Touring Sri Lanka’s Tea Country: A Trip Across the Highlands

Touring Sri Lanka’s Tea Country: A Journey Through the Highlands Sri Lanka has become synonymous with tea, and no trip to the island would be truly complete without making a tour through its scenic tea estates. The country’s central highlands wrapped in endless green give travelers an exhilarating feeling of Sri Lanka’s variedly rich tea heritage. A tour through Sri Lanka’s tea country takes visitors to some of the finest tea estates, charming colonial-era towns, and misty hills with an atmosphere that feels worlds away from the hustle and bustle of coastal life.

If you want to get a glimpse into the true splendor of Sri Lanka’s hill country and understand much about the world of tea, then BH Lanka Tours can create just the right experience for you. Let’s have a look at some highlights of famous Sri Lankan tea country and what awaits you in it.

The Birth of Ceylon Tea Sri Lanka, generally known as Ceylon in the world market, is among the largest exporters of tea in the world. The crop of tea was first introduced to Sri Lanka by the British during the 19th century. Scottish planter James Taylor opened the first tea fields on the island. Since then, Ceylon tea has become one of the most famous products in the world for its distinctive flavor and high quality.

These hill areas of Sri Lanka are today covered with tea estates around Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Haputale, most of which export products all over the world. Indeed, these districts have a lot to them aside from tea production. Scenic views and historical sites to quiet retreats amidst nature-this is definitely a must-see spot for tea enthusiasts and lovers of nature.

Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka’s Tea Country

Nuwara Eliya: The Little England of Sri Lanka Nuwara Eliya is popularly known as “Little England” and is among the most favorite places in the Tea Country. This colonial town has considerable old-world charm and carries quainter cottages, rose gardens, and a cool climate that reminds one of an English countryside. The town sits at an elevation of 1,868 meters, 6,128 feet above sea level, and is surrounded by lush tea plantations that offer stunning panoramic views.

Tea Plantation Visits: Nuwara Eliya has some of the best tea estates in Sri Lanka, Pedro Tea Estate being one of them. Guided tours through these plantations will let visitors observe every stage of the production process from the plucking of the leaves to the last stage of packaging. One should not miss a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon tea at any of the tea rooms within the plantations.

Gregory Lake, Victoria Park, Horton Plains National Park, and the Ambewela Farm are some of the key attractions here.

BH Lanka Tours offers complete exposure to Nuwara Eliya through its tour itinerary, which accommodates Tea Plantation tours amalgamated with Scenic drives through misty hills and stops at key attractions.

Ella: A Scenic Getaway amidst Tea Country Ella is a compact, laid-back town stuck among tea plantations and rugged mountains. This place is famous among nature lovers and backpackers alike. Among the central highlands, the panoramic views of this town are a sight to watch, and it houses many hiking opportunities that one can undertake.

Tea factories and tasting: A few of the tea factories are found in Ella, which give guided tours. It is in the Halpewatte Tea factory that a very informative tour is available. You could see the entire process of the making of tea and taste various types of tea.

Hiking Trails: Among other things, Ella boasts the famous hiking spots: Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock. One shouldn’t also miss a visit to the Nine Arches Bridge, a colonial-era viaduct smothered by greenery on all sides.

Mix the visits of tea factories with BH Lanka Tours hiking adventures, feasting your eyes on the striking scenery of this region.

Haputale is a highland treasure that should be part of the itinerary, especially if you are the one who wishes to avoid the crowds of more famous Nuwara Eliya and Ella. This small town offers some of the most dramatic vistas in the country with endless rolling hills clad with tea bushes.

Lipton Seat: Probably the most famous spot in Haputale, it was named after Sir Thomas Lipton, the renowned magnate of teas. This viewpoint at the edge of the Dambatenne Tea Estate gives a great view of the countryside and the distant mountains. It’s said Sir Lipton himself used to come here to survey his vast tea empire.

Dambatenne Tea Factory: A visit to the Dambatenne Tea Factory is a must for any visitor in Haputale. The factory, though begun in the 19th century by Sir Thomas Lipton, is still operating and offers visitors a tour into how tea is produced in a very enlightening manner.

BH Lanka Tours can arrange an unforgettable personal tour in Haputale and back, covering all the hidden gems and tranquil beauty of the region at your own pace.

Tea Plantation Tours and Tastings: What to Expect The great thing to do when visiting Sri Lanka’s tea country is taking a tour through one of the many tea plantations. In most cases, that means a walk through the very green fields of tea, where you can see locals skillfully plucking tea leaves by hand. The next stop is the factory where freshly plucked leaves are processed into the tea known to all. It is in this venue that explanations on the different grades of tea, oxidation of tea, and the various flavors – coming from specific growing conditions – will be done.

Quite a few of these tea estates have a tasting room where glasses of Ceylon can be had, brewed fresh and hot, looking out onto the stunning scenery at the tea plantations. From light white teas through to robust blacks, there are many different types to taste, and you will also be in a position to buy some to take away.

When to Visit Sri Lanka’s Tea Country While it is possible to visit Sri Lanka’s tea country at any time of the year, the best time to make this journey is between December and April, with cooler and drier weather, hence perfect for trekking and seeing the sights. June to September also isn’t a bad time to visit the central highlands, though expecting more frequent rainfall.

This will enable the guest to amuse themselves in the rich history and natural beauty of this Island, coupled with its world-class tea heritage. Walking through lush tea estates, sipping just-brewed tea at hillside factories, and exploring charming colonial towns, Sri Lanka’s tea country offers a unique blend of culture, nature, and relaxation.

Special itineraries designed according to your interests assure you of making the most of your visit to Sri Lanka’s tea country at BH Lanka Tours. From plantation guided tours to scenic hiking, let us assure you of the best highland experience.