I recently returned from another trip to Sri Lanka—my second in six months. The gentleman at immigration in Sri Lanka raised his eyebrows as he perused my passport, making a comment about the frequency of my visits. I smiled widely and told him that if everyone around the world were as friendly as the Sri Lankan people, there might be fewer troubles in the world. He beamed a knowing smile and welcomed me back.
You might imagine that my response was crafted to elicit a shorter delay at border control, but in reality, my words were entirely genuine. If you have never traveled to Sri Lanka, you are missing out on one of the most welcoming destinations on this planet. This tiny island nation is bursting with beauty in every facet.
I am aware that my audience reading this blog expects an article about tea, but please indulge me for just a bit. It is impossible to fully appreciate the wonderful tea that Sri Lanka produces without understanding the country in which it is grown and the people who nurture the plants, coaxing out their incredible flavors. Ceylon tea is a product of love.
Winding through the misty hills of the Hill Country, a traveler cannot help but wonder about the stories of the past—the rich history of the land, the lasting impact of three (some would argue four) colonizing nations, and the perseverance of the people who took what was left and made it their own. The Sri Lankan landscape is adorned with remnants of Dutch, Portuguese, and British architecture. Each plantation is marked by the squat design of an English bungalow, nestled somewhere with a view of the estate. Many of these have been converted into tea-garden homestays, where tourists can stay and walk the estates, witnessing the tea-growing and harvesting process firsthand.
As you traverse the hills, vistas open to reveal areas where once-neglected gardens are being revived. Large, rambling bushes are being cut back, overgrown paths cleared, and crumbling walls repaired. The tea industry in Sri Lanka remains vibrant, having weathered worker shortages, lagging supply chains, and factory closures during the pandemic. As the trend of non-alcoholic adult beverages expands, an increasing number of value-added tea options are emerging. Sparkling iced teas and tea mocktails are taking center stage during cocktail hour, challenging traditional sodas for market share.
A visit to Serendib would not be complete without touring a tea factory and sampling some of the vast array of teas produced on the island. I am thrilled that the Tea4u brand holds its own against many of the higher-priced novelty brands gaining popularity.
When was the last time you had a cup of tea? What is your favorite? What new tea are you excited to try? And most importantly—when are you going to visit the Jewel Island, stand in a plantation, and simply breathe?
Keep brewing
Jane