One of several working local tea factories open to the public, Lockhart dates from 1879 and sits 10km southeast of Munnar. Guided factory tours explain…

Getty Images/iStockphoto
Munnar
The rolling hills around Munnar, South India's largest tea-growing region, are carpeted in emerald-green tea plantations, contoured, clipped and sculpted like ornamental hedges. The low Western Ghats scenery is magnificent – you’re often up above the clouds watching veils of mist clinging to mountaintops. Munnar itself is a traffic-clogged administration hub, not unlike a North Indian hill station, but wander just a few miles out and you'll be engulfed in a sea of a thousand shades of green.
Once known as the High Range of Travancore, Munnar flourished as a tea-producing area from 1880 onwards. Today it's the commercial centre of some of the world’s highest tea-growing estates, most operated by corporate giant Tata.
Munnar and the surrounding Idukki district were badly hit by the 2018 floods; at research time, road and business repairs were ongoing, but Munnar was very much open to visitors.
Explore Munnar
- LLockhart Tea Factory
One of several working local tea factories open to the public, Lockhart dates from 1879 and sits 10km southeast of Munnar. Guided factory tours explain…
- TTea Museum
Around 1.5km northwest of town, this KDHP-owned museum is a demo model of a working tea factory, but still shows the basic process, along with a…
- OOld Train Station
Now housing Tata offices, this pale-yellow 20th-century building was Munnar's train station during the colonial era and part of the Kundala Valley Light…
- CCSI Christ Church
Constructed in neo-Gothic style in 1911, with granite imported from the UK, Munnar's oldest church contains a series of plaques commemorating prominent…
- TTemple
A central Hindu temple towards the north end of Munnar.
- MMosque
Munnar's main mosque, at the north end of town.
- MMount Carmel Church
Munnar's main church, overlooking the bazaar.
- SSt Anthony Statue
Landmark statue in Munnar's central bazaar.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Munnar.
- See
Lockhart Tea Factory
One of several working local tea factories open to the public, Lockhart dates from 1879 and sits 10km southeast of Munnar. Guided factory tours explain…
- See
Tea Museum
Around 1.5km northwest of town, this KDHP-owned museum is a demo model of a working tea factory, but still shows the basic process, along with a…
- See
Old Train Station
Now housing Tata offices, this pale-yellow 20th-century building was Munnar's train station during the colonial era and part of the Kundala Valley Light…
- See
CSI Christ Church
Constructed in neo-Gothic style in 1911, with granite imported from the UK, Munnar's oldest church contains a series of plaques commemorating prominent…
Guidebooks
Purchase our award-winning guidebooks
Get to the heart of Munnar with one of our in-depth, award-winning guidebooks, covering maps, itineraries, and expert guidance.