From leaf to cup
Take in the old machinery and equipment that once powered Munnar's prosperous tea mills as you stroll through the Tea Museum's hallways. From picking out the delicate tea leaves to blending the perfect mix, each exhibit tells the story of the tedious process involved in making tea, employing anything from simple drying racks to intricate tea rollers. Learn about the various varieties of tea grown in Munnar, ranging from the delicate flavours of white tea to the potent richness of black tea, and gain a new appreciation for the ingenuity and skill required to create each exquisite cup.
Additionally, the museum offers professional staff-led guided tours that offer fascinating insights into the subtleties of tea cultivation and processing. Viewers can get a better grasp of the skill and craftsmanship required in creating Munnar's famed teas by seeing live demonstrations of tea-making processes like rolling, fermenting, drying, and sorting.
Indulge in the undertones
One of the must-do activities when visiting the Tea Museum is to sample some of the greatest teas Munnar has to offer. Savour the delicate fragrances of freshly brewed Assam tea, which has a powerful, robust flavour, or indulge your senses with the delicate floral undertones of Nilgiri tea, which has a smooth, mellow flavour. For a truly authentic experience, choose a traditional Kerala-style tea service, which includes a choice of savoury dishes and sweet pastries served alongside scalding hot tea poured in ornate brass cups.
The on-site tea shop of the museum sells a broad selection of teas, including unique blends, flavoured infusions and single-origin teas. Prior to buying, guests are able to try a variety of teas, so they can select the ideal brew to fit their tastes. The store is also stocked with a variety of tea accessories, such as strainers, cups, and teapots, which makes it an ideal location to purchase gifts and souvenirs for tea lovers back home.
A look behind the tea bag
After learning about the background and impact of Munnar's tea business at the museum, stroll through the lush areas surrounding the tea estates. Take a guided tour of a tea estate to see how the farmers there harvest and prepare tea using traditional methods that have been passed down through the years. They will teach you how to hand-pick the best tea leaves and process them. As you stroll through the verdant tea gardens and take in the breathtaking beauty of the surroundings, breathe in the fresh mountain air.
Additionally, guests can take part in activities like outings through tea estates, which allow them to roam around the scenic plantations and converse with the local workers to learn about the process of growing tea firsthand. Immersion experiences are available at some tea plantations, such as tea plucking sessions, where guests can try their hand at picking tea leaves while being guided by seasoned plantation workers. It's a special chance to get closer to the natural world and develop a greater understanding of the arduous labour that goes into making Munnar's well-known teas.
