Tour tea estates, walk amid spice plantations and hike to lookouts set above the glorious terrain of Kerala’s Idukki District.
Embark on a discovery of breathtaking countryside and Southern India’s tea heritage in the Tea Gardens. This area of natural beauty sits within the UNESCO-protected Western Ghats of the pristine Idukki District. Take guided tours of some of India’s most-famous tea estates in the Tea Gardens. Experience a top-of-the-world feeling after hiking to mountaintops.
Prior to the late 1700s, Munnar’s Tea Gardens was a wild region of tropical forests. Some years later, in 1870, a Scottish tea planter acquired 227 square miles (588 square kilometers) of land and used it to cultivate tea. Today, view some of the 50 tea estates and endless miles of cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg and other spice fields.
A comfortable way to appreciate the region is by driving along the roads that wind gently around the hillsides. Gaze out the window at the lush green undulating countryside. Look down on terraced fields, which tumble down into deep valleys. Watch as workers painstakingly pluck fresh leaves from the trees.
Learn about tea-making traditions and sample aromatic, fruity brews on a visit to the tea estates. Among them are the 200-year-old Harrisons Malayalam Limited and the Windermere Estate. Kannan Devan Hills has numerous plantations spread throughout the region. Its Tea Museum, located a 5-minute drive from Munnar, has displays of antique tea machinery and offers an insight into the evolution of the industry.
Release your adventurous spirit and explore the many scenic hiking trails around Munnar. Set out early to enjoy the morning sunshine and breathe in the enchanting fragrances that permeate the air. Trek to the summit of 8,842-foot-tall (2,695-meter) Anamudi Peak, to Chithirapuram Hill, Chokramudi Peak and the Lakshmi Hills. Spot elephants, flying squirrels, lion-tailed macaques and rare breeds of mountain goats, such as ibex and Nilgiri tahr.
The Tea Gardens are easily accessible from Munnar by bike, car or foot. Rent bikes or contract the services of a driver from the town. Guesthouses and retreats provide excellent options for a romantic overnight stay. October to April is a good time to visit, when rainfall is minimal.
