Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind experience by witnessing how the universally celebrated cup of Ceylon Tea is manufactured in factories located in the hill country. Embark on a Sri Lanka tea plantation tour as you travel across picturesque landscapes for a memorable experience.
day | Location/Route | duration | Overnight |
---|---|---|---|
Day 01 | Arrival and transfer from airport to Colombo | One night in Colombo | Value: OZO Colombo Signature: Galle Face Hotel |
Day 02 | Colombo to Hatton | One night in Hatton | Value: Ceylon Tea Bungalow Signature: Governor’s Mansion |
Day 03 | Hatton to Ella | Two nights in Ella | Value: Mountain Heavens Signature: 98 Acres |
Day 04 | Ella | Last night in Ella | Value: Mountain Heavens Signature: 98 Acres |
Day 05 | Ella to Mirissa | Two nights in Mirissa | Value: Mandara Resort Signature: Lantern |
Day 06 | Mirissa | Last night in Mirissa | Value: Mandara Resort Signature: Lantern |
Day 07 | Transfer to the airport for departure |
Needless to say, one of the prime features of the island, which attracts thousands of visitors every year, are its beaches of golden sand that surround the island and have gained popularity over the years with visitors. These include the beaches of Negombo, Hikkaduwa, Pasikudah, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalle.
Galle Dutch Fort is a proud structure that still stands tall and mighty in southern Sri Lanka. Built by the Portuguese over 400 years ago, the fort was fortified by the Dutch, upon their invasion of the island. Today it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, visited and admired by many, all through the year.
Hop aboard a vintage steam train in Kandy, and enjoy a picturesque ride into the heart of Sri Lanka’s charming hill country. The winding railway tracks chart a scenic course through the rolling hillsides of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. Unwind in your air conditioned compartment, as you take in the majesty of the verdant landscape unfolding before your eyes.
Observe the shades of emerald that blanket the horizon, brimming with precious tea crops that are the nation’s pride. Envision the splendour of the island’s colonial heyday, as you tuck into a delicious four-course lunch accompanied by sparkling silverware and fine china. This journey is best begun in the late morning hours and lasts four to five hours.
Did you know? The waters off Sri Lanka’s south and west coasts are along the annual migration route of the Humpback, Sperm and colossal Blue Whale. Towns such as Mirissa, where our excursion begins, are considered global hotspots for whale sightings. The best time to catch a glimpse of these gentle giants of the sea is between December and March.
Set off on your whale watching adventure at 06:00am in the morning with a snack of a selection of nibbles and beverages while you scan the waters for your prize. Keep an eye out for playful Spinner Dolphins, a common sight. You will be out at sea for around four to five hours. An onboard washroom will be available for your use.
Discover the cultural and architectural legacy of Galle, inherited from the Portuguese and Dutch colonialists from centuries past. Familiarise yourself with its streets, as your experienced tour guide narrates intricately woven folktales, that have been passed down through generations. Observe the local practice of stilt fishing and pay a visit to highlights such as the iconic Galle Fort.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, this is the last European-built fortress still standing in southern Asia. Watch with bated breath as daring cliff divers spring themselves off the citadel’s walls and plummet into the waves below. The tour lasts two hours and starts early morning or in the afternoon.
Observe the century-old tea manufacturing process at Ceylon Tea Trails. Meet up with your guide at 09:00am and set off into the estate. Walk in the footsteps of the tea planters of Ceylon’s heyday, as they traversed the leafy inclines in search of ideal pastures for tea cultivation. Understand the challenges involved in the skilled art of tea plucking and learn the secret behind the aromatic black tea blend; only two tender leaves and the bud, are harvested from each plant, by hand.
Study the traditional English machinery used at the Norwood Tea Factory, which dates back to colonial times.
As your 2.5 hours draw to an end, sit back and sample fragrant brews from the factory’s many grades of tea.
Ayubowan!
A warm welcome to Sri Lanka! Your chauffeur from Holidays by Design will be present at the arrivals hall to greet you and assist you to your vehicle.
You could change your currency before departing the airport as this may come handy during your holiday.
A short drive from the airport will take you to your hotel in Colombo (one hour).
Breakfast will be served at the main restaurant. This morning, we will be making our way up into the highlands to Hatton (four hours).
Your drive will take you through a rolling landscape of tea plantations and mist covered mountains. Settle into your hotel, rest and unwind.
This afternoon you will visit a tea factory for an insightful experience of how tea is manufactured. Continue the scenic drive to the Castlereagh reservoir and the picturesque Devon Falls.
Head back to your hotel for the night. Dinner at the hotel.
An early start this morning, to make the most of your day. Breakfast will be served at the main restaurant.
Our first stop - the town of Nuwara Eliya.
This morning after a leisurely breakfast you will set off to explore Ella and its environs. A hike up Little Adam’s Peak, a stroll through the plantations or indulge in some outdoor adventure activities – discuss your preference with your chauffeur guide who will set it all up for you.
Breakfast will be served at the main restaurant.
You will continue to the coast and enjoy a different experience in Mirissa (3.5 hours)
This morning you will make an early start for a whale watching expedition. Look out for the dolphins!
Return to your hotel for breakfast. You will then explore the Galle Dutch Fort with your chauffeur guide (one hour).
We will take you to the airport, to arrive two-three hours before your flight home.
If time permits, we recommend a massage either Ayurveda or spa – a perfect finale to your holiday before your flight!