Each one has their secret passions. I have many, but one of them has been with me since I was a child and even made me put Sri Lanka at the top of my wish list. Can you guess what it is? What reason led me to ancient Ceylon?
Well, whoever said “tea” was right!
Sri Lanka is famous for producing one of the best teas in the world. The climatic conditions of the center of the island are considered perfect for its development and this makes it among the biggest and best producers of this “nectar” of soft and fragrant flavor. For those who like it, like me, it’s a full plate, or better yet, a full cup.
After visiting the capital Colombo, I spent a few days in Hambantota and finally from the Yala National Park I took the course of the mountains of Nuwara Eliya in a long journey of more than five hours by car.
I left the Sri Lankan coast bathed in the sun and as the altitude increased, I became aware of the climatic conditions that make the “joy of tea” in the air. The temperature dropped suddenly, waterfalls began to appear along the way, the humidity increased, the weather became more cloudy, and a fine rain shower fell by the end of the afternoon, every day. The mood changed completely and the scenery became more bucolic. Very green. Incidentally, one of the country’s most coveted train routes lies in this region, just between Ella and Hatton, where rails cut miles and more miles of Ceylon tea plantations.
I discovered there that the Chinese were the first to prepare the drink 2,000 years before Christ. Later, the Japanese began to consume the tea, later the Arabs and only in century XVI that the habit spread by Europe.
I took the opportunity to stay for 2 nights at the iconic Ceylon Tea Trails, from the Resplendent Ceylon group – English style, super charming, no keys at the doorsteps (how wonderful!) Surrounded by tea terraces and factories all around.
A real party. I confess it was difficult to leave.
A toast to you, with lots of tea!
XoXo and see you again next Tuesday.
