Santani Wellness Kandy is a sanctuary for those seeking a harmonious blend of luxury, wellness, and tranquillity. Our resort, one of the best wellness resorts in Sri Lanka, is recognized for its wellness regime, architecture, and uniqueness. But if you are looking for more things to do in Sri Lanka that will complement your luxury escape, embarking on a journey to discover Kandy’s tea heritage is a must-have experience.
Kandy, with its lush tea plantations, historic temples, and vibrant markets, is a treasure trove of experiences waiting to be discovered. Spend your days wandering through the emerald green tea estates, learning about the centuries-old tea-making traditions that have shaped the region’s identity.
A historical glimpse of Kandy’s tea plantations
In 1852, under British colonial rule, James Taylor arrived in Ceylon as an assistant to a coffee planter in the Kandy District. His supervisors suggested he experiment with tea cultivation as coffee was facing a fungal disease known as coffee leaf rust. Fortunately, Taylor’s intellect and efforts proved to be successful and by 1872 the first shipment of Ceylon tea was sent to London for auction.
Inspired by Taylor’s success, other planters followed suit and established tea plantations across Kandy and other regions. The cool climate, high altitude, and fertile soil of the central highlands proved to be ideal for growing tea. The quality and flavour of Ceylon tea quickly gained international acclaim laying the foundation for Sri Lanka’s emergence as a major player in the global tea market. Currently, Sri Lanka is the largest producer of orthodox tea in the world and holds the position of third largest exporter of tea on the global export front.
If you’re still not convinced about why tea plantations are a must-visit when you are in Sri Lanka, keep reading to discover more about renowned tea plantations in Kandy and why they should be at the top of your itinerary.
7 Tea Estates
- Loolkandura Tea Estate
This is where it all began! Tucked away near the heart of Kandy City lies the Loolkandura Tea Estate, where the very first patch of tea was planted. Established in 1867 by the father of tea, James Taylor, this historic plantation holds a special place in the tea history of the country. Visitors can explore the estate’s sprawling tea fields, witness the tea plucking process, and indulge in guided tours that offer insights into the art and history of tea production. You can also see Taylor’s seat, a rock seat used by James Taylor, which gives a fantastic panoramic view of the surrounding mountain ranges. You could also engage in a challenging hike across 18.11 km, which cuts across leafy tea bushes along estate roads. You can find out more information about it here.
- Mackwoods/Labookellie Tea Estate
For a truly immersive tea experience, head to the Mackwoods/Labookellie Tea Estate, which covers over 27,000 acres of tea and rubber plantations. This is a modern facility that has adapted techniques spearheaded by the Research and Development team, which ensures visitors get a chance to see and experience the best of quality and newest developments of the Mackwoods Tea Centre. There is also a museum of Mackwoods’ history that is available for viewing.
- Ceylon Tea Museum
Delve into the history and heritage of Ceylon tea at the Ceylon Tea Museum. Located amidst the picturesque Hanthana mountain range, this estate gives visitors an opportunity to learn about the evolution of tea cultivation in Sri Lanka and gain a deeper appreciation for this beloved beverage. This museum consists of four floors. The first floor consists of a library and an auditorium with audio-visual presentations. The ground and second floors exhibit old items of machinery, while the third and fourth floor is allocated for tea sales outlets and a tea café. Additionally, you can view the beautiful Knuckles and Matale Range through a telescope mounted on the fourth floor.
- Kadugannawa Tea Estate
Situated in the scenic hills of Kadugannawa, which is about 20 km away from the city of Kandy, this charming tea estate beckons travellers with its verdant landscapes and serene surroundings. The property also hosts guided tours in English detailing the various aspects covering production, selection and export. You will also get an introduction to the difference in production of black and green teas.
- Dambatenne Tea Factory
Built by Sir Thomas Lipton, one of the most famous figures in tea history, in 1890, this factory is regarded as one of the most comprehensive tea factories around. The tour explains all the processes involved in the fermentation, rolling, drying, cutting, sieving, and grading of tea. This experience is bound to interest even those who had no interest in it previously.
- Halpewatte Tea Factory
Experience the essence of tea culture at the Halpewatte Tea Factory, where tradition meets innovation amidst the breathtaking beauty of Haputale. Uva Halpewatte tea factory produces an impressive turnout of 150,000 kg per month and is awarded for being one of the largest producers of Ceylon tea. Trekking through lush green tea gardens, tea picking, learning the tea manufacturing process, and tea tasting are all available for you to experience!
- Haputale Tea Plantations
Conclude your tea exploration with a visit to the sprawling tea plantations of Haputale, where endless rows of tea bushes carpet the rolling hillsides. Embark on a scenic hike through the lush greenery, stopping along the way to admire panoramic vistas of mist-clad mountains and cascading waterfalls. You could also experience a very unique tuk-tuk tour that will take you through the Lipton black tea plantations and even give you the opportunity to pick some tea yourself! More information can be found here.
Kandy’s tea plantations stand as a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and enduring legacy as a tea-producing nation. From guided tea factory tours to tea plucking sessions and immersive tea tastings, Kandy’s tea plantations offer a myriad of experiences for travellers to enjoy. Whether you’re a tea aficionado or simply seeking a tranquil retreat amidst nature, a visit to these iconic estates promises to rejuvenate the body, mind, and soul. So why not embark on a journey of discovery and immerse yourself in the timeless charm of Kandy’s tea heritage?
