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TEA FACTORY VISIT

TEA FACTORY VISIT

If you're traveling from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, one of the most scenic and enriching stops along the way is a tea factory visit—an experience that offers a glimpse into one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic industries. Surrounded by endless rolling hills blanketed in lush green tea bushes, these factories are not just places of production but also cultural landmarks that tell the story of Ceylon tea.

A tea factory is where freshly plucked tea leaves are processed into the world-famous Ceylon tea. These factories transform raw leaves into different grades of tea through a meticulous process of withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, and sorting. Many of these factories are over a century old, carrying both historical and colonial heritage.

Tea production in Sri Lanka began during the British colonial period in the mid-1800s, after a deadly fungus wiped out the island’s coffee plantations. James Taylor, a Scottish planter, introduced tea to Sri Lanka, planting the first seedlings in Kandy. The cooler climate and fertile highlands between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya proved ideal for tea cultivation, and within decades, Ceylon tea became a global brand.

During a tea factory visit, you’ll witness each step of the fascinating tea-making process:

  • Withering: Freshly plucked tea leaves are spread on troughs and dried with air to reduce moisture.
  • Rolling: Leaves are twisted and broken to release natural juices.
  • Fermentation: Oxidation occurs, which gives tea its color and flavor.
  • Drying: Heated air removes remaining moisture to stop fermentation.
  • Sorting and Grading: The dried tea is sorted into various grades.

Factory guides will explain each stage, often with live demonstrations, making it an educational experience for visitors of all ages.

A tea factory visit isn’t just about tea—it’s about culture, history, nature, and people. It’s a perfect blend of education and enjoyment wrapped in the misty highlands of central Sri Lanka. Whether you’re a tea lover or just a curious traveler, this stop will leave you with a deeper appreciation of what goes into every cup of Ceylon tea.

Feedback from valuable clients + See all

    "We had a trip planned with Cyril just when international travel closed down due to Covid. Cyril was great in planning a trip with me that had a great deal of flexibility and tailored to visit the places we wanted to seeUnfortunately we were unable to take the trip. Cyril's response to that was great, he dealt with everything for us in terms of cancellationsHe has kept in touch with us since then and has already contacted me with a revised plan for our trip to Sri Lanka. Which we will book with h..." Brian O: Keefe - Perth - Australia

    "Cyril Tours is a very good agency. Because we did use it from 01st of March to 14 March 2013. From the start till end of our emails, he has (Mr.Cyril) given all required details. Also he send us very detailed itinerary with pictures. Actually no need guide after go through it.Cyril Tours is not a big agency. He was a guide in Sri Lanka more than 26 years. Many clients recommend him to their friends and to relatives who want to visit Sri Lanka.They asked from him to travel, that is why he be..." John and Mary from Canada

    "Dear Cyril, Thanks for taking care of the Dr.Sethukavalar and his wife very well. They were indeed very happy for all the care you have shown during your tour. They were very impressed of your patience and kindness. I look forward to see you soon and maintain this good relationship we have developed in a short period of time. We will not hesitate a second to recommend you to all our friends who would like to visit Sri Lanka. Taking this opportunity of wishing you all the best. Thanks fo..." HARIDAS KANDASAMY

    "Dear Cyril, We would like to thank youthat you have arrange ourholiday which we have enjoyed so much, that we can call them the best holiday we have ever had. You are avery helpful guide- because you know about your beautiful country very much. We also appriciate your advices that you gave us during our two weeks long journey and your  perfect trip arrangement we have enjoyed every single day. All the best to you and your family. Hope to see you again. Martha & Jarda   08 No..." Martha & Jaroslav Jirout

    "Cyril was an excellent guide and gave us a very good insight into the history and cultures of Sri Lanka. He was always polite, helpful and prompt. His driving was always calm and controlled - unlike some of the other vehicles we saw!!! We would recommend him to others traveling to Sri Lanka. WH - UK - January 2011" Wilson Harland

    "We had excellent  8 days tour with CYRIL TOURS. It's all credit goes to Mr. Cyril. From the welcoming at Air port to hotels we stayed,food we had and driver who was provided was excellent. We always introduce CYRIL TOURS to all who wiling to tarvel to Sri Lanka. Swaran Kaur and family Kuantan - Malaysia 2012 May 18 - 25 May" Swaran Kaur and family from Malaysia

    "We highly appreciated Cyril as our chauffeur guide. We can easily speak with him about any subject. We learnt a lot about Sri Lanka' s culture, history and way of life. He arrange everything we asked. In the airport on arrval his welcome is marvelous. His English language is superb and very clear. His knowledge and expanation about the sites are unique. More than the all he is very friendly and punctual. We will recommend him all the people who willing to come to Sri Lanka." COMBE MARTIAL AND WILD EMMANUEL FROM FRANCE

    "We had a fantastic holiday in Sri Lanka, thanks Cyril Tours, Our driver, Amiila, was brilliant and nothing was too much trouble for him. The places we visited were really interesting and we saw some lovely scenery.I would definitely recommend your company to other people. Emma - UK 2010 December " Emma Patterson

    "  Hi Cyril   We have had a fabulous holiday driven and guided by Cyril from CYRIL TOURS. Hotel recommendations were perfect and knowledge supertb. We would happy to introduce CYRIL TOURS to our frieinds and relatives. Thank you for the photos you are taken and send to us, they are a great reminder of our amazing experience in Sri Lanka.   We had a truly memorable time and we are grateful to you for all your knowledge and guidance throughout our trip, it would not have been..." Mr. Richard & Mrs. Bridget Simson and family from

    "Dear Cyril, Sincerest apologies for this delayed email --- reason being that I had been extremely busy with work & travel, since returning from Sri Lanka and just got a breather now, to download our photos and catch up with private matters. Hope this email finds you & family, in the best of health & spirits. Your granddaughter must be keeping you busy and giving you & Mrs. Baddegama immense joy. At this end, we are doing fine. Nikhita is back at school, now in Grade 7 and havi..." Pradeep Kumar Menon - Singapore

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