A visit to this paradise island would always give the discerning traveller a unique experience as it gives easy access to many a change of sceneries within a few hours drive inland. Take a trip to Nuwara Eliya to spend a relaxing holiday amidst the lush green tea plantations and to feel the refreshing nip in the air.
Located within the close vicinity to the Nuwara Eliya town, Oliphant Estate is situated between Ramboda and Nuwara Eliya. The significance of this tea plantation is that it is known to be the home for the first thirty tea plants brought down to the country from China. This tea plantation was owned by Lawrence Oliphant and with the thirty tea plants, he expanded his estate to 100 acres.
Sri Lanka boasts of a great history when it comes to the tea industry. Tea was initially introduced to the South Asian region during the British colonization, who fell in love with the delicate Chinese beverage. According to the historical records of the tea plantation, Sir Andrew Oliphant and his son Lawrence Oliphant wanted their estate to be the first to grow tea in the island. As a result they used the thirty tea plants smuggled from China, making the Oliphant Estate in Nuwara Eliya the first tea estate to grow tea in Sri Lanka.
However, Lawrence Oliphant’s tea plantation in Nuwara Eliya did not reach the success that they expected. Tea industry in Sri Lanka actually started to flourish when James Taylor initiated the first full scale tea plantation in 1867 with the conversion of failed coffee plantations into tea. Today tea is considered as one of the main export products in the island. Nevertheless, a visit to the Oliphant Estate will give the visitors an insight into the historical background of the tea industry in Sri Lanka. Above all, it would be a refreshing trip to the Oliphant Estate along the winding roads of the hill country.
Apart from the Oliphant Estate, travellers can visit the Haggala Botanical Garden, Nuwara Eliya Botanical Garden, Ramboda Falls and Ambewela dairy farm when holidaying in Nuwara Eliya. For those who are looking for Nuwara Eliya hotels for accommodation, one of the best options available is the Jetwing St. Andrew’s. Set amidst cool mountains, this hotel in Nuwara Eliya would offer all modern amenities for a comfortable stay in the hill station.
