Address
Handunugoda Tea Factory
Tittagalla, Ahangama,
Sri Lanka.
Open Hours
Open Daily 8:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Phone Numbers
(+94) 77 206 5555
(+94) 77 972 0095
(+94) 91 228 6364
The Story of Tea
From Ancient Emperors to Ceylon's Coastal Plantations
A Journey Spanning 5,000 Years
The journey of tea is steeped in legend, refined through history, and celebrated in every cup at Herman Teas.
3,000 BC
Where It All Began
Legend traces tea's discovery to Emperor Shen Nong of China, over 5,000 years ago. While boiling water, a few leaves from a Camellia sinensis plant drifted into his pot. The Emperor drank the infusion and declared it gave him "vigor of body, contentment of mind, and determination of purpose."
That chance discovery has since become a global ritual. Today, tea is the world's second most consumed beverage after water—a drink that unites cultures, ceremonies, and generations.
1860s
From Coffee Ruin to Tea Glory
In the 1860s, Sri Lanka's booming coffee industry collapsed under the onslaught of a devastating rust fungus. Salvation came in the form of tea. At Loolecondera Estate in 1867, Scottish planter James Taylor planted the island's first tea seeds on 19 acres of land.
1873
Ceylon Tea Takes the World
With experiments conducted on his bungalow veranda—hand-rolling leaves and firing them over clay stoves—James Taylor perfected the art of Ceylon Tea. By 1873, his teas were making waves at the London Tea Auction, launching what would soon become a global phenomenon.
Through Taylor's vision and dedication, Sri Lanka transformed into one of the world's great tea capitals.
Today
Herman Teas Continues the Legacy
At Handunugoda Estate, we preserve these ancient traditions while pioneering sustainable practices. Every carefully plucked leaf carries forward 5,000 years of tea heritage into the modern world.
Types of Tea
Black Tea
The most traditional form, made by fully oxidizing tender young shoots—two leaves and a bud—handpicked for quality.
Oolong Tea
Semi-oxidized, Oolong balances between black and green teas, with flavours ranging from floral and light to deep caramel notes.
Green Tea
Quickly steamed or pan-fired to prevent oxidation, preserving its colour, freshness, and health benefits.
White Tea
The rarest of all, crafted only from the first bud and top leaf of the season, sun-dried with exquisite delicacy.
Herbal Infusions
Not true teas but flavourful blends of blossoms, herbs, roots, spices, and dried fruits, creating endless sensory experiences.
The Traditional Art of Tea Making
At Herman Teas, we remain faithful to the Orthodox method of tea production. Every step is performed with artisanal precision:
1
Plucking
Fine plucking of two leaves and a bud, by hand.
2
Withering
Reducing moisture to make leaves pliable.
3
Rolling
Releasing essential juices and starting oxidation.
4
Fermentation
Developing flavour and aroma.
5
Firing
Drying leaves to preserve quality.
6
Grading & Packing
Sorting by size and hand-packing in airtight containers for freshness.
For White Tea, the ritual is even more delicate unopened buds are picked at dawn, sun-dried on flannel trays, and packed entirely by hand.
At dawn, as the first rays of sunlight shine through the tea garden, the unopened buds are hand-picked meticulously from selected tea bushes of a particular variety. Only the finest buds are chosen during this early harvest.
The tea buds are spread over black flannel-surfaced trays and sun-dried with exceptional care. The tender buds are never exposed to direct sunlight, ensuring they dry naturally while preserving their delicate flavor and aroma.
How to Brew the Perfect Cup
Tea and Wellness
Hydration
A natural, calorie-free way to restore balance.
Caffeine Balance
Offering energy without the intensity of coffee.
Antioxidants
Rich in catechins and flavonoids, tea supports vitality and protects against cell damage.
Natural Purity
Herman Teas are gluten-free, non-GMO, crafted with natural purity for peace of mind.
The Legacy Lives On
From Emperor Shen Nong's pot in China to James Taylor's veranda in Ceylon and now to the artisanal plantations of Handunugoda Estate, the story of tea is one of discovery, resilience, and refinement.
At Herman Teas, we continue this story—with every carefully plucked leaf, every cup brewed, and every guest welcomed into the world of Ceylon's finest teas.