The Dilmah Tea and Cinnamon experience at Genesis

Dilmah tea tasting

Dilmah, believes that every cup of tea and every hint of cinnamon carries a story worth telling. The Dilmah Tea and Cinnamon Experience was created to share that story, inviting visitors to discover the heritage, craftsmanship, and culture behind two of Sri Lanka’s most treasured gifts to the world.

Located at Genesis, the original Dilmah office in Maligawatte, the Experience is designed not as a traditional museum, but as a journey. From the moment guests step in, they are guided through an engaging narrative that brings together history, people, and place in a way that is both simple and meaningful.

The journey begins with the origins of tea and cinnamon. Many visitors are surprised to learn about Ceylon Cinnamon, known as true cinnamon, which is native to Sri Lanka and very different from the more common cassia found elsewhere. Its history dates back over 2500 years, and it was highly prized by ancient civilisations such as the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans, at times valued even more than gold. Its extraordinary worth also drew colonial powers to the island, with the Portuguese and later the Dutch seeking control of Ceylon largely to dominate the lucrative cinnamon trade. It is often a fascinating discovery that transforms how one views a familiar spice.

Tea’s story stretches back to ancient China, where it was first discovered and cherished, before making its way to Europe and Britain, where it grew immensely popular. It was this rising demand in Britain that ultimately paved the way for tea to be introduced to Ceylon. The British had established coffee on the island, even as they were introducing tea in India, and Ceylon soon became a globally renowned coffee producer. This success, however, was short lived, as a devastating leaf disease destroyed the crop, bringing widespread economic hardship. From this period of uncertainty emerged tea, with the pioneering work of James Taylor laying the foundation for what would become one of the world’s most celebrated teas.

To bring this history to life, the Experience includes a short and informative video that sets the stage for what follows. Guests are then taken through the tea manufacturing process using miniature factory equipment, allowing them to clearly visualise each step from leaf to cup. A highlight for many is the opportunity to participate in a guided tea tasting and grading session. This hands-on experience introduces guests to the nuances of aroma, colour, and flavour, offering insight into the skill required to assess fine tea. The journey continues with a curated sampling of Ceylon Tea across Sri Lanka’s diverse elevations, from low grown to mid grown and high grown teas, each with its own unique character.

The Experience is further enriched by a thoughtfully designed food pairing. Guests are invited to enjoy a selection of savoury and sweet items, each paired with a specific tea to highlight complementary flavours. It is a simple yet refined way to appreciate tea in a new context.

Importantly, the Dilmah Tea and Cinnamon Experience also answers a growing need among Destination Management Companies (DMCs) and inbound travel specialists seeking authentic, meaningful, and accessible experiences within Colombo for their guests. In a city where many itineraries are limited to short sightseeing stops or shopping visits, the Experience offers something far more enriching, an immersive journey into Sri Lanka’s heritage, flavour, and craftsmanship, conveniently located within the city itself. Whether for leisure travellers, special interest groups, cruise passengers, corporate delegations, or high-value FIT travellers, the Experience provides a thoughtfully curated cultural encounter that combines storytelling, sensory engagement, culinary pairing, retail, and hospitality in one destination. Its central location at Genesis by Dilmah also makes it an ideal addition to Colombo itineraries for guests looking to experience the essence of Sri Lanka beyond the conventional.

Throughout the Experience, sensory elements play an important role. The gentle aromas of tea and spice, the textures, and the visual storytelling combine to create an immersive and memorable visit. At the same time, the narrative highlights the importance of sustainability and respect for nature, as well as the communities that sustain these industries.

The Experience is curated by David Colin Thomé, Editor of the highly acclaimed Dilmah History of Ceylon Tea website, (www.historyofceylontea.com), one of the largest single industry websites in the world, together with veteran tea planter and former head of Kahawatte Plantations PLC, Anura Gunasekera. David was also among Dilmah’s original tea tasters at the time of the brand’s launch and trained under our founder Merrill J Fernando, bringing rare depth, authenticity, and first-hand experience to the Experience.

Designed to be accessible to all, the Experience uses clear and simple language, ensuring that both enthusiasts and newcomers can engage with and enjoy the journey. It is an invitation to explore, learn, and appreciate.

In a rapidly changing world, the Dilmah Tea and Cinnamon Experience offers a moment to pause and reconnect with what truly matters, heritage, craftsmanship, and identity. It is a celebration of Sri Lanka’s legacy and a tribute to the stories behind every cup of tea and every touch of cinnamon.

Dilmah is inviting travellers, tour operators, and hospitality partners alike to discover a uniquely Sri Lankan experience.