Your Guide to Munnar’s Tea Plantations: Trails, Views, and More

Munnar, tucked away in the misty folds of Kerala’s Western Ghats, feels like it was pulled straight from a dream, rolling green hills, cool mountain air, and the gentle rustle of tea leaves dancing in the breeze. But beyond the postcard-perfect views lies something even richer: the legendary Munnar tea plantations, where history, culture, and nature come together in the most aromatic way.

If you’re craving a getaway that blends scenic beauty with soulful experiences, this is it. Start your journey by looking for cheap flights to Kochi, the nearest airport to Munnar.

Ready to wander through tea-scented trails and sip some of the finest blends on earth? Let’s dive into your ultimate guide to exploring Munnar’s tea country.

A Short History of Tea in Munnar

Tea cultivation in Munnar began in the late 19th century, when British planters like A.H. Sharp saw its potential. With cool weather, fertile soil, and mountain slopes, the region was ideal for setting up tea gardens in Munnar. Companies like Tata Tea and KDHP transformed Munnar into one of South India’s most iconic tea-growing regions.

Today, these plantations not only grow tea but also preserve heritage, support local livelihoods, and welcome curious travelers from around the world.

What Makes Munnar Tea Plantations Unmissable

• Stunning views of rolling tea-carpeted hills
• Insightful history and hands-on experiences
• Warm hospitality from locals and guides
• Organic, hand-plucked tea you won’t find elsewhere
• An escape into nature, calm, and culture

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Must-Visit Tea Plantations in Munnar

Munnar’s rolling tea estates are more than just beautiful; they’re rich in history and culture. Here are the top plantations you shouldn’t miss.

Kolukkumalai Tea Estate

Situated 7,900 feet above sea level, Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is the highest tea plantation in the world! It is known for its organic farming and the production of strong-flavored orthodox teas using traditional machinery. The tea grown here is handpicked and processed in a factory that still operates with 1930s British-era equipment.  For travelers seeking both history and natural beauty, this estate is a must-visit, and with many cheap flights to Munnar now available, experiencing this high-altitude wonder has never been more accessible.

What to Experience:

• The adventurous jeep ride to reach the estate itself is a thrill, bumpy, steep, and scenic.
• Take a sunrise trek to catch panoramic views of the Western Ghats and Tamil Nadu plains.
• Tour the factory and taste freshly brewed tea straight from its source.

Timings: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: ₹100–₹150 per person for factory tour

Lockhart Tea Estate

Founded in 1879, this is one of Munnar’s oldest and most picturesque estates. With a perfect blend of heritage and nature, this estate offers a more peaceful, less commercialized experience. Explore their heritage tea factory, which provides a deep dive into how tea is processed.

What to Experience:

• Walk along scenic trails surrounded by gently rolling tea-covered hills.
• Visit the Lockhart Tea Museum, which showcases traditional equipment and offers a window into colonial-era tea culture.
• Enjoy tastings and shop for exclusive blends.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Factory/Museum closed on Sundays)
Entry Fee: ₹150- ₹250 per person (includes museum + guided factory tour)

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Kannan Devan Hills Plantations (KDHP)

KDHP was once managed by Tata Tea, now an employee-owned enterprise that operates a majority of Munnar’s tea landscape. It offers one of the most comprehensive tea experiences in Munnar. The estate includes the Tata Tea Museum, scenic Munnar tea plantation tour, and well-organized factory tours. For those planning a visit, staying at one of the best hotels in Munnar nearby ensures you’re perfectly placed to soak in the full experience.

What to Experience:

• Watch the step-by-step transformation of tea leaves into different blends.
• Learn about the region’s transformation from wilderness to plantation under British rule.
• Buy freshly packed tea from estate-run outlets—choose from black, green, white, or flavored options.

Timings: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹125 per adult, ₹75 per child (Documentary included)

Pallivasal Tea Garden

Pallivasal is where it all began; this estate is often credited as the birthplace of commercial tea cultivation in Munnar. Surrounded by hills, waterfalls, and dense forests, Pallivasal offers a peaceful, less-touristy experience. The plantations here are spread over gently undulating terrain, making it ideal for leisurely walks and tea garden picnics. Plus it is close to attractions like Attukad Waterfalls, making it perfect for combining sightseeing and plantation tours.

What to Experience:

• Take gentle walks through lush tea fields.
• Enjoy tranquil moments with photo-worthy backdrops.
• Interact with local tea pluckers (with permission) and understand daily plantation life.

Timings: No fixed hours; best visited 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Entry Fee: Free for general entry/walks; some guided walks may charge ₹100–₹200 per person

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Sevenmallay Tea Estate

Sevenmallay Tea Estate combines history, beauty, and excellent upkeep. The estate is known for its well-laid tea rows, rich biodiversity and is home to the historic Sevenmallay Bungalow, one of the oldest British-era buildings in Munnar. It is often visited for walking tours, casual birdwatching, and panoramic views of the surrounding valley.

What to Experience:

• Stay overnight in the old planter’s bungalow surrounded by greenery.
• Walk or cycle through the well-maintained tea gardens.
• Watch and learn the basics of tea plucking and early-stage processing.

Timings: Estate walks open from 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM; stays available year-round
Entry Fee: Walks may be free for guests; outside visitors may pay ₹100–₹150 for guided walks

Letchmi Tea Estate

Letchmi is a hidden gem, popular with trekkers and nature seekers who want to experience Munnar beyond the usual tourist spots. The estate offers guided sunrise treks, passing through tea gardens, meadows, and shola forests, with stunning views of the Anamudi range and Idukki hills.

What to Experience:

• Go on a guided plantation trek or nature walk.
• Learn about organic tea practices and environmental conservation.
• Spot local flora and fauna while sipping fresh tea.

Timings: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
Entry Fee: Generally free for casual walks; guided nature/tea tours cost ₹300–₹500 per person (depending on group size)

Read More: Munnar Trekking: Best Trails in Southern Paradise & Travel Tips

Bonus Visit: Tea Museum in Munnar (Nallathanni Estate/KDHP)

What to do?

• Watch a short documentary on Munnar’s tea history.
• Learn about colonial-era machinery and tea innovations.
• Taste freshly brewed varieties, and bring some home!

Timings: 9 AM–5 PM (closed on Mondays)
Entry Fee: ₹125 for adults (subject to change)

Many all-inclusive Munnar tour packages include a stop here, making it easy to dive into the region’s tea legacy without any hassle.

Best Time to Visit Munnar Tea Plantations

• October to March: Pleasant, cool weather; perfect for walks and treks.
• June to September (Monsoon): Super lush and photogenic but expect rain delays.
• Sunrise tip: Go early in the morning for magical light and misty views.

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Tips for Visiting Munnar Tea Plantations

• Wear comfortable shoes as mild trekking is common, especially at Kolukkumalai

• Respect privacy and always ask before photographing workers

• Book in advance since guided tours often have limited slots

• Getting around is easier with local taxis or private jeeps for remote estates

• Do not litter; carry your trash back or use designated bins

Concluding Thought

Munnar tea plantations aren’t just scenic; they tell stories. Walk through Kolukkumalai, the world’s highest tea estate, and you’re stepping into history. Wander into Pallivasal and you’ll find quiet corners perfect for just being still. Some days, it’s about trekking through rolling green hills. Other days, it’s sipping a cup of tea while learning how it’s made, the old-school way. What really stays with you, though, is the mix of misty views, the care that goes into every leaf, and the warmth of the people who’ve made tea a way of life here. Whether you’re here to unplug or to learn something new, Munnar has a way of slowing you down in the best possible way.

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FAQs – Munnar’s Tea Plantations

Does Munnar have a tea plantation?
Yes, Munnar is famous for its vast, scenic tea plantations. They’re one of the top reasons people visit.

Which is the highest tea plantation in Munnar?
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate holds the title, it’s the highest tea plantation in Munnar, and possibly in the world, sitting at about 7,900 feet above sea level.

Who owns the Munnar tea plantations?
Most of the tea estates in Munnar are owned by Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company Private Limited (KDHP), which took over from Tata Tea Ltd in 2005. It’s actually an employee-owned company.

What’s the entry fee for the tea gardens in Munnar?
There’s no set fee just to walk through the tea gardens. However, places like the Munnar Tea Museum charge around ₹125 per adult for entry.

What’s the price of Munnar tea powder per kg?
Prices vary depending on the type and quality. On IndiaMART, it ranges from ₹50 per kg for basic tea powder to ₹350 for higher-end varieties like CTC dust. MunnarShop lists their Dust Tea Powder at ₹170 to ₹330 per kg.

Is Kolukkumalai worth visiting?
Definitely. Kolukkumalai is known for its breathtaking sunrise views, high-altitude organic tea, and a vintage tea factory tour. Just be prepared—the road up there is rough.

How much is the ticket for Munnar Rose Garden?
It’s ₹50 per person to enter the Munnar Rose Garden.

What’s the entry fee for Blossom Park in Munnar?
Blossom Hydel Park charges ₹10 for adults and ₹2 for children under 12.

What’s the entry fee for Echo Point, Munnar?
It’s ₹30 for adults and ₹15 for children. Boating costs extra.

How much is the entry fee for Dreamland Munnar?
Entry to Dreamland Fun and Adventure Park is ₹1500 per adult and ₹1000 per child.

What’s the cost at the Elephant Park in Munnar?
A 15-minute elephant ride at Carmelagiri Elephant Park costs ₹400 per person. There are extra charges if you want to feed the elephants or take photos.

Stay Curious Read More:

Why Munnar is the Perfect Spring Destination for Nature Lovers
Best Places to Stay in Munnar with Impressive Hiking Trails Nearby
Best Places to Visit in Munnar: A Scenic Paradise in Kerala

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