Tea Factory offers you the perfect opportunity to bring home the ultimate holiday souvenir: a packet of tea filled with leaves that you’ve handpicked by yourself! Indulge in an immersive tea plucking experience that will see you donning local tea-picking attire and a basket for collecting leaves. Accompanied by professional tea pluckers, you’ll be taken to the organic tea fields and given a crash course on how to pick the best leaves. A trip to the Heritance Mini Tea Factory will follow, where you will learn about the tea production process. You can also book tea tasting sessions with a trained tea taster.

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What we love about Kahanda Kanda: The hotel upholds a Responsible Tourism policy — hot water in each of the suites is heated using solar power, and recycling is also taken seriously on the property.

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Kahanda Kanda is situated in the southwest region of Sri Lanka, set amidst a 10-acre working tea plantation surrounded by a palm-fringed jungle on a quiet Galle hillside. This hidden gem features 10 impressive suites tucked away in stand-alone villas, a 20-meter infinity pool, and views overlooking Koggala Lake. Its close proximity to treasures such as the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Galle Fort and the golden sands of Weligama Bay make it an ideal hideaway for easy day trips. Each of the villas in the Kahanda Kanda collection is uniquely designed with antiques and contemporary pieces sourced from all around the world.

Unique tea experiences: Pop into the nearby Handunugoda Tea Estate to uncover the secrets of their tea production. The tea factory produces a signature ‘virgin white tea’ using an incredible process where the tea is completely untouched by hand, following an ancient Chinese tea-making ritual.

We hope we have inspired you to consider staying at a Sri Lanka tea plantation hotel for your next getaway! Looking to discover more lush tea estates elsewhere? We recommend heading to incredible India next to visit more of the best tea plantations in the world.

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Post written by: Angela Goh

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Tea Plantations

Famed for its world class tea, Sri Lanka’s tea plantations themselves are a sight to behold. Endowed with so much beauty, the lush green fields undulate across the mountain ranges. And the beautiful tea pluckers in their colorful garb prance smilingly to work, only choosing the best crop to be processed and consumed throughout the world. From the low-country in Matara to the chilled highlands in Nuwara Eliya and Thalawakelle, go to experience something entirely unique to the island. And while you are there, even share in the experience of picking and producing some of tastiest tea in known existence.

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7 PLACES FOR A MEMORABLE SRI LANKA TEA PLANTATION TOUR

The hotels selected in the Sri Lanka tea plantation tour are mostly located in the tea plantations, and they feature characteristics of rich heritage planter bungalows. Most hotels are boutique villas with more than 100 years of history and the bungalows exhibit a fine blend of colonial décor and sylvan flooring. As you go on a Sri Lanka…

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What are the 7 places for a memorable sri lanka tea plantation tour, nuwara eliya, trekking during the sri lanka tea plantation tour, sri lankan tea industry.

• WHAT ARE THE POPULAR PLACES FOR A SRI LANKA TEA PLANTATION TOUR?

WHAT ARE THE POPULAR SRI LANKA TEA PLANTATION TOURS?

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• Damro Labookelle Tea Plantation
• Glenloch tea plantation
• Giragama Tea plantation
• Pedro tea estate
• Blue field Tea estate
• Handungoda Tea plantation

Is tea one of your favourite drinks? If the answer is Yes, you might be planning to do a Sri Lanka tea plantation tour to visit the plantations, where world-renowned Ceylon tea comes from. Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is one of the world’s best tea producers and the fourth largest Tea manufacturer.

Every Sri Lanka tea plantation tour essentially revolves around Nuwara Eliya because the cradle of Sri Lanka’s industry is Nuwara Eliya, which is also known as Sri Lanka’s tea country or hill country. The tea plantations spread all around Sri Lanka’s hill country and Nuwara Eliya is the most known capital in the hills, which sits 1800 meters above sea level. Nuwara Eliya showcases many interesting places such as Victoria parks, Haggala botanical garden, Sita temple, Golf course, Racecourse, Gregory lake, etc.

There are many tea plantations around Gregory Lake, which had been established by the British planters during their long rule in Sri Lanka. As Sri Lanka regained its independence they returned the ownership of these plantations to the local people. However, the plantation workers that were brought to Sri Lanka from India in order to provide cheap labour, are still living in these plantations.  

Gregory lake is one of the most picturesque parts of Nuwara Eliya. Most visitors don’t miss having a stroll around Gregory lake. Same time there are plenty of opportunities for kids as well as adults to entertain themselves here. Horse riding, boating, speed boating, fishing, and riding water scooters are some of the popular activities here.   

All around Gregory lake demonstrate the colonial charm, especially the opposite side of Gregory Lake demonstrates a rich historical colonial past. A large number of colonial mansions, built by wealthy British planters occupy the beautifully landscaped area, facing Gregory lake. After the independence from the British, most of these mansions have been converted into hotels and guest houses.

If you are venturing on a Sri Lanka tea plantation tour, you do not have to travel far from Colombo to find a couple of very different landscapes with suitable conditions for trekking. Usually, the tea plantation revolves mainly around Sri Lanka’s hill country, where your encounter hundreds of mountains, and valleys.

Lower ranges of Sri Lanka hills country is warm while higher elevated area tends to be much cooler. These hill country mountains offer great walking in a magical area where green-capped mountains and deep gorges are mixed with waterfalls, rivers, streams, boulders, fertile valleys of rice paddies, tea plantations, and isolated small hamlets. The terrain may make for gentler trekking, but it still offers some challenges and plenty of rewards.

The gem here is the Horton plains national park, a bewitching area of highland that has a fascinating blend of meadows and patches of forests that are particularly delightful during the rainy season when they are covered in wildflowers. Although trekking here is less demanding than many other trekking routes in the mountains, the Horton plains national park is still cut through by hidden gorges, thick with forests, edged with peaks, and studded with stunning lakes and streams.

The tea industry on the island goes back many centuries and it adds aroma to the island’s economy while adding a large sum of hard currencies to the economy. Tea was introduced to the island during the British administration on an island in the early 18s; the British East India Company had heavily contributed to the development of the tea industry on the island, on the other hand, they were the people who benefited from the investment in the early days of the tea industry. A large chunk of upcountry land was brought under tea plantations by the British administration and the momentum continued even after the British occupation making it the single most agricultural export product on the island.

90% of tea produced on the island is been exported to all corners of the world, while a portion of tea produced on the island remains in Sri Lanka for consumption.  The Tea industry is under the purview of the tea development authority, which is a government institution, and it regulates all aspects of the tea industry and maintains the quality of tea sold under the emblem of CEYLON TEA.

WHAT ARE THE POPULAR PLACES FOR A SRI LANKA TEA PLANTATION TOUR ?

• Nuwara Eliya tea plantation tour
• Kandy tea plantation tour
• Ella tea plantation tour
• Galle tea plantation tour

Few other useful links

The hotels selected in the Sri Lanka tea plantation tour are mostly located in the tea plantations, and they feature characteristics of rich heritage planter bungalows. Most hotels are boutique villas with more than 100 years of history and the bungalows exhibit a fine blend of colonial décor and sylvan flooring. As you go on a Sri Lanka tea plantation tour, you are able to visit the tea factories and sample what they produce at their factories.

Usually, the accommodations during the Sri Lanka trip will be arranged in small boutique hotels and bungalows that converge with tea plantations. The tea plantation bungalows have only a few rooms and can accommodate only a few customers at a time. Therefore we should require well in advance booking in order to confirm the tour.

Transportation in luxury and modern private vehicles with English-speaking tour guides or guides that speak any other language. You will be able to enjoy the luxury in one of our luxury vehicles that feature reclining seats, Wi-Fi, and a spacious interior. Most importantly this Sri Lanka tea plantation tour is a private trip means that you have maximum privacy during the trip, without any intruders. This Sri Lanka tea plantation tour can be customized to meet your requirement or it can be combined with any other Sri Lanka tour package.

The main mode of transportation for the Sri Lanka tea plantation tour is road transport while a part of the trip can be done by train. The upcountry rail journey is considered to be the best rail journey on the island and provides breathtaking scenery across, mountains, valleys, rainforests, tea plantations, and vegetable gardens. A rail journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya or to Ella can be easily added to the trip.

WHAT ARE THE MOST POPULAR CITIES FOR SRI LANKA TEA PLANTATION TOUR?

• Nuwara Eliya
• Bandarawela

This is a question for most travellers, who look for a Sri Lanka tea plantation tour; however, the answer is very simple because tea plantations are widely distributed on the island except on beaches and dry zone areas. Upcountry is the most popular for the tea industry and tea plantations and is distributed far and wide across all the mountains and valleys.

The upcountry tea, which grows above 500 meters above sea level considered to be the tea with the best aroma, taste, and colour, is sold at the highest price in the world market. The low country Tea, which grows below 500 meters above sea level, has a high demand from Arabian countries and Asian countries including Sri Lanka.

Almost every Sri Lanka tea plantation tour includes the breathtaking upcountry in its program. Nuwara Eliya and the upcountry is a major holiday destination on the island and is visited by hundreds of thousands of foreign as well as local travellers. Most travellers, who take part in the Sri Lanka tea plantation tour, are mesmerized by the well-maintained and regularly manicured tea gardens and the unique bio-diversity around them.

While some people choose the Sri Lanka tea plantation tour to explore this mountain-dominated region others opt for short tours to explore the mountains and take part in day tours to visit Nuwara Eliya. Local tour operators such as Seerendipity tours organize regular day outing tours and two days tours to Nuwara Eliya and Kandy for travellers, who wish to explore Sri Lankan tea plantations, these short tours are very popular among the travellers, who stay on the beach as well as the travellers, who make a short visit to the island.

Every year, thousands of travellers visit important tourist places in Kandy for sightseeing and a large number of them make a visit to the island’s first tea museum. The main objective of the tea museum is to depict the evolution of the tea industry on the island over the last several centuries, from basic rudimentary tea roller to the computerized tea factory that we see today.

As you make a road trip of Sri Lanka from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, the Labookellie tea factory sits 60 km from Kandy, on the right side of the road. In the backdrop of the tea centre is the plantation that produces valuable 2 buds and the tip required to make tea at Labookellie tea factory.

The history of Labookellie goes back to the British colonial era and was established about 150m years back. The tea plantation of Labookellie and the tea factory lie at an elevation of 5,000 feet above sea level, making it the second oldest tea plantation on the island, which produces some finest Ceylon tea. The doors of the tea factory are open to visitors and the friendly staff of the factory helps you to have a closer look at the manufacturing process of tea.

At the end of the tea factory visit, the visitors have the opportunity to sip a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea at the Labookellie tea lounge, which is only a few meters away from the factory. The tea lounge is carefully planned and constructed giving a mesmerizing view over the mountains in the backyard. It is a perfect opportunity to enjoy the green that carpets the jagged mountains and valleys while observing the colourfully dressed tea-puckers move lazily in the field and nimbly harvest the tender two leaves & bud.

Labookellie is one of the highest-grown orthodox tea plantations on the island. The factory produces mainly black tea while they supply a limited amount of expensive green tea varieties as well. The factory has undergone a major transition in the recent past and has adopted advanced tea manufacturing know-how and introduced modern machinery. The seven-step process of tea-making involves rolling, withering, fermenting, drying, sieving, grading, and fibre extraction.

The tea factory of Glenloch was established in 1917 under the British administration and Marzetti, Charles. J had been the first manager of the tea plantation. Glenloch tea garden lies at the laid-back village of Katukithula, about 45 km from Kandy. Like most tea gardens on the island, the visitors at Glenloch are allowed to witness the hygienic tea manufacturing process using high-tech modern machinery.

The spacious and cosy Tea lounge is a perfect spot to sip a cup of Ceylon tea with leisure while enjoying the breathtaking scenery of mountain peaks and valleys in the immediate surrounding. The tea factory and plantation serve a large number of travellers every day and provide easy access to a large collection of the finest Ceylon tea. The tea factory has a well-stocked tea shop, selling a large array of flavoured and unflavoured black tea, Green tea oolong tea, silver buds, and golden tips.

Sri Lanka 3-day tour with Sigiriya rock fortress, Dambulla golden temple Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya

Giragama tea plantation is under the administration of Pusellawa tea plantations and primarily produces tea for the export market. Sri Lanka upcountry is the best tea-grown area on the island, where the majority of tea plantations are to be found and best for Sri Lanka tea plantation tour.

The morning mist hides the rolling hills and the temperature and humidity at their lowest ebb due to the altitude, almost like wine country. Nicely manicured tea bushes with shimmering tea leaves look like a green blanket that covers the mountain peaks. This idyllic setting is most visible in the upcountry cities like Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Badulla. But, it is still possible to make a Sri Lanka tea plantation tour even if you are not heading upcountry at the Giragama tea plantation. The tea grown in the Giragama tea factory is coming under the mid-grown tea varieties, which inherit the characteristics of low-country tea and upcountry tea. However, the tea of Giragama tea plantation shows more close relationship with low-grown tea varieties with strong taste, dark colour, and pale aroma.

Perhaps the tea plantation tour of Giragama is not a perfect match to a tea plantation tour in Nuwara Eliya; however, it gives you the pleasure of strolling in a tea plantation, visiting a tea factory, and sipping a freshly brewed Ceylon tea.

The Giragama tea plantation is located off the Colombo-Kandy main road, about 5 km away from the main road. The nearest city to the Giragama tea plantation is Pilimathalawa, which lies 103 km from Colombo on the Kandy-Colombo main road. A narrow road named after the Giragama tea plantation provides access to the tea plantation from the main road.

Pedro the plantation is another upcountry tea plantation that lies 1800 meters above sea level. Pedro tea plantation is only a few kilometres away from Nuwara Eliya, which is the capital of the tea country of Sri Lanka.  The Sri Lanka tea plantation tour at Pedro is very convenient for travellers, who cross the hill station of Nuwara Eliya on their Sri Lanka tour, due to the easy access from Nuwara Eliya to the Pedro tea plantation.

Unlike low country tea plantations that are popular for dark and strong tea with poor aroma, upcountry tea has the characteristics such as a strong aroma, pale colour, and mild flavour, which are considered to be the qualities of the most demanding and expensive tea varieties in the world. In fact, the finest tea plantations are located at high altitudes like the Pedro tea plantation, which lies 1800 meters above sea level.

Tea is a thriving crop in the Nuwara Eliya and growing for more than many centuries and is the most important industry in the region. The Pedro tea plantation produces tea that has a very strong aroma, with mellow and clean liquor.

The tea factory of Pedro is popular as a place, where excellent flavoursome tea is been produced. The tea factory was started by the British planters in the nearly 18s and is still in very good shape.  The tea factory is located in the middle of the tea plantation. The factory still heavily depends on its traditional method and serves as an important tourist attraction for tea connoisseurs.

Blue field tea estate is another favourite place for the Sri Lanka tea plantation tour and lies on the Kandy-Nuwara Eliya main road just after the Ramboda pass.  The Tea garden and tea lounge are picturesquely located amidst The Mountains and valleys overlooking the Ramboda pass.

The tea grown at the blue field tea plantation is categorized under high-grown tea and has all the qualities of the finest Ceylon tea. The blue field tea shop has a large stock of different varieties of Ceylon tea with varying prices and qualities.

Kandy is a major tourist attraction with a large number of places to visit; therefore Kandy is a part of most Sri Lanka road trips. The tea museum is conveniently located within easy reach of Kandy giving easy access to travellers who wish to study the history of the Sri Lankan tea industry.

The tea museum of Hantana in Kandy is the first museum dedicated to the tea industry of Sri Lanka. The museum is located near the cultural hub of Sri Lanka better known as Kandy, which is one of the most important tourist hotspots on the island. The museum is located in the laid-back locality known as Hantana, featuring breathtaking scenery across the mountains and valleys in the surrounding area.

The tea museum is merely three kilometres from Kandy and takes only 20 minutes to reach the museum on a well-maintained and curve-filled road. The museum is housed in an abandoned tea factory that consists of four floors.

The ground floor and the second floor of the museum house a collection of very old machinery used in tea factories in the past. There is a library on the first floor that has a large collection of valuable books mainly related to the tea industry of Sri Lanka. A spacious auditorium on the first floor has facilities for audiovisual presentations.

A tea sales outlet is established on the third floor and has a large collection of tea varieties coming from all tea-grown areas of Sri Lanka. The top floor of the museum is reserved for a tea café. The view from the top floor, with the telescopes that are mounted on the top floor, is simply gorgeous; Kandy town can be viewed from the top floor with surrounding mountains such as the knuckled range, Hunasgiriya, and Matale range of hills. The landscaped garden of the museum is planted with different varieties of tea.

The available time for this Sri Lanka tea plantation tour

Tuesday to Saturday:  08.30 am to 15.45 pm Sunday :  08.30am to 15.00pm (Closed on Mondays & Poya day falling on weekdays)

The cost of entrance

Non-resident Adult: 800LKR Non-resident Children:  400LKR

The Sri Lanka tea plantation tour also features many other important naturals, religious and historical places such as lover’s leap falls, Ramboda falls, Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, Horton plains national park, Kandy city tour, Sita Amman temple, Nuwara Eliya city tour, and Haggala botanical garden.

Most places recommended above for a Sri Lanka tea plantation tour are to be found in the mountains. Only Hadungoda tea plantation nested on the low country of Sri Lanka near the southwest coast. If you travel upcountry of Sri Lanka to places such as Kandy, and Nuwara Eliya there are many possibilities to visit a tea factory and plantations, however, if you have a Sri Lanka beach tour and like to visit a tea factory, Handungoda is the only option for your Sri Lanka tea plantation tour. Handungoda tea plantation is still under-explored and it is an off-the-beaten-track tourist place .

Handugoda tea plantation can be reached on a 40-minute drive from Galle. Unlike all other tea plantations, the Handungoda tea factory produces tea, coconut, cinnamon, rubber as well as peppers for the local and export market. Handugioda tea factory not only produces the most common tea varieties such as BOPF and BOP it also produces a very rare tea variety called ‘Saphire Oolong Tea’, using the buds of the tea bush.

WHY SHOULD SEERENDIPITY TOUR YOUR TEA PLANTATION TOUR IN SRI LANKA?

Seerendipity Tour is an entirely locally owned travel company with a head office in Colombo. The highly experienced local staff is a key strength of Seerendipity Tours, and they can plan your dream holiday to Sri Lanka .

When you book a tour with us, you directly book the tour with the local company, which means there are no middlemen and therefore you can guarantee the best price. Simply get in touch with us and let us know when you travel and what you like to see.

Our staff makes a personalised programme for you, which you can change until you find the best package for you. You can also browse our existing tour packages for inspiration; all our ready-made tour packages are customizable and can be tailored to meet all your expectations. Write to us at [email protected] , tel. 0094-77-440977, WhatsApp 0094-77-4440977

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About The Author

Sanjeewa padmal (seerendipity).

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The focus of this site is Sri Lankan travel. We at Serendipity Tours (Private) Limited, attempting to impart our valuable experience as travellers who have explored most parts of the country over the last decade. We are helping our valuable readers plan their memorable Sri Lanka trip with our travel expertise and experiences. In case you require any additional information, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us at [email protected]. In addition, we can plan your vacation package or any other Sri Lankan travel-related needs.

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One thought on “ 7 PLACES FOR A MEMORABLE SRI LANKA TEA PLANTATION TOUR ”

WE have been in Sri Lanka on a 7 days tour and had the opportunity to drive through the hill country. Sri Lanka hill country is wonde4rful and very beautiful with large tea plantations.

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Sri Lanka ranks 5th among ‘World’s Best Countries to Visit in Your Lifetime, 2024’

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Sri Lanka has been recognised as the 5th best country to visit in your lifetime, according to CEOWORLD Magazine’s prestigious rankings for 2024.  The accolade highlights Sri Lanka’s diverse offerings and unique experiences that captivate travellers from around the globe. Sri Lanka continues to bask in the spotlight as one of the world’s top travel destinations, the recognition serves as a testament to the country’s enduring allure and unwavering hospitality. 

CEOWORLD Magazine recently unveiled its list of the best countries to visit, providing invaluable insights to help travellers choose their next vacation destination. The rankings, based on feedback from over 295,000 readers, reflect the highest level of participation in the magazine’s history. Sri Lanka’s impressive ranking is attributed to its enchanting hill country, which offers a myriad of experiences for travellers of all interests with a total score of 60.53.  “The hill country of Sri Lanka offers a wide range of experiences for travellers of all kinds, whether it’s Ayurveda treatment, unforgettable train rides, or visiting a tea plantation. The country is rich in culture and traditions, with the Poya ritual being the most significant one celebrated at Buddhist temples. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to enjoy a wholesome Sri Lankan breakfast, dine under the stars, and stay overnight in one of the country’s National Parks. Additionally, Sri Lanka is a great destination for shopping enthusiasts, who can find gems, batik, tea, handloom fabrics, leather goods, antiques, jewellery, and ceramics,” the CEOWORLD Magazine noted about Sri Lanka.

I've visited 93 countries, 57 of them with kids. These 5 underrated spots are great places to enjoy with your family.

• Karen Edwards has traveled to 93 countries, and 57 of them have been with her young children.
• Edwards said that her family has had more fun exploring underrated spots than the popular ones.
• Her favorites include Tanzania for its safari tours and Abu Dhabi for its vibrant festival scene.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Karen Edwards , who blogs about her family's travels around the world. The following has been edited for length and clarity.

Since 2000, I've visited 93 countries and 57 of them have been with my four children who are all under the age of 10.

I am a nurse by background, but I have been blogging about traveling with my husband and kids since 2014. I cover a lot of off-the-beaten-track destinations and write itineraries for places I've been to, explaining how they work for families with children.

Many popular family destinations tend to be overcrowded. They're usually the ones that get a lot of media exposure or are shown in viral videos on social media. In America, it'd be places like Disneyland in California or Disney World in Florida, while for Europeans, it might be some of the Spanish resort areas.

Although my family and I have visited these places, we have always come away disappointed. They often lack educational experiences, feeling like pointless affairs.

I think traveling to underrated spots makes trips feel more exclusive and you can learn more about the cultures of the countries you visit — it also keeps you away from tourist traps.

We went on a safari tour in Tanzania

Our family visited Tanzania in 2019 in collaboration with a tourism brand. We were there for 12 days.

Our flights to the country were kind of expensive; we paid about $9,000 for our then-family of four, including a stop in Zanzibar at the end of the trip for a few days. However, overall, the entire trip didn't end up costing us that much.

We had some really unique experiences in Tanzania. We went to Mto Wa Mbu village , which is beneath a banana plantation, and we went on a safari tour in its Lake Manyara National Park .

Interestingly, Tanzania is one of the few places in the world where lions are known to climb trees. I remember seeing them sit in tall trees; it was quite unusual, but my kids really enjoyed how close they were to the animals.

Throughout our trip, we actually felt like we were experiencing life in Tanzania. Our campsite was on a river's edge in the depths of nature. It was nice not to feel surrounded by tourists.

My kids fell in love with Abu Dhabi's culture

Many people mistakenly believe that Dubai is a country, but in reality, it's a city in the United Arab Emirates, with Abu Dhabi being its capital.

My family and I moved to Abu Dhabi in 2021 and lived there for 18 months. The city does have a lot of similarities to glitzy and glam Dubai , but you get a more down-to-earth experience.

There are amazing festivals in Abu Dhabi where they display their culture in different formats, whether that be through local food or crafts. It does feel authentic because it's usually mainly locals participating and organizing them.

The city is also 1.5 hours away from Al Ain, which sits at the foot of  Jebel Hafeet , one of the tallest mountains in the region. Along the way up, you'll find many ancient artifacts, such as beehive huts, which have been there for thousands of years. At the top, you can watch incredible sunsets.

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The city also has the Al Ain Oasis , which uses an ancient irrigation system. It has these beautiful paved pathways that look like cobbled streets.

My kids loved Abu Dhabi and are constantly asking me to go back — they really liked all the cultural celebrations.

We love Sri Lanka so much, we're building a villa there

In 2022, my family and I moved to Sri Lanka from Abu Dhabi. We thought we'd have more family time here, and it was going to be an affordable place to live.

We're building a family-friendly villa here that should be completed by August. The area where we are building has a lot of nice cafes, bars, and restaurants nearby.

Overall, Sri Lanka is an amazing country that has so many diverse experiences. There are tea plantations, mountains, and beaches. As for wildlife, their national parks have loads of elephants and leopards.

On one occasion, we went on a safari boat tour to an isolated national park where we watched elephants swim across a lake and onto a tiny island. It was amazing.

The beaches in Sri Lanka are pristine. They have beautiful scenery with swaying coconut palm trees, clear water, and perfect waves. Our favorite is Kabalana Beach .

Because we're always on the beach, my children have learned how to surf. I think it's the most fun thing that we do on the weekends as a family.

The ski resorts and spas are amazing in Andorra

We visited Andorra in 2018 for about six days. It's a tiny country nestled in the Pyrenees between Spain. It's a two-hour drive from Barcelona and three hours from Toulouse, France.

The city has a unique fusion of cultures, though I think Catalonian is the strongest influence. During our trip, my family and I toured many ancient churches.

We also went to some amazing spas and resorts in Andorra. The hotel and ski system there is really family-friendly.

During our visit to the Grandvalira ski resort , my daughter learned how to ski and my husband got to snowboard — the resort has a kindergarten at the foot of its mountain, where kids can play or ski.

Andorra also has amazing spa facilities that are suitable for families and are sectioned off for different age groups.

Our trip was in collaboration with Andorra's tourism board, but I feel like it wasn't overly expensive in comparison to some other places around the world.

I was treated like family in Macedonia

Macedonia is a Balkan country just north of Greece. I haven't been there with children, but I wouldn't have any issues taking my kids there.

It has many beautiful small villages and it's great for skiing too.

The country is also home to one of the oldest and deepest lakes in Europe named Lake Orchid, which borders Albania. There's this beautiful, small village on the lake that has charming restaurant and a lovely atmosphere for relaxing and enjoying good food.

I visited the country in 2008, and then again in 2012 with my then-boyfriend and now-husband.

The first time I visited, I went with two girlfriends, and we were backpackers. We arrived in the middle of the night by bus and had no idea what we were doing. The bus driver just made a call, and a stranger came and picked us up in his car — I thought I was going to die.

The opposite happened. He took us back to his home with his family, and we stayed there with them for a few days. We ended up extending the trip because he and his family were so amazing.

They didn't speak a word of English, and we couldn't speak a word of their language either. We'd just gesture at each other, and they'd give us food and red wine.

I just totally fell in love with them and their country.

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Country Living

8 Off-The-Beaten-Path Destinations to Visit in 2024

Posted: April 26, 2024 | Last updated: April 26, 2024

Every travel bucket list should include those major cities that are sure to blow you away: Paris, Dubai, New York City, Sydney, the list goes on. While traveling to these hotspots is sure to provide a memorable vacation—don’t skip the lesser-known but equally impressive destinations tucked in small towns and metropolitan suburbs all over the world. You can find few crowds besides flocks of flamingos in the Caribbean, hike to an active volcano in Guatemala, and relax in ancient Roman baths in England. Planning a new vacation? Consider these eight off-the-beaten-path destinations.

1) Bath, England

Come for the ancient Roman baths in this English town of the same name , but stay for the charm you’ll find on every side street. The city was founded by the Romans in the first century, developing into a beautiful town that today houses an impressive collection of Roman remains. The stunning architecture, charming pubs, and countryside location combine to make this city a must-visit. Plus, it’s a quick train ride from the travel hub of London.

Many have Greece or Italy's Amalfi Coast high on the list of dream destinations, but the coastal cities of Albania match the beauty but not the price tag. Head to Sarande, Ksamil, or Vlore to enjoy pristine beaches and luxury lodging options including bungalows.

3) Cardiff, Wales

This city-meets-coast town is a quick train ride from London, offering a comparable yet vastly different British experience. In Cardiff , you’ll find lively pubs, Victorian architecture, and excellent dining options all housed within a compact downtown center, plus a charming waterfront district and some of the friendliest people you’ll ever meet.

4) Gstaad, Switzerland

If you’re planning a Swiss vacation, you have no shortage of options when it comes to picturesque towns, winter sports, and mountain views. While St. Moritz, Zermatt, Lucerne, or the Interlaken region may top the typical lists, make plans to visit the ultra-lux city of Gstaad instead. Stay in a posh five-star property, browse designer shops, and get your winter thrills at the nearby Glacier 3000.

5) Sri Lanka

Swap wine country for tea country when you visit Sri Lanka , which houses seven distinct tea districts each producing their own variety. These growing regions are stunning, with many offering lodging options for the most immersive experience. In addition to tea plantations, Sri Lanka is known for its fascinating wildlife, flavorful cuisine, and beautiful beaches.

Part of the “ABC Islands” in the Dutch Caribbean, Bonaire is has made impressive sustainability efforts dating back more than 80 years, plus it has luxury boutique properties and stunning beaches. It’s said just as many flamingos are living there as there are permanent residents (tens of thousands), which are extra pink thanks to the salt flats on the island. Skip the high-traffic Caribbean destinations for this hidden, sustainable gem instead.

7) Mackinac Island, Michigan

This island swaps cars for horse-drawn carriages, and that’s just scratching the surface of the charm of Mackinac Island . You’ll have to hop aboard a ferry to reach the town, which is best known for its world-famous fudge, quaint downtown district, hiking and biking trails, and spectacular sunsets.

8) Antigua, Guatemala

Antigua has seen its fair share of natural and not-so-natural disasters—from an intentional fire to earthquakes, avalanches, floods, and volcanoes. Don’t let that deter you, because it's a resilient and colorful city. While there, creator Sarah Woodard shares tips for taking a guided hike up the Acatenango Volcano for views of Fuego Volcano—which is so active, it has small eruptions every 15 to 20 minutes.

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