In short: Tillyrie Estate is a black tea plantation in Sri Lanka's Colombo region at 1,407 metres, operated by Kelani Valley Plantations.
Tillyrie Estate is a black tea plantation located in the Colombo region of Sri Lanka, at an elevation of 1,407 metres. The estate is operated by Kelani Valley Plantations, a company that manages a portfolio of seven tea properties recorded in the directory. No buyers have been publicly documented for Tillyrie's production.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,407 metres, Tillyrie sits within the mid-elevation band that typically defines much of Sri Lanka's commercial tea landscape. Estates at this altitude generally experience moderate daytime temperatures and cooler nights, conditions that tend to slow leaf development compared to low-country gardens and can contribute to a more nuanced flavour profile than teas grown at sea level. The Colombo region's position on the western side of the island means the estate is likely influenced by the southwest monsoon, which typically brings the heaviest rainfall between May and September.
Mid-elevation estates in Sri Lanka often benefit from a balance between yield and quality; the growing cycle at this altitude tends to be less aggressive than in the lowlands, allowing for moderately complex leaf chemistry, while avoiding the slower maturation and lower volumes associated with high-elevation production above 1,800 metres. Soil composition and drainage patterns at this elevation can vary considerably depending on slope and underlying geology, both of which influence root health and nutrient uptake.
Tea Produced
Tillyrie produces black tea, the dominant category across Sri Lanka's export sector. Mid-elevation Ceylon black teas typically offer a medium body with a balance of briskness and smoothness, often exhibiting notes that range from malty to lightly floral depending on plucking standards and processing techniques. Estates at this altitude generally yield liquors with moderate astringency and a copper-to-amber infusion, characteristics that tend to appeal to both blending houses and retailers seeking versatile, food-friendly profiles. The specific cup character will vary with season, manufacture, and leaf grade.
Operator
Kelani Valley Plantations operates Tillyrie alongside six other tea estates recorded in the directory. The company's multi-estate structure is characteristic of Sri Lanka's plantation sector, where corporate groups typically manage geographically dispersed properties to spread agronomic and market risk. Oversight by an established operator generally implies access to centralised processing expertise, quality control systems, and marketing channels, though individual estate performance can vary within a single portfolio.
Certifications & Ethics
Tillyrie Estate holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership, a multi-stakeholder initiative that requires member estates to meet standards covering labour rights, health and safety, and environmental stewardship. For buyers, ETP certification provides independent assurance that the estate is monitored against a common framework addressing working conditions, wages, and community welfare. The certification process typically involves regular audits and progressive improvement plans, offering a degree of transparency in supply chains where direct oversight can be challenging.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Tillyrie Estate lies at 6.8312, 80.6556 in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Its 1407 m elevation is the 28th highest of 429 estates we map in Sri Lanka. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Kelanivalley Plantations, Robgill Group — under 1 km away · Central Province
- Bogawantalawa Plantations, Bogawantalawa — 1.9 km away · Central Province
- Kelanivalley Plantations, Ingestre — 3.5 km away · Central Province
- Madulsima Plantations, Kew — 3.5 km away · Central Province
- Maratenna — 4.4 km away · Bogawantalawa. District. Balangoda
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Tillyrie Estate
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Tillyrie Estate (1,407 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Tillyrie Estate recorded 2,792 mm in 2025, 65% more than the 1,689 mm average across these estates: at the same height, local weather and exposure matter as much as elevation.
| Estate | Where | Elevation | Rain 2025 | Mean high |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agarapatana Plantations, Gonamotawa | Uva Province, Sri Lanka | 1,408 m | 2,188 mm | 23.4 °C |
| Agarapatana Plantations, Haputale | Uva Province, Sri Lanka | 1,402 m | 2,188 mm | 23.2 °C |
| MABAYI | Cibitoke, Burundi | 1,413 m | 1,972 mm | 24.5 °C |
| Rwanda Mountain Tea | KG 438 St, Rwanda | 1,413 m | 1,053 mm | 26.3 °C |
| Kayonza | Ntungamo, Uganda | 1,416 m | 1,045 mm | 26.7 °C |
Tillyrie Estate Compared with Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, Tillyrie Estate is drier than 65% of the others by 2025 rainfall; higher than 94% of the others by elevation; cooler than 94% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Tillyrie Estate against the 428 other estates we map in Sri Lanka, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | Tillyrie Estate | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,407 m | 298 m | 6 to 1,962 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 2,792 mm | 3,051 mm | 2,018 to 4,839 mm |
| Mean daily high | 22.1 °C | 28.8 °C | 18.9 to 31.3 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 15.3 °C | 21.7 °C | 12.4 to 24.3 °C |
Observed Climate at Tillyrie Estate (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Tillyrie Estate’s coordinates recorded 2,792 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was November (558 mm) and the driest was February (60 mm). Daytime highs averaged 22.1 °C and overnight lows 15.3 °C over the year; May was the warmest month and December the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 2,792 mm |
| Wettest month | November (558 mm) |
| Driest month | February (60 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 22.1 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 15.3 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Tillyrie Estate located?
Tillyrie Estate is in Colombo, Sri Lanka, at coordinates 6.8312, 80.6556, at an elevation of about 1407 metres.
Who operates Tillyrie Estate?
Tillyrie Estate is operated by Kelani Valley Plantations, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Tillyrie Estate produce?
Tillyrie Estate is recorded as producing black tea.
What certifications does Tillyrie Estate hold?
Tillyrie Estate is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Tillyrie Estate receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 2,792 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in November (558 mm).
How does Tillyrie Estate compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Tillyrie Estate recorded 2,792 mm in 2025, 65% more rain than the 1,689 mm average of estates at a similar elevation.
Data sources: public supply-chain disclosures (Ethical Tea Partnership member lists, Rainforest Alliance certificate holders and retailer supplier disclosures); climate figures are ERA5 reanalysis modelled for the estate’s coordinates via Open-Meteo (calendar year 2025); coordinates and elevations from geocoded records. Spotted an error? Email [email protected].