If you have always wanted to travel to Munnar in monsoon, you can’t help but be fascinated by many things as there is immense beauty all around you. But there is one aspect of this hill station in Kerala that is underrated – the tea estates in Munnar.
Munnar is one of the largest tea-growing areas in India. And whether you are travelling with your family or with your significant other, make sure to include a visit to at least one of the many amazing tea gardens in Munnar in your itinerary.
Let us look at some of the best tea plantations in Munnar that beckon a visit.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
One of the most popular tea estates in Munnar, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is located about 35 km from the main town of Munnar. It is comfortably perched at over 7900 ft above sea level, making it one of the highest tea estates in the world, in terms of elevation.
Apart from being incredibly beautiful and sprawling over 81 hectares on the rolling hills, this tea estate has a reputation for producing the most flavourful tea. You can pick any tourist guide to Munnar, and it will surely feature Kolukkumalai Tea Estate as one of the must-visit places in Munnar.
You can stroll around these plantations while enjoying the natural beauty around. The tall and towering trees around that sway with the wind during the rainy season in Munnar create a beautiful sight and backdrop for some epic pictures for your social media. As you walk by, you may see the workers carrying a basket over their heads picking the leaves; it is a wonderful experience that you must have at least once in your life.
After a tour around the plantation, head to the tea shop near the old tea factory and indulge in tea tasting. A piping hot cuppa made from locally grown tea leaves is always refreshing, and when it rains, hot tea is bliss. You can also buy tea packets as gifts for your loved ones back home.
Lockhart Tea Estate
Established in 1879, Lockhart Tea Estate is one of the oldest estates in Kerala. One of the highlights of this beautiful tea garden in Munnar is that it houses a tea factory that to date manufactures tea using traditional methods. There is also a tea museum near the estate where many old tea manufacturing and processing equipment and tools are put on display for public viewing.
The estate, museum, and factory are all located on the slopes of Chokramudi hills, one of the highest peaks in South India. From the tea estate, you get a panoramic view of the Lockhart Valley, and you can spend an entire evening just enjoying the view and relaxing.
But make sure that you take necessary precautions as you walk the garden during the rains. The gushing water from the hilly slopes can make the ground slippery. So, tread carefully and enjoy the view of the rain and the valley ahead!
Sevanmallay Tea Estate
Among the host of tea estates in Munnar, Sevanmally tea gardens is one of the most popular ones. Located close to Kannan Devan Hills, this plantation is owned and managed by one of the tea-producing giants in the country, Tata Tea Company.
What makes this estate popular among tourists is that it is huge and is spread over hundreds of acres. The sea of greenery and the view of the mighty Western Ghats around make it a visual treat.
As you explore this estate, make sure that you pay a visit to a beautiful bungalow nearby. It is a colonial-era structure and has a simple yet alluring architecture. If you have never seen or visited a tea estate, visit the Sevanmally estate for the best tea estate experience.
Pallivasal Tea Garden
Pallivasal Tea Garden gets its name from the Pallivasal village where it is located. This beautiful tea garden is on the outskirts of Munnar. Although it is one of the lesser-known estates in the region, its sheer natural beauty is comparable to none.
The stunning meadows and the towering rubber trees surrounding the estate provide a wonderful sight that makes touring the estate a pleasant experience.
Tata Tea Museum
Located about two kilometres from Munnar town in the Nallathanni Estate owned by Tata Tea, the Tata Tea Museum, which is also commonly known as KDHP (Kannan Devan Hills Plantations) tea museum houses a variety of antiquities. One of the most notable items on display at the museum is the burial urn that dates back to the 2nd century AD. It was excavated from the Periakanal Estate. A popular sightseeing attraction in Munnar, this museum is a haven for all quintessential tea lovers or the as the locals call it, chai lovers.
The museum also showcases many items used for tea production. If you are fascinated by tea and want to know more about how it is produced, processed, and packaged, you must surely watch the 30-minute video shown at the museum. It will take you on a beautiful sojourn of the places and explains the tea-manufacturing process in detail.
After touring the museum, and understanding the processes involved in tea-making, you can participate in the tea-tasting sessions that are organised in the museum’s demonstration room. It allows you to taste different types of tea made from locally grown leaves. If you are a tea connoisseur, you would surely enjoy the tea-tasting session and get into the finer details of the difference in the taste and other nuances.
Best places to stay in Munnar
Book your stay at the two premium resorts in Munnar by Club Mahindra — Club Mahindra Munnar and Club Mahindra Mount Serene that boast spacious rooms and the most premium amenities that make your stay the utmost comfortable and relaxing.
Apart from the beautiful interiors, the location of these resorts in Munnar deserves special mention. Surrounded by the most spectacular terrains you can imagine; these resorts ensure that you have the most memorable holiday experience with world-class hospitality. These are the most popular family resorts in Kerala, where comfort meets the best of nature.
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Updated: 26 May 2023, 04:59 PM IST
