In short: Athukorala is a low-grown tea estate in Sri Lanka's Southern Province, operated by the Athukorala Group and recorded as supplying Finlays.
Athukorala is a tea estate in the Southern Province of Sri Lanka, situated at an elevation of approximately 12 metres above sea level. The estate is operated by the Athukorala Group and is recorded as supplying Finlays, a major tea trader and processor with a significant presence in Sri Lanka's export market.
Terroir & Climate
At just 12 metres above sea level, Athukorala occupies the low-grown zone of Sri Lankan tea cultivation, where estates typically experience warm, humid conditions year-round. This coastal elevation range generally enjoys consistent rainfall patterns influenced by both the southwest and northeast monsoons, though the Southern Province tends to receive its heaviest precipitation during the southwest monsoon between May and September. Low-grown estates in this latitude typically maintain steady growth cycles with little dormancy, allowing for continuous plucking throughout the year.
The combination of warmth, humidity, and sea-level elevation generally encourages rapid leaf growth and high yields. Estates at this altitude in southern Sri Lanka often produce teas with robust, full-bodied character rather than the delicate aromatics associated with higher elevations, as faster vegetative growth tends to favour strength and colour over nuance. Soils in the coastal lowlands are often lateritic or alluvial, which can influence drainage and nutrient availability.
Tea Produced
Athukorala produces black tea. Low-grown Ceylon teas from the Southern Province typically yield a brisk, full-bodied cup with good colour and strength. Estates at this elevation often produce teas suited to blending, where body, astringency, and consistency are valued. The cup profile of low-grown southern teas tends to be less complex and aromatic than high-grown varieties, but often offers straightforward maltiness and a robust, satisfying character that performs well in breakfast blends and tea-bag formats.
Supply Chain & Market Position
Athukorala is recorded as supplying Finlays, one of the world's largest tea companies and a key intermediary in the Sri Lankan supply chain. Finlays operates as both a buyer and processor, sourcing leaf and made tea from estates across the island for blending, packing, and export to international brands and retail chains. The estate's presence in Finlays' supply base suggests it produces black tea to commercial specifications, likely destined for blending and export markets where consistency, volume, and competitive pricing are paramount.
- Recorded supplier to Finlays
Operator
The estate is operated by the Athukorala Group. No other estates operated by this company are currently recorded in our directory.
Location & Neighbouring Estates
Athukorala, Athukorala Group lies at 6.3481, 80.2271 in Southern Province, Sri Lanka. Its 12 m elevation is the joint 119th highest of 134 estates we map in Southern Province. The nearest estates in the TeaTrade directory, measured point-to-point from these coordinates, are:
- Kellapatha — 4.4 km away
- Thundola Tea Estate — 5.2 km away · B363
- Brombil Tea Factory — 6.3 km away · Horawela - Pelawatte - Pitigala Rd
- Evergreen Group, Katandola — 6.7 km away
- Susantha — 7.8 km away
Estates at a Similar Altitude to Athukorala, Athukorala Group
Elevation shapes how slowly leaf matures, so we match Athukorala, Athukorala Group (12 m) with estates within 150 m of its height that are not its neighbours. Each is shown with its own 2025 climate. Athukorala, Athukorala Group recorded 3,438 mm in 2025, 57% more than the 2,195 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ameenabad Tea Factory | Moulvibazar, Bangladesh | 12 m | 2,447 mm | 30.2 °C |
| Amrail Tea Factory | Moulvibazar, Bangladesh | 12 m | 2,201 mm | 30.1 °C |
| Sungma Tea Estate | Camac Street, India | 12 m | 1,858 mm | 31.4 °C |
| M.K. Shah Exports Ltd. | Justice Dwarkanath Road, India | 12 m | 1,858 mm | 31.4 °C |
| Paragodakanda | Southern Province, Sri Lanka | 12 m | 2,612 mm | 29.5 °C |
Athukorala, Athukorala Group Compared with Southern Province
In Southern Province, Athukorala, Athukorala Group is wetter than 86% of the others by 2025 rainfall; lower than 91% of the others by elevation; warmer than 80% of the others by daytime temperature. The table sets Athukorala, Athukorala Group against the 133 other estates we map in Southern Province, so you can see whether it is typical for its region or an outlier.
| Measure | Athukorala, Athukorala Group | Region median | Region range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elevation | 12 m | 49 m | 6 to 806 m |
| Annual rainfall (2025) | 3,438 mm | 3,022 mm | 2,210 to 3,589 mm |
| Mean daily high | 30.1 °C | 29.8 °C | 25.9 to 30.5 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 22.8 °C | 22.6 °C | 18.2 to 24.1 °C |
Observed Climate at Athukorala, Athukorala Group (2025)
ERA5 reanalysis data modelled for Athukorala, Athukorala Group’s coordinates recorded 3,438 mm of precipitation across calendar year 2025. The wettest month was November (483 mm) and the driest was February (61 mm). Daytime highs averaged 30.1 °C and overnight lows 22.8 °C over the year; May was the warmest month and January the coolest.
| Metric | 2025 value |
|---|---|
| Annual precipitation | 3,438 mm |
| Wettest month | November (483 mm) |
| Driest month | February (61 mm) |
| Mean daily high | 30.1 °C |
| Mean overnight low | 22.8 °C |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Athukorala, Athukorala Group located?
Athukorala, Athukorala Group is in Southern Province, Sri Lanka, at coordinates 6.3481, 80.2271, at an elevation of about 12 metres.
Who operates Athukorala, Athukorala Group?
Athukorala, Athukorala Group is operated by Athukorala, according to public supply-chain records.
What type of tea does Athukorala, Athukorala Group produce?
Athukorala, Athukorala Group is recorded as producing black tea.
Which buyers does Athukorala, Athukorala Group supply?
Public supplier disclosures record Athukorala, Athukorala Group as supplying Finlays.
How much rain does Athukorala, Athukorala Group receive?
ERA5 reanalysis data for the estate's coordinates recorded 3,438 mm of precipitation in 2025, peaking in November (483 mm).
How does Athukorala, Athukorala Group compare with estates at a similar elevation?
Athukorala, Athukorala Group recorded 3,438 mm in 2025, 57% more rain than the 2,195 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].