Overview
Day 1 - Arrival in Negombo
- Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) and receive a warm Sri Lankan welcome
- Your De Silva Travel & Tours representative will greet you at the arrivals lobby
- Continue by private transfer to the coastal town of Negombo
- Complete hotel check-in and settle into your accommodation
- Take time to unwind after your international journey
- Enjoy the serene beach atmosphere of Negombo
- Overnight stay in this charming coastal town
Arrival:
- Airport arrival scene
- Negombo beach and coastal landscape
Day 2 - Journey to Kandy
- Set out in the morning for the royal city of Kandy
- En route, stop to explore the magnificent Royal Botanical Garden of Peradeniya
- Wander through 147 acres of exotic tropical flora and orchids
- Admire the famous avenue of royal palms and giant bamboo groves
- Receive blessings at the revered Kandy Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
- Witness the sacred shrine housing the tooth relic of Lord Buddha
- Discover the temple complex with its golden roof and intricate carvings
- Complete check-in at your Kandy hotel
- Overnight stay in the cultural capital of Sri Lanka
Cultural Introduction:
- Kandy Temple of the Tooth Relic
- Peradeniya Botanical Garden landscapes
Day 3 - Exploring Kandy Tea & Ambuluwawa
- Set out for a visit to the Orange Tea Factory in the Kandy region
- Learn about the tea manufacturing process from leaf to package
- Observe traditional machinery still in use today
- Participate in a tea tasting session to distinguish different grades
- Later in the day, discover the beauty of Ambuluwawa
- Climb the unique multi-religious spire tower
- Enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding hills and valleys
- Return to Kandy in the evening
- Enjoy a memorable candlelight dinner at a local restaurant
- Overnight stay in Kandy
Tea & Scenery:
- Tea factory processing tour
- Candlelight dinner experience
Day 4 - Tea Experience in Kandy
- Venture to the historic Loolkandura Tea Estate
- This is where the first commercial tea plantation in Sri Lanka was established
- Immerse yourself in an authentic tea plucking experience
- Learn from experienced tea pluckers the proper way to select leaves
- Participate by filling your own tea basket
- Follow with a picnic lunch amidst picturesque tea plantations
- Enjoy breathtaking views of rolling green hills covered in tea
- Return to your hotel in Kandy for afternoon relaxation
- Overnight stay in the royal city
Hands-On Tea:
- Loolkandura Tea Estate
- Tea pluckers working in the fields
Day 5 - Hatton Retreat
- Travel in the morning to the misty hill country of Hatton
- Journey through winding roads lined with endless tea estates
- Arrive in Hatton – the heart of Sri Lanka's tea country
- Settle into your hotel surrounded by tea plantations
- Indulge in a tea-infused dinner with a multi-course menu
- Each dish incorporates Ceylon tea in creative ways
- Unwind amidst the serene surroundings of Hatton's tea fields
- Listen to the peaceful sounds of the highlands
- Overnight stay in the Hatton region
Tea Retreat:
- Hatton tea plantation scenery
- Rolling tea estate landscapes
Day 6 - Hatton Tea Exploration
- Enjoy the day relaxing in the cool hill country climate
- Participate in guided walks through lush tea fields
- Learn about different tea varieties and growing conditions
- Observe the daily routines of tea estate workers
- Delight in a comprehensive tea tasting experience
- Sample different grades including BOP, OP, and pekoe
- Witness the tea-making process firsthand at a local factory
- See withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, and grading
- Return to your hotel for evening relaxation
- Overnight stay in Hatton
Tea Immersion:
- Hatton tea plantation walks
- Organic tea production viewing
Day 7 - Scenic Drive to Nuwara Eliya
- Journey east toward the picturesque town of Nuwara Eliya
- Drive through spectacular hill country scenery
- Admire the cascading St. Clair Waterfalls alongside the road
- Continue to the dramatic Devon Waterfalls – a popular photography spot
- Arrive in Nuwara Eliya – known as "Little England"
- Explore this charming colonial-era hill station
- Spend time at the flower-filled Victoria Park and Gregory Lake
- Observe the architecture of the old post office and grand hotels
- Check into your Nuwara Eliya accommodation
- Overnight stay in the misty highlands
Scenic Drive:
- Devon Falls waterfall, Sri Lanka
- Little England architecture and landscapes
Day 8 - Nuwara Eliya Tea Experience
- Engage in an authentic tea plucking experience on a working estate
- Join Tamil tea workers who have perfected this craft over generations
- Learn the art of selecting the finest two leaves and a bud
- Fill your woven basket while enjoying mountain views
- Spend time at the estate factory to see how your plucked leaves are processed
- Savor a tea tasting session led by a trained professional taster
- Differentiate between flavor notes, aromas, and grades
- Gain appreciation for the skill of tea tasting
- Return to your hotel for afternoon at leisure
- Overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya
Tea Plantation Life:
- Tea plantation landscapes
- Cup of tea tasting experience
Day 9 - From Nuwara Eliya to Ella
- Morning visit to the Pedro Tea Factory and Estate
- One of the oldest tea factories in the Nuwara Eliya region
- Tour the facility to see orthodox tea manufacturing
- Learn about high-grown tea production at altitude
- Set out for a scenic train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella
- This is widely considered the most beautiful rail journey in Sri Lanka
- Pass through tea plantations, misty mountains, and tunneled hillsides
- Lean out of open doorways to capture unforgettable photographs
- Arrive in the charming village of Ella
- Discover the iconic Nine Arches Bridge – a colonial-era viaduct
- Watch trains cross this stunning stone arch bridge
- Check into your Ella accommodation
- Overnight stay in this enchanting hill country village
Iconic Journey:
- Scenic train ride through tea country
- Nine Arches Bridge architectural marvel
Day 10 - Discovering Ella
- Begin your day with an early morning hike to Little Adam's Peak
- Enjoy breathtaking sunrise views over Ella's green valleys
- The gentle climb takes approximately 45 minutes to the summit
- Stop at an organic tea farm in the Ella region
- Learn about chemical-free tea cultivation methods
- See the difference between conventional and organic estates
- Participate in a tasting of organic tea varieties
- Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry lunch
- Savor authentic local flavors made from fresh ingredients
- Afternoon at leisure to explore Ella town or relax
- Overnight stay in Ella
Ella Highlights:
- Little Adam's Peak sunrise trek
- Traditional rice and curry meal
Day 11 - Galle Exploration via Tea
- Morning visit to the Dambatenne Tea Factory near Ella
- This factory was established by Sir Thomas Lipton in 1890
- Learn about the history of Ceylon tea and Lipton's legacy
- Tour the factory to see traditional manufacturing methods
- Begin transfer south to the coastal city of Galle
- Journey from cool highlands to tropical beaches
- Arrive in Galle and check into your beachside accommodation
- Relax by the beach and enjoy a tranquil evening
- Listen to the sound of waves along the southwest coast
- Overnight stay in historic Galle
Coastal Transfer:
- Galle beach shoreline
- Tea plantation en route
Day 12 - Galle to Colombo Tea Experience
- Morning exploration of the Handunugoda Tea Estate
- This estate is famous for its rare "Virgin White Teas"
- Handunugoda produces teas made from unopened buds
- Learn about this unique and expensive tea variety
- Continue to discover the historic Galle Fort
- Walk along ramparts built by the Dutch in the 17th century
- Explore cobblestone streets lined with colonial-era buildings
- Proceed to Colombo – Sri Lanka's vibrant capital
- Participate in a blind tea tasting competition
- Test your newly developed tea knowledge and palate
- Enjoy a sumptuous high tea experience in Colombo
- Savor delicate finger sandwiches, scones, and fine tea
- Overnight stay in Colombo
Tea & Heritage:
- Galle Fort UNESCO site
- Handunugoda Tea Estate visit
Day 13 - Colombo Highlights & Tea Auction
- Morning participation in the legendary Colombo Tea Auction
- Witness one of the largest tea auctions in the world
- This weekly event determines global tea prices
- Observe buyers from around the world bidding on tea lots
- Spend time at the Colombo Tea Academy for deeper education
- Learn about tea grading, tasting, and industry standards
- Engage with tea experts and ask questions
- Afternoon exploration of vibrant Colombo city including:
- Gangarama Temple – unique Buddhist temple
- Independence Square – national monument
- Pettah Market – bustling bazaar district
- Galle Face Green – oceanfront promenade
- Overnight stay in Colombo
Tea Capital:
- Colombo city sights
- Tea auction and academy experience
Day 14 - Departure
- Enjoy a final breakfast in Colombo
- Conclude your memorable tea-focused journey
- Complete checkout formalities
- Continue by private transfer to Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA)
- Allow ample time for check-in and security procedures
- Take home freshly purchased Ceylon tea as souvenirs
- Carry unforgettable memories of Sri Lanka's tea heritage
- Depart for your onward flight home
Departure:
- Final airport transfer
- End of tea tour adventure
