Tea Plantation

KANDY

As the birthplace of Ceylon Tea, Kandy is also referred to as the hill capital and belongs to the Central Province of the Island. Tea in this region is grown along the surrounding hills covering an elevation of 2,000-4,000ft. This is not the highest elevation for tea growing in the island and the tea produced in this region is thereby labeled as mid-grown tea. Since the strength of the liqueur reduces with elevation, Kandy generally produces a relatively stronger and deeper coloured beverage. However estates at higher elevations produce a lighter and subtler flavour. The best quality from the region is produced during the first quarter during cool, dry weather.

NUWARAELIYA

Another district in the Central Province is Nuwara Eliya, best known for its tea. Due to its geo climatic attributes, Nuwara Eliya is known to produce tea of particularly fine quality. With the highest altitudes at over 6,000 ft, cool climes, and moderate rainfall the region possesses a highly conducive environment for tea cultivation. There are two seasons that arrive here namely the eastern and the western, and the climatic conditions vary from one estate to another although located short drives apart. The liqueur produced from unusually small leaves characteristic of the region, is the lightest among the regionals varieties. 

Among the several grades produced from Nuwara Eliya the most popular is the whole-leaf orange pekoe (OP).