A Journey Through Ceylon's Tea Regions

January marks National Hot Tea Month and what better way to celebrate than by exploring the island that produces some of the world's most exceptional teas?

Sri Lanka, the teardrop-shaped island nation once known as Ceylon, isn't just a single origin. It's a tapestry of several distinct tea-growing regions, each shaped by altitude, climate, and centuries of cultivation expertise. From misty highlands to coastal lowlands, every cup tells the story of its terroir.

This January, join us on a journey through Ceylon's legendary tea country.

At 6,000 feet above sea level, where crisp mountain air meets perpetual mist, something extraordinary happens. Nuwara Eliya - Sri Lanka's highest tea-growing region- produces leaves of such delicate refinement that they've earned the title "Champagne of Ceylon Tea."

This isn't tea for gulping. It's tea for appreciating. Light, exquisite, with a gentle aroma that whispers rather than shouts, Nuwara Eliya tea offers an experience reserved for those who understand that true luxury lies in subtlety.

The Dimbula region has been crafting world-renowned teas for over a hundred years, and for good reason. Grown at elevations between 3,500 and 5,500 feet, these high-grown teas develop the complex, full-bodied character that has made Ceylon famous.

When tea connoisseurs speak of "classic Ceylon," they're often describing the distinctive Dimbula profile - a brew that embodies everything this island's tea heritage represents.

The eastern highlands of Sri Lanka guard a secret known to serious tea enthusiasts worldwide. Uva region teas, grown between 3,000 and 5,000 feet amid some of the island's most picturesque gardens, deliver a remarkably smooth taste that has captivated connoisseurs for generations.

The true treasure? Uva Seasonal Teas, harvested during a precious window from late July to mid-August when conditions align perfectly. These limited harvests represent Ceylon tea at its most exceptional.

Surrounded by the heritage of Sri Lanka's royal city, Kandy's tea gardens sit at 2,000 to 3,500 feet above sea level, where ancient Buddhist temples overlook emerald hillsides.

These mid-country teas produce a dark golden liquor with full-bodied, robust character, resulting in a tea that demands to be savoured. The strength of Kandy tea pairs beautifully with a touch of cream and sweetener, making it the perfect companion for unhurried mornings or quiet afternoon moments.

Journey south to where tea gardens slope toward the coast, and you'll discover Ruhuna- Ceylon's low-grown treasure. Cultivated from sea level to 1,600 feet, these teas develop a personality entirely their own.

Rich, robust, with an attractively dark appearance, Ruhuna tea speaks to those who prefer their brew with backbone. Each cup transports you to Sri Lanka's southern coastal gardens, where tropical warmth infuses the leaves with unmistakable strength and character.