Seasonality has a big influence on harvesting tea, since it affects taste enormously. Therefore, the region of tea production also matters. In Kandy, Dimbula (often spelled Dambula), and Nuwara Eliya the harvesting time falls on dry months, even though Nuwara Eliya is humid all year round. These are most known tea growing areas.
Dimbula tea grows on elevation of 1000 m, located between the Nuwara Eliya plateau and the Horton Plains. This area is humid during most of the year, but from January till April, the days get bright and cool, which is a perfect weather for tea. Nuwara Eliya, located in the central mountains, produces the highest grown tea in the country.
A lot of plantations organize excursions and workshops for you to see the production of tea, so why not come at the time of harvesting? The only remark here is that the famous Uva region produces tea in contrast to all the island, in August through October.
Practical info
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka for tea harvesting?
The peak time for tea harvesting in Sri Lanka is between January and March, when it is dry in Kandy, Dimbula, and Nuwara Eliya, although Nuwara Eliya is humid year-round. Visitors can also witness tea harvesting in the Uva region from August to October. Show more
Where are the most popular tea growing areas in Sri Lanka?
Kandy, Dimbula, and Nuwara Eliya are the most prominent territories for tea cultivation in Sri Lanka. The elevation of 1000 meters above sea level favors the growth of Dimbula tea located between Nuwara Eliya plateau and Horton Plains. Nuwara Eliya, situated in central mountains, produces the best quality high-grown tea in Sri Lanka. Show more
What is the ideal elevation for growing tea in Sri Lanka?
The recommended height for growing tea in Sri Lanka is 1000m to 2500m above sea level. Dimbula tea grows at 1000 meters above sea level; Nuwara Eliya also grows at higher elevations and produces the finest tea in the country. Elevation of the plantation plays a significant role in the flavor and aroma of the tea. Show more
How does the seasonality affect the taste of the tea in Sri Lanka?
The taste of tea in Sri Lanka varies as per the season. Tea harvested during the dry season achieve superior quality in Kandy, Dimbula, and Nuwara Eliya, but Nuwara Eliya has a humid climate year-round. Weather conditions have a significant influence on the tea's properties and flavors. Show more
Are there any special excursions or workshops organized during the tea harvesting season in Sri Lanka?
Tea plantations in Sri Lanka offer visitors excursions and workshops during the tea harvesting season. The ideal opportunity to witness the tea-making process up close is between January and March in Kandy, Dimbula, and Nuwara Eliya. However, the Uva region that is famous for its tea offers tea production harvests from August to October. Show more
