Tucked away in the misty hills of Sri Lanka, the story of the island’s world-famous tea begins at centuries-old estates. These emerald-green plantations stretch as far as the eye can see, offering incredible cultural experiences with the estate communities. Connect with Sri Lanka’s beloved tea-growing heritage, and embark on a hands-on adventure through the hill country.
When to Visit the Hill Country
Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, the region’s climate is vastly different from the rest of the island. The weather is consistently chilly, ideal for sweaters and log fires. December through April are considered the best months for tea plucking or tea tasting in Nuwara Eliya, thanks to clearer skies and a lack of rain.
Staying at a Tea Factory
One of the best ways to experience the art of tea production is by opting to stay at an estate or factory. Locations like Heritance Tea Factory Sri Lanka offer its guests the full experience, with the finest freshly brewed teas, right at your fingertips.
Tours & Visiting a Tea Factory
Alternatively, for those staying in town, tours whisk visitors 3km away from Nuwara Eliya to the heart of tea production in Sri Lanka. These excursions, coupled with factory visits, are often short trips lasting a couple of hours or less.
Things to Do
With the guidance of local experts, tours will begin with the tea plucking experience, where visitors get the chance to don traditional attire and weave through the bushes. Next, tea factories offer guests the opportunity to witness the processing of the leaves, from drying and fermenting to sifting and packaging. Finally, you will be presented with the fruits of the laborious tasks, with a tea tasting session or high-tea experience.
