Nuwara Eliya, a rugged and mountainous region of Sri Lanka, produces some of the most popular Ceylon Tea varieties anywhere. It is the highest part of the country, situated at 1,800 metres (6,000 feet) above sea level.
Perhaps naturally so, Tea from here is what most know as high-grown. The warm, temperate climate is cooler than at lower levels and, therefore, lends itself to producing distinct Tea flavours.
Once almost entirely inaccessible due to its precipitous, jungle-clad terrain, Nuwara Eliya was effectively uninhabited when discovered by a British explorer in 1818.
Today, the air is cool and refreshing; the winds are scented with eucalyptus and wild mint. The Tea itself, meanwhile, tends to have a delicate, floral fragrance and a light, brisk taste. Most consider it the best of the best.