In short: Ouvahkelle Estate is a black tea producer in the Nuwan Elgin To Maria region of Sri Lanka, operated by Hatton Plantations at an elevation of 1,348 metres.
Ouvahkelle Estate is a black tea producer situated in the Nuwan Elgin To Maria region of Sri Lanka, at an elevation of 1,348 metres. The estate is operated by Hatton Plantations, a company that manages multiple tea properties across the island's central highlands. The estate holds certification from the Ethical Tea Partnership.
Terroir & Climate
At 1,348 metres above sea level, Ouvahkelle sits within the mid-elevation band of Sri Lanka's central tea-growing districts, where estates typically experience a climate moderated by altitude. Properties at this elevation generally benefit from cooler ambient temperatures and regular mist cover, conditions that tend to slow leaf maturation and can contribute to a more measured development of flavour compounds in the flush.
The Nuwan Eliya district, within which the Nuwan Elgin To Maria region lies, occupies a plateau zone near the island's geographic centre. Estates in this latitude and altitude range often contend with two distinct monsoon influences—the south-west from May to September and the north-east from December to February—shaping a growing calendar with multiple quality peaks. Seasonal variation in temperature and moisture typically influences both yield patterns and the character of the manufactured leaf.
Tea Produced
Ouvahkelle produces black tea. Estates in the Nuwan Eliya region at similar elevations tend to yield teas characterised by brightness and a lighter body compared to low-grown Ceylon styles. Mid-elevation black teas from this area often display a brisk, floral cup with delicate astringency and notes that can range from citrus to stone fruit, though individual estate character varies with soil, exposure, and manufacturing practice. The altitude generally supports a refined, aromatic profile rather than the heavier, malty notes associated with lower-grown Ceylon teas.
Operator
Hatton Plantations operates Ouvahkelle Estate alongside five other tea estates recorded in this directory, indicating a portfolio presence in Sri Lanka's central highlands. Multi-estate operators of this kind typically benefit from economies of scale in both field management and processing infrastructure, and often supply a range of grades and styles to the export and auction markets.
Certifications & Ethics
Ouvahkelle Estate is certified by the Ethical Tea Partnership, an industry body that sets standards for labour rights, health and safety, and environmental stewardship on member estates. ETP certification requires regular independent audits and demonstrates a commitment to improving working conditions and community welfare. For buyers, the certification offers third-party assurance that the estate adheres to a recognised code of practice covering wages, housing, access to education, and chemical management.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Ouvahkelle Estate lies at 6.8956, 80.7372 in Nuwan Elgin To Maria, Sri Lanka. Its 1348 m elevation is the 45th highest of 421 estates we map in Sri Lanka. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Agarapatana Plantations, Albion — 3.9 km away · Central Province
- Agarapatana Plantations, Hauteville — 3.9 km away · Central Province
- Agarapatana Plantations, Torrington — 3.9 km away · Central Province
- Somerset Tea Estate — 4.0 km away · Nuwara Eliya
- Hatton Plantations, Waltrim — 4.0 km away · Central Province
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Ouvahkelle Estate
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Ouvahkelle Estate (1,348 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Ouvahkelle Estate recorded 3,746 mm in 2025, 97% more than the 1,905 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Panniar Tea Estate | Idukki, India | 1,351 m | 2,349 mm | 22.7 °C |
| NJERU | Box 241 - Meru, Kenya | 1,354 m | 1,229 mm | 24.9 °C |
| Mcleod Russel Uganda Limited(Mrul), Ankole Tea Factory, Kalinzu Garden | Fort Portal, Uganda | 1,357 m | 943 mm | 27.4 °C |
| Madulsima Plantations, Battawatte | Uva Province, Sri Lanka | 1,333 m | 2,709 mm | 23.7 °C |
| Lingia Tea Estate | West Bengal, India | 1,332 m | 2,294 mm | 21.9 °C |
Ouvahkelle Estate Compared with Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, Ouvahkelle Estate is wetter than 78% of the others by 2025 rainfall; higher than 90% of the others by elevation; cooler than 93% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Ouvahkelle Estate against the 420 other estates we map in Sri Lanka, so you can see whether it is typical for its country or an outlier.
| Measure | Ouvahkelle Estate | Country median | Country range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 1,348 m | 290 m | 6 to 1,962 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 3,746 mm | 3,067 mm | 2,018 to 4,839 mm |
| Mean daily high | 22.4 °C | 28.8 °C | 18.9 to 31.3 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 15.7 °C | 21.8 °C | 12.4 to 24.3 °C |
Observed Climate at Ouvahkelle Estate (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Ouvahkelle Estate’s coordinates recorded 3,746 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was November (952 mm) and the driest was February (29 mm). Daytime highs averaged 22.4 °C and overnight lows 15.7 °C over the year; April was the warmest month and August the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 3,746 mm |
| Wettest month | November (952 mm) |
| Driest month | February (29 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 22.4 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 15.7 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Ouvahkelle Estate located?
Ouvahkelle Estate is in Nuwan Elgin To Maria, Sri Lanka, at coordinates 6.8956, 80.7372, at an elevation of about 1348 metres.
Who operates Ouvahkelle Estate?
Ouvahkelle Estate is operated by Hatton Plantations, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Ouvahkelle Estate produce?
Ouvahkelle Estate is recorded as producing black tea.
What certifications does Ouvahkelle Estate hold?
Ouvahkelle Estate is recorded as holding the following certification(s): Ethical Tea Partnership.
How much rain does Ouvahkelle Estate receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 3,746 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in November (952 mm).
How does Ouvahkelle Estate compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Ouvahkelle Estate recorded 3,746 mm in 2025, 97% more rain than the 1,905 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].
