The estate, founded by Scottish planters, was abandoned for 130 years. The 100 acres with wild tea trees have now become part of a forest.

In the lower elevation gardens of the Lumbini tea estate, bordering the pristine Sinharaja Forest, a decade-long pursuit has led to a special white tea range, produced in small batches for discerning tea seekers.

Sri Lanka celebrates diversity in tea. A new generation of Ceylon tea growers recently established an artisan tea collective to showcase exceptional teas produced to interest a niche domestic market and equally, the international market.

Malik Fernando talks with Tea Journey about what drew him to hospitality and why tea lovers must visit Sri Lanka.