December 20, 2024/
If you’ve ever enjoyed a cup of tea while gazing…
Tags :
Share This :
If you’ve ever enjoyed a cup of tea while gazing at mist-covered mountains, there’s a good chance your tea had a story tied to the rich mountain air of Munnar. The Western Ghats is where Munnar finds its home.
Munnar is a hill station that sings a symphony of lush plantations, crisp air, and an endless supply of tea leaves. But Munnar isn’t just a feast for the eyes. It’s also the epicentre of tea craftsmanship.
The tea factories in Munnar are where these verdant landscapes turn into the brews we all adore. Whether you’re a tea aficionado or simply curious about the journey from leaf to cup, exploring Munnar’s tea factories offers more than just a glimpse into the process.
The Tea Factories in Munnar offer a grand sensory adventure filled with history, culture, and flavours. So, let’s take a deep dive into the Munnar tea experience and uncover why this hill station is synonymous with tea and its perfection.
Let’s take a quick trip back in time to the time of Colonial Rule. In the 19th century, the British came upon a gorgeous region of evergreen hills and fertile soil. They realised it was the perfect place to set up shop, and they went on to transform this landscape into sprawling tea plantations and colonial tea estates that have stood the test of time.
These estates were more than just plantations; they were thriving communities where workers and their families lived and worked. Over the years, tea became Munnar’s lifeblood, driving its economy and shaping its culture.
Even today, many of the original estates are operational, preserving the influence of colonisers from across the sea. British culture is a noticeable feature of Munnar’s architecture, machinery, and tea-making techniques.
Exploring these estates is like stepping into a time machine that takes you to the roots of tea heritage.
Munnar isn’t short on incredible tea factories, but a few stand out as must-visits. Let’s explore them:
The history of Kannan Devan starts with the discovery of its rolling hills by the Duke of Wellington in 1790. Since then, the majesty of these hills has been revered by multiple historical figures who came upon its grandeur.
Kannan Devan Hills would exchange hands for over a century until the 1900s—which is when the British established the Kanan Devan Hills Produce Company Limited (KDHP) to produce large quantities of tea.
Since then, Tata took over all rights from the British to produce tea in India, but in 2005, the majority of plantations under Tata Tea Limited was taken over by KDHP—which is now an employee-owned company with 12500+ employees as its shareholders.
This is where history and tea-making come together in the most delightful way. The Kannan Devan Tea Museum is an ode to Munnar’s tea legacy. Inside, you’ll find vintage tea-processing equipment, photographs of early plantation workers, and even a short film that captures the journey of tea through the decades. Don’t miss the live demonstration of tea-making here—it’s both educational and fascinating.
This tea estate is positively mythical. Imagine sipping tea at the highest plantation in the world—well visit Kolukkumalai to make it happen IRL! It’s not just about the tea, either.
Kolukkumalai also offers guided tours all around the surrounding mountains—giving you an experience that’s worth more than a thousand words—picture that!
The factory itself still uses age-old methods to produce tea, giving you a rare glimpse into the pre-modern era of tea production. You can take a walk through this historic tea factory while picking fresh tea leaves and watching the process by which it is transformed into delicious tea.
The aroma in the factory alone will transport you—making you feel like you are relaxing in a warm pot of fresh tea that is being brewed just for you. At the end of the tour, you can get yourself a warm cup of tea of your preference as you look out into the valley and enjoy the decadent notes of fresh tea coating every tastebud.
20 million kilograms of tea—that’s how much tea the Lockhart Tea Factory produces every year. Not only that, like the other two plantations on this list, but it also doubles as a tea museum in Munnar.
Why is that important? Tea is an inherent aspect of Munnar’s rich history. Therefore, tea museums around Munnar act as time capsules that preserve Munnar’s legacy through tea. In fact, the Lockhart Tea Factory is one of the oldest and most iconic tea factories in Munnar.
If you are looking for a tea factory experience that is immersive and educational, then Lockhart is a great place to start your quest. You can take a guided tour through the museum and sip tea at the end.
Tea leaves and teabags don’t just happen—there’s an extensive process that goes into ensuring that each cup of tea tastes crisp and tangy—no matter which way it is prepared.
The process is fascinating and intricate, and as a tourist, Munnar offers you a great opportunity to explore the roots from which your tea comes. That’s why we thought it would be a good idea to break down the process of manufacturing tea in Munnar—step by step.
Visiting a tea factory in Munnar isn’t just about learning—it’s about participating. Here are some activities that elevate your visit:
If you are looking for an immersive Tea Tasting experience and a guided tour from a Munnar expert—Blackberry Hills is the place to be. We can help you organize an experience that is enriching, educational and memorable for years to come!
Munnar is known for its range of unique teas that stand out for their quality and flavour. Some highlights include:
Be sure to take some home—each sip will transport you back to the serene hills of Munnar.
We’re here to help you plan your perfect escape to Munnar! Whether you want to learn more about Blackberry Hills, check room availability, or customize your stay, feel free to reach out.
If you’ve ever enjoyed a cup of tea while gazing…
Experience Snowfall in Munnar: Kashmir of South India Munnar is…
Top Hotels in Munnar Kerala Best Hotels in Munnar, Kerala…
Perfect Munnar Itinerary for 2 Days One of the most…