Nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s picturesque hill country, the day excursion from Ella to the Lipton Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory promises an immersive exploration of the island’s rich tea heritage. Embarking on this private tour, visitors can expect to be captivated by the lush tea plantations and the breathtaking vistas from the Lipton Seat, where the legendary Sir Thomas Lipton himself once savored the panoramic views. With an English-speaking guide providing insights into the tea-making process at the historic Dambatenne Factory, this excursion offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the traditions that have shaped Sri Lanka’s renowned tea industry. From the convenient hotel pickup to the comfortable transportation, every aspect of this journey has been meticulously planned to ensure an unforgettable experience.
Key Points
- The day excursion includes a visit to the Lipton Seat viewpoint and the Dambatenne Tea Factory, with hotel pickup and drop-off services.
- The tour is a private group activity with an English-speaking driver-cum-guide accompanying the group throughout the journey.
- The tour duration varies depending on traffic and weather conditions, and it is subject to rescheduling due to unfavorable weather.
- The tour package includes bottled water, private vehicle transport, and complimentary WiFi, but excludes food, drinks, and entrance tickets.
- Participants must adhere to cultural considerations, such as proper attire and footwear removal when entering temples, and refrain from photographing or touching monks.
Tour Overview
This day excursion from Ella, Sri Lanka takes visitors on a journey to the renowned Lipton Seat and the Dambatenne Tea Factory.
It’s a private tour, so only your group will participate. The duration of the transfers is approximate and depends on the time of day and traffic conditions.
Confirmation is received at booking, and a valid passport is required for travel. The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions, and cancellations due to poor weather will allow for an alternative date.
Bottled water, private vehicle transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off, and English-speaking driver cum guide are all included.
WiFi is complimentary during the journey, subject to availability.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Nuwara Eliya.
Inclusions
The day excursion includes bottled water and transport by private vehicle, along with hotel pickup and drop-off services.
Complimentary WiFi is available during the travel, subject to availability. An English-speaking driver-cum-guide accompanies the group throughout the tour.
However, the cost of food, drinks (unless specified), gratuities, and entrance tickets aren’t included in the package.
The tour price varies depending on the group size, and the lowest price is guaranteed.
Visitors can cancel their booking up to 24 hours before the experience starts without any penalties.
Pickup Information
The day excursion starts at 8:00 am. Customers can select a pickup point from a list of options, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time).
The price of the tour varies by group size, but there’s a lowest price guarantee. The pickup and drop-off service are included in the tour, along with:
- Bottled water
- Transport by private vehicle
- Complimentary WiFi during travel (subject to availability)
- English-speaking driver cum guide
Health and Safety Requirements
Individuals with heart problems or serious medical conditions may not be able to partake in this day excursion, as it requires a moderate level of physical fitness.
The tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, so guests must be able to navigate uneven terrain and walk comfortably. Wearing proper shoes is recommended, as the tour involves both indoor and outdoor activities.
For safety reasons, infants must sit on laps during the transportation.
Visitors to Buddhist and Hindu temples should remove their footwear and cover their shoulders and knees before entering the sacred sites.
Cultural Considerations
Visitors to the Buddhist and Hindu temples during this day excursion must adhere to cultural norms by removing their footwear before entering the sacred sites.
Plus, shoulders and knees should be covered to show respect.
Some other cultural considerations include:
- Avoiding pointing feet towards the deity or Buddha statues, as this is considered disrespectful.
- Refraining from touching or photographing monks, as they take a vow of celibacy.
- Speaking in a soft, respectful manner while inside the temples.
- Avoiding the use of flash photography, as it can be disruptive to the peaceful atmosphere.
Ratings and Reviews
How does the overall rating for this day excursion to Lipton Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory compare to other similar tours?
Based on the information provided, the tour has a 4.0 overall rating, which isn’t the highest possible rating of 5 stars. However, it’s important to note that the rating is based on just a single review, so it may not be fully representative of the tour’s quality.
The tour operator states that all reviews are checked for authenticity, which suggests they take feedback seriously.
Ultimately, the moderate rating indicates this is a decent tour, but prospective customers should consider other factors beyond just the rating when deciding if it’s the right choice for them.
Transportation and Transfers
This day excursion includes transportation by private vehicle, with hotel pickup and drop-off provided.
The approximate duration of transfers depends on the time of day and traffic conditions. Complimentary WiFi is available during the journey, subject to availability.
The excursion also features an English-speaking driver cum guide who’ll accompany the group throughout the tour.
The pricing for this experience varies based on the group size, with a lowest price guarantee. Guests are advised to select a pickup point, and can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the start of the tour.
- Private vehicle transportation
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Complimentary WiFi during travel
- English-speaking driver cum guide
Flexibility and Cancellation
At the time of booking, travelers are able to select a pickup point for the excursion. This allows for flexibility in starting the tour.
Plus, there’s a free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience begins, giving customers the option to change their plans if needed.
The tour is subject to favorable weather conditions, and any cancellations due to poor weather will allow for an alternative date. This ensures the tour can proceed safely and enjoyably.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Time Will We Arrive Back in Ella?
The return time to Ella is not specified in the tour overview. The duration of the transfers depends on the time of day and traffic conditions, so the exact return time can’t be determined from the information provided.
Can We Stop for Lunch/Snacks During the Tour?
Yes, the tour includes stops for travelers to purchase lunch or snacks during the excursion. The tour itinerary allows for breaks where visitors can sample local cuisine and refreshments at their own expense.
Do We Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?
The tour doesn’t require any special equipment. Travelers should wear comfortable walking shoes and bring sun protection. Umbrellas or rain jackets may be needed if there’s inclement weather. Participants won’t need to bring any specialized gear for this excursion.
Can We Customize the Tour Itinerary?
Yes, the tour itinerary can be customized. Travelers can coordinate with the tour operator to adjust the schedule, activities, or destinations according to their preferences, though this may incur additional fees or require advance notice.
Is Photography Allowed at the Tea Factory?
Photography is generally allowed at the Dambatenne Tea Factory, though visitors should seek permission from the staff before taking photos. Some areas may have restrictions due to safety or privacy concerns.
Recap
Set out on a captivating day excursion from Ella to the stunning Lipton Seat and the historic Dambatenne Tea Factory. With an immersive experience exploring lush tea plantations, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views and gain insights into the tea-making process. This private tour promises an unforgettable journey into Sri Lanka’s tea heritage, with comfortable transport and an English-speaking guide for a seamless experience.
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