Did you know that the taste of tea increases with altitude? And, you are reading about tea gardens at the highest altitude in India? Yes, we are discussing tea gardens in Munnar.
It all started in the 18th century during the time of the Duke of Wellington. Until then, Munnar was covered in forests. Well, that’s when the first tea plants were cultivated. Now Munnar owns over fifty tea gardens sprawling across acres and acres of land. A forest was turned into picturesque tea gardens.
Munnar’s unique topography is conducive to tea plantations. Tea plantations occupy more than 1500 acres of land in Munnar. Several tea plantations belong to the Tata Group. Munnar boasts over fifty tea gardens including premium brands like Brooke Bond, AVT tea, and Kannan Devan. Munnar Tea is rich in antioxidants, which boost immunity. Farmers resort to organic farming methods. They use various sustainable practices such as rainwater harvesting and terrace cultivation.
A walk through the tea gardens in Munnar need no lofty introduction. Along with the misty hills and valleys, tea gardens come to each traveler’s mind when she thinks of visiting Munnar. Now that you are in Munnar, you can spend a day visiting any tea plantation. A two-hour walk through the tea plantations will be a much-needed break from the daily grind. You can breathe fresh air and revitalise your mind and body. Besides, tea pluckers plucking the leaf with clinical precision and dexterity is quite a sight.
Nullatani Estate, spanning 2461 hectares houses the Kannana Devan Hill Plantation. It is one of the most famous tea plantations in Munnar. This tea estate is home to India’s first tea museum – The Tata Tea Museum. This museum is flanked by picturesque tea gardens. If you wish to have a look at a variety of tea-producing machinery, then do not miss this museum. Besides, you can learn how tea is processed, and you can also learn about India’s tea plantation industry. You can buy high-quality and different varieties of tea from here.
Timing: 9 am -5 pm
Closed on public holidays and Mondays.
It is one of the oldest tea estates. You have to visit the 160-year-old Lockhart tea factory here. Using traditional method, the factory produces more than 20 million kg of tea annually. A 9km drive from Munnar town will take you there. The factory houses a tea museum. You can visit the factory and learn more about tea and tea processing. They employ the traditional method to produce tea. Besides, they have arranged a tea tasting session where you can taste varieties of tea. At the tea sale outlet, visitors can buy various grades of tea along with other plantation products. There is another highlight. You can see Chokramudi Peak which is South India’s highest peak from both the museum and the factory.
Visiting time:9 am -5 pm
Learn more: Lockhart Tea Estate
If you are ready to take a 35 km drive from Munnar, you can visit the Kolukkumalai tea garden. It is at an altitude of 7900ft. Here, the tea is manufactured by the traditional method. You can taste varieties of tea with a guided factory tour. Besides, the panoramic view of the Kodaikanal town from the Kolukkumalai tea estate is worth seeing. The tea estate offers accommodation. This makes it easy for you to enjoy a safari tour and hiking.
Visiting time: 7 am to 6 pm
Closed on Sundays
Learn more: Kolukkumalai tea garden
The Pallivasal Tea Garden is in Pallivasal village, Munnar.It is approximately 8 km away from the Munnar town. The 120-acre tea plantation is one of the first tea estates in Munnar. You can indulge in various activities including factory visits, tea testing, estate walks, etc. Besides the tea garden, you can visit the nearby Pallivasal and Attukal waterfalls.
Visiting time:7.30 am to 10 pm
One of the biggest tea gardens in Munnar, the Sevenmallay tea garden sprawls across more than hundreds of acres. The tea garden’s undulating terrain is its main highlight. You can explore it any time of the day. You do not have to pay any entry fee. Other nearby attractions like Indo Swiss Dairy Farm and Pothenmedu Viewpoint are there. If you are ready to travel 9 km from Munnar, you can enjoy a historical experience of tea cultivation along with other scenic views.
Visiting time: Throughout the day.
You can taste several types of tea when you visit tea gardens and museums. They have tea-tasting sessions of varieties of tea produced in the factories. It’s an opportunity to taste distinct flavors.
You can partake in guided tours of the tea factories. They will guide you through the process of tea making. You can also learn about the machinery involved. Along with that, you can pay a visit to the tea museums.
Tea gardens are everywhere when you travel through Munnar. Without any end, you can enjoy the lush green tea gardens. Sometimes, the misty hills and tea plantations will lure you to their vortex and make you stay there forever. The beauty of that breathtaking view won’t fit into the limitations of the alphabet. Experience and enjoy it by yourself.
