| The island state of Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon until 1972. Sri Lanka is located off the southeastern tip of India, about 400 miles north of the equator. Colombo is the capital and largest city. The island is largely flat and rolling terrain but distinguished by a cluster of mountain peaks near Nuwara Eliya, the highest of which is the 8,281 feet high. Tea plantations were established in the hill country surrounding Nuwara Eliya in the second half of the 19th century. Ceylon teas are noted for their bold crisp flavor. Generally, the higher grown Ceylons are of higher quality. |  Tea Estate near Nuwara Eliya |