Munnar, the wonderful hill station located in Kerala, is decorated with vibrant tea gardens, misty hills, and a peaceful atmosphere which lures tourists from around the globe. At an altitude of about 1,600 meters, Munnar’s tea plantations present themselves in a salad of nature and history and thus, it is a must-do when traversing the Kerala paradise.
A Glimpse into the History of Munnar’s Tea Gardens
Munnar’s tea gardens came into existence during the late 19th century when the English acknowledged the area’s capacity for tea farming. It was all thanks to John Daniel Munro, a British official who was responsible for making the tea plantations in Munnar that now stretch endlessly. The 1st set of tea plants was first rooted in 1877 with the place, at that time, undergoing other changes. For the last 2 or 3 decades, Munnar has turned into one of the most significant tea-producing areas in India.
Why Munnar’s Tea Gardens are a Must-Visit
1.Breathtaking Scenic Beauty: The magnificent tea estates of Munnar are situated over the undulating hills, resulting in a breathtaking green mat, which perfectly complements the blue sky and foggy clouds. The picture of workers plucking tea leaves amidst the thick greenery is a work of art that you always remember long after you leave there.
2.Educational Tea Tours:A great number of tea plantations in Munnar provide sightseeing trips during which you can get to know the production stages of tea right from the planting of the tea plants to the picking of the tea leaves and the final stages involving processing. In the tea estates, you really get to see the fascinating process of making the beverage that the whole world adores.
3.A Walk Through the Tea Gardens: One of the unique experiences is taking a walk through the narrow paths where there are the tea gardens. The cold wind from the mountain, the noise from the tea leaves, and the water flowing far away is what creates a good place for meditation and relaxation.
4.Tea Tasting Sessions: To truly experience the tea gardens of Munnar, there is absolutely no way without tasting tea. If your cup of tea is a strong black brew, a light green tea, or a fragrant white tea, Munnar’s plantations provide different options that will definitely make your taste buds happy.
Popular Tea Estates to Visit in Munnar
- Kanan Devan Hills Plantations: One of the most famous tea estates, offering tours and a museum that showcases the history of tea cultivation in Munnar.
- Kolukkumalai Tea Estate: Known as the highest tea plantation in the world, Kolukkumalai offers stunning views and a unique tea-tasting experience.
- Lockhart Tea Museum: A visit here provides insights into the traditional tea processing techniques that have been preserved over the years.
Best Time to Visit Munnar’s Tea Gardens
The tea gardens in Munnar are at their best in the period between September and March when it is nice and cool and outdoor games feel super nice.
Conclusion
The rich history and culture of tea growing in the area are as important to Munnar’s tea gardens as the stunning scenery. The tea gardens in Munnar provide a tranquil haven in the middle of nature, perfect for anyone who enjoys tea, loves the outdoors, or is seeking to get away from the bustle of the city. Make your arrangements now to see the serene splendor of Munnar’s tea gardens.