Lush green tea plantations, the trademark of Thekkady

Tired of the cliché tourist spots in Munnar, Varkala, and Alleppey? Here is a chance to discover the less explored, and nature-kissed creations of man. The vast acres of lush green tea plantations of Thekkady are indeed sites to experience. The smooth curvy roads of Thekkady are ornamented with numerous tea estates on both sides. It would be blissful to walk through them in the cold and misty climate. This wonderland of tea on the top of these magical hills has been an attraction to many. Many of these tea factories offer exquisite activities like tea tasting and tea plucking. Tea plantation visit in Thekkady is a popular activity that is not to be missed out on. You can see the process through which these aromatic leaves are plucked freshly, processed, and packed to be sold. You may also buy fresh packets of tea, coffee, and spices for your loved ones.  Given are a list of tea factories and outlets that you can visit on your trip to Thekkady.  
 

Connemara tea plantation, Thekkady
 

Located at just a distance of 15 kilometers from Vandiperiyar, the Connemara tea plantation is a paradise on earth.  The overpowering beauty of this estate makes it a main visiting spot for hundreds of tourists from all across the world. This is an exceptional tea factory to visit if you are looking to see the process of manufacturing in detail. Travelers from Britain, Russia, and the United States, etc crowd the estate during the peak season. This place is a true heaven, especially if you are a tea lover. Connemara tea estate is open from Monday to Saturday, from 9: AM TO 4: PM. There are language assistants who guide you during the tour. Cameras are strictly prohibited here. You can walk through the plantations and see each step of tea making inside the factory. 

Pattumala tea plantation,Thekkady
 

The very word pattumala means hills which are draped in silk. The hills here are blessed with its lush green covering, small streams and tea plantations. The moderate climate and scenic beauty are add ons to this spot. Owned by the biggest tea production sector of Kerala, Harrison Malayalam, this tea estate has a special legacy being a part of the tea heritage in Kerala. The plantation initially was owned by a private company and covered over an area of 232 acres, where products like silk and mulberries were harvested and sold in the local nearby markets.  It was in 1935 that the plantation was bought by Harrison Malayalam and turned into tea plantations. With over a capacity of producing 15000kg per day, it is one of the biggest orthodox tea factories in the state.
 

Misty mountain tea factory and plantation
 

Just as the name suggests, the Misty Mountain tea plantation has a backdrop of mountains covered in mist. It is one of the few factories in Kerala that manufactures orthodox tea. Their estate is set across an area of 600 acres. With the beautiful rugged mountains, vast plains, forests, and endless clouds, this plantation and tea factory has many visitors each year. Tea leaves from this plantation made the famous Peermade tea brand which is an internationally known brand.
 

Poabs tea outlet
 

The Poabs group which had closed down their estates for a decade reopened them by 2008. From Peermade to Vandiperiyar, this beautiful stretch of land of about 18 kilometers is close to the Tamil Nadu border. This scenic spot has been used for shooting many films. While they have an outlet at Thekkady, their original estate is at Prambanan . They have a bigger estate at Nelliyampathy known as the Poabs Sethar gundu estate. The estate got its name from River Pamba. Tea leaves from this estate is processed by the Granby factory. A large tea nursery was set up in 2011 to distribute seedlings for the replanting efforts of tea across all estates. The main ghat road which starts from Mundakayam ends in Kumily. A tea factory visit in Thekkady is a must to do a thing while visiting here.

AV tea outlet available at Karadikuzhi and Pasupara
 

AVT, a giant company in Kerala had seen the potential of the tea business in the hills and had crafted their beautiful estate with acres of tea. The company is pretty famous in the state for the quality of their tea leaves. They have other plantations at Kuttikanam and Idukki also, which are equally worth visiting. There is an elegant AVT bungalow which is a must-visit if you are coming here. 
 

GEM tea outlet 
 

Located at a distance of 48 kilometers from Thekkady, GEM totally stands for its name. With an area beautifully sown with tea, the plantation steals the heart of any visitor. 

On making a list of places to visit after your busy schedule, don’t forget to include these precious tea estates which would give you peace of mind and happiness.  A perfect holiday with complete only with a comfortable stay? Why compromise with a normal place when can have something special? Book your stay with Hills and Hues, the best 5 star resort in Thekkady.  Built on a British vintage architecture model, the resort has a romantic ambiance which makes it an ideal honeymoon resort in Kerala. With a 180 degree view of hills, rivers, and Periyar forest at a stretch, this place would steal your hearts.