Pristine beaches, vibrant culture, and a rich legacy-the island still hide many treasures apart from those commonly known by tourists. Definitely qualifies among the oldest and most visited tea plantations in Mauritius; Bois Cheri tea factory with its picture-perfect view and lovely museum, beside an extremely delicious restaurant right in the heart of the southern tip of the island.
Visiting the Bois Cheri Tea Factory is more than a tour; it offers insight into the island’s tea industry, which has existed for more than a century. It is one of those places that an enthusiast for tea or simply a curious person wishing to see a different side of the history of Mauritius should personally visit for a rich experience that is cultural, historic, natural, and, of course, ‘teational’. This article explores everything about visiting the Bois Cheri Tea Factory.
How to Get to Bois Cheri Tea Factory?
The Bois Cheri Tea Factory offers a haven of beauty and tranquility in the southern part of Mauritius. Situated around 20 kilometers from the capital, Port Louis, this place boasts hills and lush greenery. Open views of the countryside become clear as you approach, providing a feast for the eyes and a calming overture before the experience that awaits you.
The access to the factory’s location alone is a treat. The road twists and weaves through vibrant sugarcane fields on its way to charming rural landscapes that starkly depict the true essence of this amazing land in nature.
Since it is located far from the town, the best way to reach the Bois Cheri Tea Factory is by car or taxi. Public transport is limited to this area and it might be too time-consuming, so traveling by private transport would be the best option to avoid stress. By driving to the factory, you can stop and enjoy the areas surrounding it, which will make your visit even more exciting.
Upon arrival, the friendly and informative staff are waiting to greet you. Then, they will guide the visitors through the different attractions, which include the factory tour, museum, and tea tasting. The warm hospitality sets the tone for an engaging day. Whether you are interested in the history of tea-making or just enjoying the spectacular views, getting to the Bois Cheri Tea Factory is the beginning of a memorable experience blending relaxation, education, and the timeless appeal of tea.
Ticket and Timing
Monday to Friday is the visiting period of the Bois Cheri tea factory, with operational hours from 9 am to 5 pm when a ticket, costing Rs 650 for tourists, would allow a full-time or all-inclusive tour to visit the factory with a visit to an interesting museum, then ending, with a tea-tasting session. However, to view the tea-making process, you will have to visit the factory between 9 am to 11 am. During the winter, the tea-making process may be restricted to certain specific days. You need to inquire about the tea-making process before you visit the factory, or else you can miss it. The ticket is pretty cheap and makes for an unmissable experience for one who wants to find out much about Mauritian culture and its rich history.
Weekday visits are advisable because the factory closes on weekends. A visit on a weekday ensures that one has the appropriate quiet atmosphere to enjoy this beautiful and peaceful site. The tours are structured and last anywhere between 1.5 to 2 hours, allowing one to cover the length and breadth of the facility.
On this tour, one will get to see the interesting tea production procedure-from the picking of leaves from the bushes to packaging. Aside from that, one can also check out this museum, which gives amazing information about the historical and cultural aspects of tea in Mauritius. The trip would culminate at the sampling area, where one can taste beautiful locally brewed tea while looking at the breathtaking view of the plantation.
Bois Cheri Tea Factory Tour
One of the major highlights of visiting Bois Cheri is the factory tour. The factory welcomes you straight into the world of tea production, taking you through all the processes of tea leaf harvesting to the end product that goes in your cup.
It begins with a little history of the Bois Cheri Tea Factory, which has been in operation since 1892. The factory boasts a long lineage of excellent-quality tea production, and you will witness how this tradition has been kept in Mauritius. The knowledgeable guides will explain the tea-making process in great detail, showcasing how fresh tea leaves are picked, processed, dried, and packaged.
It boasts all the latest technology, yet the factory has maintained its ways and practices for more than a hundred years. Workers are at the working spot, and you could just catch a glimpse of either the leaves being prepared for production or being packaged when scheduled. The factory tour is a great educational experience that gives insights into the craftsmanship and care that go into each batch of tea.
You’ll also be taught the various kinds of tea produced at Bois Cheri—black, green, and flavored teas. The factory boasts about quality; hence, the staff is always happy to elaborate on what they are doing and answer your questions.
The Tea Museum
You will next visit the Bois Cheri Tea Museum to learn about tea in Mauritius. The museum is in an excellent building, where you can visit and see the history unfold in its rooms—an exhibition that takes you back into history regarding tea-making on the island, the development of the Bois Cheri brand, and the role that tea has played in the cultural heritage of Mauritius.
Old photographs, tea-making tools, historical documents, and even vintage tea packaging give a glimpse of how the tea industry has evolved over the years. It is very interesting for anyone interested in the history of tea production and Mauritius’ colonial past.
As you walk around the museum, you will discover how tea cultivation developed in Mauritius, which was started by the British importing tea plants to the island in the 19th century. You will also discover how Bois Cheri ended up becoming one of the well-recognized brands for tea within Mauritius and how it continues to define itself in today’s lives by meaningfully transforming its economy and culture.
Tea Tasting Experience
One of the most thrilling parts of the Bois Cheri Tea Factory visit is the tea-tasting session. After a good tour of the factory and museum, head to the tea lounge; these will all give you the chance to sample a multitude of teas made there yourself. It’s an exciting way to taste and smell the teas of Bois Cheri and is included in the entry fee.
There are many varieties, such as black teas, green teas, and flavored teas like vanilla and cinnamon. The staff will guide the tasting, taking you through the nuances of each tea, how to brew it, and the health benefits of tea consumption. You can take your time relaxing in the lounge while enjoying the beautiful views of the vast tea fields.
It’s also a great time to take home some of the teas. The Bois Cheri Tea Factory shop offers all sorts of tea blends well packed for souvenirs or gifts. Whether you have in mind to try the original black tea or some peculiar flavor, you will surely find what you want.
Bois Cheri Restaurant
There is also Bois Cheri Restaurant that offers superb dining for those who want a more memorable visit. The place is near the tea plantations and provides many dishes for your taste, combining flavor with international taste. It can be a very good choice for relaxation after a factory visit while enjoying leisurely meals and admiring the surroundings.
You would also get a very wide variety of dishes; the specialty here would include Mauritian favorites such as dholl puri, gateau piment, and fish vintage. You may also have light bites such as sandwiches or salads with fresh fruits. Of course, everything gets finished by sipping Bois Cheri tea.
The restaurant is open from 9:30 am to 4:00 pm, so it is a perfect place to stop for lunch in the beautiful countryside. It is a very relaxed and casual dining place where you can let go of all the tension after visiting the factory and museum.
Best Time to Visit Bois Cheri
The Bois Cheri Tea Factory is open for visitors from Monday to Friday. A weekday visit will give you all the peace and time in the world to soak up the history displayed at the museum, enjoy tea tasting, and have a less hurried experience of the tranquil surroundings. The factory is closed on the weekend.
However, the best time is in the cooler months of May to September, making the factory visit, museum tour, and walking the lovely tea fields comfortable and enjoyable, being in mild temperatures with less humidity. The weather will allow you to walk in the luscious plantations and learn about tea-making without sweating.
If you visit from November to April, expect warmer and humid months that don’t favour the outdoors. So, for anyone wishing for a more pleasant atmosphere, the cool season is the best time to visit.
Conclusion
The visit to Bois Cheri Tea Factory preserved memories of Mauritius that are harsh with its tea-making tradition. Here, you could move around the factory, later learn all about the island’s tea heritage at the museum, and sit down to drink the rich flavour of freshly brewed tea. As a result, it is mainly the enjoyment shared by everyone. While creating an educational experience, cultural visits, and beautiful scenery, Bois Cheri is a must-see destination if you travel to Mauritius. So, plan your visit to Bois Cheri Tea Factory during your stay in Mauritius for fascinating history, informative tours, delicious tea-tasting sessions, and a beautiful restaurant.
