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Speak to one of our experts now about this offer
Call us on - 0800 294 9710
Or drop into your local Kuoni store to find out more
Speak to one of our experts now about this offer
Call us on - 0800 294 9728
Or drop into your local Kuoni store to find out more
In the dizzying heights of the Western Ghats, Munnar hill station houses an important industry that has stood the test of time. It’s here where you can see the vivid green hues of Kerala’s highest tea estates tumbling over the rolling hills. Gazing from the top, hundreds of lines, the shape of cultivated tea bushes, unfold like an emerald quilt. Zoom in and you’ll see colourfully clad tea pickers wade through the shrubbery working the leaves at expert speed.
Life here is and always has been dedicated to the art of tea making. Most of the rural factories open doors to visitors for tea tastings and lessons in leaf picking with families who have worked the land for generations. There’s even a small tea museum chronicling the journey from the days of the British Raj.
Away from the plantations and into the ghats, crisp air and pleasant climes make this perfect hiking territory with forests and fields home to wild elephants and robust, curly-horned bison. Amble through the chest high plantations or limber up to climb Meesapulimala – the second highest peak in the region.
Whether it’s tea picking or the great outdoors that piques your interest, our Indian experts can help you delve deeper in this important region.
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Letchmi Hills Trek
Visitors to Munnar are often unaware of its unique beauty. On this guided trek you will be shown the incredible scenery of the region. The Letchmi Hills trek is the closest trek to Munnar town and not only is it beautiful, but the route is flexible. You could add a visit to the tea museum or a trip to a tea plantation should you wish.
Visitors to Munnar are often unaware of its unique beauty. On this guided trek you will be shown the incredible scenery of the region. The Letchmi Hills trek is the closest trek to Munnar town and not only is it beautiful, but the route is flexible. You could add a visit to the tea museum or a trip to a tea plantation should you wish. If you’re arriving after the 4-hour drive from Cochin, it’s the perfect way to get outdoors and stretch your legs while soaking up some wonderful views.
You will start in the tea gardens before moving into grassland and onto a ridge with rocky mountains on one side and tea plantations on the other with patches of tropical montaine forests scattered in between. Starting at 1,350 metres you’ll ascend to a high point of 1,950 metres. From the top you have 360-degree views of some of the highest peaks in the south of India, the undulating valleys and the spice gardens. On a clear day you could see up to thirty mountain ranges including Anaimudi, the highest peak in South India and the waters of Idukki Dam, India’s third highest. During your trek, you may encounter elephants, mongoose and the colourful bird life in this beautiful part of India. The trekking guides are all young and energetic and know the best spots for photographs.
Munnar on Tuk Tuk
Rather than exploring Munnar in an air-conditioned vehicle, a unique way to get a real understanding of the region’s famous tea plantations is by tuk-tuk. Also known as an auto rickshaw, these tuk-tuks are a way of life. Not only are tuk-tuks a fun mode of transport but they’re specifically used by the tea estates to traverse the narrow roads generally inaccessible to most other vehicles.
Rather than exploring Munnar in an air-conditioned vehicle, a unique way to get a real understanding of the region’s famous tea plantations is by tuk-tuk. Also known as an auto rickshaw, these tuk-tuks are a way of life and can be seen throughout India. There’s no need for air-conditioning, it’s just the sun on your face and the wind in your hair as you ride (and bump!) along the dazzling green tea bushes.
Travelling like a local, it’s a totally different experience for guests. Not only are tuk-tuks a fun mode of transport but they’re specifically used by the tea estates to traverse the narrow roads generally inaccessible to most other vehicles. You will start in Munnar town and head to one of the oldest and most beautiful tea estates. Your guide will show you how the workers harvest tea and introduce you to the local village.
Half Day Tea Plantation Tour & Tea Museum
The day starts with a lovely walk perhaps spotting elephants, birds and small deer along the way. Munnar has the perfect British summer climate ranging from 18-28 degrees Celsius. Traverse the tea plantations for first-hand experience of harvesting, speaking to the local tea pickers who often offer insight into the art of leaf picking.
The day starts with a lovely walk perhaps spotting elephants, birds and small deer along the way. Munnar has the perfect British summer climate ranging from 18-28 degrees Celsius. Traverse the tea plantations for first-hand experience of harvesting, speaking to the local tea pickers who often offer insight into the art of leaf picking.
Next it’s onto the tea museum to learn how tea is made followed by a tasting in the dedicated café. This is no ordinary tasting but more of a ceremonial introduction into the nuances of tea and what makes the perfect cup.
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