Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka — once known as Ceylon — is home to one of the world’s most distinguished teas. Sri Lanka’s unique climate and geography are the soul of Ceylon Tea. The island’s rolling highlands, tropical sunshine, and seasonal monsoons combine to create growing conditions unlike anywhere else on earth.
The story of Ceylon Tea begins with a young Scotsman named James Taylor, who arrived on the island of Ceylon in 1852. With a heart full of curiosity and a deep respect for the land, he settled in the misty hills of Kandy, where he began experimenting with tea cultivation on a small plot of land at Loolecondera Estate. What started as a humble effort soon grew into something extraordinary. Taylor’s dedication, patience, and pioneering spirit turned the island’s rolling hills into endless carpets of vibrant green. His success not only transformed Ceylon’s landscape but also gave birth to a tradition that would bring warmth and comfort to millions around the world. More than a century later, his legacy still lives on — in every fragrant leaf and in every soothing cup of Ceylon Tea.