This 4.5-hour experience takes guests on a journey through the history and cultivation of tea. The tour takes place at the Loolkandura estate, where a young Scotsman named James Taylor established the first commercial tea plantation in 1867. Visit the tea factory and the ruins of his hut, where Ceylon tea was born. Learn about different types of tea, including the famous Ceylon tea.
In the afternoon, take a walk in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya. It is the largest and most beautiful botanical garden on the entire island, established in 1843. On an area of 60 hectares, you can admire about 4,000 different species of plants.
The first recorded tea plant in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) dates back to 1824, when the British brought the tea plant from China and planted it in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes.
*1 night in Kandy.
The Tea Museum in Hantana, located near Kandy in Sri Lanka, offers a fascinating insight into the history and production of tea in the country. Situated in a former tea factory in Hantana, the Ceylon Tea Museum houses an extensive collection of exhibits related to the history of tea in Sri Lanka and around the world. It is an ideal place to visit and explore the tea industry and the island’s role in the global tea trade.
Visit the Ambuluwawa Tower, located near the city of Kandy, perched on a hill at an altitude of 1,087 meters. The tower features spiral staircases leading to the top, from where you can enjoy a breathtaking panoramic view. It’s a perfect opportunity to experience the natural beauty of Sri Lanka and admire this unique structure, one of the region’s most recognizable landmarks.
Tea Plucking Experience – gain hands-on experience in tea harvesting.
Tour a tea factory with a guide who will explain the journey of tea from plucking to packaging. Visitors can also participate in tea plucking, enjoy tastings, and purchase various tea blends.
Admire the stunning beauty of the picturesque Ramboda Waterfall, one of the most spectacular waterfalls in the area.
The Ramboda Waterfall drops from a height of 109 meters in two separate cascades, ranking as the eleventh highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Overnight stay in Ramboda or Nuwara Eliya.
Nuwara Eliya, known as the “Little England” of Sri Lanka, is a charming mountain town located at an altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. It is famous for its lush tea plantations and cooler climate. We will visit the beautiful Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, as well as explore waterfalls and the Sita Amman Temple – a Hindu temple associated with the epic Ramayana.
We will also explore the Hakgala Botanical Garden, established in 1861, initially as a site for experimenting with the cultivation of cinchona trees, and later transformed into a botanical garden. Today, it is the second-largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka.
*Transfer to Haputale for an overnight stay.*
Lipton’s Seat in Haputale
The famous Lipton’s Seat offers breathtaking panoramic views of the tea plantations and surrounding hills. It is also a renowned viewpoint where Sir Thomas Lipton himself used to relax and enjoy the stunning landscapes.
This excursion includes a scenic walk through the tea plantations, admiring the lush greenery, observing tea pluckers at work, or enjoying a picturesque tuk-tuk ride through the plantations, offering stunning views of the surrounding hills and valleys.
Sir Thomas Lipton was a British entrepreneur who built the world-famous Lipton Tea Empire and also gained fame as a sailor. He visited Sri Lanka in the 1800s and fell in love with the island at first sight. Inspired by its beauty, he became deeply involved with the development of tea plantations. His first acquisition was the Dambatenne Tea Factory, which still stands near Lipton’s Seat today. He created the globally renowned Lipton Tea brand and exported it to Great Britain, marking a historic moment that opened the island’s doors to international trade.
Adisham Bungalow Tour
The historic Adisham Bungalow was once the country home of Sir Thomas Lester Villiers but now serves as the Adisham Benedictine Monastery. Located just 3 km from Haputale, this charming colonial-era bungalow is one of the most scenic spots in the region.
We then continue the journey toward the southern coast. Overnight stay near Yala National Park.
It is one of the main wildlife observation areas in Sri Lanka, famous for its diverse and abundant animal populations, including the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Yala National Park is a must-visit destination for wildlife lovers, photographers, and ecotourists seeking an exciting encounter with the island’s extraordinary biodiversity.
Accommodation at a hotel in Tangalle for 3 nights.
# Tangalle is a charming coastal town in Sri Lanka known for its stunning beaches. Among the most famous are Silent Beach – a wide, sandy beach lined with palm trees – and Goyambokka Beach, where you can relax under the shade of the palms. Compared to other popular resorts, the beaches in Tangalle are quieter and more peaceful, making it an ideal destination for rest and relaxation.
WPGAM/MR/2025 00216
Suri Lanka Tours and Publications,
Kirillawala,
Kadawatha
