The Art of Tea Tasting in Munnar: A Beginner's Guide
Munnar is a picturesque hill station in Kerala known for its vast tea plantations and scenic beauty. The tea produced in Munnar is world-famous for its rich aroma and flavour. Tea lovers from across the globe visit Munnar to savour the different varieties of tea available here. In this blog post, we will explore the art of tea tasting and how visitors can learn to appreciate the different flavours of tea in Munnar .
Tea Tasting in Munnar
Tea tasting is an art that involves the evaluation of the aroma, flavour, and appearance of the tea. In Munnar, you can learn the art of tea tasting by visiting the tea plantations and factories. Here are some of the steps involved in tea tasting:
Sneakout to the tea plantation
The first step in tea tasting is to visit a tea plantation. In Munnar, the Kolukkumalai Tea Estate is one of the oldest tea plantations in the region. You can take a jeep ride to the plantation and enjoy the scenic beauty of the tea gardens.
Learn about tea processing
Once you reach the plantation, you can learn about the different stages involved in tea processing. This includes plucking, withering, rolling, oxidation, and drying. Each stage has a significant impact on the aroma and flavor of the tea.
Observe the appearance of the tea
The appearance of the tea leaves and the brewed tea can provide insights into its quality. You can observe the size, shape, and colour of the tea leaves, and the colour and clarity of the brewed tea.
Smell the aroma of the tea
The aroma of the tea is an essential aspect of its flavour. You can smell the tea leaves before and after brewing to get an idea of its aroma.
Taste the tea
Finally, it's time to taste the tea. You can take a small sip and let it swirl around your mouth to get a sense of its flavour. Note the sweetness, bitterness, and astringency of the tea.
Getting to Munnar
Munnar is well-connected by road from different parts of South India. Some of the popular routes to Munnar include:
Cochin to Munnar: The distance between Cochin and Munnar is around 130 km, and it takes approximately 4 hours to cover this distance.
Coimbatore to Munnar: The distance between Coimbatore and Munnar is around 160 km, and it takes approximately 5 hours to cover this distance.
Kodaikanal to Munnar: The distance between Kodaikanal and Munnar is around 160 km, and it takes approximately 5 hours to cover this distance.
Trivandrum to Munnar: The distance between Trivandrum and Munnar is around 280 km, and it takes approximately 8 hours to cover this distance.
Bangalore to Munnar: Bangalore to Munnar is a popular route for tourists who want to explore the beautiful tea plantations and scenic beauty of Munnar. Here are some of the ways to reach Munnar from Bangalore:
By Road: The distance between Bangalore and Munnar is around 475 km, and it takes approximately 10 hours to cover this distance by road. You can take a cab or drive your car to reach Munnar. The route is scenic, and you can enjoy the views of the Western Ghats along the way.
By Train: There are no direct trains from Bangalore to Munnar. However, you can take a train from Bangalore to Ernakulam Junction, which is the nearest railway station to Munnar. From there, you can take a taxi or a bus to reach Munnar.
By Flight: There are no direct flights from Bangalore to Munnar. The nearest airport to Munnar is Cochin International Airport, which is around 110 km away. You can take a flight from Bangalore to Cochin and then take a taxi or a bus to reach Munnar.
By Bus: There are several buses that operate from Bangalore to Munnar. You can take a bus from Bangalore to Kochi or Ernakulam and then take a local bus to reach Munnar.
No matter which mode of transport you choose, the journey from Bangalore to Munnar is sure to be a memorable one, with stunning views of the Western Ghats and lush greenery along the way.
Munnar Tourism
Apart from tea tasting, Munnar has several other attractions that you can explore. Some of the popular tourist destinations in Munnar include:
Mattupetty Dam
Echo Point
Anamudi Peak
Eravikulam National Park
Tea Museum
Tea tasting is an art that can help you appreciate the different flavors and aromas of tea. In Munnar, you can learn the art of tea tasting by visiting the tea plantations and factories. So, the next time you plan a trip to Munnar, make sure to include tea tasting in your itinerary.
