Discover the Enchanting World of Kerala Tea Plantation in India
You can’t really describe Kerala tea plantation, you have to feel it. The way the morning fog lingers low over the hills, the crisp scent of tea leaves riding on the breeze — it’s quietly overwhelming. Everything slows down.
It’s not just about tea. It’s about space to breathe, silence you didn’t know you missed, and a kind of peace you carry back with you. Whether you’re on a romantic trip or simply chasing green hills and quiet trails, there’s something in these plantations that makes time stretch in the best way.
Why Kerala Tea Plantation is Still a Secret (and That’s a Good Thing)
Everyone talks about Assam or Darjeeling when they mention Indian tea. Fair enough — they’re legendary. But Kerala? Kerala is different. More intimate. Less commercial. And somehow, more emotional.
The plantations here don’t just grow tea — they feel like they’ve grown stories too. Old ones whispered through the mist. Families here have been working the same patches of land for generations. The experience doesn’t feel like a tour. It feels like being invited into someone’s home.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate – High on Flavor, Higher on Views
This place is a ride — literally. Kolukkumalai sits way up in the clouds, and the journey to reach it is rough, wild, and kind of thrilling. But once you’re up there? Unreal.
You’re standing in what’s said to be the highest tea plantation in the world, and it does feel like the top of something — not just geographically. The wind has a different sound, the silence is thicker, and the views… honestly, no photo does justice.
Inside the small, creaky tea factory (yes, it’s still fully functional), you can watch how leaves become the cup you crave every morning. The machines clank with history, and everything smells like the start of something good.
Couples especially love the sense of isolation up here. You’re literally in the clouds, with time to wander among the tea bushes and sip a cup as the sun sets over endless hills.
Kanan Devan Hills Plantation – Where Legacy Lives
This one feels like the wise old storyteller among Kerala’s tea gardens. Kanan Devan, in Munnar, doesn’t just offer beautiful views — it tells you how Kerala’s tea story began and how it’s still being written.
Run by the Tata Group, this estate spreads wide across Munnar’s hills and is home to the Tea Museum. Inside, you’ll find black-and-white photographs, colonial-era tools, and stories tucked into every corner. The tea factory here doesn’t just show you the process — it shows you the care that goes into every step.
This place is a hit with couples who love history, photography, and deep cups of flavor. The beauty of this plantation makes it to the top in the list of Kerala tea plantations.
Lockhart Estate – Where Time Slow
You arrive and there’s a hush — not from absence, but from calm. Lockhart Estate, founded in 1879, feels untouched by time.
Here, the air is thick with the scent of earth and leaf. The tea bushes are trimmed like waves across the valley, and you can take your time wandering through. There’s no rush to leave, and no noise that urges you to hurry.
There’s also a factory here — small, welcoming, and proud. The guides speak like storytellers. The tea you taste feels fuller somehow.
Elstone Estate, Wayanad – A Quiet Pocket of Green
This one’s for the wanderers. Tucked into Wayanad’s forested hills, Elstone isn’t about big crowds or big claims. It’s about listening — to birds, to leaves brushing together, and to yourself.
It’s a tea and spice plantation, which means the air is richer here — peppery, floral, grounding. Trails wind through the estate, perfect for long walks. And if you’re here with someone you love, there’s no better place to pause, talk, or simply sit in silence.
It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful places are the quietest ones.
Inside a Tea Factory in Kerala – Where Magic Happens
You walk in, and the smell hits you first. It’s warm, earthy, and comforting. Then you hear the hum — not loud, not fast, but steady. It’s the sound of tea being born.
Inside a working tea factory in Kerala, every step matters. And here’s what you’ll see:
- Withering – The leaves are laid out and softened by air.
- Rolling – They’re twisted gently to release oils.
- Fermentation – Slowly, the magic happens: green turns brown, scent deepens.
- Drying & Sorting – The final shape takes hold.
Kolukkumalai, Kanan Devan, and even some smaller estates let you see this happen up close. You’ll walk away with a new respect for your morning brew.
Best Time to Visit? Between September and March
Monsoon passes, and everything glows. From September onward, Kerala’s tea hills open their arms to travelers.
The skies stay clear, the air holds a light chill, and every cup of tea feels earned. If you’re traveling as a couple, this is when magic happens: golden sunrises, long walks, fireside talks.
If visiting tea factory in Kerala, avoid peak summer and the rainy months — unless misty trails and poetic storms are your thing (in which case, we totally get it).
Travel Tips – For a Tea-Lover’s Trip
- Wear good shoes – You’ll want to walk off the paths sometimes.
- Carry layers – Mornings are cooler than you think.
- Stay local – The best stories come from local hosts and guides.
- Taste everything – Every estate has its own twist. Find your favorite.
And if you’re looking for a stay that matches the vibe of these hills…
Make It Personal – Stay with Solis Nature
At Solis Nature, we handpick nature stays that bring you closer to nature, to stillness and to each other. We hope you enjoy this guide on Kerala Tea Plantations and check out Kerala Guide for more such fun and informative blogs.
Think forest-side bungalows, heritage cottages on the edge of tea estates, and eco-retreats where the loudest sound is birdsong. You’re not just booking a room. You’re stepping into a slower, sweeter way of living.
Let Kerala tea plantations be more than a backdrop. Let them be your next story. We’ll help you write it — one cup, one walk, one moment at a time.
Kolukkumalai Tea Estate in Munnar, located at ~7,900 ft, is the world’s highest tea plantation. It’s ideal for sunrise views and traditional tea tasting.
Tata Tea Museum (Kannan Devan Hills Plantation) in Munnar offers a fascinating museum and guided plantation tours with tea-tasting sessions.
Lockhart Tea Estate & its museum (established in 1879 by Harrisons Malayalam) blend factory tours with panoramic hill views.
Pallivasal, Letchmi, Sevanmallay, and Priyadarshini Estates are equally scenic and often overlooked gems. ]
Read threads on Quora & find what would be best for you.
What months are best for visiting tea plantations in Kerala?
The optimal timeframe is September through March, when the hills are green, the skies clear, and plantation tours are very pleasant.
Yes! Some estates—like Makaibari Tea Estate—offer homestay-style lodging where guests live with local communities and explore plantation life.
At Solis Nature, we partner with similar eco-friendly stays that provide immersive nature experiences on or near tea estates.
Absolutely. Reddit users often recommend exploring less trodden paths—such as Chinnakanal and western Munnar roads near Letchmi Estate—to enjoy solitude and stunning views away from tourist crowds.
Guided tours that explain traditional tea processing steps
Tea tasting sessions featuring fresh local blends
Nature walks or hikes through plantation lanes
Cultural immersion tours, such as interacting with workers in community-based lodging programs at Makaibari Estate.
The Kolukkumalai Tea Estate stands above the rest—literally. At nearly 8,000 ft, it offers unmatched views of misty valleys and distant hill towns, ideal for sunrise enthusiasts.
Yes. Some estates, including Makaibari, emphasize worker welfare and community support—offering schools, healthcare, and sustainable practices.
Solis Nature promotes such stays that respect both nature and local heritage.
Definitely visit both.
Tata Tea Museum offers heritage exhibits, historic machinery, and interactive shows.
Lockhart Tea Museum offers a factory tour plus a heritage bungalow and valley views.
They offer both educational and visual appeal.
Letchmi Estate, quietly nestled in Kanan Devan Hills
Elstone & Chathampadathil Tea Estates in Wayanad for remote, lush surroundings
Pattumalay Heritage Estate, known for its vintage processing methods
Bonacaud Estate near Ponmudi, offering gentle hills and rainforest edges.
We partner with nature-centric properties located near or within tea plantation regions. Hosts share local knowledge, guests enjoy quiet scenic stays, and we help with marketing, flexible booking terms, and fast support e.g. listing properties in Munnar, Wayanad, or Suryanelli. These curated stays let travellers connect deeply with the setting.
