Sri Lanka, a lush green island country situated like a teardrop of India in the Indian Ocean, is known for many institutions, Especially its gardens, temples and if you are looking for salubrious encounters the list can seem endless. This pearl of the Orient has an unmissable window to sneak a peek at the lush green slopes of tea, coffee and spice plantations and be captivated by the fragrant surroundings. If you want to explore the great tea plantations in sri lankaKeep reading to experience the full experience.
About Tea Gardens in Sri Lanka
The never-ending coastline, historical relics, exotic flora and fauna and captivating water sports contrast with the regional plantations, where one can understand how their favorite soups, especially teas and coffees are picked and processed. Is. The refreshing ambiance of these tea gardens is not only admirable for tea lovers but equally or even more admirable for nature lovers or those who want to explore the exquisite topography of the place they are exploring.
Shrouded in mist, these tea garden tours in Sri Lanka make for a delightful escape from the scorching heat. These plantations are widespread in the central highland region and extend to remote coastal areas. The abundance of these crops is due to the favorable topography and climate. The humidity and high rainfall result in excellent growth of tea throughout the island country. However, there are specific areas that are considered best for exploring tea gardens in Sri Lanka. Following are the major tea producing areas:
- candy
- Nuwara Eliza
- Uda Pussellawa
- UVA
- Sabaragamuwa
- dimbula
- to your soul
History of tea gardens in Sri Lanka
The first tea plantation in Sri Lanka was planted by the British in 1824. The place was under colonial control and the Royal Botanical Gardens was chosen as the ideal location for the growth of Camellia sinensis.
Later in 1867, James Taylor started growing tea as a commercial crop at the Lulekondera Estate in Kandy. Gradually, tea emerged as the main produce of Sri Lanka and today more than 350 million kilograms of tea is exported every year.
Famous Tea Gardens in Kandy
Kandy, the serene hill capital of Sri Lanka, is known for its refreshing scenery and lush tea plantations. It remains the first place where tea was introduced into the country and continued to flourish over the years and successfully spread to other areas including the coastal borders. Following are the major tea gardens of this region:
1. Nearby Tea Gardens
Located on the outskirts of Kandy, Kadugannawa is about 20 km from the main city. The property hosts guided tours in English detailing various aspects covering production, selection and export. Here, you get an introduction to the production of black and green tea and access to the final product before it hits the international tea markets. Tasting different types of tea along with buying related gifts at home are some interesting activities that should be included before proceeding with your local exploration.
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2. Hanthana Tea Estate Factory
The Hanthana Tea Estate Factory in Kandy, home of the Ceylon Tea Museum, was established in 1925. Apart from exploring the tea estates, you can also visit the Ceylon Tea Museum and get a glimpse of its historical background. Learning the production of tea, seeing the machinery and its functioning, packaging as well as exporting the final product to different parts of the world are experiences that can be experienced here.
Famous Tea Garden in Ella
Ella tea plantations showcase lush green hills covered with regional produce. Home to the famous Adams Peak, travelers usually stop to admire the lush surroundings and be refreshed by the aroma of locally grown spices and herbs.
1. Halpavet Tea Factory
This tea plantation was established in 1940 at an altitude of 1230 meters around Ella. In 2008, the factory earned the title of being the largest tea producer in the company. Presently, the estate produces more than 1,50,000 kilograms per month and the sheer grandeur is admirable for nature lovers.
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2. Haputale Tea Garden
Haputale Tea Plantation was established in 1905 and is known for producing quality black tea. From guided tours to tea tasting, the property offers a wonderful experience to visitors from near and far. The property is about an hour from Ella and features luscious emerald hills.
3. Dumbatane Tea Factory
The Dambatain Tea Factory was built in 1890 by Sir Thomas Lipton and hosts one of the best tea plantation tours in the country. This beautiful tea garden is spread over several acres of lush green hilly terrain and is home to the famous Lipton Seat Viewpoint.
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Famous tea gardens in Nuwara Eliya
Home to the Hakgala Botanical Garden and the famous Sita Amman Temple, Nuwara Eliya also welcomes visitors who want to glimpse the tea plantations and enjoy freshly picked produce. Following are the popular tea gardens in Nuwara Eliya and surrounding areas:
1. Mackwoods Tea Center
Located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, Mackwoods Tea Center is known for having one of the best tea gardens in Sri Lanka. It is situated at an altitude of approximately 1500 meters above sea level and displays a specially hand-selected blend of silver tips and orange pekoe. The property was founded in 1841 by Captain William Mackwood and is the second oldest producer in the country.
2. Pedro Tea Estate
Located in the shadow of Sri Lanka’s highest mountain, Pidurutalagala, Pedro Tea Estate was inaugurated in 1885. The estate hosts 20-minute guided tours and details of the entire manufacturing process, i.e. from grading to packaging.
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Budget
The entry fee to visit these tea gardens varies and depends entirely on the estate you are planning to visit. Ideally, the average cost of a tour to these tea gardens is between LKR 250 to LKR 350. However, there are many estates in the country that host free tours and you do not need to pay anything extra.
Being the fourth largest producer of tea in the world, the island country has thousands of tea plantations that add uniqueness to your favorite soups. Matale, Abdullah, Kegalle, etc. are other districts which are rich in tea gardens. You can book your future trip to Sri Lanka with TourTravelHotels and enjoy the impeccable glimpses of these tea gardens in Sri Lanka.
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FAQs About Tea Gardens in Sri Lanka
Where should I go to see tea gardens in Sri Lanka?
Kandy and Nuwara Eliya are the most popular cities in the country to explore tea plantations, followed by the Ella region.
Is it safe to visit Sri Lanka during Covid?
Make sure you follow all the mandatory travel guidelines outlined by the authorities to ensure a safe experience. Keep wearing a mask and clean your hands regularly after touching surfaces.
What are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka?
Dambulla Cave Temples, Yala National Park, Arugam Bay, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Galle, Jaffna, Commonwealth War Cemetery, Temple of the Tooth, Nuwara Eliya, Trincomalee, Anuradhapura, Nine Arch Bridge, etc. Best places to visit in Sri Lanka.
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