Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, is a captivating island nation in the Indian Ocean. Known as the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', it boasts of breathtaking landscapes, rich culture, and warm hospitality.
Its world-famous tea industry, introduced by the British in the 19th century, has made Sri Lanka the fourth-largest tea producer globally. Tea plantations have shaped the economy and culture, providing jobs, stimulating rural growth, and preserving the country's natural beauty. They represent Sri Lanka's resilience and craftsmanship, offering visitors an enchanting journey into the aromatic world of tea --- a cherished heritage that defines this remarkable island nation.
Here's a look at five tea plantations to explore in Sri Lanka.
Nuwara Eliya, often called 'Little England', is a picturesque region situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Around 171 kms from the country's capital Colombo, Nuwara Eliya is blessed with a cool climate and lush greenery, making it an ideal location for tea cultivation.
The tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya are known for producing some of the finest and most delicate teas, often referred to as "the Champagne of Ceylon". Visiting these plantations promises breathtaking vistas of neatly manicured tea bushes, mist-covered hills, and charming colonial-era bungalows. At Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantation, visitors can witness the meticulous process of tea cultivation, plucking, and processing.
The Pedro Tea Estate was built on the exact place where James Taylor planted his first tea bushes and launched the Ceylon tea business, 3 kms east of Nuwara Eliya, in the shade of Pidurutalagala's rich vegetation. The firm, founded in 1885, was owned by the British until it was nationalised in 1975 and restored to private hands 10 years later. Despite having less picturesque plantations and tea fields than some others, it is one of the hill country's easiest estates to access. You can take a tour of the sprawling tea gardens, and also learn the nuances of tea processing.
Nestled amidst the rolling hills of Ella, this tea plantation is a paradise for nature enthusiasts and tea aficionados alike. Around 300 kms from Colombo, Ella's tea estates are renowned for their scenic beauty, with terraced tea gardens cascading down the mountainside, creating a breathtaking panorama. This region's cool climate and fertile soil result in teas that boast a unique flavour profile.
The Ella Tea Plantation offers visitors a spectacular scenery of tea-covered slopes interspersed with misty valleys and cascading waterfalls. Stroll through the tea gardens, inhale the fragrant air, and witness the art of tea manufacturing up close. You can also take a guided tour of tea plantations at Ella, and join tea leaves picking at the beautiful estates.
Located in the lush hills surrounding the historic city of Kandy, this tea plantation is a treasure trove of sensory delights. Around 120 kms from Colombo, Kandy's tea gardens are known for producing robust and aromatic teas that carry a distinct character.
Explore the sprawling tea estates, surrounded by verdant hills and shimmering waterfalls, offering a feast for the eyes. Kandy's tea plantation is a visual delight and an opportunity to discover the fascinating history and cultural significance of tea in Sri Lanka.
Situated in the district of Ratnapura, around 85 kms from Colombo, this tea plantation unveils the lesser-known side of Sri Lanka's tea heritage. Ratnapura is famous for its gem mining industry, but its tea plantations offer a distinct charm. Surrounded by emerald green hills, the tea estates in Ratnapura produce teas with a rich and robust flavour profile. Ratnapura's tea plantation promises an intriguing blend of natural beauty, cultural heritage, and the flavours of Sri Lankan tea.