Pedaling through Sri Lanka’s captivating tea fields is an unforgettable experience that transports visitors into the heart of Ceylon’s renowned tea heritage. As cyclists glide past rows of lush, emerald bushes set against a backdrop of majestic mountains, they’ll uncover the rich history and breathtaking beauty that make this island nation a premier destination for tea enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. With a guided tour starting at the Ceylon Tea Museum, thrill-seekers can look forward to an exhilarating journey filled with stunning vistas, cultural insights, and the chance to truly enjoy the timeless traditions that have shaped this iconic industry.
Good To Know
- Scenic 4-hour cycling tour through the tea fields and mountains near Kandy, Sri Lanka, starting at the Ceylon Tea Museum.
- Explore the historical Ceylon Tea Museum and learn about the country’s tea heritage before embarking on the cycling adventure.
- Traverse approximately 30km of mostly gravel terrain, with a thrilling off-road track leading to Kandy Lake.
- Essential safety gear, including helmets and reflector jackets, is provided to ensure a comfortable and secure cycling experience.
- The tour is not recommended for individuals with low fitness levels, as the cycling trail is of average difficulty.
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Tour Overview and Pricing
The "Tea Fields by Bicycle" tour from Kandy offers an immersive exploration of Ceylon’s lush tea plantations.
Priced from ₹2,814 per person, the 4-hour excursion departs at 8:30 AM from the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hantana.
Participants will explore the history of Ceylon tea at the museum before setting off on a scenic 30km cycling trail through vibrant tea fields and distant purple mountains.
The moderate difficulty trail winds through off-road tracks, culminating at Kandy Lake around 1:30 PM.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and no upfront payment required, this tour provides a unique and flexible way to experience the beauty of Sri Lanka’s tea country.
Tour Highlights
Vibrant tea fields and distant purple mountains captivate visitors on the "Tea Fields by Bicycle" tour from Kandy.
The first stop is the Ceylon Tea Museum, where guests can explore the history and heritage of Ceylon tea.
Then, it’s off to the scenic Hanthana Tea Plantation trail, where cyclists wind through a lush landscape of bright green tea bushes.
Along the way, towering mountains provide a stunning backdrop, creating a picture-perfect scene.
The tour culminates with a return to Kandy Lake through an off-road track in Heerassagala, offering a thrilling end to the day’s adventure.
Ceylon Tea Museum Details
An abandoned Hantana Tea Factory, built in 1925, now houses the captivating Ceylon Tea Museum.
Visitors can explore the museum’s extensive exhibits showcasing the machinery used in tea processing, as well as historical relics that provide a glimpse into the rich heritage of Ceylon tea.
The museum also boasts a well-stocked library, allowing visitors to delve deeper into the fascinating story of this iconic Sri Lankan export.
For those seeking a more immersive experience, the on-site tea cafe offers the opportunity to savor a refreshing cup of freshly brewed Ceylon tea, completing the museum’s comprehensive exploration of this beloved beverage.
Cycling Experience
Embarking on the Tea Fields by Bicycle tour, visitors can expect an average difficulty cycling trail, stretching approximately 30 kilometers, mostly along gravel paths.
The duration of the tour is 4 to 5 hours, including a visit to the Ceylon Tea Museum.
Cyclists will traverse through a scenic landscape, surrounded by the bright green carpets of the tea fields and the distant purple mountains.
The tour culminates with a return to Kandy Lake via an off-road track in Heerassagala, offering a thrilling end to the cycling adventure.
Throughout the journey, you will be equipped with essential safety gear, including helmets, safety glasses, and reflector jackets, ensuring a comfortable and secure experience.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes a knowledgeable guide, essential safety equipment like helmets, safety glasses, and reflector jackets, as well as a backup vehicle and spare bicycles. This ensures a comfortable and secure cycling experience through the lush tea plantations.
However, the tour excludes food, drinks, and gratuities, which can be purchased separately. The tour isn’t suitable for individuals with low fitness levels, as the cycling trail is of average difficulty and covers approximately 30km of mostly gravel terrain.
The tour provides an immersive and scenic adventure, allowing participants to fully enjoy the beauty of Ceylon’s iconic tea fields.
- Includes: Tour guide, safety equipment, backup vehicle, spare bicycles
- Excludes: Food, drinks, gratuities
- Not suitable for: Individuals with low fitness levels
- Provides: Immersive, scenic adventure through Ceylon’s tea fields
Meeting Point and Cancellation
The tour conveniently starts at the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hantana, a meeting point that’s easily accessible from Kandy.
This historic tea factory, built in 1925, serves as the ideal starting point for your cycling adventure through the lush tea plantations.
Should you need to cancel your booking, you can do so up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund – providing you with the flexibility to adjust your plans as needed.
With free cancellation and an efficient check-in at the museum, you can look forward to a smooth and stress-free start to your tea fields exploration by bicycle.
Start Time and Duration
Punctuality is paramount as the tour commences at the prompt hour of 0830 hrs.
This four-hour cycling adventure through the lush tea fields promises to be a captivating experience:
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Enjoy the rich history and heritage of Ceylon tea as you explore the Ceylon Tea Museum.
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Set out on a scenic trail ride through the Hanthana Tea Plantation, taking in the breathtaking vistas of vibrant green tea carpets and distant purple mountains.
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Traverse approximately 30km of mostly gravel trails, ending your journey with a return to Kandy Lake.
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Reach your final destination around 1330 hrs, thoroughly invigorated by the cycling and the stunning natural surroundings.
Suitability
While the tour’s punctuality is paramount, the suitability of the cycling experience is equally crucial.
The Hanthana Tea Plantation trail ride is rated as an average difficulty, spanning approximately 30 kilometers through mostly gravel terrain. This adventure isn’t recommended for individuals with low fitness levels, as the duration can last up to 5 hours, including the visit to the Ceylon Tea Museum.
However, for those with a moderate level of physical fitness, the journey promises stunning vistas of bright green tea fields set against the backdrop of distant purple mountains.
The tour provides the necessary safety gear, ensuring a comfortable and secure cycling experience for all participants.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Bicycle for the Tour?
Participants can’t bring their own bicycles for the tour. The tour provides all necessary equipment, including helmets, safety glasses, and reflector jackets. This ensures a standardized and safe cycling experience for all participants.
Is the Tour Suitable for Children?
The tour may not be suitable for young children as it involves cycling on some gravel trails. There are no special arrangements for children, and the 30km distance could be challenging for those with lower fitness levels.
What Should I Wear for the Cycling Tour?
Wear comfortable, breathable clothing and sturdy, closed-toe shoes for the cycling tour. Bring layers in case the weather changes, and don’t forget sun protection like a hat and sunglasses. The tour provides helmets, safety glasses, and reflector jackets.
Are There Any Discounts Available for the Tour?
The tour operator doesn’t currently offer any discounts for the Tea Fields by Bicycle from Kandy tour. However, they do provide a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flexibility for customers.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Unfortunately, the tour itinerary can’t be customized. It’s a pre-designed experience focusing on the Ceylon Tea Museum and cycling through tea plantations. However, the tour provider may be open to special requests if you reach out to them directly.
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The Sum Up
Embark on an unforgettable adventure through Sri Lanka’s captivating tea fields. Cycle past lush plantations and majestic mountains, immersed in the rich heritage of Ceylon’s tea culture. This guided tour offers stunning vistas and ample photo opportunities, ensuring an unforgettable journey for adventure seekers. Don’t miss the chance to explore the Ceylon Tea Museum and discover the heart of this beloved beverage’s legacy.