5 Best Tea Gardens To Visit In Munnar

Munnar is a famous hill region in Kerala. It is famous for its cool climate, green mountains, and large tea gardens. Many tourists visit Munnar to explore its tea gardens and learn more about tea production. Munnar is also known for having some of the oldest and most renowned tea gardens in India. One can witness the process of tea production, drying, and processing.

Some tea gardens are still following traditional methods, while others have adopted modern technology. This makes Munnar a perfect place for tea enthusiasts. If you are planning to visit Kerala, do not forget to visit the tea gardens of Munnar. Our company provides the best Tour packages for India, focusing on India tourism, including visits to tea gardens, sightseeing, transportation, and stays.

1. Kannan Devan Hills Plantation (KDHP) & Tea Museum

• Location: Nallathanni Estate, Munnar

Kannan Devan Hills Plantation, also known as KDHP, is one of the most significant tea plantations in Munnar. This tea plantation has India’s first Tea Museum, which was established by Tata Tea in 2005. The Tea Museum assists visitors in understanding the history of tea production in Munnar and in India. It describes how tea production began in this area and how it developed over the years. In this museum, visitors can see many old machines and equipment that were used in tea factories in the past.

Among the most significant machines used in this museum is the Rotorvane. This machine enhanced the tea production system in the early 20th century. The museum illustrates in a clear manner how tea was produced in the past using human labor and how modern machines are used today for faster and better production. Visitors can also observe a live tea production process in the factory, making the visit an educational one.

There is also a Tea Tasting Unit inside the museum. Trained staff members explain the difference between various types of tea. They talk about taste, smell, quality, and correct brewing methods. Visitors can taste different varieties of tea and understand which type they prefer.

The Tea Museum is open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM every day except Monday and Good Friday. The entry fee is ₹150 for adults, and tea tasting costs an extra ₹100. Our Tour packages for India can include this estate in the Munnar sightseeing plan. It is an important place to visit for people who want to learn about tea history as part of their India tourism experience.

2. Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

• Location: 35 km from Munnar, near the Tamil Nadu border

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is known for being one of the highest organic tea plantations in the world. It is located at about 7,900 feet above sea level near the border of Tamil Nadu. Due to its high altitude, the climate is cool and suitable for growing high-quality tea. Tea grown here is organic without pesticides or chemical fertilizers.

This estate still follows the traditional seven-step manual tea processing method. Workers pluck tea leaves by hand. After plucking, the leaves go through different stages, such as withering, rolling, drying, & packing. Visitors can see the complete process from fresh leaf to final tea product. This helps travelers understand how tea is produced using traditional methods without heavy machinery.

A popular activity here is the Sunrise Trek. The trek usually starts at 4:30 AM. Visitors travel to a viewpoint to see the sunrise over the tea plantations and nearby hills. Many tourists enjoy this early morning visit.

Kolukkumalai can only be reached by a 4WD gypsy from Suryanelli, which is around 35 km from Munnar. The road is rough, and normal cars cannot reach the estate. The gypsy ride adds an adventurous element to the trip. Our company can include Kolukkumalai in selected Tour packages for India for travelers who want a different and unique tea experience as part of India tourism.

3. Lockhart Tea Estate

• Location: Munnar (Established in 1879)

Lockhart Tea Estate is among the oldest tea plantations located in the Munnar region. It was started in 1879 and is managed by Harrisons Malayalam Limited. This estate offers a more personal and detailed experience compared to bigger commercial tea estates.

The estate has a working tea factory where visitors can see how tea leaves are processed step by step. There is also a small museum that shows the history of the estate and its development. One special activity offered here is the “Make Your Own Tea” program. In this activity, guests pluck tea leaves and prepare tea by themselves. This hands-on experience helps people understand tea production in a simple way.

From this estate, visitors can also see Chokramudi Peak, which is one of the highest peaks in South India after Anamudi. The surrounding area has wide tea fields spread across the hills.

4. Pallivasal Tea Garden

• Location: 8 km from Munnar town

Pallivasal Tea Garden is located about 8 km from Munnar town. It is known for its well-maintained plantations & easy road access. This estate is also historically important because Kerala’s first hydroelectric project was established here.

Visitors can enjoy clear views of tea plantations spread across the area. Since the estate is easily accessible by normal vehicles, it is suitable for families, senior citizens, & travelers who prefer comfortable travel without difficult roads.

One important attraction nearby is Pallivasal Waterfalls. It is a peaceful place where visitors can relax and spend time in nature. Many tourists visit this area for photography & quiet surroundings. Our Tour packages for India can include Pallivasal Tea Garden for travelers who want a comfortable tea garden visit as part of India tourism.

5. Sevenmallay Tea Estate

• Location: Munnar (Founded in 1900)

Sevenmallay Tea Estate was established in the year 1900. This tea estate is famous for its huge tea plantations and an old colonial-style bungalow situated within the tea estate. The tea estate has a rich history and is one of the most important tea gardens in Munnar.

One can take a stroll through the tea gardens & relax in the peaceful surroundings. At times, the Nilgiri Tahr can also be spotted in the area of the tea estate, which is a major attraction for nature enthusiasts. Close to the Sevenmallay Tea Estate is the Pothamedu Viewpoint, which is a nice place for photography.

Sevenmallay Tea Estate is ideal for visitors who wish to have a peaceful and relaxing experience. Our company can also include this tea estate in full Munnar sightseeing as part of our Tour packages for India