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Sri Lanka’s White Tea – a luxurious brew worth its weight in gold


Sri Lanka

COLOMBO: Sri Lanka, an island that brims with unparalleled beauty, is the fourth-largest tea producer globally. Amidst the lush greenery, not only black and green teas are cultivated, but also another delicate tea with each leaf nurtured with meticulous care known as the ‘White Tea’.

One such factory that produces Virgin White Tea, is nestled in the quaint village of Handunugoda. Herman Tea Factory beckons travellers from across the globe to partake in its tea-cultivating traditions.

A rarity among teas, White Tea is delicately harvested without human touch; its leaves delicately clipped with a pair of scissors made of gold, handled only with gloved hands and cradled in bowls made of gold.

Yet, it is not merely a beverage. Its potential health benefits include reducing the risk of skin, lung, and breast cancers, as well as mitigating heart disease, diabetes and stroke.

Herman Virgin White Tea

However, such luxury comes at a price. With 30 grams fetching a hefty sum of 16,000 Sri Lankan rupees (approx. PKR 15,038), White Tea remains a coveted indulgence for the discerning palate.

Handunugoda village boasts a rich tapestry of tea varieties and a timeless tradition in which female workers traverse the hilly terrain and pluck the tender tea leaves before sorting them.

Each morning, these dedicated workers emerge with their baskets ready to receive the nature’s bounty. From the plucking to the packaging, each stage of tea production is a testament to their dedication.

Herman Gurutne, owner of tea plantations

Herman Gurutne, the custodian of the tea plantations for over six decades, welcomes thousands of visitors monthly, offering them a taste of tea not found elsewhere. Adjacent to the factory lies the Handunugoda Tea Museum, a treasure trove of tea history and culture, where visitors can procure their own taste of the region’s finest brews.

Beyond the confines of the tea estate, towering rubber and coconut trees stand as guardians of the land, adding to the picturesque landscape around the village.

In this idyllic corner of Sri Lanka, where the air is infused with the aroma of freshly brewed tea, travellers find themselves immersed in a world where time slows, and the simple pleasures of life are savoured, one cup at a time.

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