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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:
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.
 "Dear Cyril, Here are some photos for you as we promised, and also little gift to you. Here is some photos of elephant boy which we were took on elephant ride. Please give to them when you go to Habarana again. We are very grateful to you for your services that you have done to make our holiday in this beautiful country. Still we are thinking over our nice trip with you. It was fantastic, really! Here in Holland, life is normal again. Greeting for your wife and daughter too. George and Cala ..." George and Cala
 "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
 "11th April 2014 01 week tour around Sri Lanka A fantastic week was had by all with Cyril, exploring Kandy, Nuwaraeliya and Bentota. Your meaningful insights & excellent explanations of the Sri Lanka’s culture, nature and traditions were invaluable. Your smile and charm helped is feel related and comfortable. Not getting stressed once. With your guidance & tips, the holiday flew by with only one problem: it was very short! Your comprehensive list of talents ranges from findin..." Ian Price and family from UK
 "Dear Cyril, Yes that's the one that we were calling all the time. Her name is Celia and by now she has a little sister. My dear Cyril, of course we can't forget your companion and we are always telling about you when we are talking about our trip to Sri Lanka. I wish you good luck with your company and I hope that you will have whatever you want. I want to tell also that I was very happy when I learned that you are a grandfather now. Best regards, Chris Greece 26/07/2011" Cristos Pravitas - Greece
 "(10 days). Before the trip I did a lot of research here on the site and other sites on the tour options and after checking in we decided to go with a guide attached. Choice in was not easy and I started Travels "correspondence with more than ten guides to staying with the" chosen ". No doubt it was an excellent choice! Before Asbury on our guide, I wanted to note that after the visit, I understand the importance of taking guide (driver) suite. Roads and driving in Sri Lanka ..." Corey
 "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
 "I want to thank Mr. Cyril for this 17 days long tour. He is an excellent chauffeur guide, always on time with a car more than the clean. He knows all the places in the Island and organized very well. Most of all, he is very kind person, always with a smile and ready to help. I want to reccommond him to all my friends. Ria Deleu Belgium Travel period 25 Jan 2020 - 10 Feb 2020 ( 17 days)" Mrs. Ria Deleu from Belgium
 "Dear Cyril, Thank you for truly amazing oneweek tour your beautiful country.We have seen so many amazing sites in such a short space of time. From Sigiriya to beautiful temples, Scenic tea gardens of Nuwaraeliya the colonial land ark hotel Mount Lavinia. We have seen so much more. You have made this an utterly memorable holiday with your expert knowledge, amazing, facinating stories, patience, careful+safe drivingand your unforgetable smile. We will cetainly recommonding your tours to all of fr..." Sara Kitson - UK
 "Thank you Cyril for caring us and giving a very enjoyable tour to all of our family while we are on holiday in Sri Lanka. Definitely we will recommend you to our friends and relatives. Hitendra Molleti and family" Hitendra Molleti
 "Cyril is one of the best experienced person in the industry" Ahamed Anver