This is the journey to Loolecondera, the place where world-renowned ‘Ceylon tea’ was born in 1867 when Scotsman James Taylor planted the first tea estate in Sri Lanka.
This two-day trek takes you through some of the most scenic and historic tea estates on the island. You will be accompanied by a hiker who will guide you whilst giving you an insight into the various aspects of Ceylon tea.
Stay at Taylors Hill for two nights, a colonial tea planter’s bungalow where James Taylor and his colleagues once resided.
Day 1 :
Begin your first trek at around 9am, starting from the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hanthana (about 20 minutes from Kandy). This museum was originally a tea factory and will set the scene for your two-day immersive journey through Sri Lanka’s most significant tea plantations.
The trek is 13km, with an elevation gain uphill of 413m and an elevation gain downhill of 352m. For an active trekker, it will take between 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours.
The area around Hanthana was the backdrop for the film Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom with Harrison Ford who plays an eccentric archaeologist in this classic Hollywood adventure. In the central plot, Harrison Ford is implored by a desperate Indian villager to retrieve a mysterious stone. Steven Spielberg filmed in Kandy and the surrounding area for several weeks.
End the trail in the small town of Galaha and then take a 30-minute drive to Taylors Hill or extend the trek all the way to the neighbouring town of Deltota. The trek from Galaha to Deltota is relatively easy and should take approximately 1 hour and 30 mins for an active trekker. This 6.5km extension has an elevation gain uphill of 295m and a downhill elevation gain of 124m.
Spend the rest of the day at leisure at Taylor’s Hill.
Day 2 :
Today’s trail to the prestigious Loolecondera Estate can start from Taylors Hill itself, which adds an extra 1.4km to the trek’s total distance. Alternatively start the trek from the Deltota town. From Deltota, the trek is 9km with an uphill elevation gain of 520m and with a downhill elevation gain of 380m. This trek will take around 2.5 hours to 3.5 hours for an active trekker.
Begin by walking along the main road for around 1km before making your way uphill to the estate. You gain elevation quickly here and you will probably break a sweat during this section.
Once at the estate, walk through the tea fields, have a look at the remnants of James Taylors original cottage and visit the ‘James Taylor seat’ where he used to look out over his estates. The viewpoints of this trek are some of the best in the island.
Return back to Taylors Hill in a tuk tuk and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
Day 3 :
After a leisurely morning, depart Taylors Hill to your next destination.
Location:
Deltota
Meals:
Lunch on day 1 to breakfast on day 3.
Important to know:
- Some parts of these treks are on uneven paths.
- We recommend that you bring a reusable bottle instead of using plastic water bottles.
What to bring:
- Activewear
- Walking shoes