The tea estates around Beragala and Haputale are among the most beautiful in Sri Lanka. On this experience you join the people who pick it, and take on the speed challenge of tea leaf plucking.
What you do
- The plucking technique: guided by experienced estate pluckers, you walk into the terraced bushes and learn the golden rule: "two leaves and a bud". Only the tender topmost leaves make high-quality tea, and picking them takes real precision.
- The speed challenge: professional pluckers glide through the rows and pick 15 kg or more a day. Most visitors manage a small handful in the same time.
- Leaf inspection: at the end of the session your harvest is checked to see how many of your leaves would make the grade.
- Dressing the part: where available, wear the plucker's basket, and even a saree or sarong, for the full experience.
Priced per person. Choose the number of people in your group when you book.
Good to know
- Meeting point: Beragala town. The local team meets you there and leads the way; the site is about 30 minutes away.
- Group size: up to 10 guests per vehicle. Roads to some locations are too narrow for large coaches.
Getting there
Transport is not included. Travel in your own vehicle to Beragala town, where the local team meets you and guides you to the start. If you are not travelling with a vehicle, one can be arranged on request at an extra cost.
