Ceylon Tea Museum — Attraction in Central Province

In summary - Well worth a visit - 1000LKR each includes free cup of tea in the cafe and 10% off tea in the shop. Try and go in the morning to avoid large tours.

Of course it's for tourists but it's inexpensive, the staff are well informed and helpful without being pushy and are enthusiastic about sharing the history. They also are happy not to give you a full tour (we prefer to wonder around on our own, there were numbers to lead you around in the recommended order) but come and explain certain aspects. For example - I was looking at the full working model of the tea factory and wondering how to turn it on (and if I was allowed!) when someone noticed and came over to assist. They then gave us some information on this and the tea grades too. We both learnt something and the explanation given was clear and concise.

The 1st floor is machinery - Nice to see the belts still hooked up and don't miss the working model of the factory in the second room. The 2nd floor is artifacts and articles - Don't miss the scientific equipment room or the news paper articles about Lipton. The 3rd floor is a collection of photographs and more articles. The 4th floor is a tea tasting set up (not for consumption) and notes about tea tasting as well as drying racks. The 5th floor is the cafe and shop - There are also some large posters about the health giving properties of tea but I found these a bit out of place with the rest of the aesthetic. Don't miss the catwalk. (Toilets are outside - sit down but no loo roll or hand soap)

In the cafe you get a free cup of black tea per person included in the ticket price. We also purchased the 1000LRK tea tasting tray- Perfect for two to share. At roughly £2.70 this is great value for 6 full cups of different varieties of tea and one ice tea, flavour of your choice. We also recommend the cookies. (30LKR each, get 5 for 150LKR as they are each about the size of a large 50p).

We did buy something in the shop, cash and card accepted. We didn't feel pressured to buy anything or even stop in but we had enjoyed a particular tea from the tasting tray and wanted to take some home.

All in all highly recommended. You can also start Stage 1 of the Pekoe Trail here, walk towards the Bird Sancutary to the right of the toilet block and take the small path behind the White House. There are no signs until the first trail waymark (red circle white arrow) half way up the track into the plantation. Please see separate review on 'Pekoe Trail Stage 1' for...

The Ceylon Tea Museum, located in the scenic Hanthana region just 3 km south of Kandy, offers a fascinating journey into Sri Lanka’s rich tea heritage. Housed in the former Hanthana Tea Factory, which was established in 1925, the museum was inaugurated on December 1, 2001, after restoration by the Sri Lanka Tea Board and the Planters’ Association of Sri Lanka.

Spanning four floors, the museum provides a comprehensive look at the evolution of tea production in the country. On the ground floor, visitors can view vintage colonial-era machinery, including rollers, dryers, fermentation tables, and sorting machines, giving a tangible sense of how tea was processed in the past. The second floor houses a library and exhibition space that delves into the history of tea cultivation in Sri Lanka, illustrating its impact on the country’s economy and culture. The third floor contains a shop where visitors can purchase a variety of Ceylon teas, while the top floor features a cozy tea café, offering guests the opportunity to enjoy a complimentary cup of tea while soaking in panoramic views of the lush Hanthana hills.

Open Tuesday to Saturday from 8:30 AM to 3:45 PM and on Sunday from 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM, the museum is closed on Mondays and weekday Poya days, with entry fees approximately LKR 1,070 for adults and LKR 428 for children.

Visitors often highlight the immersive experience the museum offers, from exploring historic machinery to learning about the tea-making process and enjoying the tranquil surroundings of the Hanthana mountains. The museum is easily accessible via a motorable road with ample parking, making it convenient for both individual travelers and tourist coaches.

Nearby attractions, such as the Sri Dalada Maligawa (Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic), the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, and the Hanthana mountain range, make the museum an ideal stop for those seeking a blend of cultural, historical, and natural experiences while in Kandy.

The Ceylon Tea Museum not only preserves the legacy of Sri Lanka’s tea industry but also provides a serene and educational retreat where visitors can fully appreciate the artistry and history behind every cup...

We embarked on the complete experience, which began with a comprehensive tour of the plantation. During this tour, we learned about the intricate process of tea cultivation, from the selection of the finest tea plants to the careful maintenance of the fields. After gaining a deeper understanding of the plantation’s operations, we had the unique opportunity to pluck tea leaves ourselves. This hands-on experience allowed us to appreciate the delicate nature of the tea leaves and the skill required to harvest them at the perfect time. Following the plucking, we moved on to the drying stage, where we observed how the tea leaves are transformed through various methods to achieve the optimal level of dryness. Once the leaves were dry, we participated in the preparation of our own green tea. This involved blending the dried leaves with specific ingredients to create a flavor profile that suited our taste preferences. Finally, we savored the fruits of our labor by drinking the green tea we had made. The experience was both educational and enjoyable, as we were able to see firsthand the journey from tea plant to cup. The day concluded with a factory tour, where we explored the facilities used in tea production. This tour provided us with insights into the work that has streamlined the manufacturing process. The highlight of the factory tour was the tasting experience, where we sampled a variety of teas produced by the plantation. Each tea had its own distinct flavor, and we were able to compare and contrast them based on their preparation methods and ingredients. Overall, the full experience was an incredible way to learn about and enjoy the art of tea making. It was 100% worth it, and we left with a newfound appreciation for the craft and a collection of delicious teas to...