Situated in the Nullatanni Estate of Munnar, Kannan Devan Tea Museum is a first of its kind in India, which was constructed to depict the history of this century-old tea plantation in the Idukki District. This famous tea museum preserves the aspects of the genesis and growth of tea plantations in the mountain region of Kerala. Tata Tea opened this museum which houses curiosities, photographs, and machinery. This tea museum is also known as Tata Tea Museum and was started at Kanan Devan Hills Plantations Company (KDHP’s), which provides first-hand knowledge about tea processing and operations that go into the making of authentic black tea.
Visitors can see the very old rudimentary tea roller of 1905 in this museum, used in past times and can catch a glimpse of a fully automated tea factory that makes the tea processing method very easy. One can see Pelton Wheel in this museum, used in power generation and existed in Kanniamally Estate in 1920. This popular tea museum houses a granite sundial which was constructed in 1913 by the Art Industrial School at Nazareth, Tamil Nadu and an iron-age burial urn dating back to the 2nd century BC. Visitors can also see a rail engine wheel unit of the Kundala Valley Railway that shuttled between Munnar and Top Station by the year 1924, rotor vane (a mini-CTC type tea processing machine) and Orthodox manufacturing unit in this museum to know about different aspects of tea processing. The Kannan Devan Tea Museum also features the old-time bungalow furniture, magneto phone, cash safe, wooden bathtub, the iron oven used firewood, etc.
This tea museum hosts a tea-tasting session with an array of tea on display and the guides explain the nuances of tea making process in the past days and how it has changed with the advent of the latest techniques to its inquisitive visitors.
Kannan Devan Tea Museum is located at a short distance away i.e. just five-minute drive from the hill station town of Munnar and is easily reachable by road. A visit to this wonderful place is informative and helps people understand the art with which tea is prepared. Visitors can taste some of the most exotic varieties of tea available around the world here. It is a must-visit destination for those who are interested to delve into the soul of Munnar.
Favorable Time To Visit Kannan Devan Tea Museum:
In winters (between November to February), the temperature falls sharply, but if you enjoy the cold then this time is best for a vacation at this place. During the month of March to May, the temperature is slightly high with occasional rainfall. This period is best for sight-seeing in Munnar and surrounding places.
How to Reach Kannan Devan Museum:
As the museum is just 4 km away from Munnar town, it is can be reached very easily by road.
• By Rail- The nearest railway station is Aluva, 112 km away from the place.
• By Air-The nearest Airport is Cochin International Airport, 72 kilometers away from the place.
• By Bus- Kerala State Road Transport Corporation provides buses from different locations to Munnar town to this Kannan Devan Museum.
Additional Information For Visitors:
Visitors can visit this museum between 9 am to 5 pm. It is closed every Monday and other national holidays. This museum also closed on Good Friday. The entrance fee to visit this museum is Rs. 75 for Adults and Rs. 35 for Children.