Tea is the world’s second-most-consumed drink after water, connecting generations, cultures, and
communities. For India, where over 80% of the population drinks tea daily, it’s more than a beverage –it’s a ritual, a conversation starter, a symbol of warmth and welcome.
This International Tea Day (May 21), let’s journey to Sri Lanka’s lush Central Highlands — the heart of its tea-growing region — to experience the nuances of this beloved beverage and honour its rich legacy.
At Ceylon Tea Trails – the hospitality arm of the renowned Dilmah Tea Group, and the world’s first Relais & Châteaux tea bungalow resort – curated experiences bring tea’s cultural and culinary stories to life. With methodologies and machinery over a century old, Ceylon Tea is truly part of the world’s living heritage and this is your invitation to partake in it.
Trails, Tastings & Tea Rituals
A sunrise tour of the Dunkeld Tea Factory introduces guests to the craft of Ceylon tea-making. The resident Tea Planter passionately delves into all aspects of tea in just the right amount of detail –
from a look back to the early days of “planting” and the lifestyles of the early colonial settlers to the manufacturing process, to how flavours are created to suit various palates – he’s got it covered.
Alternatively, a scenic cruise on Castlereagh Reservoir offers a peaceful start amid mountains and
emerald-green tea valley. Guests savour breakfast on board, as the lake’s stillness mirrors the rhythm of plantation life.
For lunch, the Planter’s Tif in is a nostalgic nod to the traditions of early tea planters. Served in steel tiffin boxes and paired with wine, this private picnic recreates the charm of colonial-era lunches enjoyed under the shade of estate trees.
In the evenings, the Tea-Infused Dining experience showcases how one can consume tea as a main
course. Ceylon teas from across the island find their way into an elegant menu, from Earl Grey-cured salmon to Moroccan Mint tea-crusted lamb, and Vanilla panna cotta paired with hibiscus tea sauce creating a unique fusion of flavours that celebrate tea as both an ingredient and inspiration.
At Ceylon Tea Trails, history is lived, not just remembered. The five restored tea planter bungalows —with period furnishings, vintage photographs, and croquet lawns — brim with old-world charm. Personal butlers, infinity pools, and immersive experiences create a true sense of place, where luxury meets heritage.
