Excursion A taste of tea tour at Colombo
Cruise line: SilverseaDifficulty:
Experience the history of tea and its unique journey from the tree to your cup during this half-day excursion to Ingiriya, located in Western Sri Lanka.
Ingiriya Tea Plantation
Depart the pier for the approximate 2-hour drive to the Ingiriya Tea Plantation .Formerly a British colony known as Ceylon, this small Indian Ocean island is famed for producing some of the finest teas in the world. Since the 1880s, Ceylon tea, the name by which it is still popularly known, has been the country's principal and most famous export; for generations, it has formed the backbone of the Sri Lankan economy, and plays a major part today in the country's fortunes. Arrive at the plantation to a special welcome with garlands made from tea leaves.
Gain firsthand knowledge on how tea is processed - beginning with the plucking from the tea bushes, to the grading of the finished product - as you tour a tea plantation and factory. For guests who would like to purchase some tea, a sales point is available within the complex.
Then, with rubber growing in the same region, you also witness a demonstration of the rubber tapping process by which the latex is extracted from the rubber tree. The rubber industry too occupies an important place in the economy of Sri Lanka and is the second most important plantation crop, as also a major foreign exchange earner.
Guided Tour & Tasting
Upon arrival, take a guided walking tour of the facility and learn about tea-grading, packaging, bagging and more. Next, witness a tea-tasting session, and see how the expert tasters and packers offer tea aficionados a truly unique tea experience. A sales outlet is available in the lobby to purchase some tea before leaving.
Experience the added privilege of enjoying a cup of pure Ceylon tea before boarding your coach for the approximately 2-hour drive back to the pier.
Points of interests
Points of interest seen on this excursion include: Colombo, Ingiriya, Ingiriya Tea Plantation Tour and Tasting, Rubber-Tapping Demonstration
Note
Please Note: This tour requires a moderate amount of walking for approximately 150 yards (137 metres) over paved, unpaved and some cobblestone surfaces, with 30 steps to negotiate at the plantation and sales outlet. This tour is suitable for guests with limited mobility however must be able to get on/off the coach with minimal assistance. It is not suitable for those who utilise a wheelchair. Lightweight, comfortable clothing and sun protection are recommended. Vehicles used are the best available in the city; they are not of the same standards as vehicles found in Western countries. Expect crowds at the sites visited. The local outlet accepts cash in US Dollars, Euros and local currency. Credit cards might not be accepted.