Due to consistent tropical weather conditions, tea at Sri Lanka is grown as a perennial crop, known for its rich flavors and aromas. According to the European Tea Technical Committee, Ceylon tea is one of the finest and cleanest teas ever produced with a low level of pesticide residue. All tea grown in Sri Lanka can be divided into three categories depending on the tea plantations' altitude from the sea level. Up to 600 meters from the sea level grow low grown teas making some 48.8% of tea production. Mid grown teas are grown from 600 to 1,200 meters above sea level and comprises 20.8% of total tea production, while high grown teas growing in the central highlands above 1.200 meters make some 30.4%. Within these categories, individual tea plantations are reputed for producing tea with its individual taste and character.

Ranked with the most popular teas worldwide, Ceylon teas are produced in the following tea areas of Sri Lanka: Kandy, Dimbula, Ruhuna, Uva, Pussallawa and Nuwara Eliya. The tea plantations around Ceylon's ancient capital, Kandy are known for growing mid country teas, which are full-bodied strong teas appealing to those fond of thick brews. Located from 2,000 to 4,000 feet, this region is home to the first tea grown in Sri Lanka. Nestled on Kandy's edge is Matale, the district that supplies a wide selection of strong teas.

This area encompasses Knuckles, Madulkelle and Rangala Mountain range. Arguably the most widely reputed name in Ceylon Tea, Dimbula was among the first areas planted with tea in the 1870s. It covers extensive western slopes of tea planting districts with plantations from nearly 3,500 to 5,000 feet above sea level. The area is composed of extensive mountain ranges and valleys which are frequently at the higher range of elevation, encompassing Dick Oya, Hatton and Nanu Oya. Diverse weather conditions result in a wide variety of teas grown here, from full-bodied flavors to delicate and fragrant teas. Some of Dimbula sub districts include Dickoya, Bogawantalawa, Upcot, Patana, Nanuoya, Agarapatana, Punduloya and Ramboda.

Located some 2,000 feet from the sea level are tea plantations of Ruhuna, known for their exclusive soil conditions, which makes the tea grown here unique and special. The brightest tea varieties produced in the area enjoy great success in the majority of European countries. Major sub districts of Ruhuna include Ratnapura, Matara and Galle. Grown some 3,000-5,000 feet up on eastern slopes of Sri Lanka's central mountain range, tea from Uva plantations are characterized by distinctive pungency and flavor and are used in many blends.

However, the tea is also worth to be enjoyed as a self drinking beverage, especially during the period July - September, which is a quality season in Uva. The sub-districts of Uva are famous for producing the finest quality teas supplied to tea factory Sri Lanka. The pungent character of these teas is famous all over the world.

Thus, the best tea plantations can be found in Malwatte, Demodera, Passara, Madulsima, Ella, Bandarawela, Haputale and Koslanda.