Overview

Tour Overview

Discover the true essence of Ceylon tea with A Taste of Tea – Ingiriya Tea & Rubber Plantation Tour, an immersive half-day experience ideal for cruise guests or travelers seeking authentic Sri Lankan culture. Just a short, scenic drive from Colombo, Ingiriya is a lush green region famed for its thriving tea and rubber estates.

This tour reveals the complete journey of Ceylon tea — from fresh leaf plucking to grading and processing inside a working tea factory. You’ll also observe rubber tapping (seasonal), learn about colonial-era plantation life, and enjoy refreshments at the historic Factory Manager’s Bungalow.

Perfect for nature lovers, culture enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the world’s finest teas.

Tour Highlights

• ✔ Scenic drive from Colombo to Ingiriya (approx. 2 hours)

• ✔ Traditional welcome with tea-leaf garlands

• ✔ Guided tea plantation walk

• ✔ Observe hand-picking of tea leaves

• ✔ Seasonal rubber tapping demonstration

• ✔ Complete tea factory tour – grading, rolling, fermenting, drying

• ✔ Ceylon tea tasting with cake at the Manager’s Bungalow

• ✔ Comfortable air-conditioned transport

• ✔ Port pickup & drop-off for cruise guests

Detailed Itinerary – 5.5 Hours

08:00 hrs – Depart Colombo Port

Meet your guide at the pier and begin your comfortable drive to Ingiriya, passing rural villages, coconut groves, and lush landscapes.

10:00 hrs – Arrival & Special Welcome

Receive a warm greeting with garlands made from fresh tea leaves — a symbolic beginning to your plantation experience.

10:05 hrs – Visit the Tea & Rubber Plantation

Walk through the picturesque estates as you observe how skilled tea pluckers select the delicate two leaves and a bud. When possible, witness the fascinating rubber tapping process.

10:15 hrs – Tea Factory Tour

Step inside the working factory to discover how Ceylon tea is transformed from fresh leaves into the world-famous brew. Learn about withering, rolling, fermenting, drying, and grading — all without artificial additives.

10:45 hrs – Proceed to the Factory Manager’s Bungalow

Enjoy the serene estate surroundings as you head toward the colonial-style bungalow.

11:00 hrs – Tea Tasting & Refreshments

Sip a freshly brewed cup of premium Ceylon tea paired with cake. Spend some relaxing time soaking in the peaceful plantation ambiance.

11:30 hrs – Return to Colombo

Bid farewell to the estate and begin your drive back to Colombo.

13:30 hrs – Arrival at Colombo Port

Tour ends with drop-off at the pier.

Why Choose This Tour?

This is one of the best authentic tea experiences near Colombo — ideal for travelers who want to explore Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea culture in a relaxed, educational, and beautiful setting. It is especially suited for shore excursions, offering a timely return to the ship with guaranteed comfort.