Pay a visit to Nuwara Eliya, the desired destination of the ones that seek chilly air in the highlands. The city’s subtropical climate draws locals and tourists alike for vacations of misty mornings and breezy evenings. What does a tea plantation visit in Nuwara Eliya have in store for you? Read on to find out!
The History
The city is home to countless tea estates that dominates its lush green fields, contributing to one of the highest exporting industries in the country, and a tea estate is perhaps one of the best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya for an educational vacation. Tea was first introduced to the country in 1824 as a botanic exhibit and was recognised as a plant of commercial value 40 years later, by James Taylor who discovered that the favorable climate of the Sri Lankan highlands may just be the beginning of industry soon set to flourish.
The Tea Bushes
To savor a wholesome experience at the tea plantations, hop on a ride from Araliya Green Hills to an estate of your choice in the early hours of the day, so that the entire day is yours to spend among the leafy tea bushes. The tea bushes grow best in acidic soil in sub-tropical climates and require a minimum of five hours of sunshine, daily. The plant also needs its fair share of rainfall, approximately 60 inches a day to thrive in full bloom.
Tea Tasting
Visitors to tea plantations will be able to catch a glimpse of the tea-tasting process which involves quality assurance and blending, producing various flavours that are popular among tea drinkers. The tea tasting process is similar to that of wine tasting, which involves visuals, smell, taste, and touch. Therefore, an intense palate that detects the most delicate variation is a vital feature for any tea taster.
A Pit Stop to a Strawberry Farm
Why not make a pit stop at a strawberry farm to pick up your favorite fruit? Sweet, juicy strawberries are grown best in the Nuwara Eliya region of Sri Lanka and are often an ideal stop following your tea plantation visit. Most cafes and restaurants serve strawberry-infused ice cream, pancakes, and beverages, made with freshly picked strawberries from farms reachable through New Zealand Farm Road, Ambewela Road, and Hakgala.
