Natural and Refined

Ceylon Tea Trails Extension

March 11 to 14, 2027
Cost: $2,500
Leader: Local Driver & Guide
Group Size: 6
Days: 4

Safari Overview

Embark on a luxurious journey through Sri Lanka’s breathtaking tea country, where rolling UNESCO-listed plantations, mist-veiled hills, and colonial-era estates invite you into a world of timeless elegance and natural beauty. Wander through emerald tea fields, breathe in the crisp mountain air, and witness the centuries-old art of crafting world-renowned Ceylon tea at an authentic working factory. Your retreat is the iconic Ceylon Tea Trails—Sri Lanka’s first Relais & Châteaux luxury resort—where you’ll stay in elegantly restored planter bungalows nestled amidst the highlands. Savor curated tea tastings, indulge in gourmet cuisine, and awaken each morning to panoramic views of the Castlereagh Valley. Adventure awaits beyond the teacup. Enjoy guided hikes through misty trails, bike rides past cascading waterfalls, or kayak across the serene Castlereagh Reservoir. This immersive tea experience is a perfect blend of luxury, heritage, and nature, offering a transformative escape in the heart of Sri Lanka’s highlands.

WHY CHOOSE THIS EXTENSION?

  • Exclusive Stay at Ceylon Tea Trails: Experience world-class luxury at Sri Lanka’s premier tea estate retreat, nestled in the breathtaking Central Highlands.
  • Explore Sri Lanka’s Famous Tea Plantations: Walk through lush green estates, meet expert tea pluckers, and learn the secrets behind Ceylon’s world-renowned tea.
  • Guided Tour of Dunkeld Tea Factory: Discover the intricate process of tea production, from handpicking two leaves and a bud to final packaging.
  • Scenic Outdoor Activities in the Highlands: Enjoy hiking, mountain biking, and kayaking with panoramic views of rolling hills and the Castlereagh Reservoir.
  • Relax in Tranquil Surroundings: Unwind in beautiful colonial-era bungalows, savor exquisite Ceylon tea, and indulge in fresh, locally inspired cuisine.

ENHACE YOUR TRIP

  • Begin your journey early on our Sri Lanka trip from February 22 to March 12, 2027. Encounter compelling wildlife, ancient history, and intriguing culture in this Island nation.

NOTABLE EXPERIENCES

Itinerary Updated: October 2025 Co-CEO/Co-Owner Krista Hanni, MS, PhD Private Trip Available



Print Trip
Date Description Lodge Meals
Mar 11 Travel from Galle to Hatton’s Tea Country. Scenic private transfer through Sri Lanka’s highlands. Ceylon Tea Trails B, L,D
Mar 12 Tea Estate Experience & Outdoor Adventures. Visit a working tea factory, hike picturesque trails, or kayak on the Castlereagh Reservoir. Ceylon Tea Trails B, L,D
Mar 13 Depart for home. You’ll be transferred back to Colombo and your flight home. B
Mar 14 Arrive home.

Our Trip Leaders

Local Driver & Guide

Your trip will be led by a skilled local naturalist with extensive knowledge of the region’s wildlife, landscapes, and cultural heritage. With years of guiding experience and a deep connection to the area, they ensure every guest gains a meaningful understanding of the destination. These experts are handpicked for their professionalism, passion, and ability to create memorable experiences. Your guide will be confirmed upon arrival and will accompany you throughout the extension.

Detailed Itinerary

A glimpse into our journey

Explore Ceylon Tea Trails

Mar 11

High Tea
© Resplendent Ceylon

Depart from Galle and embark on a scenic private transfer to Hatton, journeying through winding mountain roads, lush tea plantations, and misty valleys. Arrive at Ceylon Tea Trails, a luxury retreat set amidst rolling tea fields, where you’ll be welcomed with a refreshing cup of Ceylon’s finest tea. Spend the afternoon relaxing in your elegant colonial bungalow, strolling through the estate’s beautifully manicured gardens, or enjoying an optional afternoon high tea experience overlooking the picturesque Castlereagh Reservoir

Explore Ceylon Tea Trails

Mar 12

Kayaking
© Resplendent Ceylon

Wake up to crisp highland air and breathtaking sunrise views over the Central Highlands. After a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon tea, set out for a guided tour of the Dunkeld Tea Factory, where you’ll witness the traditional art of tea-making, from hand-plucking the tender leaves to drying, rolling, and fermenting the tea. Learn about the history of British colonial-era planters and how Sri Lanka became a global tea powerhouse.

The afternoon offers a variety of outdoor activities tailored to your interests. Choose to hike scenic tea trails, bike through rolling plantations, kayak on the tranquil Castlereagh Reservoir, or simply relax in your luxury bungalow with a book and a cup of handcrafted Ceylon tea

Depart Hatton after breakfast to return to Colombo for flights home

Mar 13

Savor a leisurely breakfast overlooking the misty tea fields, enjoying locally sourced cuisine before bidding farewell to this highland paradise. After breakfast, transfer to Colombo, where you’ll board your return flight home, carrying the flavors and memories of Sri Lanka’s legendary tea country.

Arrive Home

Mar 14

Arrive home with a deeper appreciation for Sri Lanka’s tea culture, its breathtaking landscapes, and the centuries-old traditions of Ceylon tea-making.

View Less Days View More Days

View Our Gallery


  • Cost & Payments
  • Included
  • Not Included
  • Climate
  • Fitness Level
  • Accommodations
  • Flights
  • Conservation
  • Conditions

Cost & Payments

Costs (in US$)

Type Cost Per Person
Trip Cost, double occupancy $2,795
Single Supplement $1,100

Costs are per person, double occupancy, not including airfare, singles extra. See Included and Not Included sections for more details.


Payment Schedule

Payment Due Date Amount Per Person
Payment is due with your main trip’s final payment; see Sri Lanka's itinerary for details.


Cancellations

Cancellations are non-transferrable. No refunds are given after the Final Payment due date.

Included

  • Carbon offsets for the duration of this trip.
  • Chauffer/guide
  • All activities unless described as optional.
  • Accommodations (double occupancy) for the nights of March 11 through March 12.
  • Meals from breakfast on March 11 through breakfast on March 13.
  • Beverages (including alcohol) while at Ceylon Tea Trails.
  • Transfers on March 11 from Galle to Ceylon Tea Trails and March 13 to the Colombo airport.
  • Trip Planning Materials – information about entry requirements, flights, packing, gratuities, etc.

Not Included

  • Carbon offsets for your flights to/from this trip.
  • All airfare, airport and departure taxes, and excess baggage fees.
  • Passport and visa fees.
  • Divergent airport transfers (arranged by us) and extra hotel nights.
  • Gratuities are not required at Ceylon Tea Trails, but feel free to leave a tip for the excellent service you will receive. We suggest tipping your driver to and from Hatton $15 a day per person for 2 days for a total of $30 per person.
  • Optional trip cancellation insurance.
  • Items of a personal nature such as laundry, telephone calls, medical costs or hospitalization, room service, items not on the regular menu, etc. If you have special dietary needs, please indicate them on your Traveler Form.

Climate

The temperature in Hatton in March typically falls between lows around 70°f to highs around 80°f. There is a chance of some rain.

Fitness Level

You can define your own activity level on this extension.  You can choose to relax on the beautiful grounds of the tea plantation or go for hikes or bike rides.

Flights

Detailed logistical information is included in the Trip Planning Materials we will send you.

Flights you book

  • If you are arriving from our Sri Lanka trip, see the Flights section in its itinerary for arrival information.
  • Depart from Colombo, Sri Lanka (CMB) after 5:00pm on March 13.

FAQ

Accommodations

The all-inclusive stay at Tea Trails lets you enjoy everything the bungalow offers. From tasty meals and outdoor activities to spa treatments, comfy rooms, and top-notch service, there’s a lot to savor and appreciate.

Seasickness

Transportation

Conservation

Our company ethos has always regarded conservation as inseparable from responsible tourism. We struggle with the dilemma that traveling worldwide expends climate-changing carbon. However, we wholeheartedly believe that traveling with us will cultivate your passion for conserving our beautiful world while stimulating each destination’s local economy. We encourage you to explore the various ways in which Cheesemans’ operates within this context:

  • Ecotourism and Conservation for Sri Lanka.
  • Cheesemans’ Trips are Carbon Neutral.
  • Offsetting your Travel to/from our Trip: We ask you to pledge to offset the carbon emissions for your travel to and from our trips. You can purchase offsets with most airlines (Delta includes them automatically), use our handy carbon calculator and donate to Sustainable Travel International, or contribute to your favorite offsetting organization.

Conditions

Read our current Terms and Conditions.