Agarapatana Plantations

Within the magnificent Dambatenne Estate, an iconic spot known as “Lipton’s Seat” stands proudly, perched on the edge of a sheer descent that stretches nearly 1524m (5,000 ft). Offering a breathtaking 360-degree view, this spot holds a cherished memento of a bygone era—the very seat where Sir Thomas Lipton himself once marveled at the scenery that unfolded before him.

The tea produced at Dambatenne by Sir Thomas Lipton was not only enjoyed by esteemed royal guests who visited his estate bungalow but continues to be part of a longstanding association. Even today, Unilever, the custodian of the Lipton brand, purchases tea from the Dambatenne Tea Factory. This tea, known by the prestigious “Bandara Eliya” garden mark, is carefully selected and sent to the Colombo Tea Auction. It remains an essential ingredient in the artful blends of Lipton Tea, ensuring that the legacy and excellence of Dambatenne’s tea persist in every sip.

Agrapatana Plantations Limited proudly owns 11 prime tea estates in the prestigious Agras Valley, often referred to as the “Golden Valley” of Ceylon Tea. These prime properties stretch from the eastern boundary of Lindula in the Nuwara Eliya District to the foothills of the remarkable Horton Plains, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at altitudes ranging from approximately 1372m (4,500ft) to over 1829m (6,000 ft) above sea level, these estates benefit from the region’s ideal climatic conditions, characterized by two monsoons and a cold climate perfect for producing high-quality Western High Grown tea.

Noteworthy tea estates such as Diyagama East, Diyagama West, Hauteville, Glasgow, Albion, and Balmoral can be found in the Agras Valley. Balmoral, renowned for its high-quality produce, is situated at the western end of the valley and is known by the distinguished “Clydesdale” mark. Additionally, the Agras Valley boasts two hydro power projects—one at Diyagama West and the other at Waverly—which further contribute to the region’s advantages.

Tourism is anticipated to play a significant role in the development and progress of the Agras Valley. The initiation of the 300km “Pekoe Trail” will take hikers through Sandringham Estate, adjacent to Diyagama, along Diyagama East Estate, all the way to the Horton Plains. Efforts are underway, with the collaboration of the Wildlife Department and the private sector, to reopen the entrance to the Horton Plains sanctuary at the top end of Diyagama East Estate. This will facilitate trekkers and limited vehicles to explore the area, including the second and third highest mountains in Sri Lanka, Kirigalpotta and Thotupola, within the Horton Plains reserve.

The proximity of our estates to fascinating attractions such as World’s End, Devil’s Staircase, Bambarakanda Falls, and Lipton’s Seat adds an extra layer of allure for visitors. To leverage this potential, we are actively exploring avenues for value addition through tourism. As tea tourism represents a niche we are eager to embrace, envisioning a harmonious fusion of Ceylon Tea’s rich heritage with the breathtaking natural beauty of our island, our plans include renovating our bungalows and creating chalets to enhance the visitor experience.

Agarapatana Plantations Limited has strategically embraced innovation by implementing mechanization as a vital solution to address the scarcity of plantation labor. Since privatization in 1992, our workforce has significantly reduced from 21,000 to 9,000. Recognizing the need for progress, we have formed a team of innovators who drive the advancement of mechanization. Currently, approximately 22% of our fields are harvested by machines, and we aim to increase this number to 30% by the end of the current season. The benefits of mechanization extend beyond efficiency and productivity gains, allowing us to cultivate areas that were previously inaccessible. We remain committed to this path, ensuring that our workforce receives the necessary training and upskilling to adapt to this modern era.

Looking ahead, we are enthusiastic about the emerging opportunities for Agarapatana Plantations Limited.