In celebration of National Tea Day (21 April), the meaningful travel experts at Rickshaw Travel have compiled a list of their top tea-themed trips. From staying in the home of a tea planter family in India, exploring the emerald tea hills in Sri Lanka to checking out a traditional Chinese tea house in China, there are plenty to choose from.
India
Explore Assam, a rarely-visited region of India, where you will sip on more tea than you could ever imagine amongst its endless tea hills. On your trip you will stay with a leading planter family and learn all about the local art of tea picking, drinking and planting. And to top it off you will spend a day on safari in Kaziranga National Park – be sure to keep your eyes peeled for tigers, monkey and sambar deer.
| Duration: | 4 days / 3 nights | |
| Location: | Guwahati/Sampdruk Jongkhar – Kaziranga National Park – Jorhat | |
| Prices from: | £585 – per person – Standard accommodation |
Embrace the wonderful, unique atmosphere of Darjeeling, a town nestled in the shadow of Kanchenjunga, one of the highest mountains in the Himalayas. You will head to Darjeeling on the legendary toy train, passing through Emerald tea fields as you go, before arriving in the town to explore its ramshackle streets and local market stalls. There is also opportunities to visit Buddhist Monasteries and catch a scenic sunrise at the top of Tiger Hill.
| Duration: | 3 days / 2 nights |
| Location: | Darjeeling |
| Prices from: | £345 – per person – Standard accommodation £498 – per person – In Style accommodation |
The cool mountain air, spectacular views and vibrant valleys help to make Munnar a must-visit destination. Spend a few days unwinding amongst the emerald green tea plantations before heading to the local museum to learn about the history of tea-growing in this area – be sure to sample all the different brews on offer!
| Duration: | 3 days / 2 nights |
| Location: | Munnar |
| Prices from: | £218 – per person – Standard accommodation £418 – per person – In Style accommodation |
Sri Lanka
Explore the Emerald Valleys of Ella
Gaze upon the Sri Lankan countryside as you make your way to Ella by train, enjoying the rolling landscape of tea hills and endless valleys. Your hillside hotel makes the perfect base before heading out on an adventure. Hike to Little Adam’s Peak and Ella rock where you will wander through several tea plantations and discover picturesque waterfalls.
| Duration: | 3 days / 2 nights (flexible) |
| Location: | Nuwara Eliya – Ella |
| Prices from: | £325 – per person – Standard accommodation £345 – per person – In Style accommodation |
Indonesia
This trip takes you in to rural Indonesia. Leave behind the busy streets of Bandung as you head to Lembang, a small town surrounded by volcanic hills, tea plantations and glistening waterfalls. As you take a hike through the countryside, a guide will share the tricks of the trade when it comes to local tea production.
| Duration: | 3 days / 2 nights |
| Location: | Bandung – Lembang – Bandung |
| Prices from: | £268 – per person – Standard accommodation £375 – per person – In Style accommodation |
Japan
Learn the art of Sake making and indulge in a tasting tour as you explore the picturesque mountain and river views of the Sanmachi-suji district in Takayama. Spend two nights getting lost in the charm of this atmospheric town and taking in its spectacular views.
| Duration: | 3 days / 2 nights |
| Location: | Takayama |
| Prices from: | £465 – per person – Standard accommodation £648 – per person – In Style accommodation |
Malaysia
As you wander through the rows of fragrant tea leaves you will soon discover why The Cameron Highlands is one of the most beautiful areas in Malaysia. With tea plantations aplenty, the views across the highlands are breath-taking throughout the day. During your tour, you will stay in a unique hotel for two nights and spend your days taking in the fresh, crisp air whilst relaxing in the rolling hills with a brew.
| Duration: | 3 days / 2 nights |
| Location: | Cameron Highlands |
| Prices from: | £158 – per person – Standard accommodation £228 – per person – In Style accommodation |
China
This trip will take you into the heart of China’s teahouse culture. Spend two nights in Chengdu where you’ll be welcomed by friendly locals and enjoy mouth-watering food before heading off to visit the giant pandas. Be sure to immerse yourself in the relaxed pace of life as you check out old Chinese shops and trial the traditional cuisine.
| Duration: | 3 days / 2 nights |
| Location: | Chengdu |
| Prices from: | £148 – per person – Standard accommodation£198 – per person – In Style accommodation |
Myanmar
Home to colonial buildings, tiny churches and several mesmerising mansions, the town of Pyin Oo Lwin in the Shan highlands is the perfect location to tuck into Burmese high tea. During your trip you will stay at a charming chalet style hotel and explore the expanding town by bicycle – keep your eyes peeled for all of the impressive architecture!
| Duration: | 3 days / 2 nights (flexible) |
| Location: | Pyin Oo Lwin |
| Prices from: | £148 – per person – Standard accommodation£218 – per person – In Style accommodation |
Please note: All prices correct at time of release but may be subject to change – please refer to the www.rickshawtravel.co.uk for the latest pricing information
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About Rickshaw Travel
Rickshaw Travel is an independent tour operator based in Brighton. They are committed to providing enriching, immersive travel experiences that take holidaymakers off the beaten path and into the heart of local communities.
Meaningful travel – or travelling in a way that everybody benefits from – is the core ethos of Rickshaw: the traveller benefits from enriching experiences where they learn something new (about the destination, culture, a skill or about themselves) and at the same time the local people, animals and/or environment benefit too.
Rickshaw Travel’s individual approach to independent exploration enables adventurous holidaymakers to visit the heart of a destination and experience the real spirit of a local culture. Rickshaw specialises in offering small-scale, authentic accommodation that truly reflects the character of each destination.
Rickshaw are proud to have built up a team of passionate Travel Specialists who each have extensive travel experience in their own dedicated destinations. They pride themselves on being open and honest about the places they have visited and are on hand to inspire and support travellers. The company’s style of travel is unique – Rickshaw’s dedicated Product Team has worked alongside the company’s in-destination partners to create a choice of carefully selected bite-size trips, typically 2-4 days long, which can be combined to create the perfect itinerary. Rickshaw’s bite-size trips include a range of local excursions, charming authentic accommodation and some transfers to ensure a hassle-free holiday.
Protecting nature and wildlife – and encouraging travellers to do the same – is also key for the Rickshaw team. The company has partnered with World Animal Protection to develop an Animal Welfare Policy, has committed to supporting the end of elephant riding by signing World Animal Protection’s elephant-friendly pledge, and is in the process of auditing trips involving any type of wild animal interaction.
Rickshaw Travel now offers trips in 24 destinations across Asia, Central and South America, including Cuba, Vietnam, Myanmar, Thailand, India, Costa Rica, Peru, Borneo, Indonesia, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Chile, Brazil and Japan. The company’s turnover and passengers carried increased by 50% from 2015 to 2017 and the company is aiming for a further 30% increase by 2019.
