Bois Cheri Tea Factory — Attraction in Bois Chérie

I am British of Indian heritage. Two big tea-drinking cultures. I drink many different types of tea every day and take great care in brewing them. So I know something about tea. I’ve also visited many tea plantations in the world. This was by the WORST.

It costs 650 rs per person, so over £10. For that this is what you get:

A tour which has around 12 people on it. The tour guide is totally inaudible over the sound of the heavy machinery. The information given, what little I could hear, lacked detail.

The “museum” is a random collection of facts about tea and about the factory. Very poor.

The “tea tasting”, what utter nonsense. You have to either walk 1km to get there along a dirt track or drive at 5mph along said winding dirt track. When you get there there will be one cup and lots of boxes of tea on the table. Someone will take your ticket to prove you’ve paid for this crappy experience and then totally ignore you. Eventually they will come with some hot water and completely ignore you. They don’t tell you anything about the various teas. The service was incredibly rude and chaotic. There were no brewing instructions, and we only had one cup to brew and taste numerous teas. Nonsense. Everywhere else in the world they brew the tea for you in small cups and explain what on earth you’re drinking.

Now for the final nail in the coffin. The tea is CRAP. They make terrible tea. In other great tea nations (India, China and Sri Lanka), they make different grades of black, green, white tea. The grades vary depending on fermentation time, how finely they are rolled etc. here there is only one grade of tea, to my taste the worst kind, and the different boxes are all different flavours they have added to this crappy tea - “vanilla”, coconut, exotic fruits etc. so they basically flavour their rubbish tea to make it have some kind of flavour profile. They also run their machines all day. On most tea plantations I have been to, the day’s tea making is done by the time the factory opens at 9 because the heat of the day ruins the tea processing. That says it all really.

Like a lot of things in Mauritius, this is a commercial operation designed to take your money for very little value. When we arrived they asked our hotel so they knew who to pay the commission to. Says it all. Save your time and money - go to Nuawa Elia in Sri Lanka instead. Go see how proper...

Bois Chéri stands as a pioneer in Mauritian tea production with its history stretching back to 1892, making it the first and largest tea estate on the island. A visit offers a captivating journey through the **legacy and craftsmanship of tea making.

The experience typically starts with a guided tour of the working tea factory. This provides a firsthand look at the intricate processes involved, from the initial withering of the freshly plucked tea leaves to their rolling, fermentation, drying, and eventual sorting and packaging. While the machinery can be quite loud during operation (usually mornings on weekdays), it offers an authentic glimpse into the industrial side of tea production.

Following the factory visit, you'll often be guided to the tea museum, which houses a collection of historical artifacts, photographs, and machinery. This section details the history of tea in Mauritius, from its introduction to the island to the evolution of cultivation and processing techniques. You might even see an old train locomotive, a relic from the past used for transporting goods.

The highlight for many is the tea tasting session. This usually takes place in a charming chalet or pavilion situated on a hilltop, offering stunning panoramic views of the sprawling green tea plantations and a serene lake. Here, you can sample a variety of Bois Chéri's teas, including their signature vanilla tea, along with other flavored black teas, green teas, and herbal infusions. Local biscuits often accompany the tasting, enhancing the experience.

Beyond the factory and tasting, the lush tea plantations themselves are worth exploring. The rolling hills covered in neat rows of tea bushes provide a picturesque backdrop and a sense of tranquility. You might even spot some of the estate's resident deer roaming freely.

In essence, a visit to Bois Chéri Tea Factory is a blend of education, sensory experience, and scenic beauty. It's a chance to understand the significance of tea in Mauritian culture and economy, witness the production process, indulge in flavorful tea tasting, and enjoy the peaceful landscapes of...

I had a wonderful experience visiting the Bois Chéri Tea Factory during a quick raincheck with my cousin who lives in Bois Chéri. Even though it was a short visit, it turned out to be incredibly memorable.

The tea tasting was undoubtedly the highlight of the trip. We got to sample a variety of teas, each with its own unique flavor and aroma. From traditional black teas to fruity and exotic blends, the selection was impressive, and every sip was a delight. It was fascinating to learn more about the history of tea production in Mauritius and how Bois Chéri has maintained its legacy over the years.

The factory and surroundings are picturesque, offering a serene and calming atmosphere. Despite the rain, the charm of the location was undeniable. The staff were friendly and knowledgeable, making the experience both enjoyable and educational.

Before leaving, I couldn’t resist purchasing some of the teas to bring back to Australia. It’s such a great way to carry a little piece of Mauritius home with me. Sharing the teas with friends and family back in Australia has been a joy and a chance to relive the experience.

I highly recommend a visit to the Bois Chéri Tea Factory for anyone traveling to Mauritius. Whether you're a tea enthusiast or just looking for a peaceful and informative outing, this place won’t disappoint. I’m already looking forward to...