On the Trail of a Good Cuppa: Tea Travel in Sri Lanka

One of the newer themed journeys we have developed for travel in Sri Lanka, are tours to Sri Lanka that revolve around tea – tea tourism if you like.

We are big fans of a good cuppa and Ceylon, as Sri Lanka was formerly called, produces some of the finest teas we’ve had. The cooler climate, hill regions – Sri Lanka’s tea country – have the perfect conditions for growing tea, and good quality tea at that! It’s also a really beautiful part of the world to see and spend some time in.

Sri Lanka is the world’s fourth-biggest tea producer and the industry employers many people – particularly women – as well as generating export income.

To get you thinking about (tea) travel in Sri Lanka, here are some of the great places to stay included in our Sri Lanka itineraries where you can immerse yourself in the history and culture of tea in Sri Lanka. Grab and cuppa, read on and imagine yourself there!

Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge: This property will leave you short of words with its stunning views of the Knuckles Mountain Range. Located on a picturesque 25-acre tea plantation near Kandy, the hotel has just 18 secluded, individual rooms with spectacular views. The hotel is based around a planters’ estate house, with individual tented rooms that feature all amenities and private balconies to sit and marvel at the views. Don’t be confused by the word tented – its luxury! There’s a beautiful pool at Madulkelle and the hotel has an organic garden that is the source of vegies and herbs used in meals. While you are there you can relax in the library, on your private balcony or at the bar. For the more active there’s bird watching, hiking or walking, fishing, yoga and of course tea plantation tours. The views are stunning at Madulkelle, it’s peaceful and offers you the chance to learn more about tea during a tour of Sri Lanka. Relax in style here with a good cuppa or add in one of the activities on offer.

A stay at Madulkelle is included in our upcoming exclusive Secret Sri Lanka tour which departs August 2016. For more details on this trip or an itinerary, please contact Lincoln directly.

Tea Trails: As we have said in earlier blog posts, we are huge fans of Tea Trails. These high-end, restored tea planters’ bungalows offer superior service that’s warm and genuine. The properties are gorgeous and the facilities excellent. The meals are superb and the tea menu is unlike any we have seen or tasted elsewhere. A standout for luxury travel in Sri Lanka. Our tip though is to do what we did – to walk between the different Tea Trails properties – something not a lot know about. This will give you views and an experience of the tea plantations you won’t get from a vehicle, plus the opportunity to interact with the small villagers and pickers you meet along the way. (Plus work up an appetite for the afternoon tea of scones, cakes and tea that is waiting for you!) Read our earlier blog on Tea Trails for more details on this.

Tea Factory: This converted former tea factory is the place to stay if you really want to roll up your sleeves and learn more about your cuppa. Originally constructed during the days of the British Raj, the factory has been fully converted to a hotel but still maintains the look of a tea factory from outside. Set high on a plateau amongst the tea, at this organic tea plantation you can actually pick your own leaves and take it home with you. Tea Factory offers tea tastings, walking, and beautiful views of the tea plantation and nearby hills. They also serve meals in a restored old train! From here you can also take a day trip to the pretty hill town of Nuwara Eliya.

A tour of Sri Lanka’s tea country is picturesque and relaxing, featuring interesting and luxury accommodation. A trip to Sri Lanka’s tea country or a stay at any or all of these properties can be included in a custom made itinerary for Sri Lanka travel for you, or can be part of our Sri Lanka In Style
itinerary.