Ceylon tea is a renowned beverage brand globally. Being the 4th largest tea producer in the world, Sri Lanka contributes 20% to the global tea production. In 1867 AD, James Taylor from Scotland initiates the tea industry by beginning a 19 acre tea plantation in the Lulkandura estate in Kandy. Today tea is part of the Sri Lankan culture and identity. Daily at the plantations, the upper shrubbery of the tea plant, generally the top two leaves and the bud are picked by the tea puckers and brought to the collection centers to be weighed. Then the leaves are brought to the tea factories. Here they are fluffed and spreader on large trays with dry air fans removing the moisture in the leaves to wither them. Left overnight, they lose nearly 2/3 of its moisture. Using rollers the leaves are further broken down. Then the leaves are aerated and dried in a firing chamber to the desired consistency giving tea its distinctive color and shape. The tea is then graded and packed for selling. During the tea plantation and factory visit you can witness the entire process behind tea making and even purchase the most freshly produced tea in the world and recall your visit to the wonderful island of Sri Lanka while sipping a cup of Ceylon tea from home.
