The history of tourism in Munnar, a hill station in Kerala, India, is intricately tied to the sprawling tea gardens that carpet the rolling hills of this region. Among these, the Kannan Devan Tea Museum stands out as a unique attraction that educates visitors on the evolution of tea plantations and Munnar’s transformation into a popular tourist destination.
Munnar's journey as a hub for tea production began in the late 19th century when British planter John Daniel Munro established the tea plantations under the British-owned North Travancore Land Planting & Agricultural Society. The lush green hills of Munnar soon became synonymous with some of the highest quality tea produced in India.
In 2005, the Tata Tea Museum was opened to the public, later known as the Kannan Devan Tea Museum in honor of the local brand that has become integral to the community. This museum is the first of its kind in India and serves as an embodiment of the history and culture of tea in Munnar.
Visitors to the museum can explore a range of exhibits that include antique tea manufacturing equipment, photographs that display the transformation of Munnar through the ages, and tutorials on tea processing. A pivotal attraction is the demonstration of the traditional tea tasting technique, which is a delight for tea enthusiasts. Guests can also take part in a tea plantation tour, offering a firsthand experience of the labor and love that goes into tea farming.
Tourism in Munnar took off when travelers began to seek the tranquil setting of the hill station to escape the bustling cities. The inception of places like the Kannan Devan Tea Museum has bolstered Munnar's appeal as a bonafide tea-tourism destination. Over the years, the museum has not only shared the legacy of tea but also highlighted the significance of sustainable tourism practices that preserve the natural beauty of the region.
In recent years, experiential and educational tourism trends have seen a rise in Munnar. The Kannan Devan Tea Museum aligns perfectly with this trend, offering an educational journey through the history of tea production. Activities such as tea picking, interactive sessions with tea-tasters, and nature walks among the tea estates cater to the modern tourist looking for an immersive travel experience.
COVID-19 (relevant at the time knowledge cutoff in 2023) brought new challenges and changes to tourism trends, making way for more private and small-group tours which the museum and Munnar have adapted to seamlessly, ensuring safety without compromising on experience.
Whether you’re a history buff, tea lover or just a traveler looking to delve into the culture of a place, the Kannan Devan Tea Museum offers a warm welcome and an enriching journey into the heart of Munnar's tea heritage.
