Kannan Devi Tea Museum, Munnar, Kerala India

Kannan Devi Tea Museum, the first tea museum of the country displaying the growth of this century old tea plantations and industry, which began with a simple tea roller and has grown to the present day fully automated tea factory of Madupatty. The plantation has become one of the major attractions in Munnar.

Set up in 1964 as a joint venture with UK based Janes Finlay and Company to develop value added teas, the Tata tea Group of companies, which includes Tata Tea and the UK based Tetley Group, today represents the world’s second largest teas operation with product and brand presence in 40 countries.

With its 7 extensive tea gardens in Munnar covering approximately 24,000 hectares, the company is today the largest tea corporate in South India with an annual production of 21 million kg of tea. Virtually all its 12,000 – plus employees are its shareholders.

The Tea Sanctuary in Munnar offers visitors a rare serenity amidst its beautiful surroundings with much tropical diversity. Situated at an altitude ranging from 1372 mtrs to 2134 mtrs above sea level, the area presents a panorama of lush tea gardens, mist capped mountains, wooded valleys and crystal clear streams. Staying in the cottages offers the visitor a range of experiences from sightseeing, trekking, fishing, golfing and bird/wildlife watching to the ultimate in relaxation. Both Continental and Indian cuisines are served at all bunglows.

Tata Tea has an interesting Tea Museum in Munnar housing curios, photographs and machinery, each depicting a turning point that contributed to the growth of the tea industry. There is demonstration room for tea tasting where one would come across different varieties of tea. Those eager to understand the nuances of tea processing can do so at the CTC and orthodox tea manufacturing unit at the museum. Tourists are allowed to pluck tea leaves themselves and have them processed in their presence.