Visit Sri Lanka’s Tea Plantations
Visit Sri Lanka’s Tea Plantations
The tea grown in the fertile soil of the picturesque Sri Lankan mountains is world famous, not surprising when you consider Sri Lanka used to be known as Ceylon.
The tea plantations which produce the leaf are a magnet for tea lovers and anyone who is interested in the colonial history of Sri Lanka or enjoys stunning landscape views.
The surrounding countryside is a vivid green, due in part to the high amount of rainfall the area experiences. As you drive through the dramatic mountain landscape you'll see plenty of waterfalls, Ramboda Falls 30km from Nuwara Eliya is very impressive.
Situated a mile above sea level, Nuwara Eliya is the capital of the tea industry and retains much of the colonial feel, it makes for the perfect starting point for a visiting a Sri Lankan tea plantation . Tea estates dominate the landscape and you’ll travel through acres upon acres of tea plantations, terraced on the green hills, before you reach the town of Nuwara Eliya.
Visiting a tea estate
A guided tour of a tea estate is a worthwhile experience when you’re in Sri Lanka, with the Pedro tea estate near Nuwara Eliya a popular choice among visitors. The 130 year old factory retains many of its original 19th century machinery which you’ll be shown during the guided tour.
You can travel to the Pedro tea estate via the Regalla bus route from the bus station in Nuwara Eliya, or take a taxi/tuk tuk for around 500-1000 rupees. Many tours of Sri Lanka will organise a visit to a tea plantation as part of a tour and we can organise a visit during our bespoke tours of Sri Lanka. Other popular estates include the Mackwoods Labookellie factory and Blue Fields.
Nearly all the tea plantations will offer guided tours, or allow you to walk through the estate. Some will even let you pick the tea leaves and roast them.
Overlooking the plantations is always a charming teahouse – no trip to a tea estate would be complete without a freshly brewed cuppa while taking in the majestic scenery.
