Ledgerwatte Estate

From Coffee to Tea: A Heritage Reimagined at the Foot of Narangala

Nestled in the Badulla District of Sri Lanka’s Uva Province, along the historic Badulla–Gala Uda cart road via Hali Ela, Ledgerwatte Estate is a plantation with deep colonial roots and a story as rich as the teas it produces. Originally planted in 1883 as a coffee estate by Mr. Patric F. Hadow, the estate was transformed into a tea plantation in 1924 under Messrs OUVAH Ceylon Estate Limited, marking a new chapter in its journey.

Set at an impressive elevation of 1584 meters, the estate spans 619.74 hectares, nurtured by an annual rainfall of 1800.50 mm. The first tea superintendent, W.R. Hearn, helped lay the foundation for what would become one of the most scenic and unique tea-producing estates in the region.

Located on the foothills of the iconic Narangala Mountain—famed for its breathtaking 360-degree views and popular among hikers—the estate enjoys a unique terroir. This microclimate, combined with high elevation, imparts a distinctive flavor profile to its teas, which are sold under the exclusive name “Narangala Wild Teas”, appealing to connoisseurs and premium buyers worldwide.

The estate’s factory, constructed in 1934 at an elevation of 1219 meters, processes these leaves with precision and care, preserving their unique taste and aroma.

After nationalization in 1975, Ledgerwatte was managed by the Janatha Estates Development Board until its privatization in 1992, when Malwatte Valley Plantations PLC took over operations, ushering in a new era of innovation and sustainability.

Certified for the Future

Today, Ledgerwatte Estate is proudly Rainforest Alliance certified, upholding strict environmental and social standards while preserving the natural beauty and biodiversity of its surroundings.

From colonial coffee roots to globally recognized specialty teas, Ledgerwatte Estate continues to thrive—honoring its past, embracing the present, and shaping a sustainable future.