Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka: Scenic Tours & Tastings

Introduction and Origin of Sri Lankan Tea

Sri Lanka, a beautiful island, which is also known as, the pearl of the Indian Ocean, is famous for diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, world heritage sites and unique natural environments. Out of all those treasures in Sri Lanka, tea plantations hold a special place. There’s a lot that Sri Lanka has to offer when it comes to tea plantations like tea estate tours, factory tours, guided walks, tea tasting sessions, tea picking demonstrations and delightful stays in beautiful tea bungalows and enjoy the perks of the best holiday packages.

The British introduced Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon, with tea in the 19th century. There was a rapid growth in tea plantations that by the late 19th century tea plantations were expanded across the central hills of Sri Lanka. Due to this rapid growth, in no time Sri Lanka became one of the largest producers and exporters of tea in the world. At present, the tea industry has become the largest employer in Sri lanka providing jobs for over 1.5 million people islandwide. It greatly contributes to Sri Lanka’s economy and tourism industry as the country has become a popular destination for tea tourism.

Primary Tea Regions in Sri Lanka
Tea Estate Tours
Tea Bungalows and Hotels
Best Time to Visit

Primary Tea Regions in Sri Lanka

Here is a summary of all the top tea regions in Sri Lanka that you should not miss.

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, also known as the tea capital, is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The cool climate, higher altitude, consistent rainfall and misty state is an ideal environment for tea growth. Varieties produced multiple tea in these tea estates. Namely, Ceylon black tea, green tea and white tea. It is also the highest tea-producing region.

Ella

Ella tea plantations is located in the Uva Province, Sri Lanka near the Ella town. Famous for a variety of Ceylon tea known as Uva tea. The warm climate with the occasional mist is the perfect balance for tea growth. The tea plantations are surrounded by natural beauty like waterfalls, green pastures and hiking trails.

Kandy

A Scottish planter planted the first tea bushes in a 19-acre estate in Kandy, therefore Kandy is known as the birthplace of Ceylon tea. Famous for strong black tea production. Warm climatic conditions with steady rainfall ensures the tea's growth.

Haputale

Haputale tea plantations are located in the Uva province, Sri Lanka. Moderate rainfall, misty and cool climate ideal for the production of high quality teas. Famous for Uva tea, stunning views, beautiful landscapes and Lipton Seat as of where Sir Thomas Lipton oversaw his tea empire.

Tea Estate Tours

Tea estate tours have a lot to offer from learning to hand pluck tealeaves to getting insights from experts about tea production.

● Tea picking :

Enjoy the unique experience of either watching or joining local tea pickers in hand plucking tealeaves.

● Factory tours :

Learn about the step by the step process of tea production at famous Sri Lankan tea factories like Giragama tea factory, Mackwoods Labookellie tea factory and Pedro tea factory.

● Museum tours :

Enjoy special tours at tea museums such as Ceylon tea museum and Dilmah tea museum that were once historical tea factories that are presently transformed as tea museums.

● Tea tasting :

Indulge in tea tasting experience where you can taste test multiple tea varieties like green tea, white tea, black tea etc. White tea is necessary try as it is one of the rarest and expensive varieties of tea in the world.

● Guided walks :

A walk through the beautiful tea estates where you gain insights and knowledge about the tea production and industry of Sri Lanka by industry experts.

Tea Bungalows and Hotels

Many tea estates in Sri Lanka offer accommodations in the heart of the tea estate offering a unique experience of waking up to the stunning views of tea hills and a hot cup of tea.

Here are some highly recommended tea bungalows and hotels for your tea estate stay experience,

Ceylon Tea Trails

Five restored luxury colonial style tea bungalows located in Bogawantalawa tea estate, Hatton. It is an eco-friendly luxury accommodation that features many high-end amenities and unique experiences like two swimming pools, tennis courts, tea estate tours, nature walks, cycling, spa treatments and gourmet fine dining with customisable menus to make your stay unforgettable.

Goatfell Nuwara Eliya

Goatfell is a luxury bungalow with four exclusive rooms for accommodation. It is located at a working tea estate in Nuwara Eliya. Feature top tier amenities and experiences like fine dining with fresh local ingredients,garden pool, fireplaces,evening tea services etc.

The Heritance Tea Factory Hotel

The Heritance Tea Factory hotel is a 19th century colonial style tea factory that is currently transformed as a luxury hotel and it is located in the beautiful Nuwara Eliya and is set 2000m above sea level offering beautiful views of the tea plantations. Features high quality amenities and special experiences like spa treatments, premium suites, kid’s parks, library, nature walks, tea plucking, cycling and multiple restaurants with various cuisines.