A Beginner's Guide to Ceylon Tea

Ceylon tea has delighted palates since 1867 when James Taylor planted the first commercial tea estate at Loolecondera. Today Sri Lanka is the world's fourth largest tea producer. The six growing regions — Nuwara Eliya, Dimbula, Uva, Kandy, Ruhuna and Sabaragamuwa — each produce distinctly different flavours owing to altitude, soil and rainfall. Nuwara Eliya teas are delicate and fragrant. Uva produces brisk, golden liquors. Ruhuna teas from the south are bold and full-bodied. A visit to a working factory is a must on any hill country tour.