It wasn't too long ago that I found myself in Sri Lanka. In my heart, I still cherish fresh memories of the lively Colombo, the serene atmosphere of Kandy, the untouched beauty of Nuwara Eliya, the touristic vibe of Ella, and the tranquil shores of Weligama, among other places. Initially, I intended to stay for just over a month in Sri Lanka to seek out some remote working opportunities. However, I found myself completely immersed in the country's rich culture, history, and landmarks, ultimately extending my stay to three full months. It’s funny how plans can change unexpectedly, isn't it?

Kandy: That First Sip of Ceylon Black Tea! 

It was in Kandy that I first discovered Ceylon tea. After visiting the stunning Tooth Relic Temple, I took a moment to relax with a fresh cup of Ceylon black tea (Kadak Chai) at a nearby tea stall. I asked the woman at the stall about the tea's origins, but she didn’t have much information. The rest of my evening was spent delving into the history and background of Ceylon tea, learning why it is regarded as one of the finest teas in the world. That single sip of Ceylon black tea truly sparked my curiosity.

Kandy is famous for producing its own distinctive flavor of Ceylon tea, but as I engaged more with the locals, I learned that Ceylon Tea is primarily grown in five regions of Sri Lanka: Kandy, Dimbula, Nuwara Eliya, Uva, and Ruhuna. Each area offers its own unique tea flavor profile, influenced by varying climatic conditions, altitudes, and tea processing methods. The locals particularly praised Nuwara Eliya for its exceptional premium tea experience. Since it was quite closer to Kandy, I decided to visit Nuwara Eliya.

Nuwara Eliya: Tea Heaven of Sri Lanka

Nuwara Eliya is an incredibly picturesque and relaxing spot, situated 6000 ft above sea level. If you ever get the opportunity to visit Sri Lanka, I wholeheartedly recommend it. Over the following weeks, I explored various tea factories and tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya, eager to learn about the origins of Ceylon tea. What better way to gain insight than by engaging with local farmers and factory workers? To my surprise, some of the factories I visited had been established since the 19th century, embodying a rich heritage of sustainable tea cultivation in Sri Lanka. I had the privilege of conversing with tea farmers who were handpicking green tea leaves and factory workers diligently involved in processes like drying, withering, and fermenting.

It was a fascinating experience to learn about the entire process involved in producing a cup of green tea or black tea. This journey included everything from hand-harvesting fresh tea leaves, to drying them at the ideal temperature (as shown in the picture), to withering various types of tea, and fermenting the tea leaves to enhance their antioxidant and antibacterial properties while also reducing caffeine content.

Throughout my visits to tea farms, I observed several aspects that encapsulate the tea-growing culture in Sri Lanka: tea leaves are primarily handpicked, emphasizing artisanal methods over modern machinery. Additionally, the Sri Lankan government maintains strict quality control standards, which is evident in the meticulous work of the factory employees.

Svamingo Commitment

I was quite convinced that the quality of Ceylon tea is unmatching and it perfectly aligns with the vision of Svamingo - bringing you products that are artisanal, of premium quality and produced sustainably. It offers an unique experience we want everyone to feel and appreciate. Today, we bring you the finest teas from one of the oldest tea estates of Sri Lanka, located in the heart of Ceylon.

Health Benefits of Drinking Tea

Health benefits of drinking tea are well-known. This photo (taken at a tea factory) captures the true essence of Ceylon tea. Regularly drinking a cup of Ceylon tea can help you stay healthier and fitter, improve heart health, body metabolism and overall body immunity. Its antioxidant properties also help reduce the risk of chronic diseases like cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, and body inflammation. When put together with daily healthy routine, Ceylon tea can aid weight loss and improve skin health.