Munnar is an enchanting hill station situated at an altitude ranging from 5000 to 8000 feet on the Kannan Devan Hills. Blessed with pleasant weather, lush green vegetation, picturesque waterfalls, stunning lakes, and mist-clad mountains, it is one of the top hill stations in Kerala, and among the must-include places in honeymoon tour packages. Besides, Munnar is synonymous with rolling hills that are carpeted with verdant tea plantations and a trip to Munnar will be incomplete without having a visit to these tea plantations. Sprawling over vast acres of land, many private tea estates in Munnar allow visitors to take guided tours through the plantations where you can witness the many stages of the production of tea. What are you waiting for? Come and have a memorable trip to these ravishing tea estates of the Kashmir of South India.
Here is the list of some ravishing tea plantations in Munnar.
Kanan Devan Hills Plantations, Nullatanni Estate
Kannan Devan Hill Plantation is located at KDHP’s Nullatanni Estate that dates back to the British Colonial Raj era. Spread over an area of 2461 hectares, the estate is home to the country’s first-ever tea museum which is a must-visit place as part of Munnar tour packages. The Tea Museum exhibits different equipment used in tea manufacturing from the early 20th century to the late 20th century. Some of the items exhibited in the museum include the original tea roller of 1905, the rotor vane, the Pelton wheel used in the power generation plant that existed in Kanniamally Estate in the 1920s, a rail engine wheel of the Kundale Valley Light Railway that transported men and material between Munnar and Top Station during the early part of the last century. The process of tea manufacturing is also explained in the museum. The process of tea manufacturing is also explained in the museum.
Also Read : Top Hill Stations in Kerala
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate
About 35 km from Munnar, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is a sprawling tea plantation situated at Kottagudi village in the Theni district of Tamil Nadu. It is one of the most beautiful tea estates in India and among the top places for tea plantation trails in Munnar. At an altitude of 7900 feet, Kolukkumalai is the world’s highest elevation tea plantation which was built up by the British from 1920 to 1927 with the assistant of the Chettiar Brothers belonging to Bodinayakkanur, Tamilnadu, India. Sprawling over an area of 81 hectares, the estate was run by AJ Group since 1971. The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate produces tea using the orthodox method in the time-tested tea factory. Visitors can sip different flavors of tea and buy fresh tea from the factory outlet near the old factory. In addition to tea production, the hill is famed for panoramic views of the rolling hills and fresh air. Visiting these lush green acres of land is an experience in itself and nothing can be more exciting than taking a lovely stroll on the pathways in the plantation. This place is at its best during the sunset and offers spectacular views of Kodaikanal town, which looks extremely beautiful during the evening.
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Sevenmallay Tea Estate
Established in 1900, Sevenmallay Tea Estate is located at an elevation of 4800 ft to the southwest of the Kannan Devan Hills in Munnar, among the top places to visit in Kerala. This beautiful tea estate is sprawling over hundreds of acres of land and is one of the estates owned by Tata Tea in Munnar. A quaint charming bungalow located right in the heart of the estate adds to the charm of the place. With beautiful scenery, lush green tea gardens, and a colonial bungalow in the center, the tea estate has become one of the top places to visit in Munnar. The Munnar Christ Church, Ropeway Station, Gymkhana Grounds, and KDH Club are located here. Visitors can also purchase tea produced at the estate outlet.
Also Visit : Fascinating Viewpoints in Munnar
Pallivasal Tea Garden
Pallivasal Tea Garden is a mystic tea plantation situated on the outskirts of Munnar, among the must-visit places as part of the Kerala tour. The tea estate is known for its natural beauty and beautiful meadows of tea plantations. Pallivasal is the place where Kerala’s first hydroelectric project was built. Besides, the estate is also home to the stunning Pallivasal waterfalls, formed over the Muthirappuzhayar River. Surrounded by lush green forests, this is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Munnar. Though a little small in size, the waterfall is an excellent spot for picnicking and sightseeing for those who want to spend a day away from the buzzing madness of cities. From these gardens, you can also see the Sahya mountain range in the backdrop. With unspoiled scenic beauty in abundance, the place is a perfect attraction for photographers and nature lovers.
Must Read : Splendid Waterfalls in Munnar
Lockhart Tea Estate
Lockhart Estate is one of the earliest tea plantations situated in Munnar. Established by Baron John Von Rosenberg and his son, the estate houses Lockhart Tea Museum which was constructed in 1936, however, it was opened in 2014. The museum gives extensive knowledge about the orthodox method of tea production and processing. It also houses numerous ancient equipment used in the plantations such as mechanical harvesting machines, shears, fletcher sprayers, and many more. The estate also houses the Tea Factory which produces about 20 million kilograms of tea annually and is owned by Harrisons Malayalam Limited. The factory uses an orthodox tea manufacturing process. The factory and museum are located on the slopes of Chokarmudy, one of South India’s highest peaks, from which the entire valley of Lockhart can be seen. Taking a walk through the perfectly manicured tea gardens, sipping fresh tea, and feeling the cold mountain air is one of the greatest experiences here. The Lockhart Gap plantation also offers many adventure activities such as trekking, hiking, and wildlife to all thrill-seekers.
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