The rich scent of Cinnamon and the views of lush green tea fields can lead one into a sensory journey unlike other. Renowned for its famed Ceylon Tea and “true Cinnamon”, Sri Lanka is full of aromatic spices and herbs to explore. For travellers seeking authentic experiences in this island nation, the rich heritage, culture and tradition in Galle and Koggala stand out. Nestled along the tip of the Southern coast of the island, The Fortress Resort & Spa, one of the charming hotels in Koggala, Sri Lanka, invites you to explore the island’s rich tea and cinnamon culture.
A Glimpse into Sri Lanka’s Tea Heritage
The history of Sri Lanka’s tea heritage dates back to the colonial era, when British planters transformed the nation’s highlands into lush tea fields following failed attempts at Coffee and Cocoa plantations. Renowned internationally as Ceylon Tea, tea has become a staple in daily Sri Lankan life, from breakfast in the morning to stalls and restaurants serving tea as a staple beverage. While most of the tea plantations are located in the highlands of the country, Galle’s close proximity to the tea plantations in the South, along with its golden sandy beaches, makes it a destination ideal to experience tea culture while enjoying the waves of the sea.
Tea Experiences in and around Galle
If you want to witness the process of tea making and understand the history and importance of tea to Sri Lanka, then you cannot skip out on visiting the Handunugoda Tea Factory, which offers one of the most unique tea experiences in the nation. Known for producing Virgin White Tea, the rarest type of White Tea made according to the ancient art of Chinese tea making, this factory ensures that not only the flavour, but the essence and purity of White Tea remains.
Cinnamon | Sri Lanka’s “Golden Spice”
Before Ceylon Tea rose to fame, Ceylon Cinnamon was the star of Sri Lanka’s exports. Known as the “Golden Spice”, the island nation is the world’s largest producer and exporter of “pure cinnamon”, with a distinguishable taste of sweetness and many health benefits attached to the spice. With traditional estates preserving traditional harvesting and processing practices that have remained for centuries, the southern region can be regarded as a cinnamon hub. Cinnamon Island, located near the serene waters of Koggala Lake, is home to family run plantations with centuries of history, reflecting the island’s deep connection to the “Queen of Spices”.
Cinnamon Experiences in Koggala
Add a flavorful adventure to your southern coast getaway with a Cinnamon Plantation Tour in Koggala, just minutes from our resort. You can not only witness first hand how skilled workers strip, dry and process Cinnamon bark into the aromatic spice we know and love, but even get to try your own hand at peeling the bark.
The influence of this “Golden Spice” extends beyond its agricultural and export value, as it plays a key role in flavouring local cuisine, from spicy curries and rice to desserts, beverages and herbal medicine. You can also witness the fragrant use of this spice in luxury wellness and skincare in Sri Lanka, due to its many benefits promoting health and vitality.
Experiencing the rich story behind cinnamon will only add to your authentic cultural experience while you enjoy a comfortable stay at our charming boutique hotel in Koggala.
Blending culture, history, and scenery with the serene beauty of nature, the golden sandy beaches, and the rich history paved in cobbled stone paths and buildings, your cultural experience in southern Sri Lanka is only amplified by the experience of tea and cinnamon culture. Visit the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take a stroll down the streets full of bustling cafes and stalls. If you’re feeling more adventurous, go scuba diving in Unawatuna or surf with the exciting waves in Weligama. Whatever your favourite way to spend your coastal getaway is, Galle and Koggala have something for everyone.
