For hundreds of years, Adam's Peak has been a place of pilgrimage for Buddhists, Muslims and Hindus, who variously believe that Buddha, Adam or Shiva left their footprint on the mountaintop. Today, the holy mountain area is also renowned for producing characterful and authentic orthodox Ceylon brews – like this extra-special tippy tea.

Alternatives to this delicious black loose leaf tea

Ceylon teas are renowned for being as diverse as the varied terrain they are grown in. Luckily, we offer a wide range of styles, some available in a caddy as well as tea bags, individually wrapped or otherwise. For another high-grown tea, try Lover's Leap or, for a more delicate style, our Nuwara Eliya. Kenilworth is lively and smooth, while full-bodied brews include Luxury Pekoe, Ahinsa, Ruhuna and Bogawantalawa teas. Alternatively, for something popular, do consider our English Breakfast or Earl Grey teas.

For the full range of Ceylon teas, see our Tea Shop. While you're browsing, you might like to check out our range of stunning teaware, which runs from elegant glass pitchers to bright and bold ceramics.

The city itself sits at 1,868 m above sea level. North of the city, Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, Pidurutalagala, peaks at 2,542 m, and the revered Adam’s Peak sits on the Southern edge of the district, peaking at 2,243 m above sea level. The area is famous for its cool, temperate climate (Cfb), which made it a popular hill station in the 19th century, and a much-loved resort and health spa in the present day. Temperatures remain steadily warm throughout the year. March and April are the warmest months with an average high of 22°C and low of 11°C. The coldest months, form November to January, range from 9°C to 20°C.

There is heavy cloud cover throughout the year, with slightly cleared skies from December until March. The district is part of the Wet Zone in South-Western Sri Lanka. Consequently, rain falls throughout the year, with the highest precipitation in October and November, combined with low wind and medium humidity. Spring and summer experience lower but consistent rainfall, with gentle wind and increased humidity in April and May.

Above 1,000m, the montane rain forests are known for their biodiversity and endemic species. They also harbour the endangered Sri Lanka leopard, numerous species of shrews, squirrels, civet and langur. Soils throughout the island are generally suitable for agriculture, although some areas, particularly in the highlands, are eroded. In the Nuwara Eliya district, the elevation and cool climate offer ideal conditions for many European fruit and vegetable, as well as rubber and rice. But the hills really belong the tea, which was introduced in the 1860s after a devastating disease killed all the coffee plantations. The district is considered as the most important tea production hub in Sri Lanka, and Sri Lankan high-grown teas are known for their outstanding quality.