THE SCENIC TEA ROUTE ADVENTURE

Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights

Destinations: Kandy I Nuwara Eliya I Ella I Negombo

Starting Point: Bandaranaike International Airport

Tour Overview

This seven day, six night adventure is a deep dive into the lush heart of Sri Lanka's tea country, focusing on the breathtaking landscapes and rich colonial heritage of the Central Highlands. The tour is built around experiencing the renowned Ceylon Tea production firsthand, undertaking iconic scenic hikes, and most importantly riding one of the world's most beautiful train journeys through the rolling emerald tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya and Ella.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01 – Arrival & Gateway to the Hills

The tour begins with an arrival at CMB and a smooth transfer inland to Kandy, the cultural gateway to the highlands, preparing for the ascent into the tea hills the following day.

• Morning Transfer (10:00 AM): Pickup from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) and transfer to the hill capital, Kandy (Approx. 3.5 hours drive).

• Check-in & Lunch (01:30 PM - 03:00 PM): Arrive at the hotel in Kandy, check in, and enjoy lunch.

• Afternoon Immersion (04:00 PM - 06:30 PM):

  • Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Visit the island’s most sacred Buddhist temple.

  • Kandyan Cultural Show: Attend a traditional show featuring Kandyan dancing and fire walking.

• Overnight Stay in Kandy.

Day 02 – Transition to the Tea Capital

Day two completes the Kandy experience before driving into the upper reaches of the tea country, where the cool climate begins.

• Morning Exploration (09:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

  • Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya: Stroll through the sprawling gardens, famous for their collection of orchids and diverse tropical plants.

• Lunch & Transfer (12:30 PM - 04:00 PM): Enjoy lunch. Commence the scenic drive up to Nuwara Eliya (Approx. 2.5 hours drive). The route offers stunning views and waterfalls (e.g., Ramboda Falls).

• Evening: Check into the hotel in Nuwara Eliya (Little England). Experience the chilly climate. Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 03 – The Heart of Ceylon Tea

A full day dedicated to the essence of the "Tea Route," focusing on the production process and the charming colonial surroundings.

• Morning Tea Experience (09:00 AM - 12:30 PM):

  • Tea Factory Tour: Visit a working Tea Factory and Plantation (e.g., Pedro Estate or Damro Labookellie). Witness the entire process from leaf to cup.

  • Tea Plucking: Engage in a short, hands-on session with the local tea pluckers.

• Afternoon Exploration (02:30 PM - 05:00 PM):

  • Nuwara Eliya Charm: Explore the colonial town, visiting Gregory Lake and the Post Office before enjoying high tea.

• Overnight Stay in Nuwara Eliya.

Day 04 – High Altitude Scenery & Iconic Train Ride

The day features the most anticipated part of the tour: the world-famous train ride through the most breathtaking scenery.

• Morning Activity (06:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

  • Optional Trek: Early morning opportunity for a challenging trek to Horton Plains National Park (World’s End - a 7+ hour round trip) OR

  • Leisure: Relaxed breakfast and check-out.

• Afternoon Scenic Train (12:30 PM - 04:30 PM):

  • Nanu Oya to Ella: Transfer to Nanu Oya station and board the train for the iconic journey to Ella. The ride passes through endless valleys of tea, dramatic mountain tunnels, and waterfalls.

• Evening: Arrive in Ella and check into the hotel. Enjoy the relaxed, bohemian atmosphere. Overnight Stay in Ella.

Day 05 – Ella’s Famous Trails

A full day dedicated to hiking, photography, and experiencing the incredible views surrounding the small town of Ella.

• Morning Hike (08:00 AM - 12:00 PM):

  • Little Adam’s Peak: Hike up this easy to moderate trail, offering spectacular panoramic views of the Ella Gap and surrounding tea valleys.

  • Nine Arch Bridge: Walk down to the famous colonial-era stone railway bridge, built entirely without steel. Time your visit to witness a train pass over the bridge.

• Afternoon Viewpoint (02:00 PM - 05:00 PM):

  • Ravana Falls: Visit the wide, cascading waterfall located near the roadside.

• Overnight Stay in Ella.

Day 06 – Lipton’s Legacy & Southern Descent

The final day in the highlands is spent exploring the legacy of Sir Thomas Lipton before commencing the comfortable descent towards the Southern Plains.

• Morning Legacy (08:00 AM - 12:30 PM):

  • Lipton’s Seat: Take a tuk-tuk or vehicle transfer to the viewpoint where Sir Thomas Lipton once surveyed his vast tea empire (near Haputale). The 360-degree views are arguably the best in the highlands.

  • Dambatenne Tea Factory: Stop at the historic tea factory founded by Lipton.

• Lunch & Transfer (01:00 PM - 05:00 PM): Enjoy lunch and begin the transfer down the scenic mountain roads towards the West Coast/Airport region. Stop in the low country for the final night.

• Overnight Stay in Negombo/West Coast.

Day 07 – Final Reflection & Departure

The final morning allows for a taste of the coast before the convenient transfer back to the airport.

• Morning Leisure (08:00 AM - 11:00 AM):

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a final breakfast.

  • Coastal Walk/Local Market: Optional walk on the Negombo beach or visit a local fish market.

• Check-out & Lunch (11:00 AM - 01:00 PM): Check out from the hotel and enjoy lunch.

• Departure (01:30 PM): Commence the short return transfer directly to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB).

This itinerary is fully customizable. We understand that travel needs change, so every aspect, from securing guaranteed scenic-route train seats and adding an overnight stay in a colonial tea planter's bungalow (like at Hatton), to swapping out the Ella trek for the longer Ella Rock hike, can be adjusted to create your perfect experience. Would you like to make any changes to this itinerary or start working on the next package? Contact us directly via WhatsApp to customize your "The Scenic Tea Route Adventure" package now!