"Tea Tours" in Nuwara Eliya

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Damro Labookellie Tea Centre

Nestled amidst the picturesque hills along the road from Kandy to Nuwara-Eliya lies the charming Mackwoods Labookellie (pronounced as "labookelle" or "labukele") Tea Centre. 

It is popular for a freshly brewed premium cuppa from the misty hills, enjoyed with a piece of rich home-made chocolate cake beside a magical view. The Centre offers true ‘tea culture’ with an instructive tour around the factory to understand the finer points of production and its proud heritage. 

The staff are able to converse in English, French and German. A variety of events such as plucking competitions and tasting,  which are enjoyed by multitude of international and local visitors rank high in popularity whilst the Vesak lantern festival is an example of an event organized for a special occasion.

At the Centre a selection of the finest quality aromatic graded Damro teas are available; ranging from blended high grown to single estate like the Damro Labookellie, Weddamulla and Frotoft estates. What makes the Centre refreshingly unique is that it’s a place where fragrant teas are hand-plucked, packed and sold garden fresh right where it is grown.

The Gift selection offers something for everyone and is presented in a wide range of pack sizes and designs, flavoured with lemon, Earl Grey, strawberry, mint, cinnamon etc, and exclusive collections of gift teas packed in exquisitely crafted ceramic, delicate porcelain, terra cotta and wood containers, soft-toys and intricately carved brass and silver-plated chests and canisters.

The drive from Spring Acre to Labookellei would take less than 15 minutes.

Click here to see location on Google Maps

Pedro Estate & Tea Centre

To see where your morning cuppa originates, head to the Pedro Estate, about 3.5km east of Nuwara Eliya on the way to Kandapola.

Established in 1885, the Pedro Estate spans nearly 670 hectares of land area and employs about 1,250 laborers with another 50 in administrative staff. The company differentiates itself by emphasizing its “ethical” business practices regarding treatment of estate workers through community cooperatives, and improved housing and education facilities.

The estate produces tea primarily for sale in the open auction market but also packages some under the brands “Mahagastotte” and “Lover’s Leap” for sale at their guest center. Be sure to try  a delicious cup of their ‘Single Garden Tea’ variety after the factory tour and also remember to  pick up a pack from the centre to take back home.

The drive from Spring Acre to the Pedro Estate would take less than 20 minutes.

Click here to see location on Google Maps

Blue Field Tea Centre

This is situated approximately 45 minutes drive towards Kandy on the A5 highway. It's 1200 m above mean sea level and is close to the town of Ramboda.

Click here to see location on Google Maps

The following can be experienced at the tea garden:
- Factory visit with experienced Guides,
- Tea Center for “ Garden Fresh “ varieties for purchasing,
- Restaurant for breakfast and lunch,
- Lounge to taste tea and cakes ,
- Kiddies Park to provide a wonderful time for the Kids.
- Estate where guest may have a walk through the plantation and enjoy the breath of fresh air

A demonstration

Tea Cup

This is at Rozella snd is an idyllic stop-over for freshly brewed Ceylon Tea when travelling from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya on the A7 highway just before Hatton. The location is easily recognizable by the large teacup in the front garden. 

Overlooking the misty mountains, the" Zesta Tea Cup" is a popular destination among both foreign and local visitors. The Tea Cup offers brewed tea and snacks in addition to being a tea center.

Tea Castle

The Tea Castle is situated overlooking the Devon Fall and picturesque Devon and St. Claire valley at the 82nd km post on the A7 highway.

“A pioneering venture by Mlesna, this breathtakingly beautiful Tea Castle is built in medieval Scottish style as a tribute to the father of Ceylon Tea, Scottish tea planter James Taylor”. “The Mlesna Castle" offers an ambiance of tranquility in which tea connoisseurs could select their favourite teas from an array of exquisite products at the tea centre.

The Castle Museum displays interesting artifacts of yesteryear with educational photographs depicting the early years of the industry. The Castle Restaurant with its unique ambiance adds great value to the experience by creating the right mood for enjoyment and relaxation. The specially designed Viewing Tower at the Mlesna Castle offers an opportunity to enjoy the magnificent view of the Devon Fall and St. Claire valley complete with the mist and lush green hills of this breathtakingly beautiful landscape.