Introduction
Lying in the hill country of Sri Lanka, commonly referred to as the “Tea Country,” is a region of immense natural beauty. Characterized by rolling hills totally covered with lush tea plantations and a refreshing cool climate, this is not only the heart of the tea industry in Sri Lanka but also a region soaked in cultural and historical value that gives a unique first-hand experience to the visiting traveler. BH Lanka Tours extends a warm welcome to Nuwara Eliya, the heart of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country, and has ensured visits to some of the most attractive places in this region in the compiled tour package.
Nuwara Eliya: Heart of Tea Country
Nuvara Eliya, dubbed “Little England” for its colonial-era architecture and temperate climate, is Sri Lanka’s Tea Country’s most famous town. Nestled in the central highlands at an altitude of 1,868 meters, it is surrounded by acres upon acres of lush green tea plantations, misty mountains, and serene lakes.
It is this colonial heritage that gives Nuwara Eliya much of its charm, reminiscent of when it was under British rule. The town is dotted with Tudor-style cottages and grand old hotels standing in large beautifully landscaped gardens, each speaking eloquently of a bygone era. BH Lanka Tours offers guided walking tours of Nuwara Eliya, where you can visit such iconic landmarks as the Grand Hotel, Victoria Park, and even a post office building.
Tea plantations and factories rank among the main reasons one visits Nuwara Eliya. A visit from BH Lanka Tours to some of the famous local tea estates is in the offing. You will have a comprehensive briefing on the process of tea production, right from plucking leaves on the estate to the final packaging. You will be taken around by a resident expert. You have the opportunity to taste some of the world’s best Ceylon teas and buy fresh tea directly from the source.
Horton Plains National Park: This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies an hour’s drive from Nuwara Eliya and is a must-see with its unforgettable landscapes and biodiversity. It hosts the famous “World’s End,” a sheer cliff drop of over 800 meters, according to some estimates, with wide-angle vistas of the countryside. BH Lanka Tours offers guided hikes through Horton Plains, during which you’ll also encounter wildlife such as sambar deer, purple-faced langurs, and quite a few varieties of birds.
Ella: A Picturesque Hill Station
Another gem of Sri Lanka’s Tea Country is Ella—a small, sleepy town perched in the central highlands. Smack in the center of magnificent scenery with a relaxed, laid-back atmosphere and heaps of outdoor activities, Ella is the place to get away from it all.
Ella Rock: The most common activity around Ella is trekking up Ella Rock, done for breathtaking views over the hills and surrounding valleys. This is a moderate-difficulty hike, but the views from the top justify every step upward. BH Lanka Tours will help you by guiding your hike up Ella Rock to ensure you take the best route and get the most out of it.
Nine Arch Bridge: The Nine Arch Bridge is yet another development counted as one of the major landmarks in Ella; it was nicknamed the “Bridge in the Sky” by the locals. Made entirely of stones and bricks, this colonial railway bridge spans a lush green valley and is indeed a favorite location for photographers. Visits to the bridge could be arranged by BH Lanka Tours perfectly timed for capturing the perfect picture of a train passing over the arches.
Little Adam’s Peak: If one is going to have a short and easy hike, then the target should be Little Adam’s Peak. The trail winds through the tea plantations, offering panoramic views of the countryside. Guided hikes with BH Lanka Tours to Little Adam’s Peak offer an opportunity to understand the history of the region while soaking in its beauty.
Kandy: Cultural Capital
The last capital of the Sinhalese kings, Kandy is one of the acknowledged UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a cultural hub of Sri Lanka. Placed in the center of the island, Kandy is enveloped by lush hills and plantations of tea, so it’s a must-visit place during the Tea Country tour.
Temple of the Tooth: Known locally as Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth is one of the key religious places in Sri Lanka. It enshrines a tooth relic of the Buddha and, by virtue of it, is a major shrine of pilgrimage for Buddhists from the world over. BH Lanka Tours will take you through guided tours inside the temple to give you information on history, architecture, and spiritual significance.
Kandy Lake: More commonly known as Kiri Muhuda, it is an artificial lake in the centre of the town. Strolling around this lake, environed by the temple on one side and hills on the other, is indeed engrossing. BH Lanka Tours can make arrangements for the most memorable ride on the lake for passengers to enjoy unique views of the town and surroundings.
Royal Botanic Gardens: The most beautiful garden in Asia is that of the Royal Botanic Gardens in Peradeniya, lying on the outskirts of Kandy. The gardens house a variety of plants from the rare orchids and giant bamboo to towering palms. Bh Lanka Tours offers guiding through these gardens, where you will learn about the various flora and their history, including the placing of these gardens back in the British colonial era.
Tea Country Train Journey
One of the world’s most beautiful train journeys is from Kandy to Ella through Sri Lanka’s Tea Country. It takes one through lush green tea plantations, misty mountains, and pretty villages, where scenes at every turn can take one’s breath away.
The Train Experience: BH Lanka Tours can arrange tickets for this iconic train journey, ensuring that you get the best seats for the most stunning views. A train ride is certainly one of the top things to do while visiting Sri Lanka, and the leisurely pace at which it travels means that there’s ample time to appreciate the beauty of the landscape. During this journey, one goes through several tunnels, across bridges, and past waterfalls—purely an experience to be remembered.
Stopping at Stations: On the way, one passes many small stations, each reeking of different character. BH Lanka Tours can bring in stops at these stations so that one can prowl around local markets, chat with friendly villagers, or enjoy a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea.
Conclusion
Tea Country in Sri Lanka forms a region of incomparable beauty and cultural richness, offering the traveler a unique and immersive experience. From Nuwara Eliya’s colonial charm to Ella’s scenic wonders and Kandy’s cultural heritage, Tea Country is without a doubt essential to be viewed by any traveler to Sri Lanka. Indeed, BH Lanka Tours makes sure to give guests expertly guided tours that bring out the best in the region so that you have a truly memorable and enriching experience. Whether you are a tea enthusiast, history lover, or simply need some peace in nature, Sri Lanka’s Tea Country has something special for everyone.
Other Articles
Best Wildlife Safaris of Sri Lanka: A Guide
Adventure Activities in Sri Lanka: A Thrill-Seeker’s Guide
No Comment! Be the first one.