High in the misty hills of Kerala’s Idukki district lies Peermade, a region famed for its serene beauty and sprawling tea estates. Among the pioneering families who have shaped this land’s plantation legacy is the Kallivayalil family—a name synonymous with sustainable farming, environmental stewardship, and the art of fine tea. Their story is one of vision, resilience, and deep-rooted connection to the land.

Michael A. Kallivayalil: A Visionary Planter and Environmentalist

The Kallivayalil legacy began with Michael A. Kallivayalil of Paika, Pala, whose bold move to Peruvanthanam, then Pullupara, and finally Kuttikkanam, marked the start of something remarkable. At a time when English planters and large estates dominated the landscape, Michael introduced independent tea cultivation.

But he didn’t stop at tea. He diversified into coffee and pepper, slowly acquiring more land and transforming it. What set Michael apart, however, was his passion for afforestation. He turned barren rocky lands into lush forests, preserving Peermade’s fragile ecosystem and setting an early benchmark for ecological responsibility.

For decades, the family focused on producing and enhancing the quality of tea, coffee, and pepper. Rather than simply harvesting, they invested in value addition, ensuring their crops met the highest standards of taste and market appeal. This dedication to quality laid the foundation for a more modern, dynamic plantation model.

Joseph M. Kallivayalil: Innovating While Honoring Tradition

The next chapter unfolded under Joseph M. Kallivayalil, who carried the family ethos into new territory. He introduced cardamom cultivation and scaled up value addition, further modernizing operations. His efforts not only preserved but elevated the region’s agricultural heritage, marrying tradition with innovation.

A turning point came in 2016–17, when the family established Glenview Tea Company with a mission to revive traditional Orthodox tea production. In an era dominated by mass-produced CTC blends, Glenview returned to artisanal methods, producing premium Orthodox tea that quickly gained international recognition.

Branded as Misty Mountain Peermade Tea, this handcrafted tea is a tribute to the unique terroir of the Western Ghats. Each batch reflects the richness of the soil and the distinct flavors of Peermade, reconnecting connoisseurs to a forgotten elegance in tea.

Glenview Tea Company

At Glenview, quality goes hand in hand with sustainability. The estates follow eco-friendly cultivation practices and voluntarily pursue certifications in sustainable agriculture. 

Today, the third generation led by Mikhail Joseph Kallivayalil carries the legacy forward. Under his leadership, the family launched Misty Mountain Plantation Resort, inviting guests to experience the estate’s lush 600-acre expanse firsthand. Visitors enjoy immersive factory tours, exclusive tea tastings, and serene walks through tea gardens brimming with life. The estate is home to scenic check dams for fishing and kayaking, and is a sanctuary for rich birdlife and native flora.

Mikhail’s vision seamlessly blends sustainable tourism with heritage agriculture, positioning Misty Mountain Plantation Resort as a top destination for eco-travelers and tea enthusiasts alike.

Wrapping Up

From restoring ancient forests to reviving the lost art of Orthodox tea, the Kallivayalil family has woven a legacy that is as rich as the land they steward. Through Glenview Tea Company and Misty Mountain Peermade Tea, they offer not just a product—but a story, a place, and a promise.

Every cup of Misty Mountain tea is a sip of Peermade’s history, landscape, and soul—crafted with care, anchored in sustainability, and meant to be savored by generations to come.

Come enjoy this firsthand by booking a stay at the Misty Mountain Plantation Resort. It’s an experience you will cherish forever.

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