Sri Lanka prides itself as one the world’s top producers of tea alongside India and Kenya. The island holds over 1,200 tea factories with 97% of its production of black Ceylon tea exported across the world.
Kandy, the 2nd largest city located in central Sri Lanka, became a tourism hub for its tea production in the late 1800s thanks to the accessibility with the British-built railway network. Today, it is still a popular destination for tourists seeking to learn about the country’s tea production.
Kadugannawa Tea Factory offers visitors a free tour of their facilities. The guides cater to your preferred language in a private 40 minute tour which details the tea’s cultivation, production, and distribution. While the factory and visitors are touristy, it is not a total trap where you feel that awkward obligation to make a purchase.
The best part of the tour is that you will actually receive a proper education about the entire tea production and the types of teas produced in Sri Lanka.
Orange Pekoe – Turns orange when steeped in hot water. First press, Light black tea
Flowering Pekoe – Opens as a flower when steeped. First press, Medium Light black tea
B.O.P. – Broken Orange Pekoe. Medium Strong black tea, consume without milk
B.O.P.F. – Broken Orange Pekoe Fanning. Fanning meaning fine from the extra grinding. Strong black tea, consume with milk during breakfast
Dust – Third press, low quality from stems. Strongest black tea.
Green Tea – From the same leaves as black tea, but does not undergo the fermentation process
Golden Tips & Silver Tips – Non-processed white teas that are considered the healthiest of the teas
Kadugannawa Tea Factory
No. 167, Colombo Road
Kadugannawa, Kandy
+94-82-154-251
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