Munnar Tea Tour Review: Factory, Plantation & Park

So, you’re thinking about a trip to Munnar and possibly are even considering a tea tour? That’s totally great! I mean, the rolling hills covered in bright green tea plants – it’s pretty much the kind of picture that sticks with you, right? I recently went on the “Munnar Tea Factory Plantation and National Park Tour,” and I thought I’d share my thoughts, like what went well, what could have been better, and perhaps some useful tips if you, like your considering doing something similar.

First Stop: The Tea Factory – Aromatic Adventures

Our first point of call, so to speak, was one of Munnar’s several tea factories. And actually I had, to be honest a reasonable expectation. You watch all those TV programs and imagine stepping back in time! That’s what I did anyway. Now, it wasn’t exactly like stepping into a Victorian-era operation, but it really was still fascinating. So, it was, like, kind of a whirlwind look at the whole tea-making operation, from how the leaves get picked, that, is a story in itself, right through to the sorting, drying, and all that. The air just seemed so heavy with the aroma of tea, just that very, very distinctive smell. One thing I should note, anyway, that may not occur to everyone, is the machines are rather loud – so you, possibly should, too it’s almost think about earplugs if you’re quite sensitive.

The best thing for me, in a way, actually was the tasting session at the end. So, sampling all those different tea types, learning about the subtle differences between them…I felt really rather like a tea connoisseur, for all of, oh maybe 10 minutes? Anyway, so basically, the gift shop there had a really decent selection, so I stocked up on some special blends to take home. Word of caution though is that, of course, that you could well get carried away, if, like your me and rather too keen on a bargain. Do check the prices elsewhere before going wild, at the end of the day!

Wandering Through Tea Plantations: Emerald Carpets

OK, tea factory visited and time, as you’d expect, for the plantations. That bit, anyway, was exactly what I hoped it might be. Honestly, I think it may possibly even better than the pictures, seeing all the rolling hills stretch on into the distance, all dressed up in green. I mean it’s actually quite breathtaking. Anyway so we spent some time just strolling through the rows, with our very very helpful guide telling us all about how the tea gets cultivated. And actually some stories about the people that work there too. That brought it to life a little more. It gave a rather, if you like more personal touch to the whole visit. It’s, alright, kind of a perfect spot for photos. So, I snapped tons. But what I will say anyway is, take time to just breathe and absorb the all round beauty of the area. So, there’s something rather peaceful about it.

In that case you, you may be a bit like me, and maybe just feel like wandering further to actually soak it all in, I, you know, could well be that a guided tour would give more insight. Especially, really, if you are curious about, like, the specific tea types or, too it’s almost the farming methods in place. And so on and so forth. It could easily, in that case make the experience much better rounded and just, well better!

Eravikulam National Park: Nilgiri Tahr Spotting

OK, time for something other than tea, alright! Now the national park bit – that I will confess I was rather looking forward to, at the end of the day. Eravikulam National Park really is, still, definitely stunning. You get, you see, pretty amazing views from the top, so it makes the, is that quite frankly quite bumpy, bus ride completely worth it. I, literally mean that, literally, felt rather glad I didn’t have back issues, I will be honest! The main point of going there for many folks, of course, too it’s almost is to hopefully spot the Nilgiri Tahr, so that kind of mountain goat type animal. So, naturally, spotting them can be kind of pot luck, seemingly; depending on the day, the weather and what they fancy doing, I guess! On the day I went, so to speak, we did manage to catch sight of a few, yet at quite a distance. Anyway, that meant I was glad that I had brought my binoculars! Remember it could, arguably, be quite busy at times, yet with restricted entry numbers. The main aim of that is, naturally, is to protect the area and stop it from, maybe, getting ruined, I guess.

Anyway, so just consider that, too it’s almost; you may need to allow some leeway for possible queues. And that’s important to know. And also possibly consider trying to get there, if you can, you know early. It seems so, on a day when, of course, that I would have a lie in, that it’s a good idea to set your alarm! Also, if you want really clear photos bring, anyway, that zoom lens, otherwise everything tends to look rather small.

What You Should Possibly Bring With You

If I were to actually repeat this, the experience, alright, I, in effect already know what I would and wouldn’t need. I’d say these items will very, very probably make a tour of this kind much, much easier and much better. Just the basics really.

Comfortable Shoes: A fair amount of strolling is generally involved, very, very much. And, I felt like that even applied if I didn’t go too far from the paths.
Sun Protection: Anyway, suncream, hat, glasses; just do it. You will, I, honest find it important, mostly because it can get really hot in the open areas.
Water: Keep yourself properly hydrated. If you are anything like me, obviously. And remember water, on the whole, actually is cheaper in the town itself before you actually start the day, usually. So you can save some rupees and then have, like, an extra tasty lunch somewhere, potentially.
Camera: You will, obviously need something to actually capture all those wonderful landscapes and animals. You might even, arguably be thinking, you know, professional equipment.
Snacks: Something light just to, kind of, keep you going. Especially if you get, you know rather peckish quickly, I find. Don’t think they will always have tons of choices available either.
Binoculars: If the tahrs are far away this will absolutely make a huge difference to seeing something!
Cash: Little shops could, just maybe be, a bit card shy! It might be, obviously, just rather easier to pay in old-fashioned rupees. Plus, it’s often great for tipping!

Final Pointers – Was It Worth It?

So was the tour worth it, for what I paid and everything I did, and basically did I think it had some value for the money that I laid out. Generally, I am of the view that the Munnar Tea Factory, Plantation and National Park Tour is actually very good, basically. As a matter of fact, I, you know felt it rather gave a good mix of history, insight into local commerce and simply amazing scenery. And I, if I, honest enjoyed it. Though perhaps slightly touristy, yet for somebody on holiday that did not really affect me at the end of the day, and it just actually makes everything a lot easier to see, usually. A great little trip with lots and lots of interesting elements and some amazing points that will remain with me. One day I must, anyway, try it all over again; maybe in a different season.

Here are some of my takeaways, for your reference:

The tea factory visit did give a reasonably clear and understandable view of the entire tea manufacturing process.
Wandering through the tea plantations truly showed the enormous natural beauty of Munnar.
Spotting Nilgiri Tahrs in the Eravikulam National Park possibly can depend upon luck. You should check before visiting to know whether its calving time or some other consideration affects your trip.
Having comfortable shoes and clothing can definitely enhance your comfort all day. You might have to adjust what you think looks stylish to actually have comfortable clothing. Just bear it in mind, literally!
Look for package options. Lots of operators may offer specific packages so do look around online before selecting one.