In short: Forest Hill Tea is a black tea estate situated at 221 metres elevation on Hospital Road Erathna in Sri Lanka, operated by Forest Hill Tea and certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Forest Hill Tea is a black tea estate located on Hospital Road Erathna in Sri Lanka's low-elevation growing belt, at 221 metres above sea level. The estate is operated by Forest Hill Tea and holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership. No major commercial buyers have been publicly recorded in available supply-chain data.
Terroir & Climate
At 221 metres elevation, Forest Hill Tea sits within Sri Lanka's low-grown tea zone, where the tropical climate and lower altitude typically produce conditions markedly different from those found in the island's celebrated high-elevation districts. Estates at this elevation generally experience warmer ambient temperatures year-round and reduced diurnal temperature variation, factors that tend to accelerate vegetative growth and shorten the interval between plucking rounds.
The latitude—just under seven degrees north of the equator—places the estate in a region that typically receives two monsoon periods annually, with the southwest monsoon affecting western and southern slopes from May to September and the northeast monsoon bringing moisture from October to January. Low-grown estates in Sri Lanka often contend with higher evapotranspiration rates and the need for supplementary irrigation during dry spells, though the precise water regime at Forest Hill Tea will depend on local topography and aspect.
Tea Produced
Forest Hill Tea produces black tea. Estates at similar low elevations in Sri Lanka typically yield robust, full-bodied liquors with relatively straightforward character compared to the more nuanced, aromatic teas grown at higher altitudes. Low-grown Ceylon blacks are often noted for their strength, darker infusion colour, and suitability for blending, though individual cup profiles will vary with manufacturing technique, plucking standard, and seasonal conditions.
Operator
Forest Hill Tea operates the estate. No other estates operated by the same company are recorded in the directory at present.
Certifications & Ethics
The estate is certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership, a multi-stakeholder initiative that works to improve working conditions and environmental practices on tea farms and in factories. ETP certification indicates that the estate has undergone monitoring against the partnership's standards, which address issues including worker welfare, health and safety, and environmental stewardship, and is subject to ongoing improvement plans in collaboration with ETP staff.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Forest Hill Tea lies at 6.8350, 80.4083 in Hospital Road Erathna, Sri Lanka. Its 221 m elevation is the 198th highest of 259 estates we map in Sri Lanka. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Pussellawa Plantations, Pambegama — 11 km away · Sabaragamuwa Province
- Balangoda Plantations, Meddakande — 12 km away · Sabaragamuwa Province
- Hidellana Tea Estate — 12 km away · District -Ratnapura
- Moray Estate Tea Factory — 13 km away · Mare Estate Rd
- Hidellana Tea Factory — 14 km away · Ratnapura
Observed Climate at Forest Hill Tea (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Forest Hill Tea’s coordinates recorded 4,574 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was November (804 mm) and the driest was February (62 mm). Daytime highs averaged 29.0 °C and overnight lows 21.8 °C over the year; April was the warmest month and January the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 4,574 mm |
| Wettest month | November (804 mm) |
| Driest month | February (62 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 29.0 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 21.8 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Forest Hill Tea located?
Forest Hill Tea is in Hospital Road Erathna, Sri Lanka, at coordinates 6.8350, 80.4083, at an elevation of about 221 metres.
Who operates Forest Hill Tea?
Forest Hill Tea is operated by Forest Hill Tea, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Forest Hill Tea produce?
Forest Hill Tea is recorded as producing black tea.
What certifications does Forest Hill Tea hold?
Forest Hill Tea is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Forest Hill Tea receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 4,574 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in November (804 mm).
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].
