Giragama Tea Plantations

Giragama Tea Plantation, Kandy Overview

Sri Lanka and its tea plantations go hand in hand. In the central province of Sri Lanka stands Giragama Tea Plantation, a quaint village known for tea cultivation. Giragama was one of the first few plantations near Kandy, the heart of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is one of the highest producers of tea in the world and this tea estate allows a tour inside where tourists can see how tea is processed with machines. Furthermore they can also purchase tea at the very same place.

The estate spreads across many hectares; when you stand on one end, it appears as if Giragama Tea Plantation knows no bounds. They have estates that are open to tourists for walks; tea manufacturing units that showcase the entire process from how to pluck tea leaves, cleaning and further processing into the finished product; and in-house shops that sell freshly packaged tea in different variants.

Things To Do At Giragama Tea Plantations

Giragama provides a wholesome experience with valuable insights about health benefits, preparation and just all things tea. They also have a sit-out or cafe with a scenic view where tourists are often found sipping tea and relaxing leisurely.

The atmosphere of the tea gardens is breath-taking. The greenery of the environment cancels out pollution in the air and purifies the air we breathe. Such an experience would make for a true getaway from work and the commitments of life.

Biodiversity in Kandy consists of tall deciduous trees, shrubs that seek their shelter, buzzing insects and wildlife consisting of elephants, monkeys and birds flocking in shoals.

Best Time to Visit Giragama Tea Plantations

The Giragama tea plantations are open for visitors throughout the year. The climate is beautiful and pleasant all year round and is never an inconvenience to the tourists. The best time to visit would be during December and April. The chilly winds hit the city, and the tea plantations become ever bubbling and fragrant. The average temperature ranges between 23 °C and 31 °C; it can drop as low as 19 °C as well. Christmas amidst Tea would serve as a proper European vacation too! Summers during March and April sees the sun in full swing with the cosiness of the greenery to make up for it.

History of Giragama Tea Plantations

Coffee was Sri Lanka’s first focus back during the times of Sri Lanka’s colonial rule. Ceylon coffee was considered the best in the world. It was cultivated and exported across different parts. The glory days of flourishing coffee plantations saw its end due to the unfortunate circumstances of “coffee rust disease”. Hence the focus shifted to tea. Tea was brought over to Sri Lanka from Assam by James Taylor. He had under him thorough expertise and knowledge as he brought tea plants from their roots through roads, railways, bridges and tunnels. He cultivated under the guidance of botanists, engineers, surveyors, and even politicians. He thus laid the groundwork of fertile lands and thanks to him, Ceylon tea has the best tea there ever is!

How To Reach Giragama Tea Plantations

Giragama Tea Plantation can be reached by road. It is along the Colombo - Kandy highway. Upon reaching the town of Pilimathalawa, take a right turn at the clock tower. From here the plantation is only 2 kms away.
It is best to visit the plantation with an authorized tour operator to get instant access to the plantation. If you are travelling on your own, you will have to inform the security upon your arrival.