The Loolkandura Estate

The Loolkandura Estate or Loolcondera Estate is the first commercial tea plantation estate in Sri Lanka.

Surrounded by misty mountains and luscious wood lands Loolkandura is a conception of then young Scottish planter James Tylor. In 1867 the very first patch of tea was implanted as a trial after the onset of the coffee rust disease wiped out thousands of acres of coffee. Started with a mere 19 acres, today Loolkanduwa estate embraces an extensive 1100 acres of Ceylon’s finest tea.

The road to Loolcondera is somewhat run-down but makes up by providing you with stunning scenery. The tea plantations are nothing short of amazing and extend as far as the eye can see. You cannot help but feel a certain tenderness towards James Tylor who lived and died in this beautiful place he called home. Fittingly named as ‘Tylor’s Seat” his stone seat offers you a spectacular pictographic view of the estate, misty mountains, the bluest sky and the lush jungles encompassing the plateaus below.

Kondagala is a 300 meter rock that lies at the back of Tylor’s cottage. Once atop you can forget your humble humanoid existence and dwell in the astonishing views that definitely will take your breath away. Take precaution not to walk along the edges as they incline to an almost 90 degrees. The soft breeze can change face and can acquire irrational swiftness and strengths at a moment’s notice.

Apart from the exquisite scenery you might encounter many feathery friends on your way. The paths are lined up with copses crammed with tropical sub montane trees. The islanders you encounter are friendly and affable. Loolcondera; once a young man’s dream, his life’s work and his delight. We cannot help but ponder whether he knew what a legacy he will be leaving behind?