Nuwara Eliya Tea Culture: Estates, Factories and a Proper Cuppa
Nuwara Eliya sits high in the hills where the climate is cool and misty, perfect for tea. The slopes around town are carpeted in estates, and visiting a working factory is one of the most rewarding things to do in the highlands.
Factory tours
Several estates run short tours that follow the leaf from plucking to withering, rolling, drying and grading. Most end with a tasting so you can compare grades and strengths.
How to drink it
Locals take tea strong and often milky and sweet. For the full effect, try a lighter high-grown black tea plain first, then judge whether it needs milk or sugar.
Beyond the cup
Pair a factory visit with a walk among the bushes and a look at the pickers at work. The cool air and colonial-era town make a nice change from the coastal heat.
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