Best Tea Estates in Munnar for Tours & Tastings

Munnar, a picturesque hill station in Kerala, is synonymous with sprawling tea plantations, mist-covered hills, and a refreshing climate. The region is home to some of the finest tea estates in India, where visitors can experience tea cultivation, processing, and tasting. Here is a detailed guide to the best tea estates in Munnar for tours and tastings.

1. Tata Tea Museum (KDHP Tea Museum)

• Location: Nallathanni Estate, Munnar
• Best For: Learning the history of tea cultivation in Munnar
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
• Entry Fee: INR 75 for adults, INR 35 for children

The Tata Tea Museum, also known as KDHP Tea Museum, is one of the most popular attractions in Munnar. The museum provides an insightful journey into the history of tea plantations in Munnar, with exhibits that showcase the evolution of tea processing methods. Visitors can watch a documentary on tea history and witness tea production, from plucking to processing. The museum also offers tea tastings, where guests can sample different varieties of tea produced in the region.

2. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

• Location: Periakanal, near Munnar
• Best For: Panoramic views and traditional tea processing
• Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 100 (Tour charges extra)

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate, situated at 7,900 feet above sea level, is the highest tea plantation in the world. The estate follows orthodox tea processing methods, which give its tea a distinct aroma and taste. Visitors can explore the century-old tea factory, learn about traditional tea-making techniques, and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea while soaking in breathtaking views of the Western Ghats. The bumpy jeep ride to reach Kolukkumalai is an adventure in itself.

3. Lockhart Tea Estate & Factory

• Location: Devikulam, Munnar
• Best For: Colonial-era tea factory tour
• Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 150 per person

One of the oldest tea plantations in Munnar, Lockhart Tea Estate is managed by Harrisons Malayalam Limited. The estate offers guided tours of its tea factory, where visitors can observe various stages of tea processing, from withering and rolling to drying and sorting. The estate also has a retail outlet where guests can purchase premium-quality tea. The scenic beauty surrounding the estate, with rolling hills covered in lush green tea gardens, makes it a must-visit spot.

4. Sevenmallay Tea Estate

• Location: Munnar
• Best For: Authentic tea-tasting experience
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 100 per person

Owned by Tata Tea, Sevenmallay Tea Estate is a beautifully maintained plantation that allows visitors to walk through its tea gardens and enjoy a tea-tasting session. The estate produces high-quality tea using sustainable practices. The tour guides provide detailed insights into tea cultivation, plucking techniques, and the different flavors that make Munnar tea unique. The fresh aroma of tea leaves and the tranquil surroundings enhance the experience.

5. Pallivasal Tea Estate

• Location: Pallivasal, Munnar
• Best For: Serene tea gardens and nature walks
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 100 per person

Pallivasal Tea Estate, one of Munnar’s oldest tea plantations, is known for its lush greenery and peaceful ambiance. The estate offers guided tours where visitors can learn about organic tea farming and tea leaf plucking. The scenic beauty, with mist-laden hills and vast tea gardens, makes it an ideal spot for photography. Tea-tasting sessions are also available, allowing visitors to enjoy the rich flavors of Munnar’s best brews.

6. Kanan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP Tea Estate)

• Location: Munnar
• Best For: Interactive tea factory visit
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 125 per person

Kanan Devan Hills Plantations is one of the largest tea producers in Munnar. The estate offers guided tours of its tea factory, where visitors can witness the mechanized process of tea production, including drying, fermenting, and packaging. The estate also has a tea-tasting room where guests can sample a variety of teas, including black, green, and white tea. The plantation’s picturesque setting adds to the experience.

7. Chinnakanal Tea Estate

• Location: Chinnakanal, near Munnar
• Best For: Offbeat tea-tasting experience
• Timings: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM
• Entry Fee: INR 100 per person

Chinnakanal Tea Estate offers a less commercialized, more intimate tea tour experience. The estate provides guided walks through tea plantations and a detailed explanation of tea processing. The tea-tasting sessions feature a selection of freshly brewed teas, allowing visitors to understand the differences in taste and aroma. The serene location and charming plantation setting make it a hidden gem for tea lovers.

Tips for Visiting Tea Estates in Munnar

• Best Time to Visit: The ideal time to explore Munnar’s tea estates is from September to March, when the weather is cool and pleasant.
• What to Wear: Wear comfortable clothing and sturdy walking shoes, as some estates require walking through hilly terrains.
• Booking: Some tea estates require advance booking for guided tours, so check availability before visiting.
• Tea Shopping: Many estates have on-site shops where visitors can purchase freshly packed tea leaves and blends.
• Photography: Most estates allow photography, but some may have restrictions inside tea factories.

Conclusion

Munnar’s tea estates offer an immersive experience into the world of tea cultivation and processing. Whether you’re a tea enthusiast or a nature lover, visiting these plantations provides a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and scenic beauty. From the high-altitude tea gardens of Kolukkumalai to the heritage-rich Lockhart Tea Estate, each plantation has its own charm and story. Plan your visit to these estates and indulge in the finest tea-tasting experiences Munnar has to offer!