The Ceylon Tea Museum is another nice place to visit near Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is a museum where visitors can learn about the history of Ceylon tea while watching the ancient industry equipment. The situated places are called ‘Hanthana, where you can easily reach them by any vehicle. Public transport is also available towards the place, which is 4km away from the city. There is also enough space available to park your vehicles.

Opening Days and Hours

The Ceylon Tea Museum is open from 8.30 a.m. to 3.45 p.m. from Tuesday to Saturday. But it is only open from 8.30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sundays. Anyhow, it is closed on Mondays and Poya days.

Ticket Prices to the Ceylon Tea Museum

You need to buy tickets to enter the museum. According to their official website, the ticket price for non-resident adults is 1000 LKR. But for the non-resident child, it is 500 LKR. Tickets for locals are cheaper than those for non-residents. There are also guided tours available, and their cost will be added to the ticket cost.

What you can observe in the Ceylon Tea Museum

There are 4 floors in the Ceylon Tea Museum. You can see old tea machines and equipment used on the first two floors. On the first floor, you can also see a library and an auditorium. The third floor consists of tea outlets where you can buy some Ceylon tea bags. The fourth floor is entirely a tea café. Here, you can enjoy the surrounding beauty while enjoying a cup of Ceylon tea.

From the fourth floor, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Kandy City and its surrounding areas. The Knuckles Mountain Range, Hunnasgiriya Mountain, and Alagalla are some of the mountain peaks you can watch from here.

Apart from these, you can observe the old machines that were used for tea production in the 20^th century. As well, it consists of photos of notable people and highlights of Ceylon tea from the old days. Anyone can also learn how the famous Ceylon tea is produced. There is a special room called the Tea Tasting Room’. There, you can enjoy the taste of different tea varieties and locations.

History

The building was established as a museum in 2001. Before that, it was the old Hanthana Tea Factory. The Tea Factory was established in 1925 by the British Ceylon Government. But the factory closed in 1986. Hanthana was a place where the first commercial tea estates were established.

James Taylor is the pioneer of Ceylon tea history, having started the first commercial tea estate in the Loolkondera estate in 1867. Since then, tea has become Sri Lanka’s major exported agricultural product. Sri Lanka is the fourth-largest tea producer and the third-largest tea exporter in the world. Today, over one million people are engaged in the industry while doing many jobs. Famous Ceylon tea comes from these lovely tea gardens in Sri Lanka. The industry has gone up and down over the past 150 years. The Ceylon Tea Museum is the best place to observe the history of this massive industry.

Other Nearby Places to Visit;

• Birds Park in Hanthana
• Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy

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(Cover Image Credit: Walahanduwa Tea )

Step into a world of vibrant greenery, rolling hills, and the delightful aroma of freshly brewed tea. Sri Lanka, famous for its exquisite Ceylon tea, is home to magnificent tea estates that offer a captivating glimpse into the heart of the country’s tea gardens. Join us as we embark on an exploration of these enchanting tea estates and unravel the secrets behind Sri Lanka’s renowned tea industry.

1. Unveiling the Beautiful Landscapes: As you approach the Ceylon tea estates, you will be greeted by breathtaking landscapes that stretch as far as your eyes can see. The emerald green tea plantations, neatly arranged rows of tea bushes, and the misty mountains combine to create a picturesque setting that is truly mesmerizing.
2. Tea Gardens in Nuwara Eliya: Nuwara Eliya, often called the “Little England” of Sri Lanka, is home to some of the most picturesque tea gardens in the country. Take a leisurely stroll through the tea estates, capturing the beauty of the surrounding hills, and witness skilled tea pluckers carefully picking the finest tea leaves by hand.
3. Uva’s Tea Plantations: Venture into the Uva region, where the tea gardens flourish under the warm tropical sun. The Uva estates are known for producing high-quality tea, thanks to the unique climatic conditions that contribute to the tea’s distinct flavor and aroma. Explore the expansive tea plantations, soak in the panoramic views, and immerse yourself in the tranquility of nature.
4. Dimbula’s Tea Heritage: Discover the tea gardens of Dimbula, an area renowned for producing some of the world’s finest high-grown teas. Wander through the estates, marveling at the tea leaves shimmering under the gentle sunlight. Engage with local tea experts, who will enlighten you about the intricacies of tea cultivation and processing.
5. Tea Factory Visits: No exploration of Ceylon tea estates is complete without a visit to a tea factory. Gain insights into the tea production process, from withering and rolling to fermentation and drying. Observe the skilled artisans as they transform freshly plucked tea leaves into the aromatic tea that we all know and love.
6. Tea Tastings and Pairings: Indulge in the flavors of Ceylon tea through captivating tea-tasting experiences. Learn to appreciate the subtle differences between various tea varieties and discover your favorites. Enhance your tea journey with delightful food pairings as you savor the lovely combination of tea and culinary delights.

Conclusion:

Exploring the tea estates of Sri Lanka offers a feast for the senses and an opportunity to delve into the rich heritage of Ceylon tea. From the stunning landscapes to the intricate processes involved in tea production, each step of the journey reveals the dedication and passion that go into creating the world’s finest teas. So, immerse yourself in the beauty of the tea gardens, embrace the aroma of freshly brewed tea, and discover the magic of Ceylon tea estates that make Sri Lanka a true paradise for tea enthusiasts.

(Cover Image Credit Goes to the original owners)