Introduction

On a sightseeing excursion in Munnar, a trip to the Tea Museum run by Tata Tea is highly recommended. The museum has been built in the Nallathanni estate of Tata Tea. Its collection of memorabilia and artifacts takes you back in time when the tea industry had just begun to make its presence felt in Munnar in 1880s. Browse the museum for its array of curios, photographs and machineries, each depicting important events that contributed to a flourishing tea industry.

While panning through the museum, you are bound to notice and compare the rudimentary tea roller with the modern fully automated tea factory. The most fascinating of the lot is the burial urn from 2nd century BC which was found near Periakanal Estate. You will also come across an antiquated rail engine wheel of the Kundale Valley Light Railway that shuttled men and material between Munnar and Top Station. Don’t miss out the section that houses colonial bungalow furniture, typewriters, wooden bathtub, magneto phone, iron oven, manual calculators and other fascinating antiques.

Interestingly, the 37,000 acre tea plantations in Munnar are owned by Tata Tea Ltd which includes 26 tea plantations owned by the Tata group and a couple more by private players. At the demonstration room, you get to sample some authentic tea flavors and learn the nuances of tea processing both at the CTC and orthodox tea manufacturing unit. Before leaving, don’t forget to pick up some tea samples from the souvenir shop for your loved ones back home.

Special Attributes

The museum is home to wonderful antiques related to the production of tea.

Nuisance

The site is very peaceful and free of irritants.

Dressing restrictions

Dress is whatever you find comfortable.

Connectivity

Local transport available in Munnar includes taxis, auto-rickshaws, bicycles and buses. There are frequent buses run by the State Transport Corporation.

Enjoyed by

Families especially history lovers

Exposure

You will be both indoors and under the overcast sky of Munnar

Avoidable Season

June, July, August

Facilities

You can even buy some tea packets from the factory souvenir shop.

Things Not Allowed

No such restriction.

Tip

Maintain decorum, and do not touch objects on display.

Type of site

A museum by Tata Tea