If there’s one thing Sri Lanka is known for, it’s tea. Although the island is little, the reputation of Ceylon tea is the opposite. Sri Lanka is the 4th largest tea producer, and 2nd largest exporter in the world. There are plantations thriving all over the country; from the coastal areas of Ahangama to the hills of Nuwara Eliya. The quality of tea varies according to the elevation it grows at, giving Ceylon tea drinkers a wide spectrum to choose from.
Producers across the land open their gates to those who want to get a closer look at how their daily cup of tea came in to being. You will get the opportunity to walk along the trails that lead through the bushes, and watch as the tea pluckers work their way with precision; picking only the best leaves out of many. Inhale the rich aromas behind closed factory doors, and learn about the different processes that the leaves go through before they reach the stores.
Here are a few of the plantations that you should visit depending on which part of Sri Lanka you are in.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya has an abundance of tea due to its vast hilly areas. The most famous Tea Factory in the area would be the Mackwoods Labookellie Tea center, now known as Damro, which is situated one shuttle bus ride away from Nuwara Eliya town.This place was also visited by Prince Charles, the Prince of Wales; where he sampled tea from a bush which had been planted by his father, Prince Phillip, back in 1954. Besides being a hit with the royal family, this factory is also known for its tours: which are free of charge. After roaming around the plantation and factory, you can sit down at their little cafe, and purchase some tea and cake.
The Pedro Tea Estate is where the first recorded planned tea planting took place in Sri lanka, under the guidance of James Taylor. The factory has a bit more historical value, as it still has some vintage machinery. Settle down for a while and buy some tea at the scenic little cafe perched over the tea plantations, where some of the bushes are known to be planted by famous personalities from around the world.
The Heritance Tea Factory in Nuwara Eliya offers a mini tea factory tour for its occupants, where you will be guided through the processes that their fully operating machinery goes through. They too have vintage machinery, and provide the opportunity of tea tasting, and purchasing.
The St Clair’s Tea Centre is a 100 year old planters cottage that’s situated near one of the widest waterfalls in the island, St Clair’s. Although it is not too big, this is the perfect place to sit down and enjoy a wide range of Ceylon tea with a panoramic view.
Ella
Situated on the outskirts of Haputale is the Dambatanne Tea Factory, where the famous Lipton Tea is manufactured. It was built by the Scottish tea baron, Sir Thomas Lipton; who is also known for being the reason as to why the Lipton Seat exists, another spot which is close by, and worth visiting. Here, you will get to learn the process of production for less than $2 per head.
Halpewatte Tea Factory is situated on top of a mountain,and has a guided tour which features a tea tasting session at their Sky Cafe. You will also be able to purchase their latest products, which is an added bonus to the view.
Kandy
The Kadugannawa Tea Factory is over 100 years old, and has free guided tours; which makes it quite the spontaneous destination. After travelling through the estate and the factory, you can have a complementary cup of tea, and purchase any of their other products that you want.
The Kurugama Tea Factory is also open for tours, has its products available for purchasing, and ends with a free cup of tea. They are also known for having antique machinery, and for their mini plantation which is free for exploration.
Ahangama
The Handunugoda Tea Estate is known for producing virgin white tea in Sri Lanka. This is also the closest tea plantation to the sea. The process of making virgin white tea was inspired by ancient Chinese tradition, and follows a procedure that ensures that non of the tea is touched by human hands. The tea is extremely beneficial healthwise, and can be purchased there itself. Although white tea is pricey, the tour of the factory is free, and even includes a complimentary cup of tea with a side of cake.
Why not look in to what makes Sri Lankan tea so special? How does such a small country have such a big name? these factories will tell you how, and are great for anyone who wants a new educational experience, or maybe even someone who wouldn’t mind a great conversational topic during tea time.
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