As part of our first theme, ‘Affordable places in India that will make you forget International Dream Destinations’, we are back with the second blogpost – the tea plantations of Munnar, India that are way more Green, Gorgeous and Glamorous than those of Europe.

Two weeks back, I decided to launch a new campaign, ‘Rediscover India, Incredible India’ at my readers’ recommendation. I choose a new theme every month that talks about the heritage and culture of Incredible India.

To read the first post, follow this: Now experience the ‘Garden of Europe, Keukenhof, Netherlands’ in the Tulip Gardens of Kashmir, India

Today, India is the second largest producer of tea worldwide, as well as one of the biggest consumers of tea. Many of our states such as Assam, West Bengal, Tripura, Meghalaya and Himachal cultivate tea. As a result, you can see beautiful tea gardens in most parts of the country that offer not only the promise of a magic potion in the form of tea but also gorgeous landscapes, nature trails & short hikes.

Of these many states, the prettiest tea gardens are found in Munnar, Kerala, India. The irony is that Europe being so fond of tea & responsible for enabling the mass-scale cultivation of tea in the world, doesn’t have many tea gardens of their own except the ones found in Portugal

The tea gardens in Portugal are concentrated in Azores, with the oldest tea farms in Chá Gorreana, located in the north of São Miguel island. These tea estates are not only old but also so beautiful that it attracts tourism from all over. But then, if you are a tea lover or a fan of nature, you don’t have to travel to Europe to experience that. In fact, you can get better with a trip to the tea estates of Munnar, India at a fraction of the cost of travelling to Portugal.

Munnar, a hill station nestled in the Western Ghats

The mountain range parallel to the Western coast of India is called Western Ghats. This mountain range is not only gorgeous or home to the best of hill stations but also is one of the 36 biodiversity hotspots in the world along with being a UNESCO World Heritage site.

In these Western Ghats, exist this beautiful hill stations called Munnar, popular for its tea estates, gorgeous view points, food joints, cultural shows and natural beauty.

When you reach Munnar, you don’t have to find the tea gardens. They find you on their own. Shining in every possible shade of Green, the tea gardens welcome each and every traveller with equal warmth and love. When in Munnar, you do as the tea estates behave – carefree & joyful.

Experiencing the Caffeinated magic of Munnar

There are many tea estates in Munnar. You can plan a visit to any of those depending upon where you choose to stay and how many days do you have. I recommend a visit to Tata Tea Museum, Munnar, Kolukkumalai, Munnar & Photo point, Munnar. These are the best places to experience the sharp aroma of tea leaves, inhale the crisp air of tea estates and lock the memories of merging with the Emerald Green backgrounds of tea plantations.

Tip: If you get the time, do plan to experience the morning Sunrise at Kolukkumalai. It’s one of the most beautiful sights that you will ever encounter. You might have to wake up really early for that. But then, it’s worth it.

A mini Munnar Travel Guide

If you are planning to travel to Munnar for 2-3 days, then you might want to spend those days in exploring the tea estates and getting yourself clicked at various photo points.

However, if you got more days, you can explore even more such as Eravikulam National Park. Amidst many things, this park is popular for Nilgiri Tahr, a beautiful kind of goat.

If you are the type of person who likes to party, then I can tell you the address of a party place too: Kalari Kshethra. On most evenings, this place hosts a show of Kathakali from 5:00 pm to 6:00 pm, and then an hour long show of Kalaripayattu from 6:00 to 7:00 pm.

Not the kind of party you were looking for?! Well, don’t be greedy. And learn to experience the new. Alcohol, loud music and the drama associated with inebriated state is so passe. Move on. Now, experience the party where you don’t lose your senses but yourself when you experience the high of art performances.

If you are looking for more, go to the main market and do some shopping for tea, essential oils, spices, freshly made Banana chips, coconut oil, organic chocolates and soaps, Jackfruit chips and anything else that your heart desires.

You can reach Munnar by taking a flight to Cochin airport, and then hiring a taxi from there. Or you can travel by train to the nearest railway station of Kochi or Ernakulum. However, the most preferred route to Munnar is by road with the best of views. There are many good hotels and resorts in Munnar too. My recommendations are: Kaivalyam Retreat & Sterling, Munnar.

Munnar is a beautiful hill station that reminds you of first love. It reminds you that life is full of possibilities no matter your age or state. You can choose to side with joy, splendour and beauty…if only you have the will & time to spare for the life on weekends.