Joanna James
Sri Lanka is home to various climatic conditions which in turn, effect the smell and taste of tea grown in each region. Here are a couple of examples of uniquely flavoured teas from across the island.
This climatic region is the most famous tea district and is a considered prime planting area. Dimbula is located on the western slopes of the island, rising up to 5000ft in some areas. The mountains and rich valleys extend across the towns of Maskeliya to Hatton and Dickoya, all the way along Horton plains, right up to the western boundary of Nuwara Eliya. The south western monsoon rains have a large impact on the quality of the Tea grown here; the combination of cold nights and dry weather between the months of January to March, allow for a wide range of teas to grow, from full bodied brews to delicate flavour, in several different valleys.
The Uva district is found along the eastern slopes of Sri Lanka's central hills, and the tea produced here during the peak season between July to September, is well known among tea connoisseurs for its distinctive and pungent flavour.
The Uda Pussellawa mountain range rises up near the lower boundary of the Uva district, and at its highest point, rises up toward the Nuwara Eliya Planting District. While it receives the same monsoon rains as the Uva District, teas grown in Uda Pussellawa don't have the same flavour or quality as the ones produced in Uva. The plantations located closer to Nuwara Eliya benefit from the cold climate and are famous for producing a special tea with a subtle fruity, rose flavour.
This district is essentially a plateau located at an elevation of 6240ft above sea level. The cold climate and fresh air, heavily scented with the fragrance of cypress trees that grow in abundance here, play a huge role in producing a tea leaf that contains both a beautiful flavour and aroma. Because of its unique flavour, and the lush plantations where it is produced, one of the most popular things to do in Nuwara Eliya is to visit tea factories and take part in tea tastings during a stay at a hotel such as Heritance Tea Factory.
The Kandy district holds the honour of being the origin of the plantation industry in the island, firstly Coffee and then Tea. The district is located at an elevation 4000ft above sea level and consists of tall mountain ranges and low valleys. The tea produced in this region is a dark, full bodied tea with an intense flavour.
The Ruhuna district is situated amid the national heritage forest reserve "Sinharaja" which has created a congenial atmosphere for the plantations bordering the reserve. The teas produced here are known as low country teas which thrive in the warm weather and fertile soils of this district. The uniqueness of this tea is its almost black colour and strength.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
