Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is famous for its tea production. Most of the plantations are found in the highlands around Ella. There is one planatation close to the Indian Ocean and surf hotspots like Weligama and Mirissa, though: The White Virgin Tea Plantation.
Here, the especially mild and noble White Tea is produced. The ecologically managed Plantation can be visited without appointment.
English speaking guides lead small groups around the plantation, explaining the basics of tea production and serve tea and tasty Sri Lankan cake for free.
Especially interesting are the production sheds with their age-old machinery.
And, of course, the single steps leading up to the desired tea. White Tea leaves are gently dried by light and air only. To produce 1 kg of white tea you need about 30,000 handpicked blossoms!
The tour ends – of course – in the tasting and sales house.
A very nice trip, especially for real tea fans. Make sure to rent a scooter, download a map of the area, and go for it. Thus, you get to see and photograph a lot more of the beautiful landscape full of exotic flowers and rice fields with water buffalos and bathing goannas!
