Tales from the tea gardens

The Kannan Devan Tea Museum is steeped in stories and legends that add to its charm and allure.

A legend associated with the tea plantations of Munnar is about a tea worker who once unearthed a unique, colourful variety of tea. According to the legend, plucking this planting of tea, which had miraculous healing properties and was bringing prosperity both to the plucker and the community, on the designated day would guarantee their good luck. The story of this tea plucker is a part of local folklore. In addition, the mystery of the story of the tea of Munnar is also added to the history of Munnar by this story.

Another story that is equally fascinating relates to the spirit of an old British tea factory in Munnar that is believed to be haunted by the ghost of a British planter. The locals are convinced the ghost roams through the tea bushes during the misty evenings to ensure that the tea bushes remain healthy and tended to well. On the one side, it embodies the mysterious ambience of the tea gardens, while on the other, it gives us a glimpse of these people's deep tea-making traditions.

Delve into the realm of tea

The Museum of Kannan Devan Tea has all activities in place which help one understand different aspects such as tea production, its role and its importance in the local culture.

Walk into the museum and be prepared to embark on a guided tour with the guides showing you the beautiful history of tea production and the step-by-step process. Know the different kinds of tea, how tea is made, and the progress that the industry has achieved over time.

Be part of tea-tasting sessions that are aimed at imparting knowledge of different kinds of teas grown in Munnar. Get an opportunity to enjoy the distinctive nuances of organoleptic properties such as taste, aroma, and colour, and, during the tea-tasting seminars, develop your skills as a tea connoisseur.

See and understand the process of tea processing firsthand with different stages like withering, rolling, drying and sorting. This practical knowledge is given when people are provided with demonstrations that give them knowledge of the work involved in producing quality tea.

Take a ride on an audio-visual show that talks about the origin of the tea plantations, the life of tea planters and how this industry has impacted the socio-economic balance in the region.

Beyond the Tea Museum

Have a leisurely walk through the estates of tea plantations that the museum is surrounded by. Such tea estates, with their orderly, neatly manicured tea bush rows against the beautiful backdrop of rolling hills, would create a painter’s delight in photography, with lots of photo opportunities. Go to Eravikulam National Park to view the Nilgiri Tahr - an endangered animal. The area is full of beautiful landscapes and diverse wildlife, including wild orchids, birds with colourful feathers, and rare species. The Mattupetty Dam, which is situated within a few minutes ride from the museum, provides beautiful views and a chance to glide on boats. Delve into the magical Attukal Waterfalls, which are becoming famous for their cascading views and surrounding greeneries. A perfect place for hiking and picnic dates.