Ceylon Black Tea

Located on the eastern slopes of the central highlands of Sri Lanka in Uva, there is produced a uniquely rich and mellow tea, renowned worldwide. Grown at elevations between 3,000 to 5,000 feet on the eastern slopes of the central mountains, the best Uva tea is harvested from June to September. The dry winds that blow toward Uva during this period give the tea a coppery infusion that is exceptionally smooth, with pronounced flavor and wonderful aroma — it can also be enjoyed as a self-drinking tea.

Uva is the most famous of Sri Lanka’s six primary tea-growing regions. Uva black tea is considered one of the world’s four most celebrated black teas, along with China’s Qimen tea, India’s Assam tea, and India’s Darjeeling tea.

Sub-regions under the main Uva production area

Malwatte / Welimada

This valley produces a range of teas that came to form the core of what later became known as the Uva region. Their spicy character is world-renowned. Many independent estates and factories have achieved their own unique flavor variations, establishing themselves as opportunities for single-estate marketing.

Demodera / Hali-Ela / Badulla

From Nuwara Eliya to Uva’s capital, Badulla, you pass through Demodera and Hali-Ela, which produce a variety of strongly flavored teas.

Passara / Lunugala

This area is more famous for its range of black-leaf teas — teas with strong flavors.

Madulsima

Madulsima juts out like a dog’s paw, extending about 25 miles north of Passara. When the strong winds of the southwest monsoon reach this farthest point, they are a spent force. Yet, they still impart a degree of character to the tea. As a result, the tea has an all-rounded flavor with a slightly distinctive trait.

Ella / Namunukula

Plantations are situated on the slopes of the Namunukula range, which includes the namesake highest mountain in Uva. Teas from this area are medium in strength but display gentle aromatic characteristics during the season.

Bandarawela / Poonagala

The tea is grown at high altitudes in a cool climate. The winds that sweep through the area play an important role in the light-flavored teas produced throughout the year.

Haputale

On the edge of the central block, it produces a range of rounded teas with delicate Uva characteristics.

Koslanda / Haldummulla

At the foothills of the central block, teas are grown on lower slopes and can yield strongly flavored black teas.