Beyond temples and historical spots, if there’s one thing that represents the true essence of Sri Lanka, it’s tea. Among the many tea plantation estates, the Dambatenne Tea Factory in Sri Lanka is a true symbol of the island’s rich history and cultural heritage.Established by the famous Scottish tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton, the tea estate has multiple significance. From contributing to the island’s tea production to contributing to the economy, the factory also stands as a popular destination among tourists and nature enthusiasts. The next time you plan a holistic trip to Sri Lanka, be sure to include the famous Dambatenne Tea Factory in your itinerary.
Facts About The Dambatenne Tea Factory In Sri Lanka
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You must know some facts about the Dambatenne Tea Factory before you visit there.
Historical significance: Sri Lanka is governed by a rich colonial history. The tea estate was established by Sir Thomas Lipton in 1890, which explains why it is one of the region’s oldest tea factories and estates. The factory produced Ceylon tea, which is native to Sri Lanka and is renowned for its robust taste, aroma and flavour.
Address: Q2M3+992, Bandarawela, Sri Lanka
Dambatenne Tea Factory Sri Lanka Timings: 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM
Dambatenne Tea Factory Sri Lanka entry fees: LKR 250 per person
reach Dambatenne Tea Factory. A few public buses also run from the main town to the tea factory.
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Things to Do at Dambatenne Tea Factory Sri Lanka
Visiting Dambatenne Tea Factory offers a comprehensive experience where you learn more about the tea cultivation process from scratch. Some of the popular activities include:
1. Guided tour
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Given how popular the tea factory is and being one of the oldest, guided factory tours are a highlight. During the tour, you are introduced to tea processing, withering, rolling, fermentation, drying, sorting, and finally, packaging. Usually, the entire tour takes 1-2 hours, and by the end, you get to relax and sip on a cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea with a view.
2. Tea tasting
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After the tour, visitors can taste some of the finest teas produced at the Dambatenne Tea Factory. This experience allows you to appreciate the nuances in flavour and aroma that result from the meticulous production process. What’s great is that you get to taste a few different tea flavours and understand the distinct differences between their taste, flavour profile, etc.
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3. Photography
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The Dambatenne Tea Factory and its surroundings offer stunning photographic opportunities. So, if you are carrying a professional camera or even a good-quality smartphone, you can capture the surrounding scenic views. Also, for fun, try macro photography while focusing on the intricate details of tea leaves, flowers, and other natural elements.
Places to Visit Near Dambatenne Tea Factory Sri Lanka
Dambatenne Tea Factory is surrounded by many popular sightseeing spots, which explains why you need to spend at least a day or two exploring all the spots around.
1. Lipton’s Seat
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Your trip to Dambatenne Tea Factory is incomplete without a 2-3 hour hike to Lipton’s Seat. Named after Sir Thomas Lipton, the founder of the tea factory, Lipton’s Seat is a popular viewpoint that offers stunning views of the surrounding area. Witnessing the lush tea plantations and rolling hills with the high mountains is truly a sight to behold. If you want to capture the essence of the place, visit before sunrise because that’s the highlight of your visit there.
Distance from Dambatenne Tea Factory: 5.5 Km
Timings: 24 Hours
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2. Horton Plains National Park
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Horton Plains National Park is next on the list, known for its unique ecosystem, endemic wildlife, and stunning landscapes. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot in Haputale where you can indulge in wildlife spotting and safaris. To make the most of your trip there, visit the World’s End, which features a dramatic cliff with an 870-metre drop. Unless you are afraid of heights, this is one of those experiences that you can’t trade for anything else. You can also visit Baker’s Fall, a beautiful waterfall in the park.
Distance from Dambatenne Tea Factory: 37.9 Km
Timings: 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
3. Diyaluma Falls
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A close drive from the Dambatenne Tea factory, the Diyaluma Falls is a must-visit tourist attraction near Haputale. It is the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, falling from a height of 220 metres. The best part of visiting this waterfall is the adventurous hike you must embark on to reach the top of the falls. Depending on the season you are visiting, the base of the falls is also safe for swimming. Just ensure that you aren’t diving too deep. Also, when at the top, be cautious around the edges since the rocks can be slippery.
Distance from Dambatenne Tea Factory: 60.8 Km
Timings: 24 Hours
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4. Adisham Bungalow
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To further explore the marvel in the rich history of Sri Lanka, make your way to Adisham Bungalow, which is in Badulla district in Sri Lanka. Constructed by Sir Thomas Lester Villiers, the origins of this manor date back to 1931. Currently, it serves as a Benedictine monastery and is inhabited by monks. You can tour the manor, witness the unique architecture, and explore the gardens outside. If you have time, stop at the gift shop in the chapel to pick up a few items too.
Distance from Dambatenne Tea Factory: 30.2 Km
Timings: 9:00 AM to 4:30 PM
5. Ella
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To explore a nearby city from the tea factory, you can drive down to Ella. Beyond trying the local cuisine there, stop to explore the popular sightseeing spots in the city. Some of the popular stops include Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Rock, Ravana Falls and Ella Spice Garden. Given how diverse the city is, you will need to spend a day or two to cover all the spots. Ensure that your accommodation is booked beforehand so you don’t face any issues at the last minute.
Distance from Dambatenne Tea Factory: 45 Km
Timings: 24 Hours
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Dambatenne Tea Factory Sri Lanka Best Time to Visit
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The Dambatenne Tea Factory is open throughout the year, which means that you can visit at any time during your vacation to Sri Lanka. That said, it’s crucial to prioritise planning your visit during peak season, which is between May and September.
The weather is comfortable during this time, and the tea plucking is in full swing. So, you can easily explore the entire tea production process from scratch when you are on your tea estate tour. Getting to witness the process of tea harvesting from scratch is truly a fun experience. If there’s a specific season you should avoid, it’s the monsoons. It dampens the entire experience, especially since the downpour makes it impossible to explore the tea plantations.
Where is the Dambatenne Tea Factory in Sri Lanka located?
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Like many other popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka, Dambatenne Tea Factory is located in the picturesque town of Haputale, specifically in the Badulla district in the Uva province. It is also situated at an elevation of 1500 metres above sea level, so it involves an uphill ride once you reach the main town.
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How to Get to Dambatenne Tea Factory Sri Lanka?
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The nearest town to the Dambatenne Tea Factory is Haputale, so you must travel to this town. Regular trains from Kandy and Colombo take you through the remote areas of Sri Lanka, offering a glimpse into the beautiful countryside.
Once you reach Haputale, there are direct taxis and tuk-tuk to
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Dambatenne Tea Factory Sri Lanka is one of the oldest tea factories in the country. With a story steeped in history and a place that generates jobs and boosts the region’s economy, this is a must-visit spot while you explore Hupatale. With the educational tours, the factory provides an enriching experience for visitors. As you plan your travel itinerary for your next trip to Sri Lanka, including this in your planning contributes to an enriching travel experience.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Dambatenne Tea Factory Sri Lanka
What is the Dambatenne Tea Factory known for?
The Dambatenne Tea Factory is known for its historical significance, having been established by Sir Thomas Lipton in 1890, and for producing high-quality Ceylon tea.
Can I buy tea directly from the Dambatenne Tea factory?
Yes, visitors can purchase freshly packaged tea directly from the Dambatenne Tea Factory.
What is the best time to visit the Dambatenne Tea factory in Sri Lanka?
The Dambatenne Tea Factory Sri Lanka timings are from 08:00 AM to 06:00 PM. So, you can visit anywhere between that time.
Is it necessary to buy Dambatenne Tea Factory Sri Lanka tickets to explore?
Yes, you must buy the Dambatenne tea factory Sri Lanka tickets to explore the tea factory and the plantations too.
How long does the Dambatenne Tea factory tour take?
The guided factory tour typically lasts about 1 to 1.5 hours, including tea tasting.
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