This tea grows beside the Indian Ocean and up to an elevation of 1000 feet (305 metres). Black in appearance, it is readily recognised as low grown heavy, robust, deep colour tea.
In the region of Ruhuna, Sri Lankas fourth biggest town, Galle, home to the Kiruwana Ganga Plantation, is where you will find the Yata Watte being lovingly cultivated. 116 km South of Colombo, with an old-world charm, Galle is the most important southern town in Sri Lanka.
The port of Galle, thought by some to be the Biblical city of Tarshish, splendidly illustrates the solidity of the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka. The 36-hectare (89 acre) Dutch Fort, built in 1663, has withstood the ravages of time. Its massive ramparts surround the promontory that forms the older part of Galle, and shelters within its walls sturdy Dutch houses, museums and churches. This area has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere that seems almost detached from the flow of history. One of seven World Heritage listed sites in Sri Lanka, this listing is unique in that a regular society continues to live within the boundaries of the identified site. In the late 19th Century Galle was the main Port in Sri Lanka and still handles shipping. Galle is famous for its fort, lace making, ebony carving and gem polishing.