Kerala is known for Munnar’s tea gardens, but Wayanad is a quieter, less crowded spot with equally beautiful views. Martin Pechy / Unsplash
Top 6 Tea Estates to Visit in Wayanad
The hardworking women of Wayanad’s tea estates bring each leaf to life with skill, grace, and dedication. Masudar Rahman / Pexels
Nestled in the Western Ghats of Kerala, Wayanad is a land of mist-covered hills, lush forests, cascading waterfalls, and spice-scented air. While the region is often praised for its wildlife sanctuaries and trekking trails, its verdant tea estates remain one of Wayanad’s most beautiful yet underrated attractions.
Unlike the crowded plantations of Munnar or Darjeeling, Wayanad’s tea gardens offer a quieter, more intimate experience perfect for travelers seeking peace, nature, and authenticity. Strolling through rows of neatly trimmed tea bushes, watching local workers hand-pluck the leaves, and sipping freshly brewed tea surrounded by greenery can be incredibly grounding.
This guide takes you through the top 6 tea estates to visit in Wayanad, each offering a rich fusion of natural beauty, local culture, and unforgettable tea experiences.
1. Meppadi Tea Estate – The Heart of Wayanad’s Tea Belt
For first-time visitors to Wayanad’s tea country, Meppadi Tea Estate gives the perfect introduction to the region’s charm, culture, and calm. What makes it truly ideal is its easy accessibility. Located just a short drive from Kalpetta and close to famous attractions like Soochipara Falls and Edakkal Caves, Meppadi fits effortlessly into most travel routes.
Unlike more commercialized or remote plantations, it strikes a rare balance: it’s tourist-friendly without losing its authenticity. The landscape is both dramatic and gentle, with rolling tea-covered hills that are easy to walk through, with clearly marked paths and safe viewing spots.
Visitors can join guided tea walks that explain not just the tea-making process but also local history, plant varieties, and the daily lives of the workers, especially the women whose skilled hands bring the leaves to life. The estate staff are known for their friendly and informative approach, making even solo travelers and first-time explorers feel welcome and at ease.
The factory visit is a highlight, offering a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at how fresh green leaves are transformed into the tea we love, all without requiring any prior knowledge. If you’re coming to relax, to learn, or just to take in the views while sipping a cup of freshly brewed local tea, Meppadi offers a gentle, immersive, and memorable experience perfect for those new to Wayanad’s tea trails.
Estate is managed by tribal cooperatives, promoting sustainable farming and local employment. fsd-foundation-for-sustainable-development / Unsplash
2. Priyadarshini Tea Estate – A Cooperative Success Story
Tucked away in the serene hills of Mananthavady in Wayanad, Priyadarshini Tea Estate stands out not just for its natural beauty but for its inspiring story of empowerment and sustainability. What makes this estate truly special is that it’s owned and managed by indigenous tribal communities, making it a rare example of a successful cooperative model in the tea industry. Formed under the Mananthavady Tribal Society, this estate provides employment, dignity, and self-reliance to hundreds of tribal families who have lived on this land for generations.
Unlike commercial tea estates, Priyadarshini takes a deep-rooted, organic approach to farming; they avoid harmful chemicals, use traditional methods, and promote biodiversity within their fields. Walking through the estate feels like stepping into a more conscious version of agriculture, where every leaf is plucked with care and every practice respects the balance of nature. Visitors are often amazed by the quiet strength of the workers, especially the tribal women whose smiles and stories reveal a deep connection to the land.
The estate also gives something no luxury resort can replicate: a truly authentic cultural experience. From engaging with local farmers to learning about their rituals, language, and food habits, the experience at Priyadarshini goes far beyond a scenic tea walk.
It’s a chance to see how a community has come together to create something meaningful economically and socially. For travelers seeking more than just beautiful views, it is a place where tourism directly supports local livelihoods and makes a real difference in people’s lives.
3. Achoor Estate – A Hidden Gem in the Hills
Tucked quietly away from the more popular routes of Wayanad, Achoor Estate remains one of the region’s most breathtaking yet lesser-known tea plantations. Blanketed in mist and surrounded by whispering trees, Achoor offers a raw, untouched version of Wayanad’s beauty, one that hasn’t been shaped for tourists but preserved for those who truly want to connect with nature.
The estate’s narrow walking trails weave gently through the tea fields, occasionally opening up to panoramic hill views, secluded forest patches, or quiet streams where birdsong is the only sound, you’ll hear.
What makes Achoor truly special is its quiet charm; it’s not a place for crowds or curated tours, but a haven for those who love to wander, observe, and reflect. Photographers find endless inspiration here, from golden morning light filtering through the leaves to candid scenes of workers tending the fields in harmony with the land. The estate doesn’t shout for attention; it invites you to slow down and experience its every rhythm.
Many Wayanad tea estates follow organic and eco-friendly practices. Jaikishan Patel / Unsplash
4. Vythiri Tea Garden – Where Luxury Meets Nature
Nestled among emerald-green slopes and misty valleys, this tea estate is surrounded by some of Wayanad’s finest upscale resorts, spa retreats, and treehouse stays, making it a favorite escape for honeymooners and luxury-seeking travelers. Unlike traditional tea estates that focus solely on farming, Vythiri offers an elevated experience where sipping tea comes with candlelit dinners, forest views, and personalized service.
Here, you can enjoy guided estate walks that take you through perfectly manicured tea rows while learning about the estate’s legacy and cultivation practices. After the tour, guests are treated to fine dining experiences that pair handcrafted teas with gourmet meals, often featuring local Kerala flavors with a modern twist. The cool, crisp air, paired with luxury spa therapies and nature sounds, creates a setting that’s both rejuvenating and indulgent.
What makes Vythiri Tea Garden truly unique is its ability to offer a nature-rich escape without giving up on elegance. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion, planning a romantic getaway, or simply looking to relax in style, this estate promises a stay where every detail, from the tea to the view, is designed to leave you completely at peace.
5. Chundale Estate – History and Nature Combined
Located just a few kilometers from Kalpetta town, Chundale Estate offers a rare blend of accessibility, colonial charm, and natural beauty, making it a perfect stop for travelers on a tight schedule or those looking for a quick but meaningful escape into Wayanad’s tea culture.
What makes this estate stand out isn’t just its lush green plantations, but the sense of time travel it offers. As you stroll through its grounds, you’ll notice colonial-era buildings, vintage tea-processing machinery, and architectural remnants from the British era, all whispering stories of Wayanad’s early plantation days.
The heritage factory, still partly functional, gives you a fascinating peek into how tea was traditionally processed long before automation and modern packaging. It’s one of those rare places where history hasn’t been polished or modernized for tourism; it simply exists, quietly and authentically.
The estate is wrapped in calm gentle slopes, shaded paths, and towering old trees that seem to whisper stories of the past. Chundale gives a meaningful experience without the need for an intense hike or a full-day commitment. It’s the kind of place where every corner holds a quiet charm, perfect for a slow stroll and a deep breath.
6. Harrisons Malayalam Ltd – The Commercial Powerhouse
If you want to witness tea production on a grand scale, Harrisons Malayalam Ltd gives a fascinating glimpse into the industrial side of Wayanad’s tea story. As one of the largest plantation companies in South India, Harrisons isn’t just a tea estate; it’s a massive operation that plays a major role in India’s tea export economy.
Spanning hundreds of acres and employing thousands of workers across Kerala, this estate is the heart of large-scale tea cultivation, where tradition meets efficiency. Unlike smaller, family-run plantations, Harrisons gives visitors a chance to understand the complex logistics, machinery, and global networks behind every packet of tea that travels from Wayanad to international markets.
Here, you can see bulk plucking, automated sorting, high-speed processing lines, and export-ready packaging, all while learning about quality standards, sustainability practices, and market trends.
The estate also houses a professional-grade factory that requires advance booking for guided tours, making it a more structured but highly educational visit. While it may not offer the cozy charm of smaller estates, Harrisons Malayalam Ltd is ideal for curious minds, researchers, and serious tea enthusiasts who want to explore the powerhouse that fuels Wayanad’s tea economy.
A government-supported tribal cooperative initiative. Featured on Kerala Tourism’s official site, which outlines estate tours, the tea museum, accommodations, and entry fees.
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