Sri Pada: Land of Pure Water & the Perfect Cup of Tea
Where in the world are you reading this from, and what’s the water like where you brew your tea? We’d love to know.
Sri Pada (also known as Adam’s Peak) is Sri Lanka’s sacred mountain in the western highlands. For centuries, pilgrims have climbed its slopes beginning from Ratnapura Dalhousie a.k.a Nallathanniya. At the mountain’s base lies the seasonal village of Dalhousie aka Nallathanniya, which comes alive from December through April with devotees making the pilgrimage. The town, like many places in the hill country, has two names. A distinctly British name Dalhousie and a Tamil name Nallathanniya.
The name Nallathanniya means “Pure Water” in Tamil and it’s a fitting description. The area is full of mountain springs and streams, and it is the source of several of Sri Lanka’s most important rivers, including the Kelani, Kalu Ganga, and Walawe. These rivers carry life to communities, tea estates, and ecosystems far beyond the highlands.
I’ve been in Dalhousie/Nallathanniya for the past month doing building renovations ahead of this year's pilgrimage season. When I haven’t been running to the building merchants for roofing supplies, nails, and cement, I’ve been visiting friends and exploring the local area. What has struck me most, though, is the water.
Even a tea I know intimately, our Planters’ Breakfast Tea from the Maskeliya Valley takes on a new character when brewed with water from Dalhousie/ Nallathanniya.
The cup shines brighter, the taste carries a crisp edge, and there’s a clarity that only this pure mountain water can provide. While spending time by one of these springs, I recorded a short video to capture its freshness and clarity a glimpse into how water shapes every sip.
If you’re enjoying high-quality Ceylon tea, the water you use can make all the difference. In regions with soft, pure water, like in Scotland, tea lovers may not notice much. But in areas with hard water such as London or the South East of England tap water can dull the brightness and aroma of even the finest teas.
For the best cup, use filtered water, spring water, and a separate kettle if living in a hard water area dedicated only to tea. Let the purity of your water match the quality of your leaves.
Visit Nallathanniya & Taste the Difference
To truly understand the magic of Nallathanniya’s water, the best way is to experience it yourself. Climb Sri Pada during the pilgrimage season, explore the springs, and drink tea brewed at the source. It’s a reminder of how pure water transforms even the most familiar cup of tea into something extraordinary. If you are visiting drop me a note, I will be at the base of Sri Pada from January.
