Tea Plantation Tour — Ella & Nuwara Eliya
Misty hills, Ceylon tea, and a 7-hour train through the clouds.
Overview
Sri Lanka is the world's fourth-largest tea producer. The hill country estates of Nuwara Eliya and Ella are carpeted in immaculate tea bushes. A plantation tour includes the factory visit, plucking demonstration and a tasting of Ceylon's finest single-origin teas.
Traveller information
ETA/e-visa is commonly required before travel.
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Keep cash for smaller towns.
Sinhala, Tamil and English in tourist areas.
Halal dining is good in Colombo, Kandy, Galle and Muslim communities.
Wildlife and hill-country travel are safe with licensed guides.
Private driver is best; train works beautifully for Kandy to Ella.
History & heritage
Tea was introduced by the British in the 1860s after coffee blight wiped out the previous crop. James Taylor planted the first tea on Loolecondera Estate in 1867.
- 1867
James Taylor plants first tea, Loolecondera
Insider tips
- Take the Kandy–Ella train (one of the world's most scenic, 7 hours)
- Hike Ella Rock to see estates from above
- Buy loose-leaf tea direct from the factory — far cheaper than shops
- Stay in a colonial bungalow on a working estate
- Wear layers — hill country is cool
Nearby attractions
Nine Arches Bridge
In Ella
Little Adam's Peak
15 min
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