Tea Plantation & Factory Tour

A tea plantation and factory tour in the highlands of Nuwara Eliya takes guests through the complete life cycle of Sri Lanka's most famous export, from the manicured rows of Camellia sinensis plants on the hillside to the fermenting, rolling, and grading machinery inside the factory. Expert guides explain each stage of the Orthodox manufacturing process — withering, rolling, oxidation, firing, and sifting — and the tasting session at the end allows guests to compare different grades of tea from the same estate.

The cool mountain air, the vivid green geometry of the tea terraces against the highland sky, and the sight of Tamil women tea pluckers filling wicker baskets on the hillside create one of the most iconic scenes of Sri Lanka.

Shorta Tours arranges Tea Plantation & Factory Tour as part of a tailored private itinerary, providing expert guides, comfortable private transfers, and hand-picked operators to ensure a seamless and truly memorable experience.

Tea cultivation in Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) began in 1867 when Scottish planter James Taylor planted the first commercial tea crop at Loolecondera Estate near Kandy, after coffee blight devastated the island's primary plantation crop. Within two decades, tea had transformed the central highlands into a sea of cultivated green, and Ceylon tea — graded and branded with the iconic Ceylon Lion mark — had become one of the world's most recognised commodities.

Today Sri Lanka is the world's second-largest exporter of tea and the single origin most prized by connoisseurs for its bright, high-grown Orange Pekoe teas.

Today, Tea Plantation & Factory Tour remains one of the highlights of visiting Central Highlands, drawing guests from around the world who seek its unique combination of history, nature, and authentic Sri Lankan character.

Most estate factory tours are included in a small entry fee and run continuously during working hours (Mon–Fri, 8 am–5 pm). Weekend visits can be arranged but may see reduced factory activity.

Shorta Tours partners with estates that provide engaging English-speaking guides and a full tasting session rather than a cursory walkthrough.

Essential items to pack: Comfortable walking shoes, light layers (highland mornings are cool), camera..