Beyond the golden beaches, Sri Lanka is world-renowned for its tea. Ceylonese brews have been a gold standard for centuries, and there’s no better place to explore its rich tea heritage than Galle, along the island’s southern coast.
Sri Lanka & Tea: An Inseparable Identity
More than just a beverage, tea in Sri Lanka is a part of its cultural identity. Brought over by the British in the 1800s, tea cultivation has since become a cornerstone of the island’s economy and day-to-day living, deeply woven into its scenic landscapes.
Low-Country Tea: A Different Taste
Unlike the highland teas of Nuwara Eliya, low-country teas grown around Galle are bold, full-bodied, and often more robust in flavour. They thrive in the region’s warmer climate and humidity, producing brews with heavy notes of malt. A stark difference compared to the crisp and floral teas from the hill country, a visit to any Galle tea plantation offers a unique tasting experience.
Touring a Tea Factory: The Process
With excursions offered by hotels like Heenatigala Walawwa, take a guided tour through a local tea factory to witness the fascinating journey from leaf to cup. Observe as freshly picked leaves are withered, rolled, fermented, dried, and sorted—each step enhancing the final flavour.
Virgin-White Tea: A Galle Speciality
Don’t miss a tasting of Virgin-White Tea, a luxurious and rare variety plucked without touching the leaves by hand. Light, delicate, and rich in antioxidants, it’s the crown jewel of tea culture down south.
