Overview
Day 1 - Arrival in Negombo
• Upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA), receive a warm Sri Lankan welcome
• Your LF Lanka Tours Tours representative will greet you at the arrivals lobby
• 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
• Morning departure 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
• Explore 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
• Embark on 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
• Morning transfer 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
• Check 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
• Spend 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
• Visit 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
• Visit 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
• Embark on 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
• Explore 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
• Visit 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
• Visit 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 hotel checkout formalities
• 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
