After the failure of Coffee plantations, then 21-year old planter "James Taylor" was in-chrge of the tea plantation pilot-project in 1860. The initial project spanned as low as 19 acres, where the results were extra-ordinary.
The estate of James Taylor allows the visitors to have an extra-ordinary experience by time-travelling back into the late 1800's. Visiting in a 4*4 provides a unique experience as the full-exploring potential is unlocked. The location is ideal for environmentalists, nature lovers and who indulge the greenery and calmness of the nature.
Standing at the highest point of Loolcondera estate is the Kondagala, which can be reached from a 45 minute hike from James Taylor's bungalow remnents. Peak provide stunning 360° views of the surrounding with mesmerizing sceneries.
The rock caves provide an excellent site for campers with the protetion provided by the natural rock-barriers.
Deltota, where the oldest tea plantation of Sri Lanka remains and where Windloft Retreat is located offers some of the best trekking trails for the adventure tourist>
Hire a mountain bike and paddle around the town through to the “Kandethenna Reservoir" to stop for visit the famous lookout point of James Taylor, the Scottish planter who introduced the art of growing tea to Sri Lanka.
At Windloft, we allow the guest for a unique experience in our natural water swimming pool, where the untouched fountain water is gathered.
As a policy, we do not add bleaching and other chemicals to the water as we provides drinking water for 400+ families in the area with the lake above the natural water pool.
Located near James Taylor's estate, the natural water pool can be seen above the Gurugal Oya reservoir. The stream provides untouched natural spring-water within temperature range of 15-22°C.
Surrounded with trees and shrubs, the stream is a hidden-gem with crystal-clear water. We recommend our guests not to use any plastic, detergents as the people downstream solely depend on the water source.
(+94) 772 408 748