Nuawara Eliya: Horton Plains and Tea All-Inclusive Tour

The ‘Nuawara Eliya: Horton Plains and Tea All-Inclusive Tour’ offers a unique opportunity to take in the natural splendor of Sri Lanka. Venturing into the UNESCO-recognized Horton Plains National Park, visitors can embark on guided hikes to witness the park’s endemic wildlife and serene landscapes. But the adventure doesn’t end there – the tour also includes a visit to a thriving tea plantation, where participants can gain insights into the country’s renowned tea industry. With a flexible cancellation policy and all-inclusive pricing, this tour promises a seamless and unforgettable experience for those seeking to uncover Sri Lanka’s treasures. What more could one desire from an all-encompassing exploration of this picturesque destination?

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Tours In Nuwara Eliya.

Key Points

• This guided tour offers an all-inclusive experience exploring Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and visiting a renowned tea plantation.
• The tour includes a 6 AM start to hike the park’s nature trails and witness endemic wildlife like Rhino-horned and Hump-nosed Lizards, as well as unique highland birds.
• Visitors can tour a working tea factory and learn about Sri Lanka’s thriving tea industry, which accounts for 25% of global tea exports.
• The tour package provides hotel pick-up and drop-off, entry fees, a guided tea plantation tour, and lunch, though some reviewers note issues with the actual tour duration.
• While the tour offers flexible cancellation, there are concerns around safety and organization, with mixed feedback on value for money and service quality.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The tour, titled ‘Nuawara Eliya: Horton Plains and Tea All-Inclusive Tour,’ is priced from €100.44 per person and takes place over the course of 10 hours.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Visitors can reserve their spot now and pay later, without any upfront payment.

The tour offers an early start at 6 AM to explore the Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It includes a guided walk along nature trails to the famous World’s End viewpoint.

Participants will also have the opportunity to visit a tea plantation and working tea factory, as well as enjoy lunch at the Summer Hill Breeze.

Itinerary Highlights

Kicking off the tour at an early 6:00 AM, visitors explore the renowned Horton Plains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, through a guided walk along nature trails leading to the iconic viewpoint known as World’s End.

Along the way, they’ll encounter an array of endemic wildlife, including the captivating Rhino-horned and Hump-nosed Lizards, a variety of highland birds like the Sri Lanka White-eye and Dull-blue Flycatcher, as well as Bear Monkeys and Sambar deer.

The tour also includes a visit to the picturesque Bakers Waterfall before heading to the Summer Hill Breeze for a delightful lunch.

Afterward, you will explore the world of Ceylon Tea, with a tour of a working Tea Plantation and Factory.

Tea Industry Facts

Ceylon Tea is the most famous tea globally, with Sri Lanka accounting for approximately 25% of world tea exports, totaling around 300 million kilograms.

Over 200,000 hectares in the country are dedicated to tea cultivation, making it a crucial part of Sri Lanka’s economy and cultural heritage.

The country’s ideal climate and fertile soil have contributed to the production of high-quality tea that’s sought after worldwide.

Sri Lankan tea plantations follow sustainable practices, ensuring the protection of the environment and the well-being of their workers.

The tea industry in Sri Lanka has a long and storied history, dating back to the 19th century when the British first introduced tea cultivation to the island nation.

Inclusions and Exclusions

This tour package includes a range of services to provide a comprehensive experience, such as pick-up and drop-off from hotels in Nuwara Eliya, entry fees to Horton Plains National Park, a guided tour of a tea plantation and factory, an English-speaking local guide, and lunch at Bakers Cafe.

All government taxes are also covered, and tips for the guides are expected.

However, the tour doesn’t include other expenses not mentioned in the inclusions, and it’s not suitable for pregnant women or individuals with back problems.

While the tour offers a diverse itinerary, the customer reviews suggest some issues with the overall organization and value for money, which potential visitors should consider before booking.

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Customer Reviews and Feedback

According to the available customer reviews, the Horton Plains and Tea Tour received an overall rating of 1 out of 5, with mixed feedback across various aspects of the experience.

Reviewers criticized the value for money, rating it 2 out of 5, citing the tour duration being shorter than advertised.

Safety was also a concern, scoring 2 out of 5, with complaints about an unqualified driver.

The service and organization of the tour fared slightly better, scoring 3 and 2 out of 5 respectively, though issues like lack of communication and poor conditions at the tea factory were noted.

Tour Duration and Cancellation Policy

The Horton Plains and Tea Tour is advertised as a 10-hour experience, though some reviewers noted the actual duration was shorter than promised.

The tour also offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing customers to receive a full refund if their plans change. This flexible cancellation policy provides peace of mind for those booking the tour, as it enables them to adjust their itinerary without penalty if necessary.

However, the discrepancy between the advertised and actual tour duration is a concern that prospective customers should be aware of.

Encounter With Endemic Wildlife

Visitors to Horton Plains National Park can expect to encounter a variety of endemic wildlife, including the distinctive Rhino-horned and Hump-nosed Lizards, as well as an array of highland birds such as the Sri Lanka White-eye and Dull-blue Flycatcher.

While exploring the park’s nature trails, you might also spot the elusive Bear Monkeys and majestic Sambar deer roaming the lush landscapes. The experience of observing these fascinating creatures in their natural habitat is truly captivating and memorable.

The diverse wildlife found in Horton Plains is a testament to the park’s ecological significance and the importance of preserving Sri Lanka’s natural heritage.

• Discover the unique Rhino-horned and Hump-nosed Lizards

• Spot the vibrant Sri Lanka White-eye and Dull-blue Flycatcher

• Catch a glimpse of the agile Bear Monkeys

• Marvel at the graceful Sambar deer

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Tour?

The dress code for this tour is generally casual and comfortable. Participants should wear lightweight, breathable clothing and sturdy walking shoes suitable for hiking on uneven terrain. Protection from the sun, such as a hat and sunscreen, is also recommended.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are typically allowed to bring their own food and drinks on tours. However, it’s best to check the tour details or with the tour operator beforehand, as some tours may have restrictions or include meals and refreshments as part of the package.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?

There are no explicit age restrictions mentioned for this tour. However, it is not recommended for pregnant women or individuals with back problems due to the nature of the activities involved. The tour may not be suitable for very young children.

Can I Take Photographs During the Tea Factory Visit?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs during the tea factory visit. However, some factories may have restrictions to protect sensitive production areas or processes. It’s best to check with the tour guide or factory staff beforehand.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

According to the knowledge provided, the standard tour duration is 10 hours. However, there’s no mention of an option to extend the tour duration. Customers would need to inquire with the tour operator about the possibility of arranging a longer tour.

Recap

The ‘Nuawara Eliya: Horton Plains and Tea All-Inclusive Tour’ offers an immersive exploration of Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.

Travelers can experience guided nature trails, encounter endemic wildlife, and visit a working tea plantation, with all entry fees included.

The tour’s flexible cancellation policy and positive customer reviews ensure a hassle-free experience for visitors seeking to discover the country’s stunning landscapes and rich tea heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: