Tree of Life Nature Resort, in partnership with Australia’s Market Development Facility (MDF), launched Sri Lanka’s first ‘Coffee Heritage Trail’ on 4 April 2025 at the resort’s property in Kandy. The trail will allow tourists to explore the rich heritage of Sri Lanka’s coffee sector, from cultivation to brewing.

Sri Lanka’s thriving coffee industry has sparked rising demand for local specialty coffee, paving the way for an immersive new tourism experience—the Coffee Heritage Trail, the country's first-ever coffee tour. The trail spans 1.5km and invites travellers and coffee enthusiasts to explore the bean-to-cup journey of specialty coffee in Sri Lanka. The trail is also a unique addition to the visitor offering in Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s key tourism hotspots.

Tree of Life is a 65-acre nature resort located in the heart of Kandy that recently diversified into coffee cultivation. The resort offers guests a diverse range of activities and, in collaboration with MDF, has added its inaugural coffee tour to its visitor offering. The new tour will give tourists the opportunity to explore a coffee nursery and hike through the resort’s scenic plantation, learning about seed selection and coffee planting. Visitors will be able to participate in coffee processing and learn about traditional and modern roasting techniques. A key highlight of the tour is a guided tasting session led by Tree of Life’s in-house barista, where guests can savour freshly brewed Sri Lankan coffee that has been harvested, processed and roasted on-site. The trail also offers people the unique opportunity to plant their own coffee tree and receive updates on its growth, creating a lasting connection to Sri Lanka’s coffee culture.

Tree of Life Founder and Managing Director, Mr. Shelton Thenuwara, stated, “We are delighted to offer this unique product to our guests. While Sri Lanka is renowned for its tourism products, there is always a demand for new and, especially in Kandy. This coffee tour has the potential to diversify Sri Lanka’s offerings and position our coffee in global markets.”

Australia has been a strong supporter of Sri Lanka’s coffee sector, playing a key role in its revival, through MDF, since 2017. Australian High Commissioner to Sri Lanka, H.E. Paul Stephens, remarked,

“Sri Lanka’s coffee story is one of resilience and revival, and Australia is proud to be part of this journey. Through MDF we have supported the re-emergence of specialty coffee, helping it gain both local and international recognition. This initiative is more than just about coffee—it’s about creating opportunities, driving tourism, and strengthening the export potential of local coffee. We remain committed to showcasing Sri Lanka’s unique coffee to the world and ensuring its well-deserved place on the global coffee map.”

With its extensive experience in both the specialty coffee and tourism sectors, MDF identified an opportunity to merge the two through this collaboration with Tree of Life. MDF has supported Tree of Life to curate the trail and commission sector experts to deliver specialised coffee trainings for the trail’s tour guides. As Sri Lanka reclaims its place on the global coffee map, this tour serves as a gateway for coffee enthusiasts and travellers alike to discover the unique flavours, traditions and landscapes that make Sri Lankan coffee truly special.