Ceylon Tea is world-renowned today as one of the best brands of tea. But where and when did it all begin? Let’s learn a brief history about the beginning of the tea trade in Sri Lanka.

The very beginning

A man named James Taylor arrived in Sri Lanka back in 1852 and settled down in the hill country. He then went on to initiate a tea plantation that spanned across 19 acres of land. By 1872, the first tea factory in Sri Lanka was set up in Loolecondera.

The rise of the tea industry

Tea Estate
NaushadnazninFirst Tea Estate in Sri LankaCC BY-SA 4.0

The tea industry in Sri Lanka saw massive growth back in the 1880s. It was during this period that planters from across the globe visited the island to learn more about the basics of tea plantations.

Billion-dollar tea trade

Now, Ceylon Tea is an export in Sri Lanka that generates a significant amount of GDP. Exports generate more than USD 1 billion. Back in 2017, the industry celebrated 150 years since its initiation.

The Tea experience

Today, tea is more than just a drink, it is an experience in the hills of the island. The best hotels in Nuwara Eliya the likes of Heritance Tea Factory offer guests the opportunity to view and be part of the tea manufacturing process starting from tea plucking.