Ceylon Tea Adventure

A scenic drive transports you through rolling green fields to the city of Ingiriya, home of several rubber and Ceylon tea plantations.

Ceylon was Sri Lanka's name under British rule; after the nation gained independence, the name Ceylon stuck to the tea manufacturing that had begun during the colonial era and become a wildly popular export. Tea from this island gained the reputation of being the world's finest, and you'll see why during a guided tour of a tea plantation and factory that starts with a special greeting at the plantation's entrance. Afterwards, enjoy a cup of tea and refreshments in a bungalow on the premises.

Sustainable Tours

This tour operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria.

Shore Thing Highlights

Take a scenic eastward drive to Ingiriya, a city replete with plantations and factories for tea production
Tour an actual working tea factory while your guide explains the processes, machinery, and tradition involved in the production of this beverage
Enjoy a cup of tea and quick refreshments — plus the opportunity to purchase raw tea packets to take home as souvenirs

Need to know

Sailors in wheelchairs or with limited mobility should not select this Shore Thing
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
Includes a light snack
This Shore Thing operator has received third-party certification based on the Global Sustainable Tourism Council criteria
No photography or video-recording is allowed inside the tea factory
Daytime temperatures can be very hot and humid — please prepare accordingly
Approximately 1 hour and 45-minute drive each way to/from the pier
A visa is required for this port. Please see your voyage documentation for details
Sailors should expect to walk over cobblestones, uneven pavement, and/or narrow streets
Sailors are advised to bring cash for any purchases at the tea factory (cards not accepted)
Some venues may not be air-conditioned
Sailors should bring bug spray/insect repellent, as mosquito numbers are high
Sailors who experience motion sickness should take precautions prior to this Shore Thing, as the road leading to the tea plantation is winding

Experience shores the Virgin way

Local & Immersive Tours
Authentic experiences curated with local operators
A Sustainable Cause
Select tour bookings to help social charities
Peace of Mind
Modify/cancel up to 48hrs before where applicable
Priority Debark in Port
Be first ashore in all our ports of call
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Our partners are licensed and insured
Transparent Pricing
No hidden costs, all-inclusive Shore Thing prices
Expert Travel Support
Pre-voyage to onboard assistance, always there
Stress-Free Returns
Ship will wait for you in the event of a delay
Convenient Collection
Convenience of one location to shop for your calls

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Shore Things are fully refundable to the original form of payment. However, please note that Shore Things are only fully refundable if they are canceled within 48 hours prior to the booked Shore Thing taking place, unless stated otherwise in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section. If you fail to either (a) cancel within 48 hours of the booked Shore Thing (or alternative time period as may be stated in a specific Shore Thing 'Need to Know' section), or (b) show up for a booked Shore Thing, you will be charged for 100% of the Shore Thing price.

If you make a cancellation prior to the first day of your voyage and within 48 hours (unless otherwise stated in the tour details) of your Shore Thing, you will be refunded to the original form of payment after midnight Eastern Standard Time (EST) on the day of cancellation.

If you make another purchase prior to midnight EST, after canceling a booking eligible for a refund, the credit from the canceled booking will be applied to your new booking. Therefore, you’ll only be charged for the price difference between the canceled and new experience. If you have remaining temporary credit left on your account after you’ve made another experience purchase, the remaining credit will be refunded to your original form of payment after midnight EST.

If you cancel a Shore Thing during your voyage and are eligible for a refund, a credit will be applied to your folio and not to your original form of payment.

Shore Things departure times and/or meeting locations are subject to change. We will make every effort to notify Sailors in advance via the Sailor App of any tour departure and/or meeting changes.

Ceylon Tea Adventure

A scenic drive transports you through rolling green fields to the city of Ingiriya, home of several rubber and Ceylon tea plantations.

Shore Thing Highlights

Need to know