Arriving in the hill country of Sri Lanka by slow train, with layers of lush greenery and the organized stripes of tea bushes winding steeply and improbably uphill, I started making a mental list of all of the people I know who would love it here. The list is rather simple: everyone. 

Tea plantations do not disappoint. The tea bush is the rare upstart that improves upon the already spectacular landscape. The hills swoop and swirl in a way that is both calming and exhilarating. It’s the geometric lines. It’s the shiny leaf that seems to glow from within, rain or shine.

Look, I’m not even a big fan of drinking tea. I’m that odd person who stays at a beautiful tea plantation hotel and orders coffee. So if you also enjoy drinking tea, there is no reason why you should hesitate another moment.

Here is the bottom line. I will plan your trip. In some cases I’ve already started. (I’m looking at you, mom.)  I will help in any way I can.

Go to India. Go to Malaysia. Go to Sri Lanka. But do not leave this Earth without seeing a proper tea plantation.