We start with Sri Lanka and, more specifically, Nuwara Eliya. A visit to the country necessarily requires a detour to the tea plantations of the region. To get there, travelers usually have to take the train, which, as the journey progresses, sinks into the fog of the mountains of the island's center. Nuwara Eliya is ►
We start with Sri Lanka and, more specifically, Nuwara Eliya. A visit to the country necessarily requires a detour to the tea plantations of the region. To get there, travelers usually have to take the train, which, as the journey progresses, sinks into the fog of the mountains of the island's center. Nuwara Eliya is almost 1900 meters above sea level; landscapes more beautiful than the others are revealed during each bend. Between eucalyptus forests, rivers, waterfalls, and tea plantations, you will be dazzled. In the tea plantations, you can witness a real show with the pickers and their huge bags. The picking is done by hand, and you will see the tea factory a little further. In Nuwara Eliya, there are several like this, including Mackwoods Labookellie, which offers free tours to learn more about harvesting and consuming tea. You will finish with a tasting. In Mae Salong, found in the province of Chiang Rai in northern Thailand, tea plantations are famous. To get there, you must show determination since the trail is quite tricky, with a mountain road going up and down. The place is nearly 1,400 meters above sea level, making it ideal for tea cultivation. The variety of tea produced is called Oolong, which means black dragon in Chinese. Moreover, the best-known producers are the 101 Tea plantation and Wang Put Tan. Tastings and on-site shopping are possible in this place. While at it, visit Wat Santakhiri temple to admire the tea plantations in the distance. Then, to visit one of the best tea cultivations in the world, you have to go to the south of China in Hangzhou. In the middle of the mountains, the terroir of Long Jing green tea is at its peak, and it is even considered to be the most prestigious of all Chinese teas. The plantations are done in terraces, thus lining the slopes of the mountains that rise all around. In addition, Long Jing tea is one of the few teas that is harvested and processed by hand. The drying process is done by hand in large heated containers to prevent oxidation. The terms Xi Hu Long Jing certify this tea's high quality and authenticity. Tea plantations in Asia also extend into the region of Japan. Located near Kyoto province, Uji Plantation is famous for its gyokuro, matcha, and sencha harvest. These mythical plantations will transport you to a whole new world, and after that, you can take the opportunity to learn more about the tea ceremony. In Asia, Vietnam also has its share of surprises in store with one of its most beautiful plantations, the Moc Chau plateau. Thousands of hectares of greenery host the best black teas in the world, green tea, and oolong tea. In this place, the harvest occurs in April, and learning how to pick tea is possible for curious visitors. You can also learn more about the exploitation of tea in the region and the manufacturing process. Then, the preparation and tasting of tea are done at the end of the visit. Of course, it is impossible to forget Malaysia. Two tea plantations can be visited there: Boh Plantation and Cameron Highlands. Boh Plantations is one of Malaysia's most prominent black tea manufacturers, and the house of tea for tasting is worth the detour. To get to Cameron Highlands, take the hiking trail from Tanah Rata to come across rows of tea trees and the number one tea house to attend a ceremony for the preparation of this sacred beverage. To learn more about one of the oldest tea plants in the world, you have to go to Laos. It has existed for almost 400 years and is located in Ban Kaomen. The trees over 6 meters tall are impressive before the leaves are made into green tea. One of the specialties of this plantation is rice liquor with green tea that appeals to travelers looking for new flavors. Finally, you must go to Java in Indonesia to discover the Ciator tea plantation. This place is simply breathtaking and offers incredible views of the entire region. ◄
