Ella: Liptons Seat & Tea Factory & Tea Plantation Day Tour

The "Ella: Lipton’s Seat & Tea Factory & Tea Plantation Day Tour" promises an immersive journey into Sri Lanka’s renowned tea culture. Priced at just $61.76 per person after a 20% discount, this 5-hour excursion takes visitors to the historic Dambatenne Tea Factory and the breathtaking Lipton’s Seat. With private transportation, knowledgeable guides, and convenient hotel pickups, this tour offers an enjoyable experience for tea enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. What awaits participants in this captivating exploration of Sri Lanka’s tea legacy?

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Key Points

This 5-hour tour in Ella, Sri Lanka, takes visitors to Dambatenne Tea Factory and Lipton’s Seat, providing an immersive experience in tea culture and history.
The tour includes a guided tour, tea ceremony, scenic walks, and photo opportunities, with views of lakes and the Hambantota harbor.
Priced at $61.76 per person with a 20% discount, the tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and convenient hotel pickups.
Inclusions cover bottled water, snacks, coffee or tea, entrance fees, and a knowledgeable guide, while food and optional gratuities are excluded.
Visitors are recommended to wear comfortable shoes, bring a camera, and pack modestly, as the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled "Ella: Lipton’s Seat & Tea Factory & Tea Plantation Day Tour", offers a 5-hour experience that includes a guided tour, tea ceremony, scenic walks, and photo opportunities.

Explore Ella’s tea heritage with a guided tour, tea ceremony, scenic walks, and photo opportunities.

Priced at $61.76 per person, a 20% discount from the original $77.20, the tour provides free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Customers can reserve their spot without upfront payment.

The tour includes pickup and drop-off from Ella, Haputale, or Bandarawela, and all fees and taxes. Exclusions are limited to food, drinks, and gratuities.

The tour has a 5/5 customer rating based on 7 reviews.

Looking for more options in Ella Sri Lanka? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.

Itinerary and Highlights

The tour’s itinerary and highlights include visiting the Dambatenne Tea Factory and Lipton’s Seat, where participants can enjoy a guided tour, tea ceremony, scenic walks, and photo opportunities.

Along the way, they’ll take in the scenic views of Handapanagala lake, Chandrika lake, Uda Walawe lake, and Hambantota harbor.

Visitors will learn about the history and production of tea from the Scottish tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton.

The tour is designed to provide an engaging and informative experience, allowing guests to enjoy the rich tea culture of the region.

Transportation and Pickup Information

Private transportation is provided for this tour, with pickup and drop-off included from Ella, Haputale, or Bandarawela. Participants should wait in their hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time.

The tour features:

Pickup and drop-off from Ella, Haputale, or Bandarawela.
Private transportation provided throughout the tour.
Convenient pickups from your hotel, ensuring a hassle-free experience.

This transportation arrangement allows for a seamless and comfortable journey, enabling you to fully learn about the tea-inspired exploration of Ella.

Inclusions and Exclusions

Along With the convenient transportation arrangements, this tour includes several other inclusions to enhance the overall experience.

Bottled water, snacks, and coffee or tea are provided throughout the day. Entrance fees to all sites are covered, and a knowledgeable guide will be on hand to share insights about tea production and the history of the area.

The tour also includes all applicable taxes and fees. While food and optional gratuities are excluded, the inclusions ensure a seamless and enjoyable tour.

However, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the nature of the activities.

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What to Bring and Important Notes

Comfortable shoes, swimwear, and a camera are recommended to fully enjoy this tour, as it involves scenic walks and photo stops.

Visitors should also bring a credit card, as the tour includes a tea ceremony. A headscarf is suggested for women, as some sites may require modest attire.

A credit card is recommended for the tea ceremony, and a headscarf for women is suggested due to modest attire requirements at some sites.

However, luggage or large bags aren’t allowed on the tour. Plus, the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Passengers should wait in their hotel lobby 10 minutes before the scheduled pickup time to ensure a smooth start to the day’s activities.

There's plenty more to explore in Ella Sri Lanka

Exploring Dambatenne Tea Factory

The Dambatenne Tea Factory, founded by the pioneering Scottish tea merchant Sir Thomas Lipton, offers visitors a captivating glimpse into the storied history of Ceylon tea production.

On the guided tour, guests witness the intricate process of tea leaf harvesting, withering, rolling, and drying. The factory’s colonial-era machinery and infrastructure provide a tangible connection to the industry’s past.

Visitors can savor a traditional Ceylon tea ceremony, learning about the nuances of tea preparation and tasting. The experience offers a unique opportunity to understand the origins and craftsmanship behind one of Sri Lanka’s most celebrated exports.

Discovering Lipton’s Seat

After exploring the historic Dambatenne Tea Factory, visitors embark on a scenic journey to the renowned Lipton’s Seat.

This iconic viewpoint offers breathtaking vistas of the surrounding tea plantations, lakes, and distant mountains.

The key highlights at Lipton’s Seat include:

Panoramic views stretching across the Ella Gap and Hambantota harbor.
Learning about Sir Thomas Lipton’s legacy and his pivotal role in Sri Lanka’s tea industry.
Witnessing the traditional tea plucking process performed by skilled local tea pickers.

Visitors can savor a refreshing cup of Ceylon tea while soaking in the stunning natural beauty and rich heritage of this captivating destination.

Customer Reviews and Insights

Glowing reviews from past participants underscore the tour’s exceptional value, with customers praising the engaging insights shared by knowledgeable guides.

One reviewer noted, "The tea factory tour was fascinating, and the guide’s enthusiasm for the history and production process really brought it to life."

Another highlighted the immersive experience, stating, "Hiking to Lipton’s Seat offered stunning panoramic views and a true sense of the tea plantation’s legacy."

Customers consistently remark on the tour’s perfect balance of activities, from the serene tea ceremony to the fascinating exploration of Lipton’s influential role in Sri Lanka’s tea industry.

Common Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food and Snacks on the Tour?

According to the tour information, food and drinks, except for bottled water and snacks provided, are not included in the tour. Participants are not allowed to bring their own food or large bags.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age restrictions. Travelers of all ages can participate, though it may not be suitable for wheelchair users. The tour itinerary and activities should accommodate a wide range of participants.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

According to the tour information, there doesn’t appear to be an option to extend the tour duration. The tour is listed as a 5-hour experience, and no longer durations are mentioned.

Can I Request a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, customers can request a private tour instead of a group tour. The private tour option provides a more personalized experience and allows for more flexibility in the itinerary and schedule.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Families or Groups?

Yes, there are discounts available for families and groups. The tour offers a 20% discount, bringing the per-person price down to $61.76 from the regular price of $77.20. Reservations can be made with no upfront payment.

The Sum Up

The "Ella: Lipton’s Seat & Tea Factory & Tea Plantation Day Tour" provides an immersive journey into Sri Lanka’s vibrant tea culture. Exploring the Dambatenne Tea Factory and Lipton’s Seat, visitors can savor scenic vistas and participate in a traditional tea ceremony. With convenient transportation and knowledgeable guides, this tour offers an engaging and enjoyable experience for tea enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.