Long before Ella became one of Sri Lanka’s most sought-after travel destinations, the hills surrounding the region were already home to a legacy that would introduce the world to the finest Ceylon Tea. 

Nestled amidst lush tea plantations, Newburgh Ella – The Tea Factory Resort by Browns Hotels & Resorts invites guests and visitors to discover this remarkable heritage through its signature Tea Factory Tour Experience—an immersive journey through a historic tea factory that has stood for more than 120 years. 

Built by renowned planter George Thomson in 1903, the story of Newburgh Tea Factory predates one of Ella’s most photographed landmarks—the Nine Arches Bridge, completed in 1921. While the bridge became a symbol of Sri Lanka’s railway heritage, the tea factory was already part of a much older narrative, producing Ceylon Tea that travelled across the world. 

Today, the former tea factory has been transformed into a distinctive 41-room heritage resort by Browns Hotels & Resorts, preserving the character of its tea-making past while offering guests an immersive hospitality experience. The legacy also lives on through many former tea factory employees who are now part of the resort team, welcoming guests with their personal memories, knowledge and connection to Newburgh’s tea story. 

The Tea Factory Tour Experience takes visitors beyond a cup of tea, revealing the fascinating journey from plantation to factory floor. 

The one-hour guided experience begins with a walk through the resort’s tea plantation, where guests discover the art of cultivation, the influence of Ella’s climate and altitude, and the traditional technique of selecting the finest “two leaves and a bud” for premium Ceylon Tea. 

Guests are then welcomed into the historic factory with a cultural greeting before exploring its preserved interiors, vintage machinery and authentic equipment that bring the past to life.  

The walkthrough reveals every stage of tea production, including withering, rolling, oxidation, drying and grading, while explaining how each process shapes the flavour, aroma and character of the final product. Visitors also learn the differences between black tea and green tea production, gaining a deeper appreciation of the craftsmanship behind every variety. 

The experience concludes with a curated tea tasting session, where guests explore Newburgh Ella’s selection of teas and discover the art of tea appreciation. 

Following the tour, visitors can unwind with a freshly brewed cup of tea while enjoying spectacular views of the Ella Gap, or dine at the Eastern Valley Restaurant, where Pan Asian cuisine is served against breathtaking mountain and valley landscapes. 

Available daily at 10.30 a.m., 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m., the Tea Factory Tour Experience is open to both in-house guests and outside visitors through advance reservations. 

Drawing on the legacy of Browns Plantations, the world’s largest tea producer, Newburgh Ella offers a distinctive journey into the story of Ceylon Tea. Combining authentic tea heritage, generations of expertise and Sri Lankan hospitality, the Tea Factory Tour offers visitors a rare opportunity to follow the journey from plantation to cup, in a setting where the story of tea has been preserved for more than a century.