Since it was a holiday, the lonely road was hardly interrupted by a vehicle. We were running across the most scenic and the largest University premises in Sri Lanka. Yes, it was the University of Peradeniya.

Having passing a number of majestic buildings belonged to the faculty of Arts, our vehicle slowed down at the famous “Wala”, the open theatre of Prof. Ediriweera Sarachchandra. The major building next to the same was the Hilada Obesekara hall, used as a girls’ hostel. I remembered for a moment, how this giant building was provided shelter to me during each weekend in my University days, since it was a boys’ hostel then. (We called it as “Gaje Gahanawa”).

We were heading Lulkandura / Loolecondera Estate, the first commercial tea plantation of Sri Lanka, which was located in a distance of 35km from Peradeniya. Just after the University premises, the climb was began. The road was bit narrow but had been maintained well. It was nice scenery of hilltops at Gampola area visible in our right hand side, especially the Govijana Seya of Ambuluwawa. The road was run through natural rain forests, pathana and pines lands.

the “junction of the bridge” very closed to Galaha	The road was run through natural rain forests, pathana and pines lands
we were able to enjoy the endless view of rangers at Kandy and Knuckles areas

The side of the steep was changed at the “junction of the bridge” very closed to Galaha. From there onwards we were able to enjoy the endless view of rangers at Kandy and Knuckles areas. Having passing Galaha & Deltota we reached the boundary of Lulkandura Estate. Once we reached the village town of Lulkandura, we asked for directions. In the next 500m we met the junction where we had to turn. There were prominent landmarks such as Hindu kovil, a bridge & several information boards on Lulkandura & James taylor.

we reached the boundary of Lulkandura / Loolecondera Estate	There were prominent landmarks such as Hindu kovil, a bridge & several information boards
Information boards on Lulkandura & James taylor	Entrance fee

The gravel road started from there was in good shape & could be managed with a car in average ground clearance. Having climbing nearly 1.2km we came to the 3way junction from where the access to the first tea plot planted by James taylor in 1867 was begun.

The gravel road started from there was in good shape & could be managed with a car

we came to the 3way junction from where the access to the first tea plot (Click image to enlarge)

The plot was 5 acres in size and harvesting yet. The access of the same was not in good shape & needed a 4wd vehicle. Otherwise it was a walk of 3km with an ascending. Neither our vehicle nor ourselves were capable to manage the issue, we continued ignoring the first tea plot.

Health tip

From that junction onwards the tea plantation was appeared to be much green & healthy.

From that junction onwards the tea plantation was appeared to be much green & healthy. It was a nice fact that some forest patches ware maintained along the tea plantation. Little water ways run in each low ground were provided enough evidence on how that practice was helped to conserve the environment of Lulkandura.

Green

summer hut on a natural lake

Passing a plot of recently trimmed tea plantation, we reached our destination. ( for our non Sri Lanken friends : Tea is grown as a huge tree but trimmed & maintained as bushes not higher than 3ft in commercial plantations ).

a plot of recently trimmed tea plantation

With a walk of 100m, we reached the site where the cabin of James Taylor was located. Since the cabin was made with logs, the chimney made with rubble in masonry work was the only in remains.

The well used by James Taylor	the site where the cabin of James Taylor was located
the chimney made with rubble in masonry work was the only in remains	Ode to JT (Click Image to Enlarge)

The story of James Taylor as per the plaque at the premises:

James Taylor was born in 29th March, 1835 in Scotland and came to Lolecondera in 1852 at his age of 17 years. He was a big made man with long beard and weighed 246 pounds. His first clearing was planted in 1867 and he made his tea in the verandh of his log cabin. The leaf was hand rolled on table and the product fetched Rs. 1.50 the local market.

He died on 2nd May, 1892 at the age of 57years. Twenty four men carried his coffin to Mahayyawa cemetery. Kanganies and laborers walked behind his coffin 8.00am to 4.30pm. James taylor the grand viceroy of Sri Lanka tea lived and died at Lolecondera. He remained a bachelor and Lolcondera was his first and last love.

It was just a moderate hike of 1.5km to the summit of Dotelagala (1450m) which was located behind the log cabin of James Taylor. But it was advised to beware on wasps attacks possible in the trail.

People at the summit of Dotelagala (1450m) zoomed

The popular view point called taylor seat was located with 300m distance to East from the log cabin. It was said to be the place where JT was used to refresh his mind and plan the future of Lolecondera. A rock structure made like a seat was there yet.

A pond closed to the car park at JT seat

James Taylor seat

View over the valley

Once you set there you would be able to view, Victoria reservoir, the sleeping warrior (Hinnasgiriya range), Knuckles range, Wilshire (Brandy gala) and Hampshire of Matale and some times Friars hood (Toppigala) of the Eastern plane over the valley.

Furthermore, you would sense why JT remained as a bachelor and Lolcondera was his first and last love.