James Taylor, the pioneer of tea industry in Ceylon was born to Michael & Margaret Taylor at Moss park, Monboddo Estate, Laurancekirk in Kincardineshiro, Scotland in 1835 (two years before Queen Victoria ascended the throne). Setting out from London on October 22, 1851 as a youth of 17 he arrived in Ceylon in 1852 and on arrival was sent to Loolcondera estate in Hewaheta a few miles distance from Kandy.Loolkandura Estate in the Kandy district is the very first patch of tea was planted as a test after the failure of coffee plantation in Sri Lanka. With the wild success of this plantation, then 21 year old planter James Taylor who was in charge of this plantation has been forever immortalized and has become a part of post colonization history of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka · Tea Plantation Tours
James Taylor Tea Estate From Kandy
The journey
- 01 Visit the historic Loolkandura Estate from Kandy
- 02 Learn about James Taylor and the origins of tea in Ceylon
- 03 See the plantation highlights, including Taylor’s statue and log cabin
- 04 Tour the Loolkandura Tea Factory
- 05 Travel in an A/C vehicle with an English-speaking guide
- 06 Lunch and mineral water included
Discover the birthplace of Sri Lanka’s tea story on this full-day journey from Kandy to the historic Loolkandura Estate, closely linked with James Taylor, the pioneer of the tea industry in Ceylon. Travel into the hills to explore the setting where tea was first planted as an experiment after the decline of coffee, and learn how this estate became part of the island’s post-colonial history.
During your visit, see key highlights connected to James Taylor’s legacy, including the plantation grounds, a statue in his honor, and the log cabin he once called home. You will also visit the Loolkandura Tea Factory, which still packages tea today, before returning to your hotel in Kandy.
Discover the birthplace of Sri Lanka’s tea story on this full-day journey from Kandy to the historic Loolkandura Estate, closely linked with James Taylor, the pioneer of the tea industry in Ceylon.
From the itinerary
At a glance
What this trip includes
Day by day
The itinerary
The route
Where you'll travel
The fine print
Trip details
What's Included
- Transportation in a A/C Vehicle
- English speaking guide for the entire tour
- Mineral Water Bottle
- Lunch
- All Govt. Taxes and Surcharges
What's Not Included
- Usage of guide beyond mentioned timings or anything beyond the itinerary
- Any tours to cities not mentioned above
- Any other services not mentioned above
Know before you go
- PASSPORT REQUIRED
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Not stroller accessible
- Not suitable for pets
- No public transportation nearby
- Infants must not sit on laps
- Infant seats unavailable
Logistics
Meeting & route
Your 7 hours finish where they began, in Pickup service provided in Kandy..
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