The tea heritage of the Western Ghats is a story of culture, unique landscapes, traditional practices, and the stories of generations who shaped this lush, world-renowned tea region. Spanning the states of Kerala, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, the Western Ghats’ tea legacy remains a vibrant part of the region’s identity.

Early History and Colonial Influence

Tea cultivation in the Western Ghats began in the mid to late 19th century under British colonial rule. The British recognized the climate and fertile soils of hill stations such as Munnar and the Nilgiris as ideal for tea, bringing their plantation expertise from successes in Darjeeling. 

Early pioneers like A.H. Sharp and John Sullivan initiated small-scale trials, which quickly grew into sprawling estates. British plantation companies, including the Finlay Muir & Company and the Kannan Devan Hills Produce Company, played a big role in shaping the region, often employing thousands of workers brought in from neighboring Tamil Nadu.

Unique Landscape and Biodiversity

The Western Ghats’ undulating terrain, elevation range (90-2,500 meters), heavy rainfall, and rich biodiversity are key factors behind the region’s tea quality. 

Estates like Kolukkumalai in Kerala stand out as some of the highest tea plantations globally—over 7,900 feet above sea level, producing tea celebrated for its bright liquor and brisk flavor, believed to be heavily influenced by the cool, misty air. 

The Ghats’ forests and grasslands, interspersed with tea bushes, are home to unique flora such as the rare neelakurinji flower and thriving wildlife, making tea cultivation here a balance of agriculture and environmental stewardship.

Traditional Cultivation Practices

Tea making in the Western Ghats is a blend of modern techniques and age-old traditions. Famous estates like Kolukkumalai and Chembra Peak continue hand-plucking and small-batch processing, lending distinct flavors and aromas to their products. Estates such as Thusharagiri champion organic farming without pesticides, reflecting growing environmental consciousness.

Peermade: Tradition Rooted in Legacy

Peermade, high in Kerala’s Western Ghats, is one of the state’s earliest tea-growing regions and a center for fine Orthodox tea. The Kallivayalil family pioneered plantations here, introducing sustainable farming, crop diversification, and ecological stewardship that shaped both the land and its traditions.

Known for robust, malty mid-grown teas, Peermade produces nuanced and aromatic Orthodox varieties sought by connoisseurs worldwide. The Glenview Tea Company, founded by the Kallivayalil family, revived artisanal whole-leaf production, prioritizing eco-friendly methods and sustainable certifications.

Recognized by the Tea Board of India with the Golden Leaf Manufacturer award, Glenview has become a benchmark for quality and innovation. Its brands, Misty Mountain Peermade Tea and Teyila Tea, are handcrafted in the Western Ghats, offering black, white, green, and premium blends that reflect the region’s terroir. Today, Glenview stands as one of Kerala’s leading Orthodox tea producers, known for its Rainforest Alliance certification and commitment to sustainability.

Social and Cultural Impact

Tea plantations transformed the social fabric of the Western Ghats. Thousands of workers settled in plantation towns, developing a unique blend of tribal, Tamil, and local Kerala cultures. 

Colonial-era bungalows, factories, and clubs remain as testament to the British legacy, while the daily rhythm of tea cultivation defines local festivals, markets, and cuisine—“chaya” (strong local tea) is an integral part of daily life.

Challenges and Conservation

Large-scale tea cultivation has sometimes replaced the original evergreen forests and grasslands. Efforts by several estates now focus on conservation—reviving forests, practicing sustainable agriculture, and protecting endemic wildlife so that the legacy can continue harmoniously.

Signature Flavors and Experiences

Western Ghats teas are celebrated for their briskness, complex aromas, and invigorating taste. Whether enjoyed at traditional tea shops in Wayanad, within colonial-era clubs of Munnar, or during scenic hikes across estates, each cup embodies the history, craft, and spirit of the landscape. The tea heritage of the Western Ghats is more than a commodity—it is an enduring bond between nature, culture, and community, continuing to evolve while honoring its roots.

Final Thoughts

The tea heritage of the Western Ghats exemplifies transformation—from colonial beginnings, ecological challenges, and pioneering families, to sustainable, modern practices. The Kallivayalil family and Misty Mountain Experience is a living testimony to this legacy, crafting a future shaped by tradition, stewardship, and the time-honored art of tea.

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