Lovers’ Leap - steeped in history, intrigue, and British royalty.

Lovers’ Leap tea is steeped in history, intrigue, and British royalty. 

The name Lovers’ Leap originates from the times well before tea was grown in the region. A Sri Lanka prince, who had eloped to the region to be with his lover, fell to their death at the iconic waterfall found on today’s tea estate. When the Kings’ men were sent to bring him back the couple embraced and jumped over the falls rather than returning home. Love triumphed over separation!

The cleanest teas in the world

Another Royal connection was the visit of the late His Royal Highness The Duke of Edinburgh who visited the estate in 1954 to open the new factory on Pedro Division. Whilst there the Duke planted a number of tea bushes and in 2012 teas from these bushes were harvested and served at the Queen and Duke of Edinburgh’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.

Pedro Factory opened in 1954 by H.R.H. The Duke of Edinburgh

Lovers’ Leap is in the Nuwara Reliya region which is Sri Lanka's highest tea planting area where tea grows at over 6000ft (1880 meters). This region is famous for its eucalyptus and cypress teas, and the cool mentholated notes found in the teas are formed through these notes and flavours plus the very cold climate found in the region.

Seasonal light yellow cups with mint and eucalyptus notes

The estate today is a historical amalgamation of many smaller estates including Pedro, Lovers Leap and Mahagostotte. There are only three estates that produce Lovers’ Leap’s distinctive natural yellowish cup. The others being Court Lodge and Kenmare, and the best times to buy the teas commercially is during the months of January and September when the weather is far cooler.

In the estate tasting room with our luxury hospitality partners selecting the finest Lovers' Leap Tea for their Afternoon Tea menus 

So, the next time you are indulging in a cup of Lovers’ Leap reflect on its history, colour and royal heritage.